Family Portraits - Family N

I was recently contacted by a friend, whom I've shot his daughter's high school senior portraits last year, asking if I was able to take some family portraits for him and his extended family who were down visiting.  The request was for father's day, which they would all be together for.  Well once I cleared things with my wife I agreed to take the portraits.

Although it was father's day, the wife's and I 30th anniversary was the following day and we planned on going out for dinner, so my father's day evening was open and I thought why not make their day a special one.

This was my first portrait session where I used my Einstein light for the whole set and I have to say I am very happy with how they came out.  I still don't really know what I'm doing, but I did manage to work my way around it to make it work.

Below you'll find my favorites from the shoot.

Bolsa Chica Wetland Visits

With my sports season being over the one spot I know I can go to take pictures and enjoy is the wetlands, so that means you'll be seeing a lot of shots from the wetlands from me over the next couple of months.

This post consists of three visits to the wetlands.  Two of those visits were alone while one of them I had the pleasure of sharing with a great photography friend and somewhat adopted daughter Paige.  Her and her mother had come down to see a musical in Pasadena and during that time had the opportunity to spend an evening in the wetlands with me.

One of my passions is walking around the wetlands shooting wildlife and its always a pleasure when I can share that with someone.  So please enjoy my shots.

Below is my friend Paige and her mom.

2015 Southern California Special Olympic Summer Games

The Southern California Special Olympic Summer Games is something I look forward to every year.  Don't get me wrong, by the end of the weekend I am worn out and tired, but I do enjoy each and every minute I'm out there shooting for the So. Cal Special Olympics.

This year was a little different as I had a lot more freedom to shoot the events I wanted.  Normally I'm given a shot list on what my assigned events are, so I loved having the freedom to shoot what I wanted.  Now some might think that I would focus on only an event or two, but to be honest I love getting shots from all of the sporting events, or at least as many as possible.  I don't come away with a ton of shots from any one event, but I do finish my weekend with great shots from almost if not all of the events.

I will say I was a bit disappointed with track this year for a couple of reasons. First there seemed to be a lot more pressure put on photographers in regards to where we could shoot from.  Bottom line - I do what the officials and people involved want and follow the rules they put in front of me, but it was a little disappointing not getting the angles I wanted.  The other part was there just weren't many fans in the stands this year.  First I love it when the stands are full as it gives me a great colorful background, which I didn't have this year.  Second these athletes should have people in the stands supporting them while they compete and I feel this way at any sporting event where I see the lack of participation with fans.  So that was disappointing.

The opening ceremonies was as it always is - outstanding and full of excitement and energy.  I just love the interaction between the athletes and law enforcement.

The running of the torch brings the start of this years Southern California Special Olympic Summer Games.

Please enjoy the shots as much as I enjoyed taking these.