If you’re not in your bomb shelter right now, you’ve probably figured out that the Wall Street did a big belly flop in a shallow, rock laden pool today. I figured since I have a nice little blog about photography, I’d mix it up and chime in with my 2 euros about the economy. I did get a Golden State Award in AP Economics in high school people!
My advice (always free, always priceless) is to chill. Just take one day at a time. Adjust if you have to. Live with a positive attitude. Smile more than everyone else. Offer kind words to those who look downtrodden. Don’t live with the mentality that the sky is falling. Don’t go out and horde a bunch of canned goods, bottled water, generators, guns, ammo and air fresheners. Don’t fuel the fearmongering that the media is feeding you. I don’t even own a TV, but if you do, its probably a good time to turn it off. We’re going to be okay. The economy goes in cycles. Greedy people had this coming. We needed this wake up call in order to be better consumers, better citizens and better people all around. I believe we needed to be reminded that its not all about the money. Life is about family. Its about your faith. Its about reaching out to others and sharing the love that you’ve come to know. I think with all this madness, corruption, and greed we have left our core values at the curb-side check in. But they didn’t make it to our destination. They should have been carry-ons!
If we the people can rally around the cause of “not giving up” and the cause of “I’m looking at the bright side” then I think we’ll be okay. America is the greatest nation of people ever to live on the face of God’s green planet. We will overcome adverse times and by the grace of God we will be better off for it!

Last weekend I had the privilege of meeting some wonderful brides to be and some fabulous wedding vendors at the First Annual Brides of Distinction Show in Modesto at the Gallo Center. The show was very intimate, from the brunch served by Barnwood in Ripon, to each dining table’s intricate decor from local florists and planners. We had a nice table and treated everyone to some sweet Ghirardelli chocolates.
The event had an emphasis on planning, therefore several vendors were asked to speak concerning their area of expertise. I would highly recommend this show to brides next year. It was so informative and I think that each bride really walked away with some great information.
I know, I know…you want to know what I spoke about! Well to make it short and sweet, I tried to cover several topics in my short time with the microphone. I really tried to emphasize how your photographer’s personality should be taken into consideration. Whether or not you “click” with them is so important, because you want to feel comfortable and natural in front of the camera. Then I covered some boring (yet extremely important) topics such as file backups, high-end products, portfolio qualifications, 2nd shooters, etc. If you have any questions or would like an outline of my topics, feel free to email or post a comment below. Here are a few images of the models from the fashion show and one that I shot for the Limo company! Enjoy.

Well, maybe in about 18 years or so, but he is the Student Body President at his school and really interested in Political Science. We had a great shoot around Stockton and checked out a few new locations. We actually didn’t get kicked out of any locations so I was pretty stoked! One thing is for sure, David is a senior with a bright future and the kind of kid that “get’s it” at a young age. Its not all about ourselves.
If you’re interested in boring, studio senior portraits…there are plenty of places willing to take your money and run you through the mill. However, if you’re looking for an on location, fresh, fun, fashionable senior portrait experience…we’re the place. We are unique, distinct, boutique. Enjoy the photos.

So Tuesday, I went to downtown Modesto to shoot Nayeli’s senior session. I’ve known Nayeli for a few years now, because every summer I am the “big, mean security guy” at Camp Sylvester up in Pinecrest. For those of you that know me, I don’t really like being the bad guy, so this is kind of a hard role for me to play. Especially since I was the kid who kept “the big, mean security guys” busy when I was younger. But I guess it takes one to know one, so they asked me to do it.
I remember one year when Nayeli was a camper, they had a talent show/American Idol thing at the campfire. Nayeli and her friends did some rap or song or something and it was kinda cool, but I couldn’t hear them (girls are so shy some times) so I made a comment. Word got back to me that I really hurt their feelings and I felt sooo bad. So the last couple of years at camp, I’ve tried to keep my mouth shut and be extra cool to Nayeli and her friends because they are really sweet girls. Anyhow, here are some fun pictures for you to enjoy!

So I gave you a few teaser images of Alexis, who will be a senior model for me this year at her school. I won’t write another essay this time, just some nice, pretty images.