A Tribute to a True Adventurer

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

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

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

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!

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

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!

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.