Megs Photography Blog

Mitch + Megs = New site, New Name

2011-02-14T13:22:00.000-08:00

We are now officially Mitch + Megs Photography! Ever since the beginning both Mitch and I have shot with each other. You never got Megs without Mitch and vice versa so we wanted to change the name and brand to reflect who we are, an awesome team! We hope that with this new branding we can better serve our clients and share more of who we are!

So head on over to www.mitchandmegs.com or the new blog website http://blog.mitchandmegsphotography.com/

Hoping to see you over at the new place!

Cheers!

Megs

Happy Birthday Love!

2011-01-28T10:31:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to my wonderful partner in Love, Life, and Photography! You're my best friend; the one I laugh with, live for, dream with, and Love.

Here's to another amazing year!

xoxo
Meg

Hello 2011! You're looking good!

2011-01-24T08:58:00.000-08:00

Happy New year! What a difference a year makes! The photo on the left was taken exactly a year ago and the one on the right was taken last weekend while we were in in Kona Village in Kailua Kona Hawai'i for a mini vacation.

I know it's been almost a month since the new year but I've been kind of moving at island speed. Slow and relaxing. And so far so good! This year is shaping up to be a fantastic year! I hope everyone is having a great year so far. A lot of changes are coming so please stay tuned!

^_^

Meg

Bidding Adieu to 2010

2010-12-31T10:26:00.000-08:00

It has been an amazing and incredibly journey this year, both personally and professionally.

I was expecting this year to be the year of the baby and not so much the year of photography but it ended up being both. I've achieved more goals than expected this year and all while being a full time Mom. I've been blessed to have such an amazing partner to shoot with as well as having amazing clients/friends to work with.

To my clients I like to say thank you for letting us be a part of your history and for sharing your lives with us. There are big changes coming in 2011 and we can't be more excited! There will be a new website and a new blog coming soon!

We wish everyone a Happy and Prosperous New Year!

Cheers!

Megs + Mitch + Luke

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A look back at all the wonderful moments of 2010.

By the far the coolest Engagement Session! I heart the Monterey Bay Aquarium!

Our Time is now... Carpe diem.

Happy Holidays!

2010-12-23T12:57:00.000-08:00

Happy Christmas everyone! Wishing you Happy Holidays from our family to yours!

Cheers!

Megs

The Beck Family

2010-12-17T15:25:00.000-08:00

I met Angie last year while we were both still pregnant. Well actually not in person but online through a Mother's group. I was searching for a pediatrician since I was new to the area and she chimed in to say she was too. We wanted to meet since we had similar interests but Labor happened. It wasn't until after the craziness of having a newborn and the holidays that we met up again and I have been so thankful ever since.

It’s been wonderful sharing my first year of motherhood with her. Someone to message at 3 am when you’re up with a baby and knowing that person is most likely up too or someone to share your fears and concerns with it. She’s an amazing mother and her son Milo is such a sweet boy Both Angie and Christian are such loving parents and you can just see the love in their eyes every time they look at him.

Thank you Angie so much for your friendship and support. I couldn't ask for a better baby buddy for Luke than Milo or a better Mommy friend than you! Here's to surviving the first year as parents!

xoxo
Megs

(p.s Also thank you for leaving cookies at my doorstep the other day! I didn't eat all of them. Just most of them.)

He is always smiling!

One of my favorites of Christian and Milo!

According to Milo it was not a hat wearing kind of day!

"Ooh lens! "
.

Luke came along for the shoot to watch Mom + Dad in action and of course to play with Milo afterward

Sneak Peek: Beck Family

2010-12-12T08:43:00.000-08:00

We had such a fun time on yesterday's morning shoot! We still have gorgeous fall colors here in Marin County. I can't wait to share more!

xoxo
Megs

Modesto Wedding: Joane + Justin

2010-12-10T11:14:00.000-08:00

Weddings are made of Love. The Love between the Bride and Groom and the Love of friends and family. Joane and Justin's wedding was just bursting with it! It was amazing for both Mitch and I to be a part of the most important day of my sister’s life and also witnessing the love of an entire church for two very special people

The wedding took place at The Calvary Temple in Modesto California.

Justin and Joane chose to see each other for a First Look. It can be a big decision for some people, especially when they come from traditional values. It's these personal private moments before everyone gets swept away in the frenzy of the wedding that makes a First Look truly special.

Love the look on Justin's face!

Towards the end of the ceremony the pastor asked all guests to send their prayers up to the new Bride and Groom.

The Kiss!

Because not all wedding party photos should be so serious.

Justin and Joane were married by their dear friends Pastor Jeremy and Christy Johnson.

The clocked marked the exact time and second they became husband and wife. A beautiful gift from Pastor Jeremy and Christy.

Giving it up to the man upstairs!

My sisters Davon and Daina giving a heart felt speech and welcoming Justin to the family.

Joane loved the wedding topper at our wedding so Mitch and I secretly gifted her the same exact one for hers :)

The catch by the Maid of Honor Michelle!

The men being faked out by a napkin toss.

---------------------

To my beautiful little sister and new brother in law we would both like to wish you a lifetime full of Love, joy, and happiness!

We love you both so very much and your wedding reflected the love you have for each other and for God.

xoxo

Meg and Mitch

Mitch in action!

p.s. Notice anything unusual? More exciting things are on the way!

Luke's 1st ChristmasTree

2010-12-07T14:30:00.000-08:00

We took Luke last weekend to pick out his first Christmas Tree. The weather was threatening rain and sure enough it started coming down when we got there. Luckily it was light and we were able to pick out our little tree before the down pour.

The lucky tree that got to come home with us!

I think Luke was pleased with the choice :)

Luke + Aaden vs Santa

2010-12-03T09:29:00.001-08:00

We took Luke to Corte Madera last weekend for his photo with Santa and met up with his buddy Aaden. Both boys were not feeling so well so we all knew it was not going to be smiles and sunshine (which was okay with us).

We wanted a really good crying photo and the boys did not disappoint.

This was Luke last year with the same Santa who actually remembered him. He was his tiniest and newest visitor.

Oh the memories!

xoxo
Megs

Happy 1st Birthday Luke

2010-11-23T11:50:00.000-08:00

A year ago today Mitch and I sung Happy Birth day to a tiny baby in a hospital and welcomed him into the world. Swaddled in a blanket he peered through a small knitted cap and stared at us with perfect brown eyes before drifting off to sleep.

That was a year ago today. It's unbelievable that is has been a full year. These past 12 months has been amazing.

It is true what they say, "The days are long but the years are short". Those words can't hit me as hard as they do today. The sleepless nights and constant spit ups made the days long but those days now seem like a distant memory.

We now have an official toddler and not a baby. He now babbles, drinks his juice from a sippy cup, self feeds himself (although not well and very messy), and has started walking. He smiles and charms everyone he meets with those perfect brown eyes.

Happy 1st birthday Baby Bear! No matter how fast you grow up you will always be our sweet baby.

Forever Love,

Mom and Dad.

Sneak Peek: Modesto Wedding: Joane + Justin

2010-11-13T09:41:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to my sister the new Mrs. Casey and my new brother! You both looked amazing last night! We were so honored to be able to capture your wedding for you. Have a wonderful time in Tahoe!

xoxo
Meg + Mitch

Fall in Napa

2010-11-08T15:37:00.000-08:00

The rain let up this weekend so we packed up our little family and headed out to Napa for some lush greens and fall colors.

Our little Mochi will be a year old in a few weeks! We are very excited! I'm sure he is too although all he wants to do is eat leaves. Now if only we get him to keep his shoes on...

xoxo
Megs

Stamps of Love

2010-11-05T09:35:00.000-07:00

Second from my love of paper is my love for stamps! I literally jumped for joy when I realized we were out. Most normal people would have been annoyed but not yours truly!

Now I don't just buy my stamps at the post office or the grocery store. I kind of consider myself a stamp snob because I only order them online. Online you have soo many choices beyond the boring average ones that you quickly grab while standing in the 10 Items or Less line at the supermarket.

The holidays are now upon us and Christmas cards and Holiday cards will be swirling around in our mail boxes. Since you painstakingly took the time to get that amazing family photo taken onto your amazing card, why not send them out in amazing style? (Yes I realized I overly used the word amazing but they really are amazing right!)

Ok. I will now get off my soap box and carefully put my stamps away in a protective sleeve. Yes a protective sleeve. That's what us stamp snobs do.

xoxo
Meg

The Lenahan Family

2010-10-29T10:28:00.000-07:00

Lions and pumpkins and Alice oh my! We had such a fun shoot with the Lenahan Family the other week. I absolutely love it when my clients are creative. It was a great kick off to the fall season with the costumes, the pumpkins, the location, and the super duper cute kids! The light was amazing! Thank you Roslynd and John for being such a fun and wonderful family!

The camera loves Aurora!

Noah is such a sweet boy!

A lion, a tea set, and pumpkins!

Wishing everyone a Happy Halloween weekend!

xoxo
Megs

Luke: Fashion Icon

2010-10-20T16:04:00.000-07:00

I just had to share a picture of these tights I got Luke last weekend at the Babes and Babies event in Mill Valley. I got this from the Posh Margot booth. They have such cute stuff! It's a shame Luke isn't a girl or I would have gotten him the bunny one. The adorable, PINK, bunny one.

Speaking of Luke, I have about 4 weeks to get things ready for his big 1st Birthday Bash! This first year has FLOWN by! Well maybe not the first couple of months but these past six months have just slipped through my fingers.

I only have a couple more weeks until my baby is no longer an official baby T_T.

xoxo
Megs

Sneak Peek: Lenahan Family

2010-10-18T10:56:00.000-07:00

A peek at the fun shoot we had this weekend with the Lenahan Family! We had costumes, pumpkins, and a tea party!

Fall is truly here! I have just a few spots left for family/holiday shoots before it's too late. Soon rain and cold weather will be upon us. Contact me if you'd like to book a session.

Happy Monday everyone!

xoxo
Megs

The Gettys

2010-10-15T09:12:00.000-07:00

A year ago I had the pleasure of meeting Emily. She is one of the warmest and sweetest person you'll ever meet. Her smile instantly makes you want to smile and her personality makes you want to sit and sip coffee with her all day. She also happens to be the mother of a cute little guy name Drew whom you may remember from one of my shoots last year.

Emily will be having twins at the beginning of next year and I am soo excited for her! I just know Drew is going to make a wonderful big brother.

When Emily contacted me for another session (but this time with herself and Scott) I was dancing with joy! ^_^

It was a very cold and windy Saturday and I felt terrible about the conditions but both Emily and Scott were such troopers (oh and Drew of course).

I think Emily is one of the most gorgeous pregnant woman I've ever seen! She looks amazing!

Congratulations again Emily and Scott! Wishing you a happy pregnancy and a safe delivery. I can't wait to meet the twins!

xoxo
Megs

I talk not good.

2010-10-12T13:04:00.000-07:00

I am not a speaker. Or at least a good speaker. In college I took a speech class thinking it would really help me improve my fear of speaking in public. Instead I found myself giving excuses on why I couldn't make it to class; traffic jam (although I was only two blocks away), being hungry, or I really needed to cut my toenails. Eventually I had to drop it but I told myself I'd take it later. That was several years ago.

I don't find myself speaking much in front of people. When I do (even in small groups) I get so flustered.

My face starts burning, my palms sweat enough to wash cars with, and everything moves in slow motion. I hear myself stuttering and a big ball of wailing swells up inside me. Luckily I usually finish in time before I collapse in to a big sobbing puddle of Meg or break out in hives. And this was just me trying to describe a movie the other day!

The reason why I'm bringing this up is that I'm doing a reading at my sister's wedding next month. There's going to be 200+ people there. Thankfully it's a scripture reading and all I need to do is read. I know I'll do a gold star sticker of a job but I can't help just being a wee bit nervous. Just a wee bit.

I suppose I can practice in front of the mirror or picture everyone in their underwear (although that is a lot of people in their knickers sitting in church).

I'm just really glad that I won't be standing directly in front of everyone. So if I do melt I can do it behind a podium. They can shop vac me up later.

To be continued...

xoxo
Megs

Oh and a picture to look at :)

Mitch showing you the many uses of the 24-70mm. Baby seat.

Vanessa: Senior Session

2010-10-07T11:21:00.000-07:00

We had a fun time shooting Vanessa's Senor portrait the other weekend. The light was a fiery red towards sunset in Modesto Ca. She was a bit nervous at first which is understandable for anyone who isn't always in front of the camera. Towards the end though she had a lot of fun and really came out of her shell. Hope you love these as much as we do Vanessa!

xoxo

Megs

Sneak Peek: Getty Family

2010-10-06T07:02:00.000-07:00

The wonderful Getty Family coming up soon!

xoxo
Megs

Willette + Derek Engagement Monterey Bay Aquarium

2010-10-05T09:09:00.000-07:00

To know Willette is to love Willette. She is someone who when you meet, you love instantly! She is spunky, energetic, caring, and I can go on and on. I've known her for years (in fact I consider her the older sister I never had). I was absolutely thrilled she chose me to shoot her Engagement photos.

At our initial meeting she picked a Hawaiian BBQ place and I wasn't sure which was more exciting, to eat there or to see her again (of course it was the later, don't be silly).

Then she had to BLOW me away by telling me she wanted their photos done at the Monterey Bay Aquarium! Are you kidding me! I was just beyond thrilled!

It was a gorgeous day in Monterey that day. While the rest of the Bay was sweltering in an odd heat wave we were in a dark cool place surrounded by beautiful aquatic life.

Derek and Willette, thank you so much for such a fun shoot! Wishing you nothing but happiness, laughter, salsa dancing, and love.

xoxo

Megs

Sneak Peek: Vanessa Senior Session

2010-10-04T10:46:00.000-07:00

It's been a hectic week. I know I'm behind but wanted to share a peek at Vanessa's fabulous Senior shoot. The sky was just a fiery red near sunset. More to come. I pinky promise!

Sneak Peek: Engagement Monterey Bay Aquarium

2010-09-28T10:04:00.001-07:00

A Sneak Peek of yesterday's shoot at the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

(I was sweating bullets because of the low light situation but thankfully it was dark and you couldn't see my face melting:)

Family Reunion

2010-09-26T11:13:00.001-07:00

Three generations

Hanging with Dad at Sunset

We headed up to South Lake Tahoe for a small family reunion. The weather was nice and warm (most of the time) and the lake was the pretty blue that you see in postcards. Luke got to spend some time with his grandparents, his twin cousins from San Diego, and some time sitting on the beach eating sand (or at least trying to).

It was a wonderful five days. I didn't want to come back. Well at least not so soon :)

Megs

Rock a Bye Baby

2010-09-08T22:10:00.001-07:00

I always say I'm a Mom first and a Photographer second (err well maybe third since Wife comes before that). I love being a mom and have always loved babies. Long before I even thought of having a Luke I use to help put my baby sister and brother down for naps by sitting in our old wooden rocking chair and singing to them.

Like so many Moms nowadays I've been told rocking my baby to sleep was bad because it develops bad sleeping habits. Luke's been pretty good at falling asleep on his own at bedtime because of his nightly routine (bath, bottle, cuddles, and then bed). What he's not good at is naps. While my other mommy friends had babies that slept for hours at a time during the day, mine would nap for 20 minutes and wake up. Barely time for a shower or to shovel food down my throat.

Yesterday I watched on Luke's baby monitor as he sat quietly in his crib for half an hour. He stared off into the distance, crawled around, and then started checking out how sturdy the bars on his crib were (probably planning a future escape). After struggling to keep his head up he finally got frustrated and stared into the camera (oh he knows he's being watched) with his 'come get me' look. I finally decided he needed some love and snuggles. After scooping him up I sat quietly in our dark room rocking him back and forth while listening to an instrumental lullaby. He snuggled his little nose up against me and fell asleep instantly.

I thought to myself WHY didn't I do this earlier? I love rocking my baby to sleep. I love singing lullabies to him. I love the bonding, the closeness, and the way he smeyes* at me with half closed eyes before drifting into peaceful sleep.

I use to rock him as a small infant before this whole sleep training started. I thought to myself, "My baby will only be a baby for so long and I am missing out on this!".

Well not anymore! I think from now on (at least for naps) I'll take every opportunity I can to do what I've always wanted to do when I had my own baby.

Rock and sing him to sleep.

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star

Twinkle, twinkle, little star,
How I wonder what you are!
Up above the world so high,
Like a diamond in the sky!

*Twinkle, twinkle, little star,
How I wonder what you are!*

When the blazing sun is gone,
When he nothing shines upon,
Then you show your little light,
Twinkle, twinkle, all the night.

Then the traveler in the dark,
Thanks you for your tiny spark,
He could not see which way to go,
If you did not twinkle so.

In the dark blue sky you keep,
And often through my curtains peep,
For you never shut your eye,
Till the sun is in the sky.

As your bright and tiny spark,
Lights the traveler in the dark,—
Though I know not what you are,
Twinkle, twinkle, little star.

-wikipedia

*smeyes is smiling with your eyes

** So this post is probably plagued with tons of errors but I have a 9 1/2 month old crawling into everything so I'll just leave it the way it is. Making sure Luke doesn't chew on the iPhone cable is a bit high on the priority list at this time ;). k k!

Justin & Joane: Engagement China Camp

2010-08-31T08:58:00.000-07:00

My baby sister is getting married! It felt like just the other day that she was a baby all dressed in pink and smiling at everyone with those huge eyes of hers. Now she's all grown up and getting married to a wonderful guy!

Justin will be leading as the new Youth Pastor at the Life Church in Stockton Ca. and Joane will be joining him. They've dedicated their lives to God and his ministry and will be changing the lives of youths.

Justin welcome to the family! Now you can join Mitch in the corner at family gatherings while my Mom shoves food into your mouth and not understanding a word we're saying when we break in to Laotian :)

Love,

Your soon to be sister in law!

p.s. I'll be changing the blog site soon! Stay tuned! To see larger versions please visit my facebook.

I can be pretty crafty...

2010-08-30T08:46:00.000-07:00

Sneak look at J & J's Engagement shoot at China Camp in Marin County. I was feeling very artsy fartsy for this shoot so I convinced Mitch to custom make some chalkboard signs for me. (Ok so I didn't really make make them. Mitch cut the wood and painted it but I did buy the chalkboard paint! It took me half an hour to hunt down the Home Depot.)

I think they turned out fabulous! Stay tuned for more photos of this cute couple!

(So glad they trusted me to put my chicken scratch on the sign for them!)

Cheers!

Megs

9 Months already?

2010-08-24T15:34:00.000-07:00

The weeks and months are zooming by ever so fast. His face is changing by the day and his clothes are getting smaller and tighter on him.

These are just a few little reminders for me that he's not going to be my little baby for too long. But he will always be our little baby in pictures.

Happy 9 month birthday Mochi!

We love you! (Even when you're mad at us :)

Love,

Mom and Dad

Solomon - Anytime Funtime

2010-08-12T14:04:00.000-07:00

When my baby brother ask me to do a shoot with him of course I said yes. I love my baby brother. He may be three times as tall as I am (and probably one of the tallest Asian guys you'll ever meet) but he's a sweetie. Just don't ask him if he plays basketball (because not ALL tall people play basketball).

We had a lot of fun on his shoot and a lot of fun chasing the sunlight. I hope you love this as much as I do Solo. Oh and don't forget to show Mom. And tell her yes I'll be printing her out some for her walls, wallet, and key chain.

Love,

Your Oldest, Shortest Sister.

Shoot/Black Out

2010-08-11T08:42:00.001-07:00

It's been a while since I've had to chase the sunlight but it was was a lot of fun doing Solomon's shoot for his portfolio. Stay tuned for more photos. And the reason why was when we got back home there was a complete blackout! We were in the middle of uploading and doing photo back ups (and I was preheating the oven for dinner) when the power went out. Mitch went out to find dinner and he reported back that half the city was sitting in darkness. It was a bit creepy. We had all our flashlights out and hung a lantern outside our door. Of course with no electricty meant now post, no Internets, and no playing on the iPhone! So we all went to bed early haha.

Cheers!

Megs

Yo yo Yosemite!

2010-08-04T08:54:00.000-07:00

We took Luke on his first camping trip to Yosemite last weekend and he loved it!

During the mornings he'd wake up in our tent and smile and stare at the blue ceiling of our very very old tent that Mitch inherited from his Dad who got it from some guy in Nantucket years ago. It's pretty old.

Because the nights were cold he'd snuggled between the both of us and slept in peace knowing that if a bear attacked his parents would be eaten first.

He did some hiking with Dad and some of his friends. This involved him falling asleep and being carried by Dad most of the time.

He even dipped his toes in Mirror lake but cried because the water was too cold. We dipped them twice just to be sure.

Between hikes he spent time laying at our Upper Pine's campsite staring at the trees that towered above him in amazement and daydreamed (probably about climbing them).

The only thing he didn't do was enjoy the campfires. He would fall asleep before it ever got dark enough to start one. He missed out on some really good s'mores. It's okay. I ate his share.

Over all it was a great camping trip and we can't wait to do it again next year! He should be walking by then so he can carry his own backpack ;) That is if we can get him to keep his shoes on and not eat them first.

Hiking with and on Dad to Mirror Lake.

Cheers!

Megs

Photo montage!

2010-07-08T17:13:00.000-07:00

Mitch and Luke's photo montage!

Training for Yosemite!

Watching the Ferris Wheel at the Marin County Fair but not tall enough to ride.

Sometimes I can't tell which one of these two is the cute one :)

Just Keep Shooting

2010-06-25T10:56:00.001-07:00

Sometimes I think I want this blog to be like all the other photographer's blog. Lots and lots of nice and amazing pictures but so far it's been about who I am, Luke, and more Luke.

I will have to admit it's been a struggle to get back into shooting more. I just love being a Mom.

These past six months have gone by so quickly but filled with life changing events and milestones. I am so grateful and blessed to have the opportunity to be a full time mommy. I love the rewards of it. I have a happy and healthy baby. One who is quiet, smiles with his eyes, and loves everyone he meets.

As equally as important is Mitch. He is an amazing husband and an amazing father. One who gets up at 3 am (even though he has to get up a few hours later to head into the office) just to give me a break or come home after a day of work and cook dinner when I've had a bad day. He is always there to support me and to also push me (when I need it) to challenge myself. He is the most amazing man ever. (Sorry ladies he's taken!)

---

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of attending the Showit Freedom Tour in San Francisco with my friend and fellow photographer Jihan to see Jasmine Star our favorite Wedding Photographer. It was a small gathering of 70 photographers (some local and some far). Last time I tried to see her both Jihan and I were pregnant (I more than her) and I had to cancel since it was too far (Sacramento) and too close to my due date. Being able to final see her was a quest fulfilled (ok so that sounds dorky I know).

It was great to meet and talk to fellow photographers (ha I used 'fellow' when most of them were very talented and well known as opposed to little old me). Everyone was very nice and excited to be there.

I've attended meetings (most via satellite/online) before but to actually be sitting there and listening to Jasmine and Jessica Claire speak about important aspects of our businesses it was very inspirational. I wish I had taken my nice camera. Over half of the people who showed up had their SLRs while I tried to get decent photos on my point and shoot. (Low lighting + no flash = no bueno.)

At the end of the night I had a fuzzy iPhone photo of Jasmine and myself making funny faces and I had a small collection of business cards.

Now I didn't collect cards just so I could network and go have coffee with everyone (although that would be nice) but instead I collected them as momentos. I don't expect anyone to remember me but I remembered everyone. To me they all had a face and a story. The funny Tom Vo from San Jose (who sat next to me and got elbow jabbed every time I moved), the quiet teacher from Modesto (talk about a long drive), and Henry Sun who was warm and polite and took amazing photos from that night. I wanted to have slips of them to be remembered by.

I learned a lot that night and I learned a lot about myself. I love doing what I love. I love being a part of someone's history; an active a part of it. I may not be super famous or have hundreds of facebook and twitter fans but as long as I'm happy doing what I love and making others happy that's all I really want.

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From Luke's 7 month shoot. He's working on being a champion sitter and hat model!

Weddings, Birthdays, Graduations oh my!

2010-06-25T10:33:00.000-07:00

It has been a very busy couple of weeks. That shall be my excuse for not blogging.

There's been Weddings, birthdays, Graduations, and Father's day (more on that later) with limited amount of web access. ( I should really consider taking my laptop everywhere I go. That way I can blog on the spot! )

Anyways I just wanted to give a quick holler so people know I'm still alive and that I haven't been trapped some where in my house under a pile of diapers and toys.

Oh and I wanted to post a photo of the awesome wedding cake at Jay and Jennie's Wedding! The cake told their love story through little framed photos. I LOVED IT! (And it was yummy! I had two pieces ... I sort of dropped the first one).

I wanted to say congratulations again you two! Such a beautiful wedding!

Cheers!

Megs

(The middle photo was one I took right after Jay had proposed to her. I love seeing things come full circle.)

Art , Wind, and History

2010-06-08T06:26:00.000-07:00

One day many years ago Mitch and I decided to go to the San Ramon Art and Wind Festival. This was way before we were even dating. It was a festival that celebrated art and wind (kite flying). They had booths of arts and crafts and there was a kite flying competition.

I had a huge crush on Mitch back then and walking among the hordes of family and kids I wondered if one day we would ever be one of "those people" (also known as a "family") (hey I was in my late 20's and time was a'tickin).

I remember sneaking looks at him and thinking he would make a great dad someday. During the kite flying competition we sat on this grassy hill overlooking dozens of kites on the ground and the kite flying area. I don't remember much of that afternoon but I do remember watching a group called Too Much Fun, a husband and wife team do a routine to the song "From This Moment" by Shania Twain. I can still close my eyes and picture it.

Two quad line kites standing up on the grass next to each other. The music starts and one flies slowly in to the air. Then the second slowly rises to join the other and they embrace. Throughout the song they encircle each other, embracing, touching, and following. At the end the kites slowly fall landing on each other and leaning on each other for support.

That routine just moved me so much that I ended up crying afterwards. I turned to look at Mitch and his eyes were as wet as mine. That was when I knew he was the one for me. A few years later at our wedding we danced our first dance to this song. Even to this day whenever this song is played we look at each other and smile.

(After writing this I ran to the internet to see if I can find any video of them doing this routine and I actually found one on their website! See here! I just busted out crying because I remembered it just like it was yesterday and had to show Mitch who got teary eyed too).

Last weekend, exactly six years after we had first went, we were once again back at the San Ramon Art and Wind festival. This time with Luke. We had become 'those people'.

Pushing Luke in his BOB stroller we made our way through the hordes of family and kids to the kite flying area.

And on his Dad's lap Luke watched in amazement as the kites took to the skies, sitting on the very same grassy hill that Mitch and I once sat on so many years ago.

Carrie and Kermit's Sonora Wedding

2010-06-04T10:55:00.000-07:00

We had the honor of capturing Carrie and Kermit's wedding at the beautiful Knopf Estate located in the Sierra Foothills. The weather was gorgeous and the wedding itself was so sweet and original. Both Carrie and Kermit had planned this wedding from across the continent. Paper cranes were hand folded, favors hand selected, even the groom's tie was special made for this day. Their vows were equally as unique. Both coming from the heart and also included zombies.

Thank you both so very much for letting Mitch and I be a part of your day. Congratulations to the both of you and may love always conquer everything. Even zombies.

Jay +Jennie: Engagement Pier 39 San Francisco

2010-05-28T11:23:00.000-07:00

Jay and Jennie are two amazing people. Put them together and it's just an explosion of amazingess, fun, intelligence, and love. I'm so very lucky to have both of them be my dear bestest friends. How often does one get to be friends with a math genius and a computer wiz and have them make it look cool? (That is very rare, trust me.)

I was so thrilled to be able to shoot their engagement for them. I knew it was going to be full of laughter and fun. We chose the iconic Pier 39 in San Francisco and we could not have asked for better weather (a bit windy but not too foggy or cold).

Congratulations again Jay and Jennie. Both of you are beautiful inside and out and I can't wait to be a part of your Big Day!

(We ended the day by getting the best donut holes I've EVER eaten. Sorry clam chowder you are no longer top on my list at Pier 39 any more!)

Luvs,

Megs

Luke Week: Green is Good!

2010-05-26T13:24:00.000-07:00

I won't say that Luke is the greenest baby out there but he is very green conscious. He doesn't mind that most of his toys are used/hand-me-downs or his equipment (bouncer, jumper, activity center). I won't risk his safety by letting him have a used crib, car seat, or stroller though.

One the things I haven't let him wear yet are shoes. Never saw the need to when he was born since he wasn't going to be wearing down any rubber soles any time soon. Much to my mom's nagging (something about foot binding) I still haven't put shoes on him. This of course will be changing sooner than later since he's now almost mobile (I consider lurking and some attempt at doing the Worm dance mobile).

Until then I'll let him roam shoes free and as long as he avoids the poo he can feel the grass with his feet all he wants.

(insert music " These are the moments..." by Edwin McCain.) ( I seriously could not ask for more...)

Cheers!

Meg

Luke Week!

2010-05-25T08:33:00.000-07:00

I've decided to make this week Luke week! Kind of like Shark Week but much cuter (and less blood)! He's been a busy baby for the last couple of weeks, flying from San Diego all the way to the other side of the country to sunny Florida. He actually has a tan now and it's only May.

Luke's first time with this toes in the ocean. This was the Atlantic one at Flagler Beach, FL so it was a warmer experience than what it would have been back at home in Marin/San Francisco.

Happy 1/2 birthday Luke!

2010-05-24T15:18:00.001-07:00

Six months ago a tiny person came into our lives and brought us joy, smiles, and love all at once. Ten pounds later he still brings us all of these things and so much more.

We love how you yell at the sun in your activity center, bounce hysterically in your Jumperoo, spit up on us ( now in color since you're eating solids now), and how your entire face turns bright red when you're making us 'a gift'.

Happy 1/2 birthday Luke! Mommy and Daddy loves you soo much!

Smile for the the camera!

Rocking the Bump

2010-05-11T06:47:00.000-07:00

It is true what they say about photographers, we do not like photos taken of us... well at least this one. I don't post a lot of pictures of myself here but after reflecting on Mother's Day I thought maybe I'd share some very personal photos of my Maternity shoot. No one has ever seen these except myself and Mitch.

These were taken 8 days before Luke was born (talk about waiting til the last minute). I wanted train tracks and roads but I wanted taken it in the middle of no where and in the dark (or at least near dark). These were shot by Mitch and he delivered! Have I mention how he's the master of lighting?

Excuse the look on my face. This was taken on a well traveled intersection and I was very conscious about drivers stopping and staring. And yes my belly was that white. I tan very well in the summer. I also heart my rainboots so I wore them. Mitch thinks they're atrocious. Blah I say!

^_^

Megs

My 1st Mother's Day

2010-05-10T15:37:00.001-07:00

It was 7 am Mother's Day morning and Mitch and Luke had taken me out for an early breakfast. Before our food arrived Mitch slid a green folded up piece of paper to me and said this is from Luke.

My eyes teared up as I read how he thanked me for feeding him, playing with him, and taking him places. He also told me how much he knew I loved him and how he loved Mommy. On the other side were drawings of an airplane, a frog, a bottle, my Canon camera (complete with the red ring on the 50mm lens), and our family riding in the Scoobie. Images of our life.

Mitch smiled at me and said, "He also drew all that with crayons from his Dad's collection. I believe he's been saving those since kindergarten".

Mitch remember how much I love old crayons from when we were children (they don't make crayons like they use to). Aside from his wonderful gifts of massages (yes plural) while he watched Luke, I think I"ll treasure the card the most. It was written and drawn by a 5 1/2 month old! How amazing is that! *wink*

Megs

Happy Mother's Day

2010-05-08T11:26:00.000-07:00

Wishing all the wonderful Mothers out there a very happy Mother's Day! A special shout out to those who are celebrating their very 1st Mother's Day along with me (that means you Angie and Nikki!).

Mother's day has always been special to me because of my Mom. Through war and poverty both her and my Dad struggled to bring me to this country and raised a wonderful family. She left her own family over 30 years ago in order to give us a better life. She hasn't seen her own mother since then either. As a mom I don't think I will ever have to have the same struggles or make the same sacrifices that she has had to make. For that I am forever grateful and one of many reasons I will celebrate.

Cheers!

Megs

Baby Touring

2010-04-28T13:36:00.000-07:00

Luke checking out the waves in La Jolla.

We are on Baby Tour 2010 right now. We just spent a couple of amazing days in San Diego for some much wanted time with family and fun. We had fun in the sun/fog haze, caught a marathon, and took Luke to the San Diego Zoo (where I lost his--ok MY--favorite hat T_T).

Taking a small break from the 'tour' to do some work and then we will be off again to sunny Florida this time. Hoping to introduce Luke to a much warmer ocean and a different type of sand.

We'll be back just in time to celebrate my first Mother's Day *fist pump*. After that we'll be shooting a wedding!

~Megs

Adventure is out there! - Death Valley

2010-04-10T07:15:00.000-07:00

Mitch is heading out with some friends for a couple of days to Death Valley. He's going to chase the annual blooms there.

We went last year around this time when I was pregnant with Luke and it was definitely an adventure! We were hoping to all go as a family this year but I think Luke is going to have to wait til next year to go (he'll be walking by then and can walk up the sand dunes himself heh).

Wishing my love a safe trip and many pretty flowers! Remember no doing donuts or speeding on the salt flats!

Paper Love

2010-04-08T07:21:00.000-07:00

It has been one of my longest love. The smell of it. The touch of it. How it feels against my finger tips. I find so much beauty in paper. A friend's wedding invitation came in the mail yesterday and I was immediately reminded of how much I heart paper! I instantly fell in love with the address label. The invitation and reply cards were absolutely adorable! The words and theme just screamed their personality (and I loved it!).

I don't know what it is about paper. I collect stationary like nobody's business. I have three different types of thank you cards (different colors and styles and even language) and I will grab unique looking blank cards off the rack at stores (especially Ross *cough*sales*cough*). Oh and I also don't throw cards away - especially the beautiful ones! (Does that make me a hoarder?)

When we were planning our wedding I made the decision to make our invitations by hand and ordered all the materials from the Paper Source. I spent hours online at their website and went to both of their stores in San Francisco to look at patterns and colors and just to feel the card stock quality. Just talking about it makes me want to sit down and make invitations again! (Does anyone need me to make invitations for them? I have time-- sort of, well not really, shoot.)

Ok. I'll stop now or I'll do something I might regret- like go shopping. For paper.

p.s.

I know paper kills trees and I'm a tree hugger. I will shamelessly buy non recycled paper though. The way I see it I don't throw paper away or if I do it gets recycled. Someone has to use the non recycled paper first in order for it to become recycled right? And that's where I step in :)

Happy Bunny, Unhappy Baby

2010-04-03T21:15:00.000-07:00

Hoping everyone has a Hoppy Easter!

Luke fell asleep minutes before the Easter Bunny showed up so we had to wake him up and plop him down on Mr. E Bunny's lap for his photo.

As you can see Luke was not amused.

Best.Easter.Photo.Ever!

Getting to know me (MacGyver)...

2010-03-31T22:24:00.000-07:00

While hitting 'yes I will attend' to an Evite tonight I was directed to set up a profile of myself (which I for some reason thought I had done years ago when this Evite thingy came along). I clicked 'Sure' (it didn't really say that) and I was taken to a page to set up my profile photo and etc. I saw the About Me section and cringed. I hate writing about myself (unless it's random writing like here in the blog world).

I don't know if it's the self importance of it all (even though you are suppose to write about yourself) or the talking about myself. I never know what I want to say. What would I want strangers who have never met me know about me first? That I love clearance sales and that I have one leg shorter than the other? Well in all it's Evite awesomeness there were questions for me to answer instead of a blank sheet for me to throw up on (and what makes me interesting).

After happily answering questions instead of having to actually talk about myself I looked back at my answers and I still think I came across weird. My answers are all over the place (like my writing) but in a strange way it expressed a little of me and how odd I am.

So in order for you to know me better I thought I'd post some of the questions and my answers.

TV show I never miss

The Local News

Song that gets me dancing

Love is a Battlefield - Pat Benatar (I rock the shoulder dance- ask my BFF Jason Graham).

First concert I ever attended

Metallica

Childhood hero

MacGyver

Now that last question Mitch kindly reminded me isn't a real person. Blah! My beloved MacGyver is so a Hero. I've seen every single episode and he's always the hero. Plus he was featured in MythBusters which makes him cool.

And no one will ever ROCK a mullet like Richard Dean Anderson.

Okay so I'm ending this blog post with MacGyver because I seriously heart MacGyver!

Writer I am not (really).

2010-03-31T08:00:00.000-07:00

I will say (and you will hear this often or have heard it in the past) I am not a writer. I use to be, or at least wanted to be years ago ( and secretly still do). I have these grand plans of oozing out amazing words and having them flow like melted chocolate over ice cream. I'll go back to past posts and think "Seriously? I actually wrote that? It sounds brilliant!" or "Oh my God was I on Benadryl when I wrote that?!?".

I dream of writing long worded stories to where my readers are so deeply entranced they forget about time or space. Instead I hold my breath, hope they didn't get lost from all the confusion of where I'm going at with something, and then "oh shiny picture!". Don't talk to me about punctuations either. Sometimes I'll even indent and make another paragraph to distract.

If I had the time I would love to do writing exercises or even go to writing seminars and workshops. No one would have guess that not only am I a published photographer, I'm also a published writer (shhhhh don't tell anyone). I hide behind bad blog posts and good photographs.

I loved reading growing up (still do) so naturally writing was also a love of mine. I've had a novel trapped in my head for decades (gasp.. I'm old enough to say decades now) and I'm not throwing a release party anytime soon.

Writing is a form of expression just as photography is a form of expression and they both have similar goals: to tell a story. Whither I'm shooting a couple or ranting about how I lost Luke's favorite blanket while shopping (I still feel bad although I replaced it) , I'm telling a story.

I see myself as a photographer and as a storyteller. As cheesy as it sounds I do believe in my quote:

I believe we are our own story tellers, in our lives and in the lives of others.

Through photography time stands still for us and our stories live forever in them. -Megs

And for those of you who are completely lost in this post: Look a photo!

Mitch showing Momo Jelly fishes for the first time. We are a science loving family!

Tennis with Dad

2010-03-29T11:56:00.000-07:00

How Super Dads use their Bjorns!

Weekends (when we're not shooting) is family time. Mitch switches from working Dad to super Dad (although he's super all the time). Luke loves spending time with Dad and Dad loves spending time with Luke. He loves being outdoors and that is a plus when we we go on photo adventures such as the above. Life is interesting when you have photographers for parents!

p.s. For those who were concerned Mitch wasn't actually playing tennis. We were taking photos for fun and posing.

Fingers...

2010-03-26T08:56:00.000-07:00

What I caught Luke doing while I was working in the office.

Now that the 'ON' button has been switch to maximum drool he's been constantly fascinated with his fingers. They're licked, chewed, and most of the time being stuffed into his mouth. And his nails grow like weeds. I'm having to clip them every other day it seems like.

His fingers are so much fun that he's ignored almost all forms of entertainment. His mobile, bouncy, even Dr. Oz (sometimes).

Amazing for ordinary...

2010-03-24T21:08:00.000-07:00

So one thing Luke has been practicing is his sitting skills. Tummy time is a whole other beast that he does not like to talk about. But sitting is okay with him ONLY because he get's a better view during his Dr. Oz Show in the morning (he's addicted!).

Now I know I don't need to mention how many photos we have of him (cough*hashisownharddrive*cough) but photos of him are usually taken during play and random times through out the day. He's not forced to sit in any position for long periods of time or required to work over time with no pay. It's as relaxed as the photoshoots that I do for my clients---and that is one of my favorite things.

To be able to take amazing shots of everyday life is one of the things I absolutely love about photography.

Happy Quarter Mochi!

2010-03-23T07:00:00.000-07:00

Happy 4 months to our little Luke! Each day you bring us joy, love, laughter, and the best jobs in the whole world - being your parents. You've taken over this blog (which I am not that sorry about really) and of course over our entire world. You're kind of like Stewie from Family Guy minus Brian. Thank you for always giving love to Mommy's camera and giving Dad a reason to rush home so he can play with you and tuck you in.

All our Love,

Mom and Dad

P.S. Sorry about giving you your shots on your quart-day. I'm sure you won't remember though :)

P.S.S. I know it's not really a quarter but it sounds better!

Anytime Shoot - Joane & Justin

2010-03-01T16:59:00.000-08:00

Remember, it doesn't have to be a special occasion to do a photo shoot. Anytime is a good time! (Provided that you have a Meg and amazing light of course :)

My baby sister Joane (clearly no longer a baby) and her beau (I use this word because it sounds much nicer than boyfriend) Justin had just done a Bridal Fashion show and asked for an impromptu photo shoot. I of course couldn't say no.

Cheers!

Megs

It's Hip to Be Cool

2010-02-24T15:09:00.001-08:00

(Sporting his new Hoodsie!)

Our Luke turned three months yesterday! Gone is the little newborn and in his place is a giggly and expressive baby who's favorite past time is to suck his fist (or individual finger, depending on how he feels at the time) and to talk (a lot) to Mommy. He's also becoming quite the model and knows what he needs to do to help Mommy get 'the shot'. The only thing we fight about are his naps.

So far, he's winning.

Happy 3rd Month little man!

- Megs

Seeing Myself

2010-02-19T21:20:00.001-08:00

It's Friday night and I'm sitting downstairs on the laptop listening to Luke on his baby monitor. It's bedtime for him. He's been changed, fed, and lovingly swaddled to bed by his awesome Dad. Unfortunately, he is not asleep. Between the wailing of whales from his SleepSheep I can hear him talk to himself. Oh my little Nurple (that's one of many nicknames we have for him). He's not crying at all, just laying in his crib talking and every now and then a sigh. I'm resisting the urge to run up stairs and cuddle him to sleep, so instead I'm cuddling my blog, briefly.

It's been a tiring but oh so rewarding 3 months. They say the newborn stage is one of the toughest and I concur. The constant worrying and the feeling that you are swimming in the dark all the time is not as fun as it sounds (oh maybe it's a little fun). Thankfully I've discovered the magical power of Mother's groups. The support and the adult companionship (even if it's for a few hours) has been so helpful and rewarding. It gives me a reason to wear nice clothes (anything other than my workout clothes or sweatpants), do my hair, and *gasp* maybe apply makeup!

But when things get tough I always have this saying in the back of my head, " The days are long, but the years are short". Nothing reminds me more of how short time really is than his photos; his many, many photos! Taken every single day. Enough that I can print them all out and make a flip book!

I truly treasure every single picture I have of him because when I was born there were no pictures taken.

The earliest picture of myself that exist of me was when I was about two. It was taken with a film camera with 10+ members of my family in Thailand. Among all the adults stood this tiny little girl in pigtails in a white shirt and red sweat pants hiding in her Mom's shadow. You can barely make out my face. Not another photo would be taken again until a couple of years later when we were on our way to this great place called America.

Remembering this I feel truly blessed that I'm able to make memories not only for my son but for all my clients and friends. I see my missing photos in all the babies and children that I shoot.

I especially see myself in the little baby upstairs who is now sound asleep among the soft sounds of the whales.

Adventure is out there!

2010-01-23T22:49:00.000-08:00

Mitch shooting under the Golden Gate Bridge while Luke supervises.

It has been raining for just about the entire week here in the Bay Area. We've even had a Tornado warning in certain parts (no Toto we are not in Kansas). With all this gloomy soggy weather it's been hard to get out and shoot but today Mother Nature gave us a break!

She must have known little Luke turned 2 months today because we saw actual sunshine! We quickly jumped in the Scoobie and went on a photo adventure (before Mother Nature changed her mind)!

We drove across the Golden Gate Bridge and then underneath to watch some spectacular waves and (first time I've seen this) a gaggle of surfers braving the dangerous rocks near the fort to catch them!

Now us NorCal peeps are hardcore when it comes to surfing because we surf in crap! That is stupid cold water and crappy waves. I quote this from Mitch since he is the surfer in the family. He took me out surfing once a few years ago. ONCE. The water was soo cold and the wet suit did not help. Even in the middle of summer. It also didn't help that my surfboard slipped from underneath me and decided to beat the snot out of me (and my head) in three feet of water. It took lifeguard Mitch to separate us. We no longer talk, the board and I.

Afterward we explored the fort and found a lot of interesting and amazing things. Almost the entire fort is made from brick and had amazing archways and spiral staircases. We probably only saw a quarter of what is there because it started to rain and had to leave. Rain does not go well with baby.

We had a lot of fun though and it definitely was an adventure. Especially for Luke. Who was asleep the entire time.

New Year, New Look!

2010-01-16T10:58:00.000-08:00

With the new year comes a new look. Finally updated the website! Go looky loo!

www.megs-photography.com

Cheers!

Megs

No Nap Please

2010-01-13T12:43:00.000-08:00

Luke is almost two months old now! I can't believe how time just flies when you're having fun. I'm almost getting the hang of this (this meaning the newborn stage). Well I guess he is no longer a newborn but now an infant, an infant with personality that is!

Today was the first day he actually went down for a nap in his own crib, during the day, all by himself! Well the sheep helped him (Sleep Sheep).

This was after I wore him down with an impromptu photoshoot for his fans, he apparently has several of them. I'm actually debating on maybe getting him a Twitter account so his fans can follow his every move. When he sleeps, when he eats, if he poops, and the ever so important... what is he wearing! (Today was Dr. Seuss.)

I've got to keep my eye on him sometimes because during his nap today he cried three times and every time I ran out of the office and into the room to check on him he'd give me a smile and close his eyes and go back to sleep! (I kid you not!).

Anyways back to the shoot. This baby LOVES the camera (already). He's only 7 weeks old but his eyes followed me at every angle and he smiled... a lot. He also didn't mind keeping an eye on the equipment for me while I took my breaks :)

And to answer the question--- I took only 74 shots.

That's not much, no really, it isn't.

Cheers!

Megs (and Baby Luke)

New Year, New Mom

2010-01-07T15:33:00.000-08:00

I've finally found some time to sit down long enough to write something! It's the beginning of the New Year and there are so many new things going on. The main thing of course is our little Luke joining our family.

As first time parents it's been quite a ride and it's only been six weeks! We've tried to prepare ourselves mentally for this but every day is a winding road full of surprises and wonder. (Like this morning, when he peed on me during a diaper change, after I had JUST taken a shower :).

He's been a challenge but we could not have asked for such a sweeter baby. It seems like he's changing every single day. I wake up in the morning and go "Who are you?" to him in his crib because he is not the same baby I put to bed the night before. (I'm sure all you parents out there know what I'm talking about). Thankfully we are there to snap as many photos as possible of him so we can remember what he looked like (the day before).

Although we are excited about Luke we are also excited about coming back from our Baby sabbatical and begin shooting again. Stay tuned!

Cheers!

Megs

Asleep in his favorite swaddle blanket from aden + anais. (I absolutely love these blankets!)

Happy Holidays!

2009-12-21T11:50:00.000-08:00

Letting Luke wishing everyone a Happy Holiday season and a Happy New Year!

Mitch and I have been blessed with such a sweet little boy this Holiday season.

We both are looking forward to new and exciting things in 2010!

With Warm Wishes,

Meg, Mitch, and Luke

Fun Side Projects

2009-11-18T11:42:00.000-08:00

Now that I've got all this free time while waiting for Mochi (The Moch) to make his entrance, I can finally sit down and go through the bazillion photos that I've taken just for fun or family photos (also known as my poor neglected Side Projects). Some are family events and others are just ideas or things that both Mitch and I wanted to experiment with. Mitch tends to get his side projects more than I get to mine (only because he uses his free time better than I use mine sometimes... (*cough*shoppingonlinereadingaboutbabystuff*cough*). It is hard sometimes though when you shoot 100+ photos at any event or function that's not job related (like my mom's church concert that still hasn't made it out of Lightroom yet).

I'm motivating myself to tackle these sooner than later especially with the Moch on the way (we all know he's going to need his own harddrive or two for his photos alone).

A couple of months ago (yes months I'm horrible -_-) my friends Mel and Mel ( Mel ²) were kind enough to come up to Sausalito and play models for me in their wedding clothes (they were married in January in Maui). I don't really shoot weddings but I thought it would be fun just to run around in formal wear. We had a lot of fun and they were showered with congratulations by strangers and tourists. Someone actually stopped Mel and wanted a photo of a design on her wedding dress for some art piece she was working on (this was Sausalito by the way, home to many Artsy folks).

I forgot how much fun both Mel ² are and only wished we lived closer so we could enjoy them more. Thank you both again so very much for your time and patience.

Cheers!

Megs

Tracks

2009-10-29T10:30:00.000-07:00

One of the many joys of shooting children is watching them grow through the lens and seeing personalities develop and shine through. Six months ago little Megan was just learning to pull herself up and do the wobble walk at our last photoshoot. Not only can she now run but she has become an expert (in my book) at posing and giving love to my camera.
Oh and she's not afraid of train tracks :).

Having fun with big brother Ethan.

My favorite shot of the family, standing in front of a dark train tunnel.

Drew

2009-09-20T22:58:00.000-07:00

I truly feel blessed when I get the opportunity to shoot such wonderful kids and Drew was no exception. Behind those beautiful blue eyes lies such a smart and funny little boy. From watching a group of kids and adults practicing Karate in the park, to just watching the other kids on the playground I was fascinated of how observant he was. He had a great imagination and had lots of funny and interesting things to say.

As a photographer he was the ideal kid to shoot. Funny, full of energy, and was super at taking directions. He didn't mind sharing the playground with Mitch and even watched as Mitch demonstrate a couple of Kung Fu moves. We couldn't have ask for such a great client!

Drew demonstrating his great modeling skills.

Fall is starting to creep up on us which means soon it will be Halloween, Thanksgiving, and then Christmas! As everyone is getting ready for the Holiday season Mitch and I are getting ready for our little Mochi to arrive. We can't believe how fast these past six months have gone! In the next few months we are actually going to be real life parents!

When we got married two years ago we knew we wanted to be parents and have been looking forward to this. Mitch likes to tease me that I'll soon be an AMWAC (Another Mother With a Camera). If you say that fast enough it sounds like 'I'm wack' (which is so untrue!). I do tease him back and say that he too has a camera but AMFAC doesn't sound as cool as AMWAC.

Anyways.

I have just a few more shoots left and then will be taking some time off when the Moch gets here (looking forward to sleep dep, diapers, and unexplained odors).

For now I'll be shooting and trying to figure out what color to paint the nursery.

Cheers!

Meg

Birthdays and Babies!

2009-09-05T21:14:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to my two favorite nephews! Josh just turned 6 and little Momo turned a big 1 year old! Both your Moms should be so proud to have such cuties for sons! We were so glad we were able to visit last month to spend time with you both!

Love,

Auntie Meg and Uncle Mitch.

Sugarplum

2009-08-29T11:02:00.000-07:00

I remember when I took this photo of her. It was during a family wedding and she had decided to take the umbrella from her drink and put it her hair. She was having so much fun and it was such a joyous occasion. I remember Cousin Peter jokingly exclaiming “Uh oh, Grandmas got an umbrella in her hair we better cut her off!”

She was definitely full of spunk and character. Being an addition to the family I was always eager to spend time with her and listen to her stories, wither it was about her growing up and the life she had lead, or commenting on how long it took to put her makeup on. “I’m still working on putting my face on” she would say while laughing.

When she turned 90 two years ago Aunt Sally threw her a wonderful birthday party and she was even featured in a San Diego news segment. She had lived a long and interesting life. She felt blessed to have been able to live long enough to see her first great grandchildren this past spring and was hoping to make it until the end of this year to see our little one too.

Distance kept us from spending more time with her and although her health had declined she was always in good spirits when we spoke to her.

I’ve often spoken about how my love of photography comes from wanting time to stand still. When I shoot I live in the moment and treasure it but at the same time I find comfort in that I can keep it safely tucked way to look back upon fondly. These feelings couldn’t be truer for me than now.

For the past week it’s been hard for us to believe that she is gone. Although she had some health problems we did not expect for her to be gone from us so soon. Deep in my heart I was hoping she would be okay and that we would see her again for the holidays with our little Mochi in tow but it was selfish of me to think that. We are blessed to have so many of her photos that we've taken to enjoy and lovingly remember as well as the memories she's left for us.

Thank you Grandma Sugarplum for all the love and all the memories. Our hearts are heavy and we will miss you so very much.

With Love,

Meg (and Mitch)

Ruth and Dae

2009-08-14T09:19:00.000-07:00

It was an overcast day in Canada on Sunday. It had been warm and humid and the sky had been threatening rain for days. Thankfully it held off for a while and even let some sun peek through for us.

Ruth and Dae had chosen the charming Milner Chapel in Langley B.C. for their wedding this October. Surrounded by daises (Ruth's wedding flowers) and a white picket fence, one can't help but sense the classic feel of it. Sadly because of my schedule I won't be able to shoot their special day but we were able to enjoy the cute little chapel and it's promise of things to come. No doubt it will be a happy and amazing day!

Garylene

2009-08-04T09:18:00.000-07:00

I have heard so much about her from my sister Daina on how fabulous Garylene was but I never really knew how fabulous she was until I finally got to meet her. Up until our shoot we were only in contact via email and chat but already her bubbly personality shown through (you can't hide fab behind text and a screen).

I can see why she is my sister's BFF. Her laughter and wonderful personality can't help but make you smile and feel at ease. Gare brought along her friend (who was equally as enjoyable and who made a really good prop hehe). We couldn’t help but laugh and make fun of ourselves the entire time. The wind kept attacking her hair and I kept fussing with my odd clothing ensemble (don’t ask), thank God I don’t have photos of myself.

Afterwards I had invited them along to the Scott Kelby’s World Wide Photo Walk. (If you can find me I’m hiding behind Gare). After walking for a few hours in North Beach we decided to meet up with Daina at my place to rest our puppies and play a serious game of Settlers of Catan!

Like all things that are good they have to come to an end. Sadly Gare is leaving us for law school back east (my sister is already struggling to come to terms with it). She will be terribly missed and I’m seriously jealous of East Coasters now.

I’m so glad though that I got a chance to meet such a wonderful person. I think everyone needs a Garylene in their lives to make it just a bit brighter and full of laughter.

I Dream in color

2009-07-16T17:22:00.000-07:00

If you ask Mitch he will tell you that my dreams are pretty vivid. I'll wake up and before I even throw off the covers I'll start yapping away about what I dreamt. And he (while half asleep) would mumble 'yes hon', 'oh really', 'wow', while not actually listening to me.

One of the reasons why I do this is so I can actually remember what I dreamt about (only because it was so cool)! Last night was one of them!

I’ll skip the super hero part and my special flying abilities and go right into the Nikon part of my dream.

So I'm walking (err flying)down a street to go home when I see a parade of little children (very cute kids too)on these tiny tiny miniature real life horses riding down the street. Follwing them closely was a troop of photographers and they ALL had Nikons (I’m a Canon girl). The back of their photographers vest (yes VEST) said “The Children’s Place” (which is real life store that sells kids clothing but in my dream it was a photography company).

So I slowly walk up to one of the photographers and with my back turned to him (all stealth like and through my teeth) I mumbled “do all of your photographers only shoot with Nikons?”.

He then replies, without turning around, “No Meg we don’t all just shoot with Nikons”.

I was shocked and cried “How did you know my name!”. He said I had been standing there for so long he figured it out (as if I had a 'Meg' written in huge letters on my back or something). He then handed me a card and asked me if I wanted to work for them. I said I’d think about it and continued on my way home which happened to be at the end of the next street (somehow in my dream I knew this). Now here is where it gets bizarre.

So the Nikon guy asks in amazement “Do you live down this street? Are you sure?”. I was puzzled why he’d ask me until I turned the corner. It was like walking into a fairyland. All the houses were mansions with gigantic gardens and fountains in their front lawn. I could have sworn I saw fairies flying too while I walked down the street.I was amazed that I lived on such a beautiful street until I came to the end of the road and turn left where I supposedly lived.

The house was hidden by over grown trees and shrubs and when I finally got to the end of the driveway what stood before me was a rundown looking old shack. The minute I saw the house I looked down at myself and saw I was wearing tattered old clothes (a potato sack would have looked better).

It turned out that I belong to a Caucasian family (I’m Asian) that looked like the family from Pete’s Dragon! The mom was all dirty with ratty hair and broken teeth and my siblings all had overalls on and dirty dirty hair. The mom was screaming at me “Where have you BEEN!? You have chores to do!”. I had no idea who these people were but I quickly ran and started to do the laundry out of a wooden bucket. I felt like I was erally Pete except for the fact I was a girl and didn’t have a handsome couple fighting for me and singing in the middle of the bay on a boat.I also lacked a magic Dragon :(. It was a good thing I woke up after that.

I then rolled over to recounted everthing to a still sleeping Mitch.

Cupid :Dog Extraordinaire

2009-06-28T09:50:00.001-07:00

He had booked me in advanced months ago and was finally able to squeeze me into his crazy schedule.

We started the morning off with a portrait session at his home in beautiful Sausalito.

Then it was off to Baker Beach in S.F. to do his duty as a Life Dog with his assistant. It was a very hot day yesterday and the beach was crowded.

He insisted we got him with the iconic Golden Gate bridge.

He spent most of the day assisting fellow canines (such as this one) away from the water for their safety. The waves were crashing pretty hard.

His lovely girlfriend came along for the shoot (Miss Coco). She was soo sweet she bought donuts with her (Cupid loves donuts).

We later caught him rescuing a ball that was getting dangerously close to the water.

He demonstrated the right way to remove a shell from the beach.

Resting after a long hot day.

----
Thank you Cupid and Zsofia for such a fun day in the (very hot) sun!

Aurora and Noah

2009-06-26T23:25:00.000-07:00

We spent a lovely day at the park in Walnut Creek with the cool Miss Aurora and her little brother Noah along with their equally cool parents. There were lollipops and lots and lots of bubbles! ( The only thing missing was a teeter-totter that I am still trying to find! I think there is one at the park on Belvedere Island here in Marin. )

One of the many things that I love about kids and babies is how they express themselves. Some you can tell by just looking at them or playing with them. I say the photos speak for themselves here.

Thank you John and Roslynd for sharing your cool kids with us!

The Beach

2009-06-16T21:24:00.001-07:00

As a little girl I never got to go to the beach enough. I know living in the central valley and being miles and miles from the beach (actually 100 miles or so, go google maps!) it was kind of hard to go as a kid. But that didn't stop me from loving the beach.

I would imagine listening to the waves crash and the smell of the sea salt in the air. At home we had this huge conch shell that my parents kept in their bedroom (a gift from someone). Sometimes I'd go into their room and press the shell up against my ear and listen to the sound of the ocean. I would always tell myself that if I ever got the chance I would live near a beach somewhere so I could listen to it every night.

Since moving to the Bay Area (Marin especially) I've lost count of the many times I've been to the beach. When we were dating it seemed like Mitch and I were at the beach almost every weekend. He lived only a few minutes away from Ocean Beach in San Francisco so we would load up the car with his surfboard and spend a Saturday morning or afternoon there. He would be out in the freezing cold water fighting for crappy waves (yay for Northern California) while I sat reading my book and occasionally checking on him to make sure he wasn't fighting with JabberJaw. Yes how I love the beach.

We did a shoot with some friends of ours and their daughter Corry. It was a nice overcast day at Muir Beach for some fun in the sand. There were holes dugged, sand fishes created and smashed, sand angels formed, and a seaweed mom-ster. By the end of the shoot we were all covered in sand but the important part was that we all had fun!

Sand sand everywhere, in your teeth and in your hair!

Summertime and the Magic of Reading

2009-05-19T15:11:00.000-07:00

As a child summertime meant something different to me. While other kids looked forward to no school, no books, no homework, and vacation fun, I dreaded it. While others went off on camping trips or some place fun I was stuck at home during the summer.

Growing up in a large family meant that we didn't get to do much of anything outside of bike riding in our cul-de-sac, playing marbles in the front yard, or my Dad's fishing trips. Because my parents were strict we didn't go to slumber parties or go to other kids houses to play (unless it was on our block).

It all changed for me though one summer when I discovered the magic of the Library.

It was a gigantic building with large white pillars that reached to the sky. The walkway around it was accented with glass mosaic patterns which was slippery and I was always afraid to step on them. It had white tables around the outside of the building which was usually taken by the homeless men in the area. Most of them sat there quietly leaning against their large backpacks reading with much intensity in their eyes as though they were trying to solve a problem.

The parking lot was in the back so we would have to walk all the way around to get to the entrance of the building (and for me meant many many squares of glass patterns that I had to avoid and to not stare at the homeless men). It was a workout getting to the front (Modesto gets VERY hot in the summer) but I was well rewarded when the automatic doors open and I would be hit with a blast of nice cold air on my face. After that it was like paradise to me.

I had an unlimited supply of adventure just waiting for me to find. And the best thing of all it was free.

I checked out as many books as I could and that would fit in my book bag. I would hunt under adventure, mystery, and all the bound comic books that they had (Peanuts, Garfield, Family Circle, and Heathcliff).

I traveled to other lands and other countries, through time and space. I read the classics that I didn't read in school and I wondered if Sally would ever leave poor Linus alone (her sweet Baboo).

My library card was something I treasured so much and was so proud to have. That blue piece of plastic with my name written on it gave me a passport to anywhere I wanted to go.

I was no longer this poor Asian girl who couldn't go anywhere but a girl who went everywhere.

The Little Empress

2009-04-20T17:17:00.000-07:00

Although she is tiny for her age (hence the "little" in her title) she is big when it comes to personality. Full of spunk and character she really gives her mom a reason for the title "full time Mommy". You can follow her on her many adventures over at Mommy Misadventures.

Cheers!

Megs

Beginnings

2009-04-09T10:19:00.001-07:00

Olympus OM10 with a 75/205 MM

The love of photography for me started from my father. I remember growing up and watching my father pull out his camera (an Olympus OM10) every time we were on a trip or just to take pictures of us kids (all six of us). He kept it and a couple of lenses in this old leather boxy camera bag (see picture). I think I was around 10 or 11 when he first let me use it. I remember getting so frustrated when loading film into it that Dad had to eventually do it for me. For the longest time when I shot depended on if Dad felt like loading film for me or not (loading film was hard as a kid!).

And it was heavy! God was that thing heavy. I couldn't use it without having to put it down every couple of shots. I was constantly told to shoot people only and not to waste film on inanimate objects (but I always managed to sneak in a tree or a fence into a roll). Another obstacle that I had to hurdle was the manual focus, there was no such thing as auto focus (such a luxury!).

I developed a passion for wanting to document everything; events, people, and places. I wanted time to stand still and never wanted things to end. I wanted my parents to stay young, my siblings to always be cute, and life to always be simple.

I still think that way to this day. My hard drive is filled with photos of family (how can it not be with over 10 birthdays a year and every holiday on the calendar to celebrate). The fact that I’ve managed to get some of those photos printed and in frames and gifted to people surprises even me.

Although I haven't master freezing time yet I have figured out how to grab a piece of it and carefully tuck it away for safe keeping. Thanks Dad!

Terrific Two!

2009-04-03T19:59:00.001-07:00

Jack will be turning the big 2 this weekend so we did a photo shoot to mark this special occasion. He is one really happy little boy, so full of fun, spunk, and a love for trains. He also has a very spiffy chair that I'm totally jealous of. It's just so comfy looking!

Davon's Photo shoot.

2009-03-08T23:53:00.000-07:00

It was a bee-utiful day for a photo shoot in San Francisco. There were friendly cotton candy clouds in the sky and most importantly--- no rain! Perfect for a 9:00 am photo shoot with Miss Davon. Well it was more towards 10ish because of a long line at a certain Star coffee place and Davon was stuck on the Bay Bridge in traffic but after that the city was ours for the frolicking!

Two things I learn on this shoot.

One: I CAN climb narrow metal stairs and do a shoot on top of a roof (even with my fear of heights) (Hooray for not falling over).

Two: I need knee pads. My jeans do not protect me against gravel, pavement, or bird poo.

:)

Cheers!

Megs

Love Day(s)

2009-02-14T19:16:00.000-08:00

Valentine's day has always been a celebration of love for me. Either love for my family or love for that special someone. A long time ago someone once told me that I was a hopeless romantic and that I wasn't just wanting to be 'in love' but that I was in fact in love with being in love. For all intents and purposes they were actually right. I was in love with being in love.

Why wouldn't someone want to take on the adventure of 'in loveness'? How exciting and mysterious it can be. I have always been one to want to write my own love story and see it unfold. When I love, I love intensely and fiercely. I know it is the Cancer in me that drives me to be that way (whether I can help it or not).

When I shoot couples I'm always searching for that same excitement. Whether it be a quiet private smile or the "I'm so in love with you I want the whole world to see it" look, it all speaks to me. (I'll end my rant now or I'll keep going on and on and on.)

So this year, whether you are in love, married, or love a cat or dog (or any other animal) I hope you celebrate one of the beautiful things that life has to give us; and that is love.

Not just for the day it's set aside to be celebrated for, but every day.

Cheers to Love!

Megs

Run Away With Me...

2009-02-02T18:10:00.000-08:00

So I know the year has just started but there is always a good time to run away to an exotic place for a few days right? So when Mitch’s company decided it was time to spend a few days in the sun in Kauai I did not hesitate. My bags were packed and I was standing in the middle of our living room floor with my shorts and flip flops even though it was the middle of winter. Lucky for me we were having a heat wave here in the San Francisco bay (in the upper 50s!) that weekend so I didn’t freeze to death while waiting for our flight.

I think the difference between this year’s trip ( as opposed to last year’s trip ) was the increased number of dSLR users in the company. I’d like to think I started the trend by running around at last year’s trip with my shiny new 40D and scaring people with the size of it. (Even if I didn't start it just let me think I did so I can be all happy sunshine and lollipops about it.)

I'm really excited that others have picked up their cameras (either for the first time or getting back to it). It is always fun shooting with others and I'm always delighted to inspire others (my uncle Ralph comes to mind).

In fact I had so much fun that I shoved 4 guys in to the Subaru that I rented and went to shoot Waimea canyon while we were there. I can't remember the last time I had so much fun running around a canyon before.

Now that I'm back all tanned and and goddess like I'm ready to get into the swing of things. We have a lot of exciting and new things planned for 2009 and I can't wait to share it with everyone.

I lured Cedric into a photo shoot near the beach. Does he not look tubular?

Cheers (and suntan lotion),

Megs

Happy Pi Mai! (New Year)

2009-01-01T22:58:00.000-08:00

Christmas Snow, Yosemite National Park

This past year has been one of the busiest but most exciting year so far in my photography journey. I was blessed to have been able to travel and shoot so many different places.

My love and gratefulness to my wonderful and amazing husband Mitch, for being my second shooter and my tech nerd hero.

I would also like to thank those who gave me the opportunity to share and shoot the wonderful moments of their lives. I'm looking forward to many more photography adventures in the year to come!

Cheers to the New Year!

Meg

Winter Resting

2008-12-04T07:12:00.000-08:00

Waking up to fog this Thanksgiving weekend I decided to go shooting in a rather unusual place. The local cemetery. I'm sure there was a reason to my madness for getting up at 7:30 A.M. on a holiday weekend let alone go to a foggy, wet, damp, and at sometimes, eerie cemetery. I think a lot of people avoid the cemetery because it's an ever fixated symbol of death and the end of life, something that one does not like to be reminded. I, on the other hand, enjoy the sometimes mysterious, ominous, and artistic side of the cemetery. There is history and lives that makes you wonder what it was like back in the old days. I'm not saying that I schedule on a regular basis to go shooting in grave yards but I do stop to admire and wonder about lives that have come and gone.

Mike and Lina's Wedding

2008-11-20T07:10:00.000-08:00

Shooting through the lens with Love

2008-11-14T12:02:00.000-08:00

Even before I seriously dove into photography Mitch had been my favorite subject to take (much to his protest). I can't explain it. Even at weddings, such as the below, I find ways of getting my Mitch shot in. Maybe because it’s just the two of us (most of the time) that he’s become my favorite main focus.

Other people have their children or pets to follow around and I have a Mitch. If it weren’t for the fact that he’s married to me (bwa ha ha), he’d probably think I was some crazed fan obsessed with him. Instead I’m just his nutty wife with a camera.

Now that he has a camera of his own though, it has turned into a camera-off. We’ll see how this pans out.

Cheers!

Megs

One Love

2008-10-27T22:34:00.000-07:00

I had the honor of attending the wedding of Lindsay and Lisa, two very beautiful souls. It was a small garden wedding on a gorgeous Saturday in San Diego.

No matter one's view is on marriage; love is love and it is beautiful.

Let me not to the marriage of true minds

Admit impediments. Love is not love

Which alters when it alteration finds,

Or bends with the remover to remove:

O no! it is an ever-fixed mark

That looks on tempests and is never shaken;

It is the star to every wandering bark,

Whose worth's unknown, although his height be taken.

Love's not Time's fool, though rosy lips and cheeks

Within his bending sickle's compass come:

Love alters not with his brief hours and weeks,

But bears it out even to the edge of doom.

If this be error and upon me proved,

I never writ, nor no man ever loved.

-William Shakespeare

Little Munchkin

2008-10-20T18:34:00.000-07:00

We traveled all the way up to British Columbia, Canada for this photo shoot. Granted that it was for my wonderful cousin who just had her first baby boy Tristan. He was such sweetie!

We actually shot him while traveling around Victoria Island and Vancouver (sightseeing hehe). Although he was asleep for most of the day trip to Victoria Island we were able to shoot these on the long ferry ride home.

He is two months here and it will be another year until we see him again.

Little ones grow up so fast but I'm glad we were able to shoot him while he was still a little munchkin.

Z(oom) Z(oom)

2008-09-15T09:37:00.000-07:00

The Z enjoying a lovely sunset on top of Mt. Tamalpais.

A friend of ours had just gotten a new Z and wanted some nice photos of it so we took him (and the Z) up to Mt. Tamalpais for a lovely sunset photoshoot.

We had alot of fun doing this shoot and got some really nice shots for him. This is a really sexy car and I was thrilled to have had the chance to shoot it (and such a cooperative model too).

Cheers!

Megs

A Painter and the Moon

2008-09-08T21:07:00.000-07:00

It's been rather hot here in the Bay area and there was finally some relief yesterday to the heat when the fog rolled in. Rather than basking in the coolness we grabbed the cameras and headed north, as in up Mount Tamalpais. It was just spectacular looking down on to the San Francisco coast line and seeing everything engulfed in fog.

An Artist painting the sunset on top of Mt. Tamalpais under a faint moon.

Flashback: Eastcoast Sunrise

2008-08-17T10:58:00.000-07:00

Living on the west coast and near the ocean I normally take a lot of sunset pictures. While in Florida though, the other month, we woke up early to catch the sunrise over the ocean (different ocean but it's almost the same right?).

After walking two blocks down from the house we ran into this:

We had some hope that the gloomy looking rain to the right would have missed us, but of course it didn't ^_^. Thankfully we were able to run underneath one of the walk down piers for cover. There were huge rocks underneath but we manuvered ourselves in. The camera equipment stayed dry but some how I managed to get my entire back wet. We laughed so hard at our situation; caught in the storm and stuck between a rock and a wet place.

The storm lasted for a bit but afterwards it was pretty shiny.

It was pretty exciting to be caught up in a heavy storm like that on the beach. It rarely happens here in the San Francisco area.

Cheers!

Megs

Frosting!

2008-08-10T20:19:00.000-07:00

While strolling in downtown Mill Valley this afternoon we found this wonderful little cupcake shop called Frosting that had just opened.

With it's bright colors of pink and orange (with polka dots) we just had to peek in.

It was cupcake heaven!

We bought a Cookies and Cream one to take home (seen above) and oh my god is it delicious! So delicious that I only got to take one bite (I turned around for a second and Mitch had already finished it and was in sugar heaven haha).

If you're in or around Mill Valley this shop is definitely worth stopping by.

Cheers!

Meg

Mill Valley Sunset

2008-08-05T21:59:00.000-07:00

We had a lovely sunset here in Mill Valley tonight. We actually were out at the Marin Headlands shooting the sunset near and around the Golden Gate Bridge when we decided to take a few shots close to home.

If you squint hard enough you can see our place just across the water (just kidding! we actually had our lights off *chuckles*).

It's been a rather busy summer so far and we have just barely gotten started! We still have a trip to Disneyland in a couple of weeks, two weddings, Seattle, and Canada before the summer is out.

I could really use that 2nd DSLR body about now :)

Megs

Coit Tower at Dusk, San Francisco

2008-07-18T23:11:00.001-07:00

Below and Behind the famous tower.

After living just outside of San Francisco for the last few years we finally decided to catch the tower at dusk tonight. It was pretty clear in Marin when we left the house but the minute we emerged through the tunnel it was nothing but fog. You have to love summers in San Francisco.

I remember the last time we visited the tower parking was pretty prime and it was no different this time. Thanks to Mitch's SF parking skills we squeezed into a space right below the tower and took the little hike up. Even around 8:30 pm the place was still busy.

The statue of Columbus over looking Alcatraz on this foggy evening.

Fourth of July Sparkle

2008-07-05T08:44:00.001-07:00

I think Sparkle Writing is a tough art form (or at least you need to practice to get good at it).

This year we spent the holiday with my family who happened to live in a county that allows fireworks (this was our first year not spending it in San Francisco ). Although fireworks aren't as cool as they use to be many years ago, we still had a lot of fun lighting things on fire.

My favorite moment was watching my Dad run around with a sparkler in his hand trying to write something.

It was priceless!

Bolt of Lightning Very Very Frighting!

2008-06-20T22:36:00.000-07:00

Flagler Beach, Florida during a thunderstorm over the inter coastal waterway.

Canon EOS 40D

I didn't realize capturing lightning was so difficult. I was lucky to get this shot only after half a dozen tries (but then spent the next 10 minutes trying for another one before I gave up from the extreme humidity and heat). Although I miss the nice warm Atlantic Ocean I could live without the heat and humidity.

A funny story related to the intercoastal waterway. Due to an accident on the boat we were on my lens hood is sleeping with the fishies. It was funny but at the same time a pain to replace ($32.00 plastic ring I know).

Fern Canyon/Redwood National Park

2008-05-31T08:32:00.000-07:00

Mitch and I took a 700 mile road trip to go see the Redwood National Park this past weekend. It was a long trip but we came back with a lot of good memories.

With the price of gas rising like it is we're not sure how often we'll be able to do these sporadic road trips. Here are some of the pictures I took over the weekend. Enjoy!

(Click to view larger.)

Mitch and a tree ^_^

Below the Giant Redwoods

Fern Canyon

A purple lupine.

Elk among the Lupine

Trees in motion down the Avenue of the Giants.

2008-05-21T07:41:00.000-07:00

Having fun on a hot foggy morning here in San Francisco. The shadows were unavoidable but I love how if you look real close you can see his eyelashes.

2008-05-12T21:58:00.000-07:00

My Mitch: eating cherries in the back yard while picking his guitar on a nice warm day.

Winchester Mystery House

2008-05-04T23:07:00.000-07:00

Earthquake damage that the Mansion sustained.

Sunset Hill

2008-05-01T23:01:00.000-07:00

A few days late I know but here is one of the sunset pictures taken this past weekend. This was the first time we had to actually race (through the freeway and then venturing off the beaten path) to catch the sunset at different places. I have more but this was one of my favorites.

Cascade

2008-04-24T22:46:00.000-07:00

One of the things I love about living in Marin is the abundance of hiking trails and amazing views. Cascade Falls is one of my favorites. Tucked in and hidden somewhere in Mill Valley its most certainly is a very green place .

My favorite time to visit is right after a rainfall like in the above picture. Everything is moist and the air just smells of nature.