Living Beautifully

You The Man Tom

Mon, 22 Nov 2010 12:11:36 -0800

Last week, on a beautiful, early Spring late afternoon/early evening, I got to photograph Wendy, Tom and their 3 kids: Teddy, Sammy and Danny (you think you’re confused?!) So, they loaded up the mini van, I loaded up the car and off we went to play.

Like most dads I photograph, Tom is a professional model:} Well, not full time anymore, but he was, you know, back in the day. You can just tell. The way he looks. The way he moves. This guy was born to be in front of the camera. All it took was a few “you the man Tom” and it was on. Blue Steel baby.

Anyway, Tom needed a little “me” time, a 25,000 thread count towel and a hair/makeup break, so we took some of the kids without mom and dad. After Tom finished pouting, we let the boys splash mom and dad, but mom, like any good mom, took off for dry land and left Tom to do battle on his own.  I think the boys won.

We all got a bit wet, had a blast and created some great family art.

If you see Tom, ask him about his modeling career and his AAA discount.

Live Beautifully,
Michae

Bella at 10 Days Old

Fri, 22 Oct 2010 12:15:40 -0700

Friday, in between painting in the morning and playing golf in the late afternoon, I got to photograph one of my favorite type of portrait sessions: a newborn and a newborn with her mom and/or dad. This time the clients were friends, Wes and Shannie, and their 11 day old daughter, Bella.

Of course, there is something magical about a baby, so small and dependent, but so strong, stirring with so much life. This was especially fun because Wes is fully sleeved and the contrast of the tattoos and the baby was striking.

It also reinforced my idea to change my camera room to all natural light. The light, with the help of bed sheets and reflectors was spectacular, caressing the baby while highlighting the tattoos. It’s so much fun and so beautiful to see the light through the viewfinder, unlike a flash where you have to guess how the light is going to look. I feel like a kid at a PlayStation store.

If you, or someone you know, has, or will have in the near future, a newborn baby - younger than two weeks - give me a call or drop me an email. I want some more portrait samples, so with a $45 donation to Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, I’ll donate a studio portrait session and one 5x7 ($250 value).

Live Beautifully,
Michael

Ally in Shakespeare Play

Fri, 3 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Today, at La Reina, Ally was voted best comedic actress at the Shakespeare Festival. Can you say Tony?
This is the two minute version of all Ally, aka Bottom.
Al, I’m very proud of you.

Live Beautifully,
Michael

Annie’s Recital

Sun, 29 Mar 2009 12:11:48 -0700

Today, Annie gave her first piano recital.
The new toy, the Canon 5D Mark2 was there to cauture our Mozart in all her glory.
Live Beautifully,
Michael

Ventura Rental Party Center

Sat, 28 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0700

On Thursday, March 26, Ventura Rental Party Center had a grand reopening. Congrats to Georgia, Heidi, Ashley, Greg and all involved for a great addition and a great event.
Live Beautifully,
Michael