Santa Catalina, Panama is a town that forces you to slow down a bit, allow your self to breathe a little bit deeper and smile a little bit easier. The heat of the sun sinks into your skin, warming your soul. The water slips over you, cooling, for a moment, and dries salty on your skin. The people all wave, smiling, "Buena....hola..." as they stroll with either a child on their hip, a surfboard under their arm or atop a mustang, herding a group of cattle down the road (this is the traffic). The children offer fish they have caught (that don't quite seem of legal size, but you accept anyways because doing anything else would be an insult); the dogs meander in and out of yards, in and out of the road (there are not many cars to worry about), breeds so mixed there is no telling what specific breed they may have originated from. Even without electricity, running water, refrigeration or some with out even floors, or beds, they are proud people- men working hard building homes in the sun all day for 15$ if they are good workers. Until my father drilled a well and offered fresh water to his neighbor, Adan and his family washed themselves, their clothing and drank from the creek abutting their land. The town closes at ten pm; no clubs, bars or hotels eliminates any light pollution and we look out at the sky like we have never seen stars before- their brilliance engrossing.
Be grateful for what you have. Savor that clean water running from your filtered faucet. Trying saying hello to strangers on the street. And relish in the fact that there are still places in the world untouched by modern marvels and free of modern chaos.

Travel Photography

Tomorrow I head off to Panama for a ten day adventure. I absolutely love shooting in new places, capturing different cultures and landscapes. From what I hear of Santa Catalina, Panama- where I am headed- it is a small surf town with one main road, lots of cowboys, creatures and friendly people. I will be sure to post some of the images I get, in the meantime, here are some from previous travels.

Asuka Book Albums

I am proud to now offer professional albums made by Asuka Book. They work exclusively with professional photographers to create exceptional press printed albums. I have created my first sample book with them and am beyond impressed with the creative options, customer service and quality. These books take photo albums to a whole new level of craftsmanship.
I am excited to work with my new brides in creating these story book wedding albums.

Play with Pattern

When shooting, I tend to be drawn towards patterns- repeated elements such as lines, shapes and colors. I often don't even notice my attraction towards pattern until after the fact, while looking at the images on my computer. None the less, I find pattern usually adds balance and a sense of symmetry to the composition.

Spay Day 2010 Pet Photo Contest

Help the Humane Society with their Spay Day 2010 by voting for your favorite pup's picture and donating to a great cause. Vote for my pup Lilah here: https://photocontest.humanesociety.org/contest.html?page=viewInd&id=69817&contestId=2

Wedding Season

As Spring slowly but surely approaches and daylight lingers just a little longer every afternoon, I can't help but let my thoughts wander to wedding season. Whether its a quaint backyard celebration or a grand, sophisticated event, it is always a joyous occasion. I feel incredibly lucky to document the union of people in love and their families. I take pride in being unobtrusive, catching the key wedding moments, but also the quiet connections between people- the glimmer of a tear in the father's eye, the wink of the best man to the groom, the mother of the bride softly kissing her daughter's cheek. It's a dream to shoot these moments in the stunning settings we have on the Cape, back dropped with sun and sea and flowers. It is those moments that help get me through a cold winter day.

I Love Dogs

Dogs are just about my favorite subject to shoot. Their unpredictable nature can make for a difficult shoot, yet almost always yields images that are tender, heart-warming and oozing with personality.
As my Bernese Mountain Dog, Lilah, and I begin therapy dog training, I become more and more enamored. She visits Pleasant bay Nursing Home and I see the faces of grouchy old men melt when they see her, cooing and smiling as they pet her. The nurses' faces light up when she trots down the hall. And my grandmother, who is there recovering from a stroke and learning to speak again, says clear as day "Oh hello!" (to Lilah first, then me of course).
There have been many studies claiming the benefits of simply petting a dog. Their wet noses and wiggling bodies can help aid depression, loneliness and even help lower blood pressure, aid in retrieving memory and increase mobility. Dogs seem to remind us all of simple joys in life. And they certainly display qualities we can all learn from- unending devotion, loyalty and energy, as well as an amazing degree of tolerance and patience.
So, if you own a pooch, go give him or her big hug. If not, stop by your local Animal Shelter next weekend and talk to an employee about adoption, or simply go visit with the pups waiting for a home- you will enjoy petting them just as much as they will.