Robyn and Michael's Wedding - Great Falls, Virginia

I must say that waking up at 4:30 am to drive to a sunrise wedding was a first for me. I walked down our driveway with my headlamp on my forehead while carrying my gear and a big cup of coffee and drove to the Bride’s hotel room. Robyn was the sweetest and kindest bride: She offered me food and coffee before I even started shooting. But we were on a tight schedule because we were trying to arrive at the Great Falls Park by Sunrise.

Great Falls is a must-see park near Washington D.C. and you can choose to see the Falls from the Maryland side or the Virginia side. Though the Maryland side offers a stroll along the C&O canal, It’s much easier and takes less effort to gaze at the falls from the Virginia side. If you do decide to go, make sure you bring your National Park Annual pass or it’s $20 to park.

There was still a lot of snow at the park and I managed to fall on a patch of ice while attempting to shoot the “First look” photos for this couple. I will forever feel sorry that I stole the spotlight and I became the center of attention while I was screaming a lot of profanity. Thankfully, the best man was an EMT and helped me back up and the Bride was attentive to my needs and made sure I was ok.

After finally getting back up and meeting the groom for the first time, I did my best to shoot the ceremony with one hand (and no pain killer).

The ceremony was lovely, the sunrise was magnificent, and the couple was playful. It was an incredible experience and I would be ecstatic if I could shoot another wedding there

Eva & Modhi Engagement Session - Piscataway National Park, Maryland

The Piscataway National Park is dear to my heart since the property I live on is contiguous to this park. It’s a great place to go on a leisurely walk or go fishing with a view ot Mount Vernon across the river.

It’s also a great backdrop for any portrait sessions and it was a delight to capture Eva and Modhi who will be getting married at the end of May.

There was a little bit of snow left form the recent snow storm which added an extra layer to the serene environment that was surrounding us and we captured a lot of great shots alone the way.

Anna and Logan - Family Portraits in the Moyaone Reserve

Being part of a close-knit community is one of the things we cherish most about living in the Moyaone Reserve. We met Anna and Logan even before we moved into our new home, and they welcomed us with open arms.

It’s always such a privilege to be invited to capture families in their moments of joy. Whether I’m photographing familiar faces or meeting new ones for the first time, each session feels like a chance to connect, to slow down, and to share in something beautifully human.

Maleri & Taylor Wedding - Annapolis, Maryland

Fall weddings are truly something special — the crisp air, vibrant colors, and cozy atmosphere make this season the perfect time to say “I do.” Maleri and Taylor’s stunning fall wedding at the prestigious Ivy Neck venue was no exception. Nestled near the river, this beautiful location offered breathtaking scenery and impeccable attention to detail, creating an unforgettable experience for everyone in attendance.

The*rustic yet elegant barn served as the perfect backdrop for this stylish celebration. From the rich autumn tones to the warm lighting, every element came together to highlight the love and joy that filled the day.

Capturing Maleri and Taylor’s love story was an absolute blast — from the emotional first kiss to the lively first dance and those memorable late-night shots, every moment was filled with laughter and happiness.

Guests danced the night away, showing off their best moves while celebrating the couple’s union. The energy was contagious, and the sense of togetherness was a beautiful reminder of what makes weddings so meaningful — love, family, and connection.

This Maryland fall barn wedding was more than just an event; it was a night to remember, full of warmth, joy, and moments that will be cherished forever.

Wedding portrait

Wedding Detail

Wedding Dress

Wedding Reflection

Before the Wedding

Ring Security

The Ivy Neck Venue

Here Comes the Bride

Wedding Ceremony

Wedding Guests

Holding Hands

Happy Couple

Wedding Portrait

Party Favors

First Dance

Party Time

Dinner Time

Father & Daughter Dance

Party

Guidepost Montessori Graduation Ceremony - Waldorf, MD

Last year, I started working as a substitute teacher at my daughter’s school and had the chance to meet an incredible group of kids and parents. Naturally, when I was asked if I could be the photgorapher during their graduation ceremony, I said “yes’!

It was incredibly hot and humid outside and I was not quite prepared for this kind of weather, but I managed to capture smiles on their face, pride in their heart, and happiness all around.

It’s a special privilege to capture any milestone, but it’s even more endearing when I had the chance to work with these kids throughout the year.

Emi and Kyle - Moraga, CA

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

Bar Camino

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

Drone footage of the Southwest, U.S.AOpus One by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licens...

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.