Kyra and Matthew - Yosemite Engagement

Kyra and Matthew visit Yosemite every year for a week with a group of friends and family (this year close to 50). They both have a great love for the outdoors and Yosemite in particular, so it was only natural for them to marry in the valley. Their wedding is coming up quickly, but during their vacation I met up with them for a quick engagement session. Although I had met them once before (their was a couple of feet of snow on the ground back then) and talked with them at great length, I really didn't know for sure what direction the photos were going to take. Everyone has a different reaction to having a camera pointed at them -- some shy up, some act up, some tense up. Kyra and Matthew loved up. Just because we're in Yosemite doesn't mean we have to stay outdoors all day. One of my favorites from the day, exactly as it was in camera. How'd the rocks get in the sky? I love the way the water soaked up this light! Can you tell they're in love? I had a wonderful time with Kyra and Matthew as we traveled through the park that afternoon. I can't wait for the wedding!

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Jennifer and Chris - Wedding

It seems like a lifetime ago when we first met Jennifer and Chris to shoot their engagement photos. It was actually only a little over a year ago, but that's a long time to wait to meet up with old friends again. Jennifer has been planning the wedding for quite a while and had her heart set on the perfect location - the Legion of Honor. Delicious food from McCall Catering and a great DJ ensured a great party. We started off the day near South San Francisco shortly before a bumping ride with the bridal party in the party bus. Warning, if you are likely to get motion sickness, starring through the view finder of your camera as you bounce down the road the the back of a party bus for half an hour may not be the best idea... Perhaps the best part of this photo is what happened immediately after the photo was shot. Notice how the bridesmaid to the right of the bride looks like she might lose her balance? Well guess what happens next! What an amazing place for a ceremony! In the middle of taking photos, Ivailo from McCall Catering came out with a special delivery of food and chapange for Jennifer and Chris - class. Jennifer and Chris took a few moments to enjoy a glass of wine together as the sun went down. Inside, Amy Burke Designs created beautiful floral arrangements and centerpieces. One thing is for sure, this group knew how to throw a party! Perhaps the silliest ring shot I've ever taken, but I love it. Congratulations again Jennifer and Chris, your wedding day was amazing!

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The land underground - Chaaktun

Although I had never been to Playa Del Carmen, Katie had been there before a few years back and was itching to go back. While describing the local area to me, she told me about a cenote and the importance it held to the Mayans. Instantly I had ideas in my head of a bride floating through the water of a cave and put a plan in motion. I contacted a local model named Valeria who was interested in my ideas and agreed to work with me. I was a bit nervous, as I honestly had no idea what I was getting into and wasn't sure what would come out of it. I had even started to have second thoughts about it and just doing a shoot on the beautiful beaches of the Caribbean to "play it safe". When we met in Mexico, my model Valeria couldn't have been more helpful and professional, especially in such a "photo unfriendly" environment. We decided on Chaaktun Cenote, which in Mayan means "rain of stone". While the cool of the cave and the water was refreshing compared to the heat of the day, it wasn't quite warm in a wet wedding dress. Once we were set up, Valeria was amazing! At one point she remarked on how much equipment I brought with me and that she was amazed that it was all waterproof. I had a good laugh at the waterproof bit as I swam around holding a camera and lights precariously above the waterline trying not to think of the cost of a camera dip. I think it might be time for a waterproof housing. In the end, the shoot was far more difficult that I imagined but incredibly rewarding. Being able to work in such a beautiful and unique location with such a cultural significance was amazing. At one point I almost felt like turing the camera off and simply staring into the cave in awestruck stupor. If you ever find yourself in the Yuactan, you really owe it to yourself to check out a cenote such as Chaaktun. I love my job.

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A much needed vacation!

Yesterday was a long day. I woke up with before the sun, loaded up in the car, traveled on three airplanes through a few time zones, loaded back up in the car and drove until today. But it's okay -- I'm still living on the buzz of a great vacation. For the past week, Katie, Tyler, Sophie and I have been in Playa Del Carmen Mexico with her parents enjoying a much needed break from the workload. We stayed in first class accommodations and spent most of our time exploring the local area. Tyler spent about 12 hours of each day swimming in the pools and ocean (he takes after his father) as we relaxed as a family. We visited Xel-Ha and Xcaret -- both amazing places that simply would not exist in the states. Imagine going to a water park where a sign pointed off a cliff and told you to jump into the water below (what lifeguard or saftey rail?). I love Mexico! As we traveled, I kept my camera close by as I was constantly inspired by new sights and people. I think Katie got tired of hearing me say "I gotta get a shot of this! Keep walking and I'll catch up!" Thankfully I have a very loving wife! Years ago when I would skip church to go surfing, we would say that we were busy getting baptized in the Church of the Pacific. This must be the Church of the Caribbean.

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