Author Archives: Todd

Santa Cruz – Zoomed In

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In this second part of a two part series “Why I need the big huge lens” I traveled to Santa Cruz and back along it’s coastal road north, Highway 1, to see what I could find. It’s pretty amazing what a pre-conceived “mundane” day can bring about. All I can say is man, I wish I had more days to just photograph.

For those who didn’t catch the first part of the plea with myself and financial responsibilities, I am currently weighing the option of investing in a substantial piece of photographic equipment.  Whether my want will become my need, which may become my remorse, has yet to be seen, but it sure was fun using Nikon’s 200-400mm VR F4 lens.

The sign says it all. That's where I am headed.

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Are Your Wants Really Your Needs?

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My wife’s side of the family likes to razz her about a few lines she has said over the years – one of which is pretty famous. When she was young, she said to her mom, “Mom, I need this,” pointing to whatever current trend was sweeping the pre-pubescent population of girls at the time.  It could have been the Easy Bake Oven, or Barbie’s new Pink Corvette with super sexy and extremely heterosexual Ken Doll.  The point is, she needed it.  And when her mom replied to her, “Jennifer, you don’t need that.  You just want it.”  Jen thought about this for a moment and then shot back, “Yes, but my wants become my needs.”

Jen, wanting me to stop taking pictures of her.

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Elliston Vineyards Wedding – Aaron + Yumi

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When Jen and I returned home from the JET program (teaching English as second language)  years ago, we wondered when, where, and how our limited Japanese skills would come into play.  Turns out, a little “Yoroshuku Onegaishimasu” goes a long way, because that simple greeting led to greater things with Aaron and Yumi.

And it turns out, language brings people together on many levels – for it’s the reason that these two are together as well. Yumi decided to come over to the US and attend school. First she had to get her English skills up to par.  That’s where Aaron and his TOFL goodness came in, instructing Yumi on the finer points of our beloved language.  Today, they got hitched at Elliston Vineyards.

Sweet…

Yumi, waiting. Hit from above camera left with a shoot thru umbrella.

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Bridebound Feature Article

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Woo Hoo!  Got a nice interview and feature write-up in Bridebound, a blog about everything wedding related.  One of the creators, Meredith, found my site and thought my work and website was worthy of having a little spotlight.  I agree!

So head on over and check it out if you like.

Meredith, thanks for the love!

And Aaron and Yumi… don’t worry… you’re up next!

See you down the road.

-Todd

Amy + Ryan

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It’s been a busy few weeks.  Yes, the blog is a bit light of late, but I notice this trend throughout the “blog-o-sphere.” Seems people actually leave their houses and desks once in a while to get some fresh air, and enjoy time with friends and family.  I don’t think there’s any air I would rather smell than that of Lake Tahoe.

Amy's Dress = Amazingly Gorgeous

Majestic mountains, a big blue lake, and chill people make for some pretty good times, and the fact that Amy and Ryan happened to get hitched up there makes it pretty much perfect.

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Amy + Ryan

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Getting married soon in Lake Tahoe, I met Amy and Ryan through my wife’s friend and Amy’s sister, Julie.  They are about as active as you can get, and when they asked me to photograph them wake boarding on Folsom Lake, I thought, “Heck yes that’s a good idea Kip!”  Whether they are rockin’ out to Guitar Hero or pulling air, they are full throttle.  It’s kinda of hard not to be with a twenty something foot ski/wake boat!

Once she slipped in the water, the boards were lauched and the tower was blaring music.  It seemed like before I had my camera turned on, Ryan was shredding all over the place, much to the chagrin of a few fisherman a cove away.  What follows was a good day on the lake.

Throttle Down

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Can’t Get Enough of This Wedding Stuff

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I carry my camera pretty much everywhere I go.  It’s the curse of loving photography, and being a photographer.  I even bring it to weddings that I am invited to as a guest, rather than the paid photographer.  I just can’t help it, and in all cases, I am glad I went the extra mile to keep my eye open and find something fresh.

Mo and Matt were married at Valhalla on Lake Tahoe in early July.  They are fresh off their honeymoon and back to the grind, but I am sure they had a wonderful week in Maui.  I mean, it’s Maui.  How can you go wrong?

Here are a few pics that I snapped along the way.

Forgoing the fun of the wedding, the boys found true pleasure in a Penguin Puzzle.

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Aaron + Yumi

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I met Aaron and Yumi at the Claremont Bridal Fair in Oakland last January.  They were just as they are now, chill and relaxed, cruising through all the chaos. They were kind enough to stop by and chat, and we sort of just hit it off.  After having lived in Japan for 2 years, I busted out some of my limited, but “well-pronounced” Japanese and got a few laughs from Yumi.  “Oh man,” I thought, “they could be a great couple to photograph.”

In all honesty, I really did have that feeling.  I really wanted to get to know them, and to photograph them as well. From a photographer’s standpoint – when you connect with you clients/subjects – the quality and the feeling of the photos improves dramatically.  My advice to all those looking for a photographer.  Make sure you connect.

Heading down to China Beach, it was all fun and games...

So a few months later, we met up for a cup of coffee and a chat.  Well, it all worked out and a bond was formed. We decided to shoot the engagement session at China Beach. I don’t know how we got so lucky with the weather, but Friday the 2nd was much like a day in September, with a fog-less sky, minimal wind, and a great sunset.

Thanks for a great day, being patient, and taking directions so well.  You guys rock!

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Pressed Fresh Daily

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Great news.  Prospect is up and running, and officially, doors open tomorrow, for all the public.  The PR campaign has been hot and heavy, and I am lucky enough to have a photo grace the front page of the Daily Candy San Francisco.

Check out the quick article if you like.

The bar at Prospect greets the patrons as they enter. The space is clean and modern, as is the food and drink.

The Perfect Pit Stop

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The summer solstice already came and went?  It’s been weeks since returning from Spain?  I’m going to dinner at Prospect tonight?   Where does the time go? Thank goodness I have the images to remind me (in detail) of what a wonderful adventure I’ve had thus far.

The streets of San Sebastian.

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