Emi and Kyle were surrounded by their charming families who were helping make this celebration a success. From hosting the wedding at the groom's parents home, to setting up the tables with gorgeous centerpieces and decadent cakes, everyone was helping. They all seemed so joyous to see Emi and Kyle tie the knot and the celebration led to a lot of dancing and laughters as the night went on. The food was delicious and people definitely took advantage of the buffet. Smores were brought out at the end of the night for the few guests who were sticking around as the sun was setting. It was an absolutely delightful event that I was so happy to capture
Lassen Volcanic National Park
When I moved to Northern California, one of the few parks I really wanted to visit was “Lassen Volcanic National Park” because it looked majestic, unique, serene and seemed pack with adventures. My quick trip to this immaculate destination ended up definitely being an adventure.
After looking for a campsite online and not finding a single spot available for my travel dates, I assumed everyone had the same idea, and they had all reserved a campsite months in advance. However, I was dead wrong. The campsites were not full, they were just not opened yet. Campgrounds in and around the park only open at the end of June because, to my surprise, the entire park is still covered with snow at this time of the year, and the road going from the south entrance of the park to the North entrance of the park was completely closed except for the small portion leading up to “Sulphur Works”. They had heavy machinery on the road to clear the snow but they had just started the process and they had barely made a dent.
Not knowing this important fact, I ended up booking a small cabin in Mill Creek, a few miles outside of the park, and I was the only person staying there that weekend.
After talking to the rangers, I quickly realized that hiking to the top of Lassen Peak was out of the question on this trip, but I was lucky enough to still be able to do the other hike I had intended to try when I drove up to this park: The Cinder Cone Hike.
On my way to the trailhead, I stopped in Chester (the only town on this 1h30 drive to the other side of the Park) and bought a pair of overpriced snowshoes because I definitely hadn’t come prepared (I later realized that I had also forgotten to bring rain gear on this trip)
It was actually my first time ever wearing snowshoes and when I climbed the steep ascent to the top of the Cinder Cone, it was a slightly frightening experience.
Once I made it to the top, all these hours of driving and the struggle to hike to the top were rewarded with the most amazing view of the crater, beautiful colors, and a breathtaking view of the lava fields blanketed with snow. I was also happy to find out there was a route on the backside with no little, which made the descent much less challenging than I was expecting.
Even though this trail is somewhat short, walking in snow and volcanic sand made this walk a little strenuous, but It was an absolutely mesmerizing experience and I was so happy that I could check this hike off my bucket list.
As I drove back to my little cabin, I stumbled upon a winery (Indian Peak Winery) where I spent some time chatting with the owner/winemaker and enjoyed some of his fabulous wine. The owner was selling cases of his wine at a discount because he was retiring and he was trying to sell his property I had no Idea they had wineries in the region and it was a pleasant way to end the day.
The day after, a snow storm was expected in the region with up to three feet of accumulated sow on the road…. so I left my cabin in a hurry and never looked back.
I do hope that I get the chance to go back to this magical part of California one day.
Note: All the pictures on this post were taken with my Iphone
Alex and Isabel - Berkeley
It was a beautiful ceremony for Alex and Isabel. They were surrounded by their friends and family in the most unique setting and everyone seemed to be enjoying the celebration until the neighbors complained about the noise. I was lucky to capture this memorable day and to be part of another unforgettable wedding.
Family Portraits with my little girls
Spring is here. We have stopped turning the heater on at night, we are enjoying wearing sandals again, and we can go out to the park after a long day of school. My oldest daughter just turned three this month, and it has become increasingly hard to dress her nicely to try and capture a few shots. But after a little bit of bargaining, and a few episodes of Bluey, we managed to go to the park and we had a lot of fun taking these shots.
Bar Camino - Walnut Creek, CA
The Bay Area is a great place to experience all kinds of culinary delights from all around the world, and Walnut Creek is becoming a hotspot for foodies who enjoy a great night out.
Bar Caino, a restaurant with an extensive menu and a unique take on cocktails, is about to open soon and I was lucky enough to not only photograph all the items on their menu, but also had the opportunity to taste a lot of the dishes and they were all fantastic.
I would personally highly recommend their Mushroom Tacos which were bursting with flavor along with their “Old Mexico” (Their take on the “Old Fashioned”) but you can’t go wrhttps://barcamino.comong with any decision you make while sitting at one of the many tables in this quaint venue.
Check out their website
Birthday in Berkeley, California
This little girl celebrated her first birthday and their parents hired me to capture the celebration in Berkeley. It was a colorful event filled with dozens of relatives and friends who gathered to wish her a happy birthday while eating some delicious Indian food. There was an entertainer for the kids and glitter make-up for the girls, and a beautiful cake that was the centerpiece of the event.
Maternity Photoshoot with Angela Sun - Hermosa Beach, California
The sunsets have been amazing in the South Bay lately, and I’ve been trying to make there most of my time living so close to the ocean. From riding my bike along the strand, to taking long walks on the beach while trying to capture the beauty of this beach life, it’s been an amazing time. I was so delighted to catch up with Angela Sun, who had worked with me in the past on my “Underwater Sports” series, and I got to meet her lovely husband for a fun photoshoot by the pier. They were so fun to work with and capturing their happiness was so effortless. I wish them the best with their baby boy who is due very soon!
Mary and Mike - Franklin Canyon Park, California
It was such a privilege to work with these three wonderful human beings. I have known Mike for almost twenty years now and it seems like we have followed each other footsteps from the day we met. We both started our career working as assistant editors on “The Fifth Wheel”, We both worked at Nickelodeon shortly after they canceled that infamous dating show, we then both made out pay to the Paramount lot and spent many years working at ET/The Insider…. and we both got married around the same time. Needless to say, when he reached out to me and asked me to capture his family and meet his partner in crime, I was excited beyond words.
We spent some time at the Franklin Canyon Park in the Hollywood hills, a stunning area with trails, ponds, and a lot of picturesque spots. The sun was out and we had a fabulous time catching up while taking fun pictures near the lake.
Alexis and Shannon's Wedding - Granada Hills
It was a privilege to capture the wedding of these two wonderful friends. I have had the chance to photograph Shannon’s family for more than ten years and it was joyful to seen him vow his love to his new partner-in-crime. I wish them the best.
Newborn Photoshoot, Kenneth Hahn Park
Another beautiful day at the Kenneth Hahn Park, capturing pictures of this beautiful little girl. There was a lot of crying, a lot of smiling, and a lot of fun during this session, and her family was so devoted to her. It was a special moment
Newborn Photoshoot, Marina Del Rey
I only have a few weeks before I get to meet my own mini-me, and I have already spend several hours thinking about all the photoshoots I’m going to have at the house when she/he’s born. I have wasted countless hours browsing Etsy for the perfect outfits and I can’t stop gathering props and backgrounds to capture every milestone of my baby’s life…. so it was an absolute pleasure when I was asked to take pictures of Milo, an adorable 19 days old baby who was already full of joy and showed up with a smile on his face… sure, there were a few cries along the way, but it was, otherwise, a fabulous photoshoot. This little guy is lucky to have such amazing parents and I was so thankful I was chosen to capture this incredible family with my camera
Valley of Fire, Nevada
The Valley of fire in epic day trip on your next trip to Las Vegas…
After a short drive to this park, you will be in awe of the colors, the rock formations, the animals, and the fabulous hikes it offers.
Here’s a description of the park on the official website:
Valley of Fire consists of bright red Aztec sandstone outcrops nestled in gray and tan limestone mountains. The sandstone is from the Jurassic period and is the remnant of the sand left behind by the wind after inland seas subsided and the land rose. Early man moved into southern Nevada as far back as 11,000 years ago. The most obvious evidence of occupation is the petroglyphs carved into the rocks by the Basketmaker culture about 2,500 years ago, followed later by the Early Pueblo culture. Paiutes were living in this area in 1865 when Mormons settled at nearby St. Thomas at the south end of the Moapa Valley. Farming, ranching and mining occurred in the region along a narrow stretch of water.
One tip: If you plan to camp there for the night (which is a must-do when visiting the “valley of Fire” because the campsites are picturesque to say the least, I recommend showing up at Sunrise, find a campsite and pay for it and then visit the park because there aren’t many options and only a few sites to choose from, but you will absolutely love spending the night there and be able to enjoy the incredible sunset while perched on a rock over the red sand.
If you want more information about this park, click the link below
http://parks.nv.gov/parks/valley-of-fire
Aerial Footage of the Southwest
As a photographer who happened to be in Film school a loooong time ago, shooting cinematic videos is something I have always been interested and I am venturing back to….
My YouTube Channel offers some of my work, and I hope to be able to resume traveling around the word once we can safely do it again, to be able to discover more epic landscapes, meet captivating locals and enjoy delectable food while capturing it all on camera
Maternity Photoshoot in the Southwest
It’s always such a pleasure to photograph friends and clients around the world and capture some of the milestone moments of their lives.
2020 has definitely been a rollercoaster of emotions and surprises, and I am so grateful that I not only got to marry the most wonderful and attentive woman I ever met, but I am also celebrating the upcoming arrival of my first child and the beginning of a new chapter in my life…
Since we are doing our best to remain healthy during these dire times, we avoided friends and families during the thanksgiving weekend and drove around the Southwest for a few days, stopping at incredible landmarks along the way, such as Sedona (AZ), Monument Valley (UT), Valley of Fire (NV) and Joshua Tree (CA)… We avoided hotels and restaurants by sleeping in a minivan and cooked on a camping stove on the side of the road, and we were lucky enough to be able to gaze at the stars through the moonroof of the car while trying to stay warm in the autumnal nights of the high deserts.
We took in the beauty of the nature surrounding us, we hiked a bit and laughed a lot, we shared stories and wandered around, we drove for hours yet it always felt like home, we were inspired again and hopeful for the future, and we captured each moment on camera to show our kid in the future.
I was so ecstatic that the dazzling landscapes and the gorgeous weather ended up being the perfect backgrounds to shoot my radiant partner in crime, and I am so delighted to share some of my favorite shots with you.
And of course…. I can’t wait to be a daddy! ;)
Arcosanti, Arizona
On our recent short trip to Arizona, we got a chance to visit a magical and awe-inspiring place in Arizona called Arcosanti. We were on our way to Sedona, and after stopping at a gas station at the end of a long 10hr day on the road, we decided to sleep in our van somewhere close and realized quickly that we had accidentally stopped at the exit leading to this little haven in the desert. We had also received one of the famous bells they sell there as a wedding gift and thought it would be great to visit this unique landmark,
Since I couldn't describe this place better than the people who created it, here’s a description of this magnificent project on their website:
The World’s First Arcology Prototype
Arcology is a set of design principles conceived of by the late theoretical architect, Paolo Soleri. The term is a blending of “architecture” and “ecology” and is the antithesis of urban sprawl. Sensing the growing reliance on cars, the increasing appropriation of natural spaces for housing developments, and the negative impact of both on the human spirit and the planet, Soleri conceived of Arcosanti as a proof of concept of arcology. Begun in 1970 and based on an arcology-minded design theory, Arcosanti, dubbed “The Urban Laboratory,” one of the modern world’s first attempt at creating an urban living experience that is vertical, densely integrated with mixed uses, and environmentally-conscious.
Today, Arcosanti is considered an important and early example of a radical urban plan that enables conservation of land, energy, and natural resources. Over 8,000 sustainability-minded volunteers have contributed to the building of Arcosanti over the past 50 years, gaining valuable experience in construction, passive solar energy concepts, and responsible urban design, simply by contributing to the project and “learning by doing.”
https://www.arcosanti.org
We took a guided tour of the compound and learned a lot of things while sipping on some delicious local tea. I would love to apply some of their techniques to my future glamping business that will happen…in the distant future.
Annual Photoshoot of Bogosse and my awesome nephew
I absolutely love that every Christmas season, I have been blessed with the visit of my family and I get a chance to spend time and bond with my little nephew. He’s full of life, always have a giant smile on his face, and he’s the sweetest boy. My dog Bogosse and Gabriel have become best friends over the years and it’s been a pleasure to shoot them together every year as their bond gets stronger. It is hard not to smile when you see their cuteness combined in one picture.
Senior Pictures - El Matador Beach
Our day at the beach started a little late and it just happened to be one of brightest and warmest day of the year, so the light was a bit harsh and we tried to make the best of it. It was my first time doing a “High School Senior” photo session and I had a lot of fun trying to get the perfect shot with Faith who was such a pleasure to work with. She couldn’t wait to be out of High School and she was enthusiastic during the entire shoot and was never afraid of the oncoming waves that managed to get both of us wet. It was only a matter or minutes before we were dry again though, and we managed to get a lot of fun images. We wish her the best on her journey after she graduates high school.
Family Photos in Malibu
It was a few weeks after the infamous Woosley fire that burned a vast area of Malibu, but what remained of the fire was a grim reminder of the destructive power of mother nature. We walked around El Matador beach during high tide, which made for a fun and adventurous photoshoot around the picturesque beach. It was insanely warm for a winter day so we headed in the hills and finished our day at Malibu Café. It’s a quintessential L.A spot with overprices drinks, under-appreciated housewives, and a lot of fun backyard games.
We captured a lot of adorable family photos and we shared memories that will last a lifetime
La Rochelle and its surroundings, France - 2018
I stayed for a week in La Rochelle and we did all the tourist things, from visiting the infamous Fort Boyard, home of the TV show that I used to watch as a kid religiously every week, to eating Oysters for breakfast at the market, we did it all while having a superb weather for the most part.
The center of the town is an old fortress that was used to protect the city from invasions and the remains are all breathtaking. However, the city also has a modern appeal, with one of the biggest aquariums in Europe, and some inviting bars and outdoors venues where the younger crowd gathers for various events.
The streets were covered with art installations that brought the city to life and the lush parks around the city were full of wildlife and if you feel lucky, there’s a small casino with a beautiful view of the Harbor.
The two islands nearby (l'île de Ré and Ile d’Oléron) were both stunning and the people we met along the way were all incredibly friendly. The beaches were pristine and the air was invigorating. The colorful towns were scattered between vineyards and “marais salants” and the roads were mainly used by cyclists who never seemed to be in a hurry.
Oyster shells adorned a small bridge in the town of Le Chateau d’Oléron that were used instead of locks to immortalize the many couples who walked on it. Their names forever displayed for the world to see, until the next big storm blows them away in the distance, a stark reminder of how fast love can vanish.
And always take the café gourmand, you will never regret it
Les ânes en culotte de l'île de Ré
On our visit to l'île de Ré, a picturesque island near La Rochelle, we encountered these beautiful creatures along the road. They are a landmark of the island and are surprisingly friendly. Every souvenir on the island includes some kind of picture or illustration of these famous donkeys and I had fun capturing their incredible beauty
