Debt Free by 30

I think this is my first real post about something totally unrelated to my photography. Of course this being my photography blog I guess I shouldn't be surprised by this. This is worth it though.
Anyhow my good friend Melanie has come up with a great idea to help her squash the $150,000 of debt she has accumulated from college. The plan is rather simple but I can't really explain it very well so you should check it out for yourself, click here . She has her own blog set up for it and I'm totally looking forward to following her progress. Did I mention she is a damn fine photographer too...?

The Ellis Kids

Here are some, maybe a lot of pics from a quick session I did with one of my sister's kids. It's actually one of the only times I've ever done a 'proper' session with them and it was pretty cool. Despite lack luster weather and a really short window for shooting I got some great shots. Enjoy!

I'm back!

I can't believe I've been gone for so long. I would love to say that I've been too busy making great photos all this time but I've had a few other things keeping me occupied as well. On the down side my Apple G5 went out in a sparkling blaze of liquid induced self destruction. As I have since learned the hard way, the fluid filled cooling system in G5s have a habit of springing terminal leaks. So I said goodbye to what was once my trusted workstation. Then hello to a nice shiny new Intel Mac Pro. There is no liquid cooling system in this baby!
I've been putting a lot of time into a project with my friend Melanie Hogan. All the details are still under wraps for a bit longer. I can say that we're working on a book and as we are both photographers, yes, it incorporates photography. Beyond that you'll just have to wait a bit longer. It will be worth the wait I promise. If anyone happens to know a thing or two about publishing let me know :-).
That's all I've got time for at the moment. I'll be posting more in the coming days so don't be shy...

Spring Time in Napa

My brother-in-law, Eli, is getting married this June. So what better reason to make a trip up to Napa for a photo session. Well that and some wine tasting too. The weekend turned out to be amazing, sunny and 70 degrees. The vines are still dormant but as you can see mustard is in full bloom. I'm not sure which is more beautiful grape vines or the yellow mustard spread out like carpet between the rows of vines. They really complement each other. I do know they don't let the mustard grow like that in Santa Ynez. Maybe Napa has some sort of copyright on that look, I don't know.
Needless to say we all thoroughly enjoyed our time up there. I was able to do three mini photo sessions in one. An engagement with Eli and Kim. A family session with Eli, Kim, and Kim's son Kiel. A portrait session with just Kiel. Not bad I have to say.

Mindy

I had a fun quick little shoot with Mindy. She wanted something for her husband. She was great to work with and willing to take a bit of direction now and again. By the end of the shoot she was working it like a pro. We fit the session in while the kids went to the park to play. It all worked out perfectly and we got back just in time for lunch.

Road Trip'n

I had the luxury of taking a few road trips recently and I look forward to the next one I take. I've always loved driving. My first car, a '75 BMW 2002, had no radio. In the ten years I owned that car I never once missed having a radio. All I need is the rhythmic purr of an engine, the hum of rubber rolling across asphalt, a steering wheel that talks to me, and an open road stretched out before me. Of course it's even better with my wife sitting in the seat next to me.
These few photos are from just such a trip. We travelled up to Heron, MT by way of Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. The roads cut through some of the most beautiful vistas I've ever seen. Though I don't yet consider myself a landscape photographer I couldn't help but snap off a few shots of these barns and old trucks. Enjoy...

Kara's 1st Birthday

Birthday parties are always fun. Whether it's one friend's 30th or another friend's 1st birthday. How can it not be fun to hang out with friends? And you get a piece of cake to boot! I had a great time following Kara around on her 1st birthday. I'm pretty sure all the parents got a kick out of watching the kids try to figure out the best way to eat a cupcake.
You can see more cupcake eating in this slide show, here

A Self Portrait

It feels like I've been gone for ever! It's only been a long week and a half. I was on vacation (pics and info will be posted soon) for a bit. I was also in LA helping my sister with some home improvements.
Just before we left for vacation I got a bit bored and decided to shoot a new portrait of myself. So what do you think? It was totally snap shot quick. I can't explain all the green it's really not my favorite color but it just keeps showing up everywhere. Maybe I should take a hint and make it my favorite. Oh well. Now it's time for me to catch up on a few projects.

Tim & Robin

These slide shows are a blast to put together. I got a program called ShowIt Web and it almost does everything for you. I think I'm addicted...
This wedding was at the Santa Barbara Zoo. I'd never been there before the wedding but it has a really nice hill top lawn, with an amazing view of Santa Barbara and the ocean, and a great little spot for the ceremony just below the lawn. Tim and Robin are great friends of my sister so it was an honor when they asked me to shoot their wedding. We had a fun time with them and their friends and family. We even got some time to run across the street to the beach for some photos. Check out the slide show

Gavin & DaNel

I'm totally excited to be able start putting up slide shows.
So for the first one, a wedding I shot in Applegate, OR. The wedding was on a family Century Farm . In some of the most beautiful country I've seen. I look forward to going back to shoot some landscapes one day. I was up there for a few days before the wedding and had the chance to hang out with DaNel's and Gavin's families. It was so much fun and they were so nice. I really felt like a member of the family. So here is the show, enjoy: Here is the slide show for Gavin&DaNel

Santa Barbara PUG...

I had a great time last night listening to some outstanding fellow photographers talk about blogging. As I've just started this blog I was really excited to hear about some of the ins and outs on the subject. Sara France, a San Diego based wedding photographer, Amelia Lyon from Orange County, and Tim Halberg from right here in Santa Barbara led a panel discussion and shared a ton of helpful information...
So you'll be seeing a few changes as my blog evolves thanks to these guys. If you have some time you should check out their blogs. They really are great people.

Tim Halberg Photography: Wedding photographers and blogging

Lauren

I just realized that since I gave you a few pics of Lauren at almost 1 year old I should give you a few of her at about 1 month old...

The Carouls'

Another family from my "Portland Sessions" (as I've taken to calling them).

Kids are always interested in the camera...

I think he's getting the model poses down pretty good.

Then came this one flying through the trees...