exploring los angeles

every now and then, i like to go out with my camera and shoot just for the sake of shooting. it amazing how much you learn just by doing that (not to mention getting some unexpected great shots and meeting interesting people)! yesterday, my brother jeff and i explored downtown near the l.a. bridge and union station. this is one of several outings we are hoping to do and what a fabulous time it was!
we started near the area of the the los angeles bridge. then headed to chinatown near la placita olvera (olvera street) and worked our way to union station. in many instances, i needed a subject in order to test the flash. he was such a good sport about being my model. hopefully now he'll have some nice facebook photos. :)

here are some of my favorites from yesterday.






jeff looking very much like a pro here. :)




This is carlos. as we wondered through the alley that is called olvera street, i was about to take a photo of a colorful bench when an elderly gentleman came and sat down. he saw me with my gear and began talking to me about the history of los angeles. i didnt quite make the connection, but perhaps he thought i was a journalist. we talked for several minutes and then took his photo. had i been able to stay longer, im sure he would have shared many interesting stories about his life. as i thanked him, i told him that i would see him again someday soon. he told me he hoped the same. my encounter with him left me feeling the kind of contentment i feel while traveling and i meeting new people...











how can i end the day without doing a self portrait?


** if you live in the los angeles area and would like to join us for some exploring (with your beloved camera), please email me and we will figure out some dates! **

smiles with monica

a few weeks ago, i got together with my friend monica to catch up over a cup of coffee. it came up that she wanted a photo session. so we met up again last week for the shoot and it turned out to be such a fun time! ...and wow, how lovely is her smile? our friend penny also came along and made it double the good times. :)

caroline and rex

this sweet couple got married in hawaii in december and recently had an intimate reception in pasadena. i had the honor of documenting their evening with family and close friends. what a warm reception it was...and so very cozy! thanks, caroline and rex, for making me part of your evening. i wish you all the happiness in your life together!

here are some of my favorites of the evening...

turning one

my brother and i shot his friend jayne and johnny's wedding back in 2007. we were fortunate enough to shoot their daughter when she turned one this past december. i had a great time, and little jacklyn is so sweet and playful. mom told me she only takes to males. but lucky for me, she and i hit it off right away! here are a few from our shoot...


i just love her smile!



her favorite toy from the birthday party...







while on our way to the park, little jacklyn fell asleep. when we arrived, there was nothing we could do to wake her up, so we ended doing a shot of them all napping. how cute...napping with smiles! im learning that when you have a young child, flexibility is key!


here are a few of mom and dad. dont they look happy? looks like romance is still in the air! :)