Last week I had the pleasure of going up to visit my good friends Bo and Tawny and their son Orion, a precocious (I just really wanted to use that word) 4-year-old. I guess he’s a little precocious, but more sweet than anything. Enjoy!

We started things off in a diner, the Peninsula Fountain and Grill over in Palo Alto, and were able to snap off a few quick pictures.

By the way, their ice cream is delicious.

Right outside of the diner, Orion’s ready to travel.

I love this picture! It’s the sheer look of fear that you can only have when you’re a kid and you’re about to get chocolate wiped off of your face.

Well, now that that is taken care of, how’s about a nice family picture?

Then we came across a fountain – the lighting was great and Orion just started working his kid magic.

Cutting a rug …

I call this one “Blue Steel.”

As the proud parents watch on …

Walking along we found this cool building constructed entirely of glass bottles.

Then we made our way over to the park …

Thanks again for the hospitality and letting me take your pictures guys! I can’t wait to see you again soon!

I totally forgot to post pictures from our trip to Hawaii last year! I’m not much of a landscape photographer, but I gave it a whirl and I’m pretty happy with some of the pictures that came out.

Here is one of the lookouts past Waimea Canyon on the west side of the island.

Here’s a picture of the actual canyon – I was extremely nervous standing at the edge taking that picture.

I loved these ferns at the top of the mountain, they were so lush!

On the drive up – 18 miles of windy 25 mph mountain roads.

On the drive back down …

One thing that I love to do when I’m traveling around is that I love to explore everything that I can – that includes driving down private roads that say “No Trespassing” and taking pictures of house frames.

You know it’s time to go though, when a pickup full of locals come out from the main residence in your direction. Time to jump into the Ford Focus and take off!

Here is the view from our condo – we stayed at the Westin in Princeville and it was great – multiple BBQ pits, and a kitchen in our unit too.

We also went to Wailua falls, which was really easy to access and quite pretty.

One morning we went down to a beach called Hideaways and it was gorgeous.

Last month I had the chance to take portraits for the Hendricks family over at Laguna Beach and it was a blast! Thanks Scott, Jennifer, Matthew and Jordan for a fun-filled afternoon at the beach!

Oh by the way, I know there are a few debates going on within the photography community about the efficacy of using UV filters as protection for your lenses. I am now the hugest proponent of using UV filters on all my lenses. At this particular shoot, I had my Canon 16-35mm lens on my camera and had just set the Hendricks’ up on a rock and was clambering my way down when *SLIP*. Note that many of these rocks are covered with moss since they spend so much time submerged in water and I took a slide. With my camera on my side, it fell down with me and smashed into the rocks. Luckily, the filter took the brunt of the damage and I only had to paid $30 to get my good man Dean to cut the remains of the battered filter off for me. Way better than the potential hundreds it would’ve cost to repair the lens!

Anyways, on with the pictures!

Here’s the family – Scott, Jordan, Matthew and Jennifer.

Apparently this tree that they’re sitting on is over 100 years old … There was a lady there that was threatening to call the police on us for sitting in it.

So cute …

Jordan is just a bundle of energy – he is so much fun!

This looks like it belongs on the side of an Abercrombie & Fitch bag …

And of course, a beautiful California sunset for a lovely afternoon.

Wooooo busy busy busy! My school year has started and it has been super busy! Fortunately, it hasn’t been so busy that I haven’t been able to process some pictures and take some new ones =). A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to take pictures for Amber and Jeff and their daughter Chloe for Chloe’s first birthday around an awesome lake in Orange County. Check it out!

Here’s Chloe finishing up her afternoon snack before we started out …

Okay, I’m ready to go! What are we doing?

Some pictures of the whole family together …

Amber and Chloe …

Look at rockstar Chloe! And such a good sport, rocking the sunglasses!

Peek-a-boo!

I can’t say the whole day went without a hitch though … But even if she is crying, Chloe is still so cute!

Amber and Jeff, so happy! =)

At the end of the afternoon, ready to take a nap …

Amber and Jeff – it was such a pleasure meeting and working with your family! The next time I see you guys, I’ll make sure to bring some Mum Mums for Chloe!

Ahhhh summer break. I just finished teaching summer school this past Friday and what a rush that was! I had an Algebra class for incoming freshmen for four hours and a CAHSEE (California High School Exit Exam) preparation class for two hours a day. As a result of that, I had a crazy time lesson planning for each day and my last few weeks have been uber duber busy. But now I’m free for the summer! Well what remains of it at least. With summer fun here, that means more posts to update and pictures to share!

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of doing a family photo shoot for the Lees in Orange County and it was super fun. Look at how cute baby Kinley is!

And then here’s the family – 3 generations of Lees!

Kinley really loves bubbles! Hint: When taking photographs of children, make sure to have their favorite toy or something they really like on hand (ie: bubbles).

Hey!

Then we did a really quick impromptu maternity shoot –

Wait a minute, something’s not quite right here …

Yea, that’s right. I want her to pick me up. You got a problem with that?