My First Decent Picture

Going Home

This was one of my last photos of the day after driving down to Laguna Beach mid-afternoon. The day, like the rest of the weekend, was a scorcher, but a couple dips into the 60 degree ocean helped to cool things off. I forgot to bring my trunks, but that didn't stop me. I had an extra pair of shorts fortunately.

It was also my first time to check out the "Ocean" restaurant. They had some great Italian food and "Italian bread" as the waiter so eloquently put it. To top off the day, we stopped by Fashion Island for a quick stroll as the sun began to set. And for my last photo op, as you can see here, I was pleasantly surprised when a little girl decided to run into my shot--smack-dab in the very middle! Sad to say, I think this was the last ride of the day.

My Brother the Surfer

More of an "artsy" touch...

My Before and After

Special thanks to Brian Khang of Brian Khang Photography for this technique and who, might I say, does FABULOUS work all around. I also want to say thank you to Ben Pablo for all his Photoshop tutorials. I'm slowly but surely getting there, Ben! But don't worry, you can never be replaced.

Straight out of the camera, before any post-processing.

And after...

Janet & Chris

January 26th, 2008 marked one of my first real weddings to take pictures at.  I just bought my 70-200mm f/2.8L and was showing it off, but of course, not trying to be obvious at all so as not to look in the least bit like a "newbie".  I had never felt like such a professional photographer.  (Well, at least I may have appeared to look like one!)

The early sunshine became hidden behind the clouds later that afternoon, but Janet's bouquet still managed to radiate with immense color and vivid intensity.  See for yourself.

No Sweat

One of the benefits of working at such a large company brings the opportunity to network with a lot of people.  A fellow co-worker and friend of mine, Carla Palomera, allowed me the chance to take photos at her younger sister's quinceanera earlier this month--one my first times being the "main" (and only) photographer.  Although I was rather flustered at the beginning, I was told to relax and enjoy, which I did, AFTER I made sure everything was taken care of.  Running through my mind the whole time were things like, "Do I have enough batteries?", "How fast can I change my lens?", and "Help!  How do I pose them?"

Being more of an event photographer with a photojournalistic style, I'm typically used to taking candid shots of my subjects--no posing required.  Apparently, I will have to learn, and learn fairly quickly, how to pose my subjects if I ever plan to get good at doing more birthdays and weddings.

To add to my fluster that day was my spanking new 16-35mm f/2.8L lens which I bought just before I arrived at the venue.  I had been wanting this lens for a very long time, after renting it a number of times from Samy's.  Tested in Hawaii and other photo shoots, I was convinced this was definitely a lens to have in my arsenal.  However, I never could find the nerve to fork in the cash for it, and bought a number of sub-par lenses in the interim.  Should've just got this one from the get go.

And just in case for those you who might be wondering. The answer is 'Yes'. The photo of Melina below was taken with my new wide-angle.

Miss VP

I just fell in love with this shot.  With a beautiful smile like that, can you really blame me?

My 1st RTP

Through the efforts of the city of Huntington Beach, several contractors, and numerous Boeing volunteers, this year's Rebuilding Together Project was yet another success. Not only was it a lot of hard and sweaty work, but a lot of muscle cramps and dust and dirt. Despite, the smiles of Gene, son Nick, and daughter Nancy, the residents of the newly renovated house, were more than worth it.

After talking to one of the neighbors in the morning, I learned that their house was so immensely cluttered due to Nancy's immobility from health conditions, that her disabled son was forced but to sleep in the bath tub. Only until caring neighbors discovered the situation was the HB Fire Department finally called in to respond.

Apparently, Gene, Nick, and Nancy had decided to apply through the city's Rebuilding Together Program, sponsored by The Boeing Company, for aid and assistance. Upon being chosen, the Boeing troops quickly moved in and prepared for the renovation.

Pictured above is Nenita Miyata, one of the most energetic and focused people I've ever met. Not only is she a wonderful woman, but very kindhearted and generous. Did I mention she just LOVES to take a gazillion photos whenever she can get the chance? Here she is, finally getting a photo taken of herself for a change.

In the background are the unsuspecting fencing panels that took the entire day to dig holes and jackhammer through concrete for, not to mention align, level, set, and screw into place. (WARNING: Beware large wheelbarrows of concrete!)

All in all, we did a great job. Finally finished around 4PM that day. Go fencing team!

A Lazy Sunday

After a day of just bumming around my apartment and snoozing, I finally woke up and peeked out my window to see yet another beautiful Huntington Beach sunset waiting for me to capture. I threw on a hat, switched out my lens, j-walked across PCH, and raced over the warm soft sand past the crowds and power lines for a clear view at the water's edge. Here's what I caught on this lazy, and hot, Sunday afternoon.

M.I.L.O.

This is Milo. Dont' be fooled. Get too close, and you might just lose your nose.

Family Practice

Relatives waiting for the bride and groom to iron out the wedding details. Practice makes perfect.

A Sneak Peek

So amidst all the madness and mayhem that an engagement ceremony can bring, I was able to steal this gleaming shot of the bride as she prepared to make her entrance to family and friends awaiting downstairs. Dressed by her mother in an elegant and intricate traditional Vietnamese gown, the ceremony, like the bride, was beautiful.

Just Having Fun

Late March 2008 offered me the chance to second-shoot my first wedding. This was one of my favorite shots from the day.