A Self Portrait (also titled: What happens when a photographer is shut inside because of rain)

Everyone knows that I really love photography. But not everyone knows that it's because, in a very small part, I don't have to be in the picture. I don't like having my picture taken. So what happens when you're a photographer, shut inside because of an insane amount of rain, have no money left because it all went to Christmas presents, and are afraid to take pictures of your kids due to "overexposure?" Well you begin thinking of crazy things to do, with the only subject willing to do it. Below is the result. Enjoy, and I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas!

How heroes celebrate the season

I had a chance to party with some hardworking crime fighters for the holiday season. The San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office had their annual Holiday Party at the Ayres Hotel in Ontario, California. Everyone took a break from prosecuting criminals to celebrate the holiday season and catch up with fellow coworkers. Since the county is geographically the largest one in the contiguous United States, some members of the office have never even met one another before this event. From the pictures, you can see that everyone had a great time. Even the District Attorney himself, Michael Ramos got down with it!

Photography at "Lunch"

My very good friend and hair stylist, Albert Vergara invited me to join him and his wife in building a few portfolios for some potential models. He hosted the photo shoot at his salon, Lunch Salon in Sierra Madre. After shaking out a few nerves with some of the models (it was their first time in front of a professional lens for some of them), the energy started flowing and we got some great shots! And yes, those are really all tattoos on Penelope!

Anil, Lyvia + Family

Anil and Lyvia have a beautiful family and wanted to memorialize this with a portrait of them as well as their extended family, which include Anil's parents and his brother's family. They chose a quaint little place called English Springs Park in Chino Hills. The family dressed up for the photographs, which made getting a good shot very easy. However, the show stealers were the little ones, as you'll see in the photographs below. Simply adorable!

Been a very bad, bad boy

Hi everyone,

Life's been pretty busy in the recent past and I've been neglecting this blog. No excuse, but my main work, and two energetic, curious children totally got my attention (see a picture of them below). However, I'm back to update this blog and keep it updated! So in the next few weeks, you'll see what I've been up to in the past year. Some posts may not be in chronological order, but all my work will be finally updated.

Bryan

Patricia + John

Earlier this year, I hosted a "Trash the Dress" photography session at the Santa Fe Dam. The superintendant of the park is the nicest guy and helped me out tremendously in organizing that event and also saving me some money in permit fees too. Well, this superintendant, John, saw the results of that photo session and hired me to capture his wedding day memories. Turns out the bride, Patricia, is as nice as he is! The ceremony was held at Holy Family Catholic Church in Artesia. We took a break nearby at the Cerritos City Hall and Sculpture Garden to grab a few shots and then it was off to the party at the Cerritos Senior Center where John, Patricia, and everyone danced and partied the night away.

Please click on a picture to enlarge it.

Of Bar Mitzvahs and Broncos

If there's one thing I love almost as much as photography, it's learning about another culture. This past weekend, I was introduced in depth to the Jewish religion when I had the privilege to document Jeremy's Bar Mitzvah. I learned a great deal about Judiasm and more specifically the importance of the coming of age of a Jewish child.
Jeremy celebrated his Bar Mitzvah at the Congregation Emanu El of San Bernardino. I have to give Rabbi Douglas Kohn many thanks. He was the officiant of the ceremony and educated those not familiar with the Jewish faith about the nuances and importance of the faith. He also permitted me to have a front row seat to photograph Jeremy's coming of age, which gave me the opportunity to take some fabulous pictures!
The celebration continued afterwards at The National Orange Show Events Center. The staff outdid themselves decorating the hall with a Denver Broncos theme. Did I forget to tell you that Jeremy's father, Greg, is a HUGE Broncos fan? Well, the pictures did not do justice to all the hard work the staff put into the event. Jeremy and family had a lot of fun dancing, playing games, and eating way too much!

Please click on each picture to see an enlarged view.