I don't even remember how Natalie and I became such good friends. I've known her for a while over a series of drinks, good food and great conversation. I attribute her convincing powers to finally push hubby and I to move to downtown San Francisco from the 'burbs. :-)
We've been planning to do a photo shoot for a while with Natalie's doggie Finn. Not since I was in Colorado last spring that I've done a photo shoot with four-legged bestfriends. When she found out her brother Ryan, who's doing his post-grad work in South Africa will be back in the Bay Area for a break during the holidays, a date was set.
Well the original date did not quite work out since rain was pelting much of the West Coast to no end. Two days before Christmas and finally the sun came out after a week of rain and gray skies.
'Twas the perfect day to hang out with Natalie, Ryan and Finn. Finn is a star!
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all! My bags are packed and I am looking forward to the warm weather in the Sahara desert.
12.24.2010
12.18.2010
Backpack and Camera Required: Off to Africa in 7 Days
Destination: Morocco
Continent: Africa
Departure: Christmas Day, December 25
Last Time in the Continent: 11 years ago
Photo Opportunities: Unlimited
Checklist:
Backpack: c/o Marj and Jeff, check
Guidebook: purchased today at Borders, check
Travel converter: check
High-heels: not required but check
Cigs: check
Camera: check, check, check
Continent: Africa
Departure: Christmas Day, December 25
Last Time in the Continent: 11 years ago
Photo Opportunities: Unlimited
Checklist:
Backpack: c/o Marj and Jeff, check
Guidebook: purchased today at Borders, check
Travel converter: check
High-heels: not required but check
Cigs: check
Camera: check, check, check
Sunblock: missing got 2 according to hubby
Highly durable and waterproof camera bag: missing bought this today at Calumet, cheap and durable
12.17.2010
Only a Single (iPhone) Photo Here: The Turning Point
2010 has not been great. In fact, it has been kind of a bitch. I had been sick a lot, had to deal with Lord Voldermort's other half who made my life hell and someone close to me got very sick. Don't get me wrong, I am thankful and I know I am blessed, but there were just too many days in this year when I thought "this is the day I couldn't do it anymore".
The irony is this year is peppered with the most amazing days of my life. I got married last February. I learned photography from the most talented pros out there and met the most awesome people who trusted me with their personal moments.
Well, why am I in the turning point? Last weekend, I went snowboarding. I got myself talked into going into a black diamond run called the Challenger. I grew up in a tropical country, so this is definitely a major risk after only two irregular seasons behind my belt. That is one of the most difficult levels: one mile long, 2 cliff edges, narrow paths and experts whizzing by. I stumbled, I fell, got extremely bruised but dammit I made it to the end, all bones intact.
Something clicked during that snowboarding run and boosted my spirits. It's a turning point to change my life's course and turn the amazing days into an amazing 2011 (and beyond). Life is too short.
As I move to a clearer path in life, I can't hardly wait to see what new things I will create with wonderful people through the only art I know, photography. I don't know how my style will evolve, what new things I will learn or where the creative process will take me. All I know is that it's time to kick-ass.
12.25.2010 Yearend Update: I just came into a conclusion that my best accomplishment this year is standing up for what is right despite some shitty trade-offs. I feel good about that. As my friends Gio and Richie always said, "Here's to the good life". Amen.
I don't usually write personal posts. Thanks for letting me share. Friends, thanks for the love and Trace thanks for the note. I pasted it on my wall where I can always see it. :-)
The irony is this year is peppered with the most amazing days of my life. I got married last February. I learned photography from the most talented pros out there and met the most awesome people who trusted me with their personal moments.
Well, why am I in the turning point? Last weekend, I went snowboarding. I got myself talked into going into a black diamond run called the Challenger. I grew up in a tropical country, so this is definitely a major risk after only two irregular seasons behind my belt. That is one of the most difficult levels: one mile long, 2 cliff edges, narrow paths and experts whizzing by. I stumbled, I fell, got extremely bruised but dammit I made it to the end, all bones intact.
Something clicked during that snowboarding run and boosted my spirits. It's a turning point to change my life's course and turn the amazing days into an amazing 2011 (and beyond). Life is too short.
As I move to a clearer path in life, I can't hardly wait to see what new things I will create with wonderful people through the only art I know, photography. I don't know how my style will evolve, what new things I will learn or where the creative process will take me. All I know is that it's time to kick-ass.
12.25.2010 Yearend Update: I just came into a conclusion that my best accomplishment this year is standing up for what is right despite some shitty trade-offs. I feel good about that. As my friends Gio and Richie always said, "Here's to the good life". Amen.
I don't usually write personal posts. Thanks for letting me share. Friends, thanks for the love and Trace thanks for the note. I pasted it on my wall where I can always see it. :-)
12.07.2010
A BadAss Engagement Session Part Deux - Jo and Nick
As I was going through Part II of Jo and Nick's photo set, I am suddenly reminded of why I got into this whole photography hobby, gig, passion or whatever best to call it. It is just simply a call to be authentic, which at some point middle of this year during my (business) trip to India and Manila dawned to me. Well folks, these two are one of the most original people I've met in my lifetime. No pretensions, can easily vacillate between philosophical to nutty and unconventional. These are the reasons why I think they are amazingly badass.
Here's Part Deux (credit: Jo). Check out Part I here.
P.S. January is around the corner and I can't wait to see what Mayad and Mangored cook up for these two.
11.28.2010
A BadAss Engagement Session - Jo and Nick
I thought I wouldn't split sessions into parts I and II anymore but the awesomeness from Jo and Nick's engagement shoot is too much to be contained in a single post.
I met Jo through a wedding forum a couple of months back when she asked for wedding supplier advice. These two are getting hitched in one of the most beautiful places in the world -- Boracay -- in January of 2011. It's getting really close and I couldn't be more excited especially that some my favorite people (and wedding suppliers) Mangored, Mayad Studios and Boracay Events (Amanda Tirol) are part of their wedding supplier team.
The cool of Jo and Nick against the backdrop of the Haight Ashbury neighborhood of San Francisco is a welcome overload to the senses. The colors of the storefronts and street graffiti are bursting alive on this sunny fall afternoon. Nick and Jo were just having too much fun with the interesting, the weird and the eclectic items in-store. This is a part-quirky, part-hobo and full-on badass set. I'll let the photos do the talking.
Update: Part II here.
I met Jo through a wedding forum a couple of months back when she asked for wedding supplier advice. These two are getting hitched in one of the most beautiful places in the world -- Boracay -- in January of 2011. It's getting really close and I couldn't be more excited especially that some my favorite people (and wedding suppliers) Mangored, Mayad Studios and Boracay Events (Amanda Tirol) are part of their wedding supplier team.
The cool of Jo and Nick against the backdrop of the Haight Ashbury neighborhood of San Francisco is a welcome overload to the senses. The colors of the storefronts and street graffiti are bursting alive on this sunny fall afternoon. Nick and Jo were just having too much fun with the interesting, the weird and the eclectic items in-store. This is a part-quirky, part-hobo and full-on badass set. I'll let the photos do the talking.
Update: Part II here.