Behind T's Lens

Yarn

2012-01-28T16:32:00.000-08:00

Another passion I have is arts and crafts and sewing. Fabric, paper, crochet, embroidery, yarn and more.

I'm combining my talents. Let's see where this takes me. I'm looking for a new adventure.

Thinking About Halloween

2011-09-17T21:34:00.000-07:00

Found this beauty in my backyard. I guess I don't have to decorate for Halloween.

Eagle Lake, Lake Tahoe, California [Theresa Le, family time]

2011-09-10T11:23:00.000-07:00

I know it's been a while since I posted. I'm so sorry. It's been a busy summer and even a busier start to the school year.

I've been wanting to post this image for a while. I finally am taking a minute to do so.

Every summer we go to Lake Tahoe. This image is from one of our favorite hikes, Eagle Lake.

After a one mile hike, mostly on rocks, you arrive to Eagle Lake. This is what you see as you arrive. Spectacular! Especially this past June. There was quite a bit of snow in Tahoe still and it made for a beautiful reward from our hike. We sat and had lunch and enjoyed the view.

Aaaahhh, summer, how I miss you.

2011 Fireworks

2011-07-13T22:21:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite holidays is 4th of July. I love birthdays and celebrating the birth of our fabulous country is at the top of my list.

There is nothing else like fireworks. I love watching them and photographing them.

This years 4th of July my family and I headed to the big city....San Francisco. I grabbed my tripod, camera, and a blanket. It was chili but perfectly clear. We were told it was the first 4th of July in several years without fog. We saw the most spectacular show at the Marina Green.

Using "bulb" and my remote was so fun shooting these images.

Hope you had a wonderful 4th of July.

Senior Portraits [Senior Portraits by Theresa Le]

2011-05-26T20:33:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year. Graduations. Juniors will become seniors overnight.

As you start planning your teenagers senior year, think about senior portraits. Would you like something a little different? Something more personal. A portrait that will bring out the true spirit of your senior. Call me for a complementary consultation. I would be happy to take portraits of your senior.

Sneak Peak [Family Portraits by Theresa Le]

2011-01-04T21:39:00.000-08:00

This is a family I've photographed before. They are an active fun loving family. Always a joy to work with.

Twice As Cute [Theresa Le photographs newborn twins]

2010-12-27T17:31:00.000-08:00

There is nothing like a newborn baby. Two newborn babies are twice as cute, twice as many smiles, giggles and tears.

This brother and sister team was a challenge, but well worth it.

Quote of the Day

2010-12-17T23:00:00.000-08:00

No matter how sophisticated the camera, the photographer is still the one that makes the picture.

~ Doug Bartlow

Sonoma Coast

Photographing the First Snow of the Season

2010-11-20T23:43:00.000-08:00

Lake Tahoe

A trip through the Corn Maze [Theresa Le, family time]

2010-11-13T12:01:00.000-08:00

Halloween morning my family and I went to the Swank Farm Corn Maze for the first time. I highly recommend it if you are in the Hollister, CA area in October.

California Academy of Science [Theresa Le, family time]

2010-11-12T16:30:00.000-08:00

At the end of October we were scheduled to go camping. Me with one daughter and her Girl Scout troop. The other daughter with my husband for a daddy camping weekend. Well, both camping trips got rained out. What to do instead?

I grabbed my camera and the four of us headed to The City (San Francisco). We thought it was a perfect day to check out the California Academy of Science. We hadn't been there since they remodeled.

WOW! Beautiful! Some of the original things we remembered and many new things. One of my favorites was the rain forest. I could have spent all day in there. I might go back to do just that.

Here are just a few of the images from our visit.

Sneak Peak [Infant Portraits by San Jose Photographer Theresa Le]

2010-09-19T22:55:00.000-07:00

Baby bubbles, little feet and tiny toes. How I love photographing infants.

This baby was so amazing during her photo shoot. She just loved the camera. No matter where I was she was looking at the camera. I had such a hard time getting her profile. She kept turning her head. So cute!

A Day at the Beach

2010-09-12T00:17:00.000-07:00

Images of Day Camp

2010-08-02T13:08:00.000-07:00

I volunteer with the Girl Scouts. I am a co-leader of a troup, but I also volunteer my time as a photographer. I will photograph different events through out the year (at no charge). My favorite is Day Camp. I not only bring Day Camp home to the parents, but I try to capture the spirit of Girl Scouting and Day Camp. Capturing memories for all the campers and staff.

We are very blessed that our Day Camp is outside. It truly feels like camp. Here are some images of what we call home for one week every Summer for Girl Scout Day Camp.

Getting ready for creek walking. One of the many fun things we do at camp.

My younger daughter doing the Monkey Bridge. She was too scared to do it last year. This year she was determined to do it. She not only discovered courage she didn't know she had, but she learned sometimes we need to do things that are scary. She was so proud of herself! I am very proud of her. I did it last year along with my older daughter. I was very scared, but was proud of myself for doing it.

No One Writes Letters Anymore

2010-07-13T15:38:00.000-07:00

I took this photograph on our Gypsy Tour of the West. These feather pens and ink wells were in the general store at Fort Bridger, Wyoming. Our docent told us all about how they did things in the 1800's.

Seeing these feather pens and ink wells lined up on the shelf made me think of old fashioned letter writing. With computers, email, and Facebook, not many people send handwritten letters anymore. I try to send out cards for birthdays, Christmas and other special occasions, but I couldn't tell you when the last time I sat down and hand wrote a simple letter.

I love receiving letters and notes. Who wouldn't. There is never anything really fun that comes in the mail. My favorite professional photographer magazine, but that's about it.

I use many of my art images on note cards. I have a special idea for this image. I'm going to start writing more letters!

Gypsy Tour of the West

2010-07-10T17:48:00.000-07:00

It has been a busy few months. I'm so sorry for not being good about posting to my blog.

The day school got out my husband, two daughters and I headed out on a road trip. We call it our "Gypsy Tour of the West." Seven states in two weeks! Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and California.

WOW! What a trip. We had so much fun. We saw some of our beautiful country, the Salt Flats, Fort Bridger, Grand Canyon, Petroglyph National Monument, Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin West and much more.

I chose one image from each state to share with you. Except California. I had to add a few more. You'll see why.

Nevada

Nevada was just beautiful. I couldn't believe there was still snow on the mountains. IN JUNE. It did make for a beautiful drive. Note: I took this while my husband was driving at 75 - 80 mph.

Utah

Another beautiful state. Actually, we didn't see an ugly state. We loved them all. Again, I took this while my husband was driving at 75 - 80 mph. Oh, and I did drive some of the time. I actually drove from Reno, NV to Salt Lake City, UT.

Wyoming

This was taken at Fort Bridger, Wyoming. I have never seen dandelions look so beautiful.

Colorado

My husband was the photographer for this image. This is at the Garden of the Gods. So beautiful!

New Mexico

I just had to take pictures of these beautiful cactus flowers. These happen to be at Petroglyph National Monument in Albuquerque.

Arizona

None other than the Grand Canyon. So absolutely beautiful!

California

Can you guess our last stop on our road trip?

Do you know where we went yet? One last image...

Disneyland! Did you guess correct?

We surprised our girls. It was their very first trip. It just about killed me to keep the secret, but I wanted them to enjoy the entire trip. We saw so much. It was worth it. My older daughter had tears of joy in her eyes when we asked them, "Do you want to go across the street and go to Disneyland?" We must be the only family who has walked into Disneyland crying.

Our road trip comes to an end. We didn't really want it to. Again, I took this while my husband was driving at 70 mph.

A trip of a lifetime. Spending time with family and friends. Showing our young daughters our beautiful country and teaching them about our history. We loved it all!

Look for more images from the "Gypsy Tour of the West" in future posts.

California Poppies at the Ocean

2010-05-15T11:53:00.000-07:00

This image was taken with my point-and-shoot camera on a family day in Monterey.

Sneak Peak [Family Portraits by San Jose Photographer Theresa Le]

2010-04-08T20:49:00.000-07:00

A few months ago I did this portrait session and am just now getting to post them to my blog.

This is such a beautiful family. So sweet and gentle. The older boy is about 3 years old. You know that really fun age when they don't like their picture taken. Mom and Dad were getting a little worried. I reassured them that if they didn't like the images I would come back....no charge. That is my policy with any client. That seemed to help.

When they received their online web proof gallery these parents were sure I had come back and photographed their son with out them knowing. I assure you I did not.

Girls Glamour Photo Shoot Night

2010-02-22T22:16:00.000-08:00

A few weeks before Valentine's Day I set up my studio and invited some of my clients and friends over for a fun night of glamour and photography. A perfect gift for their Valentine. I hope the men loved the prints as much as the ladies like modeling.

If you are interested in having your own Girls Glamour Photo Shoot Party contact me. I would love to give you all the information.

My Two Hour Vacation

2010-02-13T23:11:00.000-08:00

I have a "To Do" list a mile long, but the gorgeous sun pulled me outside today. With my camera in hand, I took my girls for a walk to "our pond" and the park. It was a much needed break for all three of us. I'm so glad I tossed the "To Do" list aside for a few hours to play with my girls!

Super Bowl Sunday

2010-02-07T23:14:00.000-08:00

America's unofficial holiday. We gather together to watch the two best football teams of the season. With the best finger food and drinks in hand we cheer on our team.

This year, the Saints and the Colts battled it out for the Super Bowl Title. It was a great game. I'm so excited for the Saints. What a great day for New Orleans!

Hope you enjoyed Super Bowl Sunday. We sure did.

Quote of the Day

2010-01-26T21:34:00.000-08:00

I don't go out looking for pictures. I go out, and if something catches my eye, that's reason enough to photograph it.

- Henry Wessel

A Night in San Jose

A Rainy Day

2010-01-18T13:11:00.000-08:00

It's a rainy day, but I wanted to shoot. One of my goals is to shoot more this year. Even if I don't have a photography job, just to go out and shoot.

So, what is a photographer to do on a rainy Monday? Shoot the rain! I hope you enjoy your rainy day.

Eggs [Food Photography]

2010-01-11T17:17:00.000-08:00

I'm starting to get into food photography and I love it.

I thought it might be fun to post my latest images here. Here are some eggs I was photographing today.

Sneak Peak [Wedding]

2010-01-09T22:47:00.000-08:00

A wedding over looking Lake Tahoe. It was the perfect day, for a wonderful couple.

I was lucky enough to have my husband as my second shooter for this wedding. Now I could get use to that!

Thank you B and E for allowing us to photograph your special day. Congratulations!

Sneak Peak [Family Portraits]

2009-12-18T22:07:00.000-08:00

This client called me for a family portrait session. Her mother is 90 years old and doesn't like her picture taken. Photographing anyone who is not crazy about getting their picture taken is a little like getting a toddler to smile for a picture. You need them to feel comfortable with you. You need them to think about something else besides the camera.

This family was a lot of fun. I loved seeing them together. They were very fun to photograph.

Here are a few of my favorites from the session.

Sneak Peak [Portrait Session]

2009-12-18T21:50:00.000-08:00

I had the privilege of photographing this wonderful couple not too long ago. I photographed them in and around their home. I loved their little dog. She is so cute. I was told she is the best dog in the world. I have no doubt.

Here are a few of my favorites from their session.

Sneak Peak [Glamour Portraits]

2009-11-24T10:30:00.000-08:00

Last week I did a special portrait session for a Mary Kay unit meeting. I love doing these sessions. I go to a Mary Kay unit meeting with my traveling studio and do glamour portraits for the guests (and consultants). It's a lot of fun.

We do before pictures. After a wonderful makeover we do the glamour portraits. I bring boas, wraps and jewelry....all the fun accessories they need to look and feel like a star.

Here are my favorite glamour shots of each of my models from that night.

Would you like your own glamour session? I would be happy to go to your home (SF Bay Area only, sorry) with my traveling studio and do some fun glamour shots with you and your friends. Contact me for details.

Sneak Peak [Portrait Session]

2009-11-19T15:01:00.000-08:00

There is nothing like a sister. Sisters are friends forever. Some sisters are closer than others.

Recently I photographed these three beautiful sisters. You can tell these three had fun times as children. They take care of each other and are good friends. Defiantly, friends forever. I had a wonderful time working with them.

Ghosts, Goblins, Witches, and Princesses

2009-10-30T23:05:00.000-07:00

I love Halloween. A chance to become someone or something else for a day. To be childlike. Creativity and imagination. Candy.

I hope everyone has a safe and fun Halloween.

Let's Go Fly a Kite

2009-09-05T23:23:00.000-07:00

I spent some quality time with my two daughters today. I took them to Capitola Beach to see the sand castles. What a beautiful day! Their favorite part of the day....flying their new miniature kites.

What a relaxing day!

Talking With Your Hands

2009-08-29T18:47:00.000-07:00

Communication.....it comes in many forms.....speach, hands, written, art...photography.

Language.....there are so many different languages in this world. American Sign Language is so beautiful to watch. Hands flowing from one form to another. Each hand formation a different word.

Sneak Peak [Wedding]

2009-08-27T21:59:00.001-07:00

I love weddings. The start of life together. Celebrating your love for each other with family and friends.

This was a beautiful outdoor wedding. I feel honored the bride and groom asked me to be their wedding photographer. Here are just a few images from their special day.

Congratulations to the newlyweds. May their life together bring much happiness, love, and laughter.

Sneak Peak [Engagement Portraits]

2009-08-06T20:44:00.000-07:00

In love. Engagement sessions are always so much fun. I enjoy helping a couple take some time out of their busy wedding planning to enjoy one another.

Congratulations to S and D. Their special day will be here before they know it. I wish them all the best and may their love continue to grow more with each passing year.

Quote of the Day

2009-08-02T14:28:00.000-07:00

When I have a camera in my hand, I know no fear.

- Alfred Eisenstaedt

Quote of the Day

2009-07-19T16:16:00.000-07:00

If your pictures aren't good enough, you're not close enough.

- Robert Capa

Quote of the Day

2009-07-06T23:06:00.001-07:00

Sometimes I do get to places just when God's ready to have somebody click the shutter.

- Ansel Adams

Happy 4th of July!

2009-07-03T22:42:00.000-07:00

We are a very patriotic family. My checks have the American Flag on them. We hang our flag outside every holiday we can and often just because. Our daughters are in the 4th of July parade and sing patriotic songs. We love our country and are thankful for all the men and women who have fought for us and given us our freedom! I cry when I say The Pledge Of Allegiance.

We live in a great country. I love celebrating the 4th of July and all those who have made it great!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!

Quote of the Day

2009-06-29T22:42:00.000-07:00

Ansel Adams in 1930 had been training to become a concert pianist while considering a career as a photographer. He decided, after seeing the photographs by Paul Strand, that "the camera, not the piano, would shape [his] destiny." His mother and aunt both pleaded, "Do not give up the piano! The camera cannot express the human soul!" To which Adams replied, "The camera cannot, but the photographer can."

- Ansel Adams
in "Black & White Magazine for Collector of Fine Photography"
October 2000, Page: 76

Quote of the Day

2009-06-21T21:46:00.001-07:00

I photograph anything that can be exposed to light. The reason during the twenties that I photographed plants was that I had three children under the age of four to take care of so I was cooped up. I had a garden available and I photographed them indoors.
Later when I was free I did other things.

- Imogen Cunningham

Summer Begins

2009-06-20T11:37:00.001-07:00

Tomorrow is the first day of Summer. Here are a few things that come to mind when I think of Summer.

The Beach, The Lake...spending time near the water.

Lazy Summer afternoons reading a good book.

Camping and S'mores!

Quote of the Day

2009-06-14T11:37:00.000-07:00

Photography takes an instant out of time,
altering life by holding it still.

- Dorothea Lange

First Holy Communion Portraits

2009-06-11T16:57:00.000-07:00

After a two year long religious education process, Catholic children will receive their First Eucharist or First Holy Communion. In most cases when the child is in Second Grade.

The boys dress in suits and the girls in white dresses, usually with some type of head piece. Not always a veil. My daughter wanted the veil. The idea of dressing like a princess or bride is too hard to resist.

I think my daughter could enjoy the Sunday following her First Eucharist when she could take Communion at mass on her own. No longer nervous she could enjoy the celebration.

Summer Begins

2009-06-05T16:14:00.000-07:00

I know that the official first day of Summer is not until 20 June, but as far as I'm concerned when school is finished it's Summer! I don't know who is more excited my daughters or me!

As you are out enjoying your family and friends think of family portraits. Now is a great time to get them done.

Happy Summer!

Coyote Point Museum

2009-06-01T19:32:00.000-07:00

I'm the co-leader of my daughters Girl Scout Brownie Troop and this past weekend we took the troop on their last field trip of the school year—Coyote Point Museum.

What a fantastic little gem. If you have not been to this place and you live in the Bay Area I highly recommend it. You could easily make a day of it. You could even do a mini vacation or a staycation. Spend the night in a hotel and the next day tour around San Francisco.

Well, now that I've planned your vacation...let's continue with my post. Not only am I co-leader, but (big surprise) I'm Troop Photographer. The girls are fun and this field trip I got some great shots. Here area few of my favorites.

Kauai

2009-06-01T13:48:00.000-07:00

We spend Easter break on Kauai. We never go away for the holidays, but had the opportunity to go and took it.

We had never been to Kauai. Both my husband and I have been to other Hawaiian Islands, but neither of us to Kauai. Our girls had never been at all. It was the best vacation we have ever taken. The weather was beautiful and it was so relaxing. Just what we all needed. We did not want to come back home. Which explains why I have been absent from my blog.

I, of course, took my camera. It took up half my suitcase. You don't need much when traveling to Kauai. I took hundreds of photographs. Here are just a few of my very favorites.

Sneak Peak

2009-04-02T21:30:00.000-07:00

This is what being parents and having a family is all about. Truly enjoying one another and having fun. This family is all that and more.

The kids were not sure about me at first. I know they were thinking who is this lady following us around with a big 'ol camera? They did warm up and we had a fun morning.

Amgen Tour of California 2009

2009-03-17T21:50:00.001-07:00

I just realized I never posted these images!

My family and I are bike race fans. We watch many of the races on TV. It's been a tradition to watch the Tour de France every Summer. Some of our favorite to watch are Lance Armstrong and Levi Leipheimer. Even my daughters (ages 6 and 7) get into the races.

We were very excited to be able to watch these wonderful athletes ride through our city in the Amgen Tour of California 2008 race. I posted some images I took when I started my blog. Last year it was a beautiful sunny day. At times the sun hid behind the clouds, but the weather was nice and when the racers approached the finish line the sun was on their backs.

This year was a different story. It rained. I wish I had someone to take my picture. I was by myself this year. It would have been nice to have a third hand to hold an umbrella, but I had my jacket hood on instead. I, of course, wanted to protect my camera from the rain, so I jimmy rigged a protective rain cover. It was made of a heavy plastic bag and duck tape. Good old duck tape. What would we do with out it. It worked perfect. My camera stayed dry.

I was excited at the thought of being able to see Lance Armstrong race again. As you may know, he came out of retirement and plans to race in the Tour de France this year.

You can see Lance Armstrong and the rest of the Astana team in this first image. Lance is near the front of the peloton on the right side of the image. Look for his Livestrong yellow jersey. I'm sure Levi Leipheimer is there as well, but you can't tell which one he is.

I had a great time standing out in the rain with my gear waiting for these amazing athletes and taking pictures like crazy as they raced by. I hope you enjoy my images.

Congratulations to Levi Leipheimer for winning

his third straight Amgen Tour of California!

Morning Dew

2009-03-17T19:52:00.001-07:00

In my rush to get inside to start some work, after dropping off my daughters at school, I was stopped by the most beautiful morning dew I have ever seen. Perfect tiny glass balls attached to each point of each leaf of my rose bushes.

I couldn't stop looking at it. I rushed inside to grab my camera. I was hoping it would last, but of course after a few hours, it evaporated. I am so glad I took the time to stop and enjoy nature before it was gone.

What To Do With Beautiful Babies....

2009-02-02T17:02:00.000-08:00

take their photograph, of course!

Especially if you get a funny face!

Happy New Year!

2009-01-26T21:59:00.000-08:00

Special Portrait Session Price with Ad

2009-01-25T13:18:00.000-08:00

Last year I place a small ad (big for me) in Bay Area Parent's b.a.b.y. magazine. It's a great resource for new parents or parents of small children. Check your local library or pediatricians office for copies.

I also placed a phone listing in Bay Area Parent's Family Navigator magazine. Another great resource for families. This issue of Family Navigator has just come out. Look for copies at your local library, school, or pediatricians office.

Have I got a deal for you...

Special Portrait Session Price

Bring me one of my ads

(original magazine ad only, no digital copies will be accepted)

and your portrait session will be only $125

(including one 5x7 or 8x10 print)

No cash value to this offer. Not valid with any other offer. This is a special portrait session package. Special price not valid with any of my regular portrait session packages.

What a deal! Hurray!

Offer ends March 1, 2009!

Photography Fun

2009-01-08T14:07:00.000-08:00

One of my goals for 2009 is to take more photographs. I want to just get out and take pictures. Shoot, shoot, shoot.

I thought I would have some fun with my camera before putting Christmas away yesterday. I hope you enjoy these images.

Can you guess what type of flowering plant this is?

Happy New Year from Lake Tahoe

2009-01-01T17:36:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! I would like to thank all my wonderful clients. 2008 was a great year and I look forward this new year.

My family and I are ringing in the new year in beautiful Lake Tahoe. Here are some images and fun portrait images I wanted to share with you.

No one is safe in a snowball fight with this one.

GOTCHA!

Maternity Portraits Sneak Peak

2008-11-20T23:19:00.000-08:00

Last weekend I had the honor and privilege of photographing this beautiful mother-to-be. We were able to get the daddy-to-be in several images as well.

I hope mommy-to-be is able to enjoy this sneak peak before her baby arrives. I want to wish her all the very best. I can't wait to photograph the new baby with mommy and daddy.

Any Camera to Capture the Moment

2008-11-11T15:33:00.001-08:00

I don't always have one of my Nikon SLR cameras with me. Sometimes I have my Canon Point-and-Shoot. Other times, the only camera I have with me is my cell phone. That's probably not good to tell the world--I don't carry my camera around everywhere I go. I have two young children and that's just life. Sometimes I want a day off.

Although, it seems to be those times, that I don't have my SLR with me, that I see something I want to capture.

Here are two of those times. I took these two images with my cell phone.

Just goes to show, it's not the expensive equipment that takes a good photograph. It's the talent and training of the artist taking the photograph.

Fall Colors in San Jose, CA

Smith Center at Ohlone College, Fremont, CA

Happy Halloween

2008-10-30T22:08:00.001-07:00

I absolutely love Halloween. I love everything about it; going to the pumpkin patch, decorating the front porch, costumes, school parades and parties, handing out candy, going trick-or-treating, and carving pumpkins.

I hope you capture some wonderful Halloween memories.

Special Mini Session for November 2008!

2008-10-27T15:34:00.000-07:00

Special Mini Session

for Holiday Cards & Gifts

For the Month of November 2008 Only

$250 session fee includes:

• 30 minute session for up to 4 subjects

($25 for each additional subject)

• personal online gallery of 8 to 10 images

• $150 print credit

(Print credit can be used toward any item on price list.)

Contact me to schedule your session.

theresa@TheresaLePhotography.com

(408) 226-1211

Finger-Painting Fun!

2008-10-26T21:14:00.000-07:00

I am lucky enough to be able to volunteer in both my daughters classrooms. Last week was finger-painting day in my daughters Kindergarten class.

All the kids had so much fun. I just had to share this image I was able to sneak in, of my daughter, between helping kids with their paintings.

Charlotte

2008-10-12T21:05:00.000-07:00

Charlotte lives at my parents house. Right outside the kitchen window at the front porch. What a beauty.

My girls and I went to see her today. I had to show her off to you. My parents have been watching her grow for a month or so now. Charlotte is about 1 inch long from the tip of her back legs to the tip of her front legs. I have no idea what type of spider she is. From what I can see on the web, Charlotte is a common garden spider. I've never seen one so big. My parents must have better bugs than I do.

Charlotte disappears for a little while then returns with a nice lunch in her web. I found out where she goes. In the Camellia bush right below her web. She's got a prime spot. No wonder she's so big.

California Poppy

2008-10-09T22:00:00.001-07:00

My husband and I take a walk one morning a week while our daughters are in school. I look forward to that walk all week.

On our walk we see squirrels, turkeys, lizards, and birds. There is the occasional bicyclist and jogger.

Today, there was a single lone California Poppy. Glowing in the sun. It was beautiful.

A Tribute to a True Adventurer

2008-09-09T18:29:00.000-07:00

A week ago today my step-uncle, Tim Johnson, was killed in a motorcycle accident. This man lived to ride. He drove over 700,000 miles on his motorcycle since the 1960's. Adventure was his middle name. On his website he says,

"Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely and in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways totally worn out, shouting..."Holy shit, What a Ride!"

This was Tim. All of Tim's friends, family, co-workers, and even a mere acquaintance will miss him terribly. The one thing we have is that Tim died doing what he loved....riding his motorcycle. He lived by what he said. He did what he loved. He loved his family and told them so often. If he said he would do something, he did it. He didn't do anything half way.

The stories his friends and family told at his funeral service last Saturday were wonderful. What a man. His motorcycle friends gave him the most wonderful tribute. Forty-two motorcycles were escorted to Tim's funeral service by the CHP. What a sight. I'm not a motorcycle rider, but I respect the bike and can understand the love and the passion. As I took these images of Tim's friends I was crying. Crying for the wonderful tribute they paid him, crying for the loss of a life cut way too short. (he was only 53)

I'm sure he is in heaven right now riding like the wind. May Tim rest in peace.

God Bless

Prom Night

2008-09-09T18:17:00.000-07:00

After we came back from our family vacation I had a prom night photography job. What a fun night. It was a 5oth birthday party, which now, apparently, you need to have a fun, themed, party. (this is the second I've done) Well, this was fun! The birthday girl didn't go to her prom. This was her big night and what a night it was.

Her closest family and friends where all there, dressed in their formal prom attire. I was there with my backdrop, studio lights and camera. A giant moon was made especially for the portraits.

Here is a portrait of the birthday girl and her wonderful husband. She looks absolutely wonderful!

Family Vacation

2008-09-09T16:54:00.001-07:00

Yes, I'm still here. I'm sorry I haven't been good about updating my blog. I promise to be better.

The day after my Air2 photo shoot we went on vacation. We had a wonderful family vacation in sunny San Diego. We visited with friends, went shopping and went to the Air and Space museum. Here is an image I took of my girls at a mall in San Diego.

Photographing a Helicopter Pilot

2008-07-18T22:32:00.000-07:00

Before I left for vacation I had the honor of shooting one of San Jose's finest. This officer (well, sergeant actually) is also a helicopter pilot! Pretty impressive. How many people can say they are a helicopter pilot, a police sergeant, and a woman? Not many.

I had a great time with J and SJPD's Air-2. She flew this helicopter for 5 years. I am honored she asked me to tell her story with my photography.

Happy Birthday America!

2008-06-29T22:33:00.000-07:00

There is nothing like watching fireworks on the 4th of July. Celebrating America's birthday is one of my favorite holidays.

I hope you have fun with your family and friends celebrating America's Birthday!

Kids/Family Photography Class

2008-06-26T20:56:00.000-07:00

I just got back from my annual class at Golden Gate School of Professional Photography (GGS). GGS holds classes every June for professional photographers and people just starting a photography business. They have classes to help us in every aspect of our business. It's also a great way to network.

This year I took a class from the award winning kids and family photographer Jennifer Wilson. I learned a lot and made some great new friends. I look forward to putting everything I learned into place.

Smile!

2008-06-01T21:40:00.000-07:00

I thought I would share a few of my favorite images from some recent portrait sessions.

It's not always easy making children laugh and smile when you put a camera in front of them. They need to be in the right mood. They need to feel comfortable with the people around them.

The beads didn't make this beautiful one year old smile or laugh, but it kept her in one place. Which is another issue. Once they can move they move, and fast.

All three of these children were a joy to photograph. I look forward to watching them grow and photographing them in the future.

Loss of First Tooth

2008-04-17T14:28:00.000-07:00

We all have those special events and moments we look forward to and remember. For a 6 year old one of the biggest events is losing their first tooth. It seems to take forever for that little tooth to fall out. When it does, it's the most exciting day.

That is one of the best things about my job. I have the opportunity to capture those special moments.

Art, Photography, and Family

2008-03-28T20:46:00.000-07:00

I had the most relaxing, wonderful day on Wednesday. My husband and I took our two daughters to San Francisco for a family day. We went to several museums. Saw all types of art from Photography (Annie Leibovits) to Renaissance, 17th-19th Century Decorative Art to the Dead Sea Scrolls to modern art, complete with 3D glasses and everything. It was all a joy to see. I especially enjoyed seeing the art through my daughters' eyes. Everything so new.

Our daughters (5 and 6 years old) did wonderfully. They both enjoyed everything. Our 6 year old loved it and drank everything in. It was amazing to see. Both girls loved the 3D art

and didn't want to leave. Our 5 year old kept looking at some of the art strangely. I would ask her what she thought and her response, with a peculiar look, was "I don't know." I told her that was fine. Although on one painting, I'm sorry I don't remember the artist, she asked why the women was sad and why the man's (dead soldier) hand was green. Good questions. I tried to answer them as best I could.

We ended our day with dinner in The Castro with my sister-in-law and her boyfriend. A wonderful end to a fantastic day.

Of course, I can't go to The City and not have my camera. These images are just a few from our day. I hope you enjoy them.

The next three images are titled: A Week Night Evening Stroll In The Castro

...and my blog begins

2008-03-22T21:17:00.000-07:00

I will use this blog to post my favorite images from portrait sessions, as well as sneak peaks, and news about Theresa Le Photography. I will also add "just for fun" images. I hope you will enjoy my blog.

For my first entry I will leave you with a few of my favorite images from the Tour of California bike race.