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I don't know what he's doing right now, but I have a pretty good guess. He's hung the Marine Corp flag under the United States flag out on the porch, later stepping onto the lawn to make sure they look good. He'll lean back admire his handiwork the same way he has for the past 15 years. He'll be wearing his red USMC sweatpants--despite the heat--and be topless. And, no, my dad doesn't care what our neighbors must think. We've asked him.
He'll make breakfast for the family, making note of how his bottle opener plays the USMC anthem, and talk of his days in Vietnam. His memories are scattered, but they're peppered with regret, sadness, and a little nostalgic. Right before breakfast he'll say a prayer for those around the world serving and protecting our country. Later he'll talk about the thing he missed the most while in Vietnam: tortillas.
My dad will remind the family to think of our armed service members and thank their families. And I'll nod in agreement. Because, really, there are thousands of men and women protecting this nation and allowing us to live the way we do. In light of this, if you're a family member to a son, daughter, niece, nephew, grandson or the like, thank you. I appreciate the sacrifices your family is making on behalf of ours. |
    
S an Francisco is one of my favorite cities in the world. Every time I roam the bustling streets, I feel alive. With ideas, promise, energy. I'm sure there's no reason to mention the overabundance of delicious food (WHY AM I ALWAYS TALKING ABOUT FOOD?!), but--really--I plan my days according to where my favorite restaurants sit in the city. Pathetic, I know.
I'm stoked to be headed back to San Francisco to speak as part of the Showit Tour on Tuesday, June 15, 2010. The best part of the tour is that there's different speakers in most cities, so it'll be exciting to see how everything unfolds around the nation. I'll be speaking about my web presence and how I use Showit to build my online brand...with a ton of time for Q+A! I'm especially excited because in select cities, the night will end with a concert benefitting Thirst Relief as a way to show continued support to such an amazing organization. Love it! To get more info or lock in a seat, feel free to get more info HERE. |
| This iPhone photo was taken on our last San Fran trip. Oh, you know, the one where JD told me he wanted to be A BIKE COURIER. Just like that. He's one of the randomest guys I've ever encountered...I mean, he hasn't ridden a bike since he was ten...and it had training wheels! ;) |
J ust reading their conversation and interaction on the Facebook group they created before The Workshop made me smile. I knew they'd be a great group with positive interaction, but they took my suspecions and transformed them into something even bigger. They planned a dinner the night before The Workshop and when I arrived, they were organized, laughing, and already started shooting each others' headshots earlier that day. Wow. I knew it was going to be a great day.
When you get photographers from around the continental United States, Canada, and Alaska together, you don't know how everyone will mesh, but by 9:05am, everyone was getting along and I think I saw a couple high-fiving after making matching friendship bracelets. Yeah. They were that awesome. The day was extra special because my friend Jaclyne with Heavenly Blooms not only made the bouquet, but she surprised me with beautiful table decor...love her! And special thanks to my friends at Photographer's Edit for sponsoring our delicious lunch...love them! |
| Some of you might remember these two beautiful people...I shot Gabriel and Carlie's wedding back in 2007...they were such a pivotal couple in my early career. They've since created Gabriel Ryan Photographers and I'm so proud of them... |
| Oh, you. Just please stop all the fierceness...I can't handle it... |
| A couple days ago I Tweeted about buying an animal print dress...even after looking at it in pictures, I'm still confused how I feel about it... |
| Special thanks to Upper French for providing Gabriel's bow tie.... |
| JD doesn't shoot much--as he's around to help people with settings and added questions if an attendee needs personal attention--but he snapped this photo of Gabriel and I love it... |
| Carlie, you're uber fab... |
| Again, a HUUUUGE thank you must go to Heavenly Blooms for providing all the florals and the pretty bouquet... |
| Someone forgot to tell Gabriel that the air guitar hasn't been played since 1983! ;) |
| Like always, my favorite photo of the day... |
To my new friends and peers...I believe in you. In your ability to surpass even your wildest dreams. Set the bar high, then pass it with flying colors! I can't wait to see what the future holds, but I'm certain you're going to rock things out...for no other reason than you're simply fabulous. Thank you so, so, so much for spending the day with me. I'm a better person because of you all. xoxo.... j*
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T he air was thick and the loose strands of hair stuck to the back of my neck. I was hot and people crowded the outdoor farmer's market, but it forced us to walk closer. My sweaty shoulder touching his forearm. He bought me corn of the cob, knowing roasted yellow kernels make me happy. Absurdly happy. We walked together in Sydney as locals pushed handmade goods into our hands as we passed, but nothing struck me as mine.
JD knew I was on the hunt for a memento from our trip, something that reminded me of us. There. There were silver bracelets, turquoise rings, afghans, wooden boxes with gray dolphins painted on the top, but nothing that stood out. Almost giving up hope, we stopped at an artist's booth and chatted. I was lured by the simple designs, but completely smitten with a series of Studio Oat drawings. Just a boy and a girl. In love.
It was then that I knew I found my thing. My Australian memory. Of farmer's markets in The Rocks. Of a stray piece of corn JD wiped from my chin. Of me living my dream. Out loud. |
E very so often I get the pleasure of documenting my clients in a deeper and more intimate capacity. During these times, I'm extraordinarily thankful to be invited into their private worlds to capture more of who they are. A couple weeks ago, I had the pleasure of joining my client, Erica, for her boudoir session at The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood.
I shoot boudoir photos for my clients only and it's such a special gift a bride gives to her future husband...the best part is being able to document the groom's reaction as he opens his album. The look on his face is always priceless. Lucky for me, the ever talented Tanya Bures was onsite for makeup, and Tommy Cyr for hair...they're such a dynamic duo in Los Angeles!
Here are just a couple teasers posted with permission...
Erica's fiance plays water polo for the US Olympic team, so we had a little fun in some of his clothing... |
| Then she changed into something a little saucier... |
| Erica, thank you for feeling beautiful...you seriously shine out loud. |
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