'Tis the Season

Week 50

'Tis the Season

December 18, 2010

In this holiday season, its easy to see the ways people celebrate, often because it's on display on their lawn. Some do it with candlelit bags or nativity scenes, others with neon santas, reindeer, and apparently, pinwheels. I'm not being critical of the home above, mind you. I actually admire the clear dedication, time and energy it must have taken to construct such a display. I don't share the sense of style, but the sheer volume of lights is impressive.

I wonder what would happen if most of us dedicated the same time, energy, and money that it took to put on this array to finding ways of giving to those in need? A blanket drive for the homeless. Putting a couple dates on the calendar to serve in a shelter, or volunteering for a day with an organization fighting injustice here or abroad....

There are many reasons people celebrate this season. For me, it is the birth of Jesus. For you, maybe a significant event in history, your heritage and culture, or simply a time to be with and appreciate family.  Whatever you are celebrating, may it be joyful, may it be peaceful, and may you take some time to think about and serve someone next to you. You'll both be blessed by it.

image above taken with Canon 5DMII, 24-105 4L lens, 1 sec @ f11, ISO 100

Explore!

Week 49

Explore!

December 7, 2010

These days, when I make plans to go and see some spectacular aspect of nature, I generally have some photography-related goal in mind. Every time I go though,  I'm reminded that just being there is its own reward, that the experience of seeing and exploring is worth the trip on its own accord, even without a single photo. I'm simply fortunate enough to have a camera I can bring along....

On a recent trip to Natural Bridges SB, I captured incredible photographs of this last standing bridge at the beach, as well as some truly humbling sunset images. The image above, however was one that especially struck me. This man was showing his little daughter of 4 or 5 around the beach, exploring the rocks, and no doubt, the sea life to be found in tide pools in the nooks and crannies of this giant formation. They were out there to share an adventure, explore and experience the creation they are a part of.

I've nudged you in prior weeks to get out and enjoy the world around you, to find adventure in your surroundings, and I'd like to say again... GO! There is so much out there, and it's not far. You may be in your living room right now reading this post, and I can guarantee you that within 30 minutes or less of where you sit is something incredible to see. Maybe it's a forest, maybe it's a beach or an old farm or park. Perhaps it's an urban discovery waiting for you to stumble across. Either way, I urge you to stand up, put on a jacket if it's cold outside, find someone to share the adventure, and put one foot in front of the other to see what you can find. 

Image taken with Canon 5DMII, 24-105 4L lens, 1/25sec @ f5.6, ISO 400

Misha

Week 48

Misha

December 4, 2010

I don't like cats. Ok, let me re-phrase that. I don't like cats. It's not because they don't have every right to roam the earth as any other animal... like dogs for example. I could blame this on my father, who also doesn't like cats, but I won't claim a hereditary disposition against cats. Rather, it's that one can't really control a cat. Not in the way that you can control dogs. With dogs, you see, you teach it to obey. You teach it to fetch, to lay down, heel, and play dead. You know your dog loves you and wants day after day nothing more than to please you, it's owner. Not the cat. With cats... it's more of a role reversal, really. You end up being the one that fetches.  Cats may or may not like you or even tolerate you on any given day. I round out this thought with the confession that I myself have never owned a cat. The closest I've come is pictured above. Her name is Misha, and it's my brother's cat. I've fed her twice. She's a nice cat. Besides the time she tried to bite me.  My second confession is that I don't really dislike cats. I don't want one, but I don't dislike them. In fact, I've come to appreciate some things that they have to offer. 

Cats are helpful to think about when looking at a life, I think. Like cats, we can't control much of life, and that which we think we can control, we're wrong about. It seems rather, the more we let go and appreciate what is given to us and presented to us day to day, the more we tend to enjoy life. In other words, recognizing that I am not in control = happier, more fulfilled life. I don't believe this is the full equation (by any means), there will definitely be some arguments about this, and there is much to be said for who or what you believe is in control. But I think it starts with recognizing that it's not "me". Not just intellectually recognizing this idea, mind you. Most of us can "agree" that we aren't in control. But deep down in your gut recognizing. That place where we get mad at traffic and our computer. That place where we leap to judgment of someone not because of some merited character flaw, but because they don't agree with us, and we can't change their mind so we make up some bogus association in our mind that allows us to dislike them.

Recognizing that we are not in control doesn't mean that we don't care. It doesn't mean that we don't plan and steward what is given us responsibly. It doesn't even mean that we don't get mad or frustrated. I think it means that we are able to look at what is happening in our lives, in our days, in individual situations, and know that its not our job to be in control. Only to behave toward others as we'd have them behave toward us. When we learn this, I think we make tremendous strides forward in a joyful, peaceful existence.

Let a joyful life come to you. It will if you're patient. It will if you feed it no matter what and provide an environment it can thrive in. It will when you stop trying to control it. At least that's the first step.

image taken with Canon 5DMII, 50mm lens, 1/80 sec @ f1.8, ISO 400

Moments

Week 47

Moments

November 23, 2010

One of the many things I love about taking pictures for a living is the cool moments I get to capture. I know, I know... it probably sounds a little trite, but seriously - I get to be part of some of the most amazing moments in people's lives. I get to create images that help show businesses in their best light, and I get to bear witness to the beauty of creation. I get to make a part of history what in the past was relegated to memory.

The image above is a great example of what an honor and privilege I've been blessed with. A dear friend's fiance called me and asked if I'd be willing to capture his proposal to my friend. OF COURSE! was my answer :). One of many images from this incredible event, these two amazing people will now have a record of this moment that they can pair with their memories as they look back on their journey together. I dig it. 

Happy December everyone!

image taken with Canon 5DMII, 70-200 2.8L lens,  1/60sec @f2.8, ISO 1600

Thanks.

Week 46

Thanks

November 20, 2010

Last week we received some much needed rain here in the Bay Area. Looking out my kitchen window, I noticed the water falling off of the orange tree in the backyard, and decided to make a few images during the momentary reprieve between showers. As I was shooting I began to think about the amazing natural processes going on with this orange tree. How the seeds grow into a tree, and through nutrients in the soil and water from the rains the tree blossoms and grows fruit that we in turn can use to nourish ourselves. I thought about the many things we are provided in this world for sustenance and nourishment - physiologically, pyschologically as well as spiritually, and felt very thankful.

In that vein, I wanted to take the opportunity to express some thanks to people in my life that have helped, in little and big ways, allow me to start this journey of making a living as a photographer. Some have no idea they've made an impact on me, others know very well what they've meant. This is a small attempt at acknowledging my appreciation. 

First, and most of all, my God:  For His patience, His grace and His abundant blessings, some of which are the people listed below.

My Family: Mom, Dad, Malcolm & Seth... as well as my extended family for your belief in what I'm doing, your myriad of support and encouragement, and for not telling me I'm crazy for dropping everything to pursue this dream :).

The rest of you below are in no particular order, but have blessed me in one way or another throughout this process. 

Neil & Alison Goradia: my dear friends, for being my home in DC. Also for letting me point my camera at you and your family so often. And for feeding and sheltering me out there. And... well, you get the point ;).

Chris Scharmen - for your giving heart and generous spirit that has allowed me to continue shooting. And for putting up with my mess without kicking me out. Yet.

Brian Tramontania - it was your Photo 001 class at WVC that confirmed for me I wanted to pursue photography as a career. Still trying to get that darkroom setup :).

Lindsey Freitas - for your willingness to take a chance on letting me shoot with you and literally jump-starting the wedding component of my business. Still learning from you.

Daniel Garcia -  also for your willingness to take a chance on me by letting me shoot for Content Magazine. My first published work! 

Mike Larson - for changing the way I look at my business through your workshop, and reminding me that serving is the whole point.

Liz Walker  - for being my very first customer :).  And for trying to find ways to promote my business, simply from the kindness of your heart.

Kathryn MacMillan - for your incredible support in a very critical time as I was trying to figure out what the heck I was doing.

Chaz Meyers - for your generosity in lending me equipment. Still using that backdrop kit!

Trina Merry - for sharing your studio and gallery space when you had nothing to gain from it, and for helping me to push the boundaries.


Luke Eastman - for the gear loan, and taking time to talk shop when I had no idea what I was doing. And for not killing me when I dropped your lens in a waterfall in Puerto Rico.

Kevin Boisjolie, Chip Pitts, and Maggie Ragon - for being teachers and mentors to me in the business world years ago.  I'd not be able to pull this thing together without that knowledge and experience.

All of my Clients - for your business... I literally could not do this without you!

There are many more that I could list, but I will stop and say a comprehensive and overwhelming "Thank you" for all of those that have encouraged and supported me over the last year and 1/2 or so.

I've got a long way to go... I really feel as if I am just beginning this journey. I have a great deal to learn, a lot of hard work, and a boatload of undeserved blessings ahead in order to make this a sustainable reality, but I'm looking forward to the trip :).


image above taken with Canon 5D MII, 24-105 4L lens, 1/60 sec @ f4, ISO 400 

New Beginnings

Week 45

New Beginnings

November 13, 2010

A guest at the wedding I shot last weekend commented to me "you'll never get the chance to witness a wedding like this again".  She was probably right. You see, the bride and groom were 78 and 80 years old respectively. Each of their spouses had passed away in recent years, and these two were moving to another stage in life with one another. They wanted to live out the remainder of their lives together.

Now don't get the wrong impression. This was no frumpy duo resigned to some second-choice partnership. This bride and groom were as happy and giddy as any couple I've had the privelege to photograph. There was no less excitement, no fewer signs of their obvious and deep, youthful love for each other than if they were 22 and starting off on their first journey together.

An incredible thing to witness and document, I was happy to be a part of it. It got me thinking about how we all have opportunities to make new beginnings. Joyful times, tragedies and change will inevitably come our way. These things shape us, influence our lives and fill our memories. They make us who we are. They don't however, have to determine who we become. We have the opportunity in this life to take advantage of each day as a new day. We are afforded a brand new opportunity to make decisions based on who and what we value. Our paths in the past don't determine our paths for the future. A new beginning can be tomorrow. Or today. Or right now. It's up to you.

image taken with Canon 5D MII, 24-70 2.8L lens, 1/40 sec @ f2.8, ISO 400

Seasons

Week 44

 

Seasons

November 6, 2010

I've seen a lot of beautiful autumn color, growing up in Virginia and spending the better part of a decade in the Shenandoah Valley.  I've always looked forward to the change in seasons portended by vibrant colors on display as chlorophyll dissipates and the trees prepare to rest for the winter. I found the scene above in Palo Alto, along Alma Street over the El Camino Trail returning from a shoot. I was struck by the seeming crust of color on the still green foliage as we transition through Fall here in California.

It reminds me of our own transitions as we move through life. Sometimes these changes bring welcome seasons full of color and plenty. Other times what we encounter is harsh and barren. What we have to remember, whether we want to be in the season we are in or not, is that another season is coming. Inevitably, we begin to see the signs of seasonal change, be it the start or end of a relationship, a new job or career path, the birth or death of someone close to you, these leaves of life begin to change color.

We can't go back to previous seasons, and we can't skip ahead. We are in the season we are in... until we aren't. So it seems to me, since we seldom if ever are able to usher in a new season entirely on your own, what we are faced with is more a question of what you are going to do with the season you are in. Are you going to hunker down and dispair until the "winter" season passes, or get out with your snowshoes and skis and make snowmen? Will you allow yourself to be distracted and forget the important things in your "summer" under the illusion you will always be able to go swimming, enjoy long days of sunshine and warmth? Will you make ready for the next season when you see it coming or live in denial of what's to come and be caught unprepared?

My hope for you is that you are finding joy in the season you're in, no matter what it feels like. That you remember it won't last forever, for better or worse, and that you don't live in fear of the season to come or of losing the season you're in.


image taken with Canon 5D MII, 24-105 4L lens, 1/60sec @ f22, ISO 400