One Camera. One Lens. One Photo a Day.

Neighborhood gathering…

Kate was in all her glory this evening as we gathered with our neighbors for a summer dinner.

It was nice to get to know our neighbors better, share some great BBQ pork and pizza, while the kids were free to play on the playground and the bouncehouse that we all split for the evening.

The kids were exhausted when we went home because now for two nights in a row they’ve been out WAY past bedtime and bath.

Hopefully they’ll make it up, though we have to watch Sparky as his cold is progressing a bit more.

Music in the Park…

Tonight we headed out to the Town Green for the summer, Friday evening, Music in the Park.

The band changed their position because of their staging, so normally we are fairly far away (which makes for easier talking) but tonight they were fairly close.

We had a visit from a former neighbor of mine, Stacy, from Wisconsin.  She was attending a convention in town and called us right out of the blue this week.  Fortunately we were able to get together and she was able to join us for the concert.  Not *quite* like the concerts in downtown Columbus, WI, but close.

Sparky did well all things considering (he’s got a cold coming on) and here he lays on the picnic blanket as he gets a nappy change.

Michele & Jeremy’s Engagement Session…

This afternoon I went down to Temecula to photograph Michele and Jeremy.

They’ll be married later this year on one of the newer winery’s in the area, Wein Family Cellars.

It was great to see them and we had a nice time going over the ceremony site, planning the photo coverage for the wedding and then we got to spend a bit of time with the grapes and the vines.

Hula Hoop Kate…

She’s been wanting one of these things for a few weeks now.

Ever since her friend and neighbor Rhiannon came over and showed what she could do with the hula hoop.

And she could do it — at age 4.

So of course Kate had to try (competitive little thing).

So now’s she’s got it and we figure by Saturday (if not sooner) she’ll have it down.  She’s already getting close.

Jonathan, Balboa Park, San Diego…

He may look like a photographic intimidator but don’t let that fool you — he’s one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet.

Husband to Callie.

Father to Five.

Jonathan Canlas is on a meteoric rise through the business.

Check out his website and his blog.  He’s one of the most diligent bloggers I know and sharing work that is meaningful and personal  as well as work he does for his clients (and THAT work, too, is meaningful and personal — which is the real art to living).

His work has a consistent feel and gentle beauty about it.  He loves photography — he lives it and breaths it  — and it shows.

One of the things that I like most about Jonathan is his honesty which is reflected in his work.  It represents him, what he believes about photography and about marriage and family.

He is doing things that go against the tide in the modern photo industrial complex and because of that he’s gained a large following; folks that want to feed off his inspirational energy.

I’m so glad that he photographed our family today as part of his Film Is Not Dead Workshop, but it was even better just to see him and catch up and feed off that inspirational energy myself.

Asher, San Juan Capistrano,

This image from an evening session with Asher (age 3) down near the train depot.

This was for the Kids of OC project.

I love how he made his way very carefully across the bridge.  I’ll bet in no time he’ll be flying and bouncing across that bridge, only a matter of time.

Max Turns Four…

Another four year old party — this time for our family friend Max.

We had a sweet time watching this little guy enjoy the day — and shared it with friends and his extended family.

Lily’s 4th Birthday Party…

Lily (right) checks in the mirror during her fourth birthday party here in Ladera Ranch.

This is the third year that I’ve photographed Lily and her amazing parties — her Mom and Dad (Mary and Jake) just go all out for these parties.

This year was the Princess theme and the party included a real live Cinderella (oh would Kate have been in heaven — Cinderella is her absolute favorite).

I feel very fortunate to document the lives of my clients and watching their children grow up is a wonderful thing.

Last day of Vacation Bible School…

And the week ended just like it started with Kate — with a tantrum.

On Monday she DIDN’T want to go and Nicki said she was crying and in tears the whole way (all five minutes) to the church.

Once she got there, saw her friends, everything was fine.

The week went well, she loved it, hung out with her buddies and life was back to normal.

Or so we thought.

This morning came and the perfectionist and her hair was flaring her nostrils at us.  Here Nicki tries to apease the Madam, brushing her hair holding Sparky in the other hand, after we dropped her off.

Moonrise, San Clemente, California…

This evening I attended a business gathering in downtown San Clemente.

Getting there a tiny bit late, but after we put the kids to bed, I saw this scene while walking to the location.

Even though it’s summer, it’s often still quite cool at the beach, and in the evening clouds roll in…