My Baby is Back!!!!!!

A few weeks ago, my favorite 5d (yes I have a favorite!) started acting up. I took it to Canon Repair in Irvine and they told me I had about 147,000 actuations on the shutter!! Seems that I was really close to the end of the shutter life, so they recommended a new one. So three weeks and $650 later, I have my favorite 5d back with a brand new heart! The other 5d just wasn't the same. I am so happy!

A Big Shiny Aluminum Christmas Tree.....

Here is a few shots of the kids decorating our new artificial tree!!! We have to go buy another one of those candles to keep the artificial smell going!

Hooray for Santa Claus......

As I was checking Robyn's blog the other day, I noticed she had a post asking the old question: "What is your favorite Christmas Movie?" I immediately thought of Elf and Christmas Vacation which probably tops most people's list. As I was thinking about it later though, I remembered a movie I grew up watching every holiday. It does not come on very often anymore, but I found it on Amazon for $7.99 and immediately ordered it! Of course I am talking about Santa Claus Conquers the Martians! I have not watched this movie for 20 some years, but I remember the cheesy acting, the horrible make-up, Pia Zadora as a child, and of course the totally swinging Hooray for Santa Claus! theme song! I'll give an update after we watch it again!

EDIT: Kim, one of my awesome brides from October, informed me that she read about a live stage show in Fullerton right before she read my blog! The title...Santa Claus Conquers the Martians!!!! And right down the street from my house, life is good! Thanks Kim!

and baby makes three......

One of our most exciting weddings last year was a destination wedding in Maui for Tina and Marc. Marlene and I really connected with them and unfortunately we have not spent enough time with them due to our hectic schedules. We were so happy to hear that they were expecting earlier this year, and even more happy when they asked us to shoot their first family portrait.

The photos are different than what I am use to shooting, but I am sure you will feel them just the same!

Enjoy!

Random Thanksgiving Weekend Thoughts.....

- I missed out on all the black Friday sales. I actually did not see anything I wanted except at Staples. I showed up at 5am and was still pretty far back in line. I waited for about 10 minutes and then decided it was not worth it and went back home! Marlene still drug me to Target, J.C. Penny, and Tall Mouse later in the day.

- We went shopping at a new store called Fresh and Easy. Think Trader Joe's without all the 70's wood paneling. Pretty good stuff at reasonable prices.

- I broke down and finally purchased an artificial Christmas tree. I hate the constant watering, falling needles, and limited life of fresh trees. I do miss the smell so we brought a pine scented candle from Bath and Body Works. The tree looks pretty real and I feel better that we did not cut down a tree.

- We went to Ikea and Pier 1 for some home shopping! First off I think the West Covina Ikea parking structure and outside of the building would be an awesome place for an engagement session. Something tells me I would get kicked out really fast though! Second, how the heck are they charging 5 cents for each shopping bag you use? The worst part is they charge you after you place your items in the bags! I thought that was rediculous!

- On a happier note, I ran into one of my fraternity (Phi Delta Theta) brothers I have not seen for about six years at Ikea. Until I met Joe Martinez, I thought fraternities were a waste of time! He however, taught me the value of brotherhood and networking and really helped change my life way back back in 1995! Now most of my closest friends are people that were in my fraternity. It was great to see him and meet his new wife! Joe if you read this, you rock man, I am glad we got to re-connect!

I have to go to the Build-a-Bear workshop tomorrow since Zoe saw they have a special edition Rudolph. Update to follow!

Let's Talk Turkey.....

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving day. I have so much to be thankful for, but I was especially thankful to spend another thanksgiving with my grandmother! At 89 she is still so sharp and I am just crazy about her! But evidently I am not the only one as evidenced by the photo below of her and her boyfriend Harry making out on my mom's couch! I think my brother told them to get room!

We were also thankful to help celebrate Marlene's mom's 64th birthday. It's cool to think your mother-in-law is the same age as Paul McCartney! We even sang "When I'm 64" before she had all her grandkids help blow out the candles.

Enjoy the rest of your Holiday!

I Don't Wanna Be a Turkey.....

...I don't want to be a meal, I just want to shake my lill' rear! And so went the quality singing at Zoe's Thanksgiving party/musical review. They also sang the always popular 10 Little Indians and dressed up as Indians! They even rounded off the afternoon with a rousing rendition of Amen! Yes folks, in a Public School it was a lawsuit waiting to happen but it was also very cute! They even had a Thanksgiving dinner complete with turkey and all the trimmings! My favorite part was when my little Pochohantes sang the national anthem as part of a duet....take that Beyonce!

Amber & David.....

Engagement sessions are so important for me to get to know my clients and just hang with them one on one. Finding out little things about their lives helps to get into their hearts and allows me to produce more than just random shots. As we carefully made our way over the rough terrain of Corona Del Mar, I tried to capture their essence, their hopes, their dreams and their passions. Talking as we work also helps them to forget that there is a huge camera in their face!

Thank you Amber and David for a wonderful afternoon!

enjoy!