goedemorgen amsterdam

We arrived in Amsterdam yesterday morning after a long, but thankfully uneventful flight. We expected public transportation to be easy, but the kiosks to buy train tickets didn't want to take our credit cards, so we took a cab instead - which actually was quite reasonable for four of us to share. We checked into the hotel, unpacked, and then walked around to get our bearings.

Before I show you photos, I'd like to start off with a quick disclaimer: these aren't exactly award-winning images so far. I just took a few quickies to give you an idea of the experience. We still have the rest of our week here - I expect to do a whole lot more photographing during that time.

Our rooftop view and workspace
Our lovely, modern bathroomKeeping in touch with home... for free (thanks Skype!)
Mike and Christina are right next door

Later we took an evening stroll. The streets were lined with holiday lights and the city was bustling with activity. We expected there to be less crowds this time of year, with the colder, wet weather. But, perhaps because the IDFA (international documentary festival amsterdam) is going on, we've seen a lot of people and quite a bit of activity. We're thinking we might join in the festivities and catch a documentary sometime this weekend.

I haven't completely got my facts straight yet, but I think this might be the Amstel River.



We stopped and had a delicious, warm kretenbol - a doughy, round pastry with raisins. think churro as far as flavor, but different shape and texture.
It was raining when we got to Dam Square. One of the things we noticed was that the really heavy waves of rain or hail were short - so rather than plowing through it, the locals just ducked for cover and waited it out for a few minutes.
Any overhang would do, even the monument itself was sufficient coverage until the downpour passed.I LOVED these department store windows - something about those cheery colors and whimsical arrangement of items really made it appealing to me. Christina and I have decided that we'll be making a trip back here to shop at least once before we leave.
We had dinner at a cafe/pub/steak house called The Old Bell. The food was tasty, the ambiance was pleasant, and the people were friendly.
Before the trip, we found a little molskine travel book for Amsterdam - which has been great. It has a small map of the city with street index, but it also has plenty of space for us to include our own notes and doodles about the places we go. Here Dick is adding an entry.Any place with a house cat is top notch in my book. Dick took this less-than-flattering shot of me polishing off my baby back ribs while the cat hung out in the window behind me.
So far I'm really enjoying Amsterdam. The people are great, it's easy to get around, and the photographic opportunities are insane - I can't wait to take more today!

Alex and Jeremy

A few weeks ago I posted a sneak peek of images from Alex and Jeremy's wedding. Here are a few more of my favorites from the bunch.

The wedding was simple and very personal, with just a few family members and close friends.
Ali was adorable as usual.
What a great couple. When I look back on all of the photos from that day, I think the thing that touches me the most is how Jeremy was so entertained and amused by Ali (who is one funny, witty woman). We took several photos of him in the middle of a big laugh.

After the small ceremony, the group headed to the Gulf Coast Grill for dinner. This was where Ali and Jeremy first met on a blind date. Apparently they enjoyed each other's company so much that the people working at the restaurant were trying to close up but these two didn't want to leave.
The next day they celebrated with a much bigger reception in Coronado, filled with a much bigger group of friends and family members.

Shannen's expecting!

My friends Shannen and Chris are anxiously awaiting the arrival of baby Zoey, due in January. Here are some shots we took a few weeks ago. Talk about glowing!
I love this cat. Rather than try to get him out of the shot we decided to roll with it.

San Diego Bridal Bazaar

This year there were several of us working at the booth, so I was able to break away and get some photos of the fashion show. Wow, that was fun! Now I think I want to branch out into fashion photography.





And here's Dad in action at the booth.

Alex & Jeremy - teaser

This weekend my beautiful friend Alex was married to love-of-her-life Jeremy at St. Paul's Cathedral in San Diego. Dick and I were so honored to be asked to photograph the ceremony. I haven't had time to go through all of the photos yet, but I just had to share a few.

Isn't she gorgeous?

Headed to the Bridal Bazaar?

So are we! Be sure to stop by and see us in Del Mar on Sunday October 26.


Click here for more information about the event.

Fun with Photoshop

Nicholas is an aspiring actor who had these promotional photos taken at a studio near where he lives in Florida. His dad Rich (a close friend of the family) asked if we could spice them up a bit. Even though I didn't take the original shots I thought it'd be fun to post a few of the before and afters.



Oh, and just in case you were concerned, we have a release from the studio saying we can modify and post the photos.

Jen & Jesse

Last Sunday we shot the perfect San Diego wedding. Jesse and Jen are both local surfers and so appropriately enough they decided to have a beach-themed ceremony and reception. Both were held at the Admiral Kidd Club in San Diego, CA. They couldn't have asked for a more beautiful San Diego day.

Shannon & Brian

Ceremony: St. Brigid Roman Catholic Church, Pacific Beach
Reception: Marriott Hotel & Marina - Bayside room, San Diego
Live band: Radiostar

more of the dress

Check out Dad's blog for his 'Trash the Dress' photos.

Trash the Dress

Today we took Charlotte and Sheldon to the La Jolla Indian Reservation campground for a "trash the dress" session. Here are a few of my favorites from the day. But really, if you like these you should see the ones Dad took! I'll be sure to post a link as soon as he gets them online.

It was so much fun working with them today - Char had an unbelievably fantastic attitude throughout the whole shoot.