2009 Oakland Fine Arts Summer School Finally::Time of My Life

As some of you guys were aware I participated again this year in the Oakland Fine Arts Summer School program here in Oakland as the photography instructor for 4th and 5th graders. Words cannot express how blessed I was for the opportunity to work with such wonderful kids doing what I love. Although the program ran for 4 weeks I'd like to share just the last two days of the program, one in which the kids put on a showcase event for their parents. This year there were some wonderful instructors in dance and theater not to mention an incredible set and costume design instructor. Since the death of Michael Jackson took place during the program the dance instructor appropriately put together a performance in his honor and the kids absolutely rocked it.

While documenting the showcase I couldn't help but be overwhelmed with a feeling of "My kids are all grown up!!!" I was so proud of all the kids who spent countless hours rehearsing and practicing. This definitely has to be one of the all time highlights of my life.

Lastly check out this article from the SF Chronicle about the program. Too bad they were just there for the morning program (I taught in the afternoon program).

See for yourself!

This year's theme for the Parks and Rec Department


















Some of the boys doing their version of MJ's "I'll be there"

Irma + Ryan::Heat

Last weekend I had the wonderful opportunity to shoot w/ a friend and talented photographer Sam Hassas. This beautiful wedding took place at the Palm Event Center in Pleasanton in Fresno-like heat. The funny thing was that the bride is from the Central valley and at least one of her bridesmaids was from Fresno as well. For those of you who don't know I grew up in Fresno.

Anyways, here are a few from my vantage point.





My tribute to MJ: Straight out of Thriller








Sam contracted a 3rd shooter

Jayne + Jeff::Elevation - Post Wedding Shoot

Yes, so 3 of my last 4 blog post has been on Jayne and Jeff. I'm glad you were paying attention. I promise this is it. What an amazing day after the wedding in the high elevation backcountry of Yosemite. The cloudless sky in the Valley turned out to be a cloud filled sky when we got to our first stop Tenaya Lake. Lots of these shots couldn't have been possible w/o the amazing help of my assistant Lisa.





He's an awesome photographer himself.


Pothole Dome, literally right off Tioga Road.




My favorite moment (rated PG-13)

Jayne + Jeff::Affinity

Through out the course of the day documenting and capturing Jayne and Jeff's wedding at one of the most amazing places on Earth (Yosemite National Park) I had more than a few people who were guest of the party ask how long I've known Jeff for. On more than one occasion his guest thought that Jeff and I had known each other for many years and that I just happened to be a photographer as well. It's rather comical but from the get go during our consultation I felt as if Jeff and I were "brothers from a different mother" for lack of a better description. Even at their wedding this affinity that I have w/ Jeff manifest itself leading many people to think we are long time friends.

A shout out goes to Scott Andrew Studio for coming out to help me document this wedding as well as my sister-in-law Lisa who assisted.

Cheers!