Wedding Photography at Earl Burns Japanese Garden, Long Beach

The sake ceremony was such a pleasant surprise. What made it extra special was that the teapot was from Sarah's grandmother. The garden alone is magical in it's green lush splendor combined with Sarah's choice of color, everything just glittered. Gabriela of Vida Floral did a wonderful job with the bouquet and center pieces. The way Charles looks into Sarah's eyes, you can see his adoration for her. It was such a beautiful wedding, thank you for allowing me to take part in your wedding celebration.








Sarah made the sparrows for her wedding cake







Thanks to Marina for second shooting & for this shot of the handsome men.

Engagement Portrait at Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica

Other than going to a few restaurants and bars on the Santa Monica pier, I've never spent much time just cruising around. It was an enjoyable day, taking in the sites and sounds of the carnival atmosphere while photographing Jose & Susana. The first photo is my favorite; it was fun watching them play around on the swing as the sun was setting. The sun sets earlier due to the high hill tops to the north.

Engagement Portrait at Shoreline Villiage, Long Beach

Shorline Village is such a charming location. The shops are painted in different shades of color & it surrounds the marina. Each corner offers something different and you don't have to go far to get a variety of images. There's so much energy since it's near the convention center & on top of it all there's one of my favorite restaurants. Of course I hit the Yardhouse for some strawberry blonde beer and lettuce wraps.

Portrait in San Pedro

Headed out to one of my favorite spots in San Pedro to try various lighting techniques. Although I love natural lighting, off camera lighting, etc. can really change or enhance the look. Similating natural sun light is what's needed with all this May mush and June gloom in the air. Here are some of my favorite shots. I really like the first headshot montage.

Many thanks to my friend Marina (Linares Photography) and her Mother who played hair stylist, Nini (model) and Jenny B (Make-up Artist).

Engagement Portrait at Manhattan Beach Pier, Manhattan Beach

Arvin took Marina to Manhattan beach for their first Valentine's date. How appropriate to capture their engagment portraits back in the spot when they were newly love birds. It was a bright, hot sunny day. We went to Starbucks to cool down and soon thereafter the sky became dark and Marina was freezing in her summer top. That didn't stop them from rolling up their jeans to play in the water. We started early enough to get a variety of shots in addition to the great beach shots.

Portrait at Downtown Long Beach

My friend Eric lives in a very cool loft in downtown LB. The first time I visited I wanted to set up a photo session in the building. Eric and his girlfriend were great models as we strolled around the historic Walker building and surrounding areas. We stumbled upon this great brick wall and it couldn't have had a more relative and humorous ad.

Engagement Portrait in Palos Verdes Estates, The Neighborhood Church

Rancho Palos Verdes Estates offers a variety of majestic scenery. It served as a great location for Julie & Jaymie's engagement session. Julie plays pro beach volleyball & wanted to include some beach shots. They changed their attire for the beach which is such a great idea because you get a variety of photographs that have a different look and feel. It was a gorgeous day and even though we started early, the sunset was in motion by the time we hit the beach. The clouds made for a beautiful lit sky that continued to change and amaze us.