California Central Coast Engagement Shoot { Nick and Heather }

California Central Coast Engagement Shoot { Daniel & Meagan }

Brandon & Kayleena {Corona Del Mar} Casual portrait session

Just back from Mexico last thursday, I headed down to the beach to meet up with this stellar couple, who we met in Connecticut last fall at Scott & Courtney's wedding at the Yacht Club in Riverside. It was a nice afternoon with some sweet golden light. Thanks guys for hanging out, it was great. Here are a few of my fav's.

It's a beautiful day in San Francisco

Wow, it feels like a fall day! I love beautiful weather!

Have a stellar Monday folks.

Coolest bathtub ever

This tub in our hotel fills up to the ceiling! How cool is that!

Open Source Photo - Seattle 2009

Today I lead a shoot and my buddy Gene Higa and with Nathan Holritz as well, they helped me with the 20 or so photographers who were shooting our couple. We were teaching how to engage, lead and capture couples in a way that is contemporary and makes them look amazing. There is SO much going on in Pike Place Market. I love this little corner of Seattle! Home to where part of my family is from.

Thanks to Gene & Nathan for holding the always reliable California Sunbounce reflector for 2 hours

Then later, I gave my presentation on Leadership & Influence, the same I gave at WPPI 2009

I'll be giving a more intense workshop coming up in a few months in Oahu. I'm really amped about this one. Click here for more info!

Seattle and Pike St. Market.

Nathan Holritz and I are here grabbing a bite to eat and waiting for
our group of photographers with http://www.opensourcephoto.com , OSP
west to lead a photo session down here! I love Seattle.

Waterfront dinner at Ivans

Seattle, GET SIMPLE TOUR & OSP WEST!

Heading to Seattle for Get Simple and OSP West!!!!

Tijuana for a week

After Easter we headed to Tijuana, Mexico to meet up with our former studio manager meagan, who is still part of our company, but fulfilling in different ways. She headed down to mexico 2 weeks ago to be a full time missionary with the youth in one of the local areas. We were a bit nervous crossing the border, but once we got to the area, it was super low key and had the BEST taco shop ever. Oh man, I was craving those tacos every day.

Meagan has been pouring her heart into those in her life, and in her work life, everyone has been very blessed because of her. Its been a blessing to watch her grow, and take responsibility and develop as a woman. We are all proud of her, and she is going to do great down there.

Meagan will be working with the youth and children there and with her bilingual skills and heart for people and what God is doing there in the lives of those who have nothing, who are down and out, kids who no nothing but poverty and are seeking for truth. she is going to have a lot of friends fast. They had a Vacation Bible school down there and there were 20 kids the 1st day who came to the church, the second day there were about 30, and it kept growing every day. there were 20 of us working, building, framing, roofing, painting the playground, fixing the soccer and baskeball courts, and making the place warm and friendly.

I LOVE being able to take some time off work and serve those who are in need. Thats part of the reason why I am so passionate about creating a business that generates freedom. I hope all of you had a great Easter weekend last weekend and as we head into this weekend, have a great friday!

Thought of the Day

I was listening to the radio today, Dave Ramsey's show and he said something that made do a double take. I love these kind of verbal checklist cues. He said:

"The quality of a man's life is directly proportional to his dedication to excellence in everything he does, regardless of his occupation or talents."

- Dave Ramsey (unless he re-quoted it)

This is a challenge to me, as I seek to do everything with excellence, passion and perfection (up to the point, without procrastination). I firmly believe that this is very contagious. We must believe it. Because too many people are influencing others without realizing it (myself included, sometimes).

So how does this relate to me, I seek to be a leader in my life to challenge myself, my character, my wife, and those in my team, in the workplace. We all lead sideways, that is we lead those who look up to us, but we also lead those who are alongside us, our friends. (this is a concept that John Maxwell talks about in his "360 degree leader" book. This would be an excellent book for everyone who wants to learn about how they can realize their potential to influence, grow and be a better leader in life. Everyone leads at some point, whether your a business owner, parent, or even a student in a group project. Be the best you can be, be excellent.

Big Sur, CA Engagement Shoot { Adam & Amanda }

Today we just got back from shooting up in Big Sur! I love this area, Its so beautiful. We started at the Big Sur River Inn, where you can get the BEST breakfast, and then head down to the creek to soak up some sun and meet up with Adam & Amanda from Chicago who are getting married at the Highlands Inn (Hyatt) in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Its bursting with green right now.

Then the winds picked up to 30-40 mph and blew a cool sandstorm like breeze across the ground. I have always seen this but never laid down inside to get coated in sand to get a cool shot like this, but then if I don't take risks, what kind of photographer am I! I love trying new things, even if I fail, there is no loss. Getting wet, cold, sandy, muddy, sore, tired, achy, are all symptoms that tell me I'm trying and pushing the edge. And by the way, none of these are remotely bad things. These are superseded by amazing images that are worth 100 times the risks. Plus my couples get some unique sweet shots.

Thanks guys for hanging out this morning!