Jacob and Noah

When I met my cousin Paola and her two boys, Jacob and Noah, at the park for their photo session, we were both excited and expectant to capture some cute photos of brotherly love. What were WE thinking?! These boys practically hit the ground running and had us chasing them around the trees for quick snaps here and there. I knew I should have brought those lolipops!









This image was the very last one I shot of the day and finally they were showing that brotherly love we so wanted to capture!

Fast Lenses

I love people. I love photography. And I love helping people who love photography.

Over the holiday weekend, while shooting at a concert, I met some really nice photographers at random. And I was asked the same common question...how do I shoot in low light without using a flash? I said, I use fast lenses. Or wide apertures, I wouldn't want to use anything slower.

So, I thought it would be most helpful to post some images of my lens lineup, since I would have been grateful to anyone who did the same for me when I was trying to decide what Canon lenses to purchase.

70-200mm f/2.8 L IS

This lens is an industry standard for concerts, theatre, low light wedding ceremonies from the back of the church, and photo journalism, from a distance. It's my favorite lens!


24-70mm f/2.8 L

This was my first lens, and although I use it less often as before, it is still a reliable and standard all around lens. It's mid focal range is good for groups, portraits, and travel.


16-35mm II f/2.8 L

The super wide lens. My recent purchase. I call this my editorial lens, good for storytelling and documenting places or events all in one frame.

50mm f/1.4

This lens is a fixed focal length or prime lens. Another industry standard with it's focal length at 50mm. I use this lens the most because it is faster than all of my lenses with an aperture of 1.4, and it's as sharp as it is fast! As much as I LOVE this lens, I can't wait to upgrade to the 50 1.2!


Happy Tuesday!

Spirit West Coast

Yup, Memorial weekend is fast upon us, and this year my family and I will once again be returning to San Diego for one of the largest annual music festivals on the west coast - Spirit West Coast.

Being that I am married to a musician at heart, I have come to appreciate all sorts of music genres over the past 13 years including Alternative Rock, which is what most of this festival of bands consists of. And if you have followed my blog in the past, you already know how much I enjoy documenting live music, especially for my friends at the C28 stores, who I will shoot for again this year.

As the weekend approaches I realize I hadn't taken the time to share any images from last year's festival on my blog. So, better now than never right? Here are some random favorites of 2007 from in and around Spirit West Coast and the various concert stages that were set up to rock the house!


Toby Mac




Read the last sign carefully...Krispy Kreme Chicken Sandwiches?!


Britt Nicole

Salvador

Delirious

Don't know this kid...but he sure was having a blast!

More Delirious

Don't know any of these people either...but the sea of hands clapping caught my attention.

Stellar Kart

Thousand Foot Krutch



Future Of Forestry

Barlow Girl

Third Day

Phil Joel


This image is interesting to me because I like how the blue stage lights are reflecting on his face through his hair as he's swings in full motion. There is something about musicians and their hair...

Have a safe and awesome Memorial Day!

Tyler

When I first heard about Tyler, he was hosting a fun concert for his peers in Riverside last fall called Outbreak Back To School Jam. My initial thought was, "How cool is that, a 17 year old organizing and coordinating such an awesome event to benefit those in his own community". It blessed me to know there were sincere volunteers like Tyler, although I still had not yet met him.

So, when Tyler contacted me to photograph his senior pictures I was really excited to capture his giving spirit and youthful smile, and yes, to finally meet him.

We walked around Newport Beach and enjoyed the warm weather while Robert and the kids splashed around in the water. God provided a beautiful and perfect southern California day.

SLIDESHOW










Tyler, congratulations on your upcoming graduation and thank you for trusting me with your images. Class of 2008, woot!

Olvera Street

This year Mother's Day weekend took us to Olvera Street in Downtown LA. Our kids had never visited Olvera Street and so we knew a field trip there would be a fun way to educate them on the history of the old pueblo. I loved all the bright colors of the markets, the sweet smelling aroma of homemade tortillas, and the fine carvings of aged architecture.


Isaiah was happy to model for me in front of this gorgeous door.


After lunch we bought some delicious coconut candy called cocada for a dollar each.


Savannah thought it would be cute to offer poor little Bella a lick of her super spicy lolipop!





FUN FACT: My parents made me play an accordian when I was little...in front of everyone...at church! But I won't be posting any of those photos today because, well...sadly to say, there are none.

This is an authentic handmade guitar from Mexico. Robert's grandfather made guitars like this long ago in his shop in Mexico too.

What? Bella is sad?
Oh good, she snapped out of it when I told her she can pick a flower off of the tree...

This guitar isn't from Mexico, but from Taylor Guitars here in California and cost an arm and a leg. I snapped this shot across the street inside Union Station.




So, after a beautiful sunny day visiting and sharing a part our culture with my family and feeling like a Queen for Mother's Day, what else could a Mama ask for??

POCKET WIZARDS for an off camera flash of course, thanks kids!