EdenLuna Photography

Monday Mayhem: January 23, 2012

2012-01-24T22:03:00.000-08:00

This week's Mayhem seems pretty easy to us so guess quickly! Remember, you MUST be a member of this blog to guess! ONLY members of this blog can win! Cannot win two weeks in a row.

Here is this week's mystery photo:

Winner receives an 8x12 autographed copy of the following photo entitled: APPRO. This is a photograph I took at the sign graveyard in Las Vegas. It is a wasteland of old vegas casino signs in the desert.

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I Heart Faces

2012-01-23T11:44:00.000-08:00

The people over at I Heart Faces run one of the best photo resources blog around. Every week they run a contest and this week we entered the following photo:

The contest must almost always show a face, and this week's theme was books.

Bodie ghost Town, Part Two

2012-01-17T22:05:00.000-08:00

Here are some of Evelyn's favorites from our day at Bodie Ghost Town near Mammoth, CA.

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Bodie Ghost Town

2012-01-16T22:11:00.000-08:00

Bodie Ghost Town is the official ghost town of California. A mining boom town, it was known as a rough place with killings nearly every day. It was a place so tough that one little girl who learned she was moving there wrote, "Goodbye God, I am going to Bodie."

Today it is a town forgotten by time. The historical society keeps the town in a state of arrested decay. Basically, they are not restoring the town but are maintaining it so it does not crumble and fade away.

We recently spent a few hours in Bodie and if you have never been, I hope these photos entice you to visit.

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Monday Mayhem 2012

2012-01-16T18:16:00.000-08:00

It is a new year and we are proud to announce the return of our Monday Mayhem contest! Same rules apply. Only members of this blog can guess! Facebook friends should sign up for the blog! Our last mystery photo proved to be too difficult, though Kate, a writer/ actor friend of ours was the closest with her guess so we are declaring her the winner! Kate gets a signed copy of our original artwork entitled "The Sad Cafe"!

Each Monday we will post a photo, ususally a close-up of an everyday item. First person to identify the photo wins that week's prize! Simple right?

REMEMBER! ONLY members subscribed to this blog are eligible. So at the moment you have a 1 in 18 chance of winning! But as more people discover our blog, your odds get longer! Leave your answer in the comments here on the blog. This week's prize is an 8x12 autographed print of the photo entitled, "Underwater Blaze".

Here is this week's mystery photo:

And here is what you can win!

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Amy and Harlan

2012-01-03T21:18:00.000-08:00

Amy and Harlan wanted a unique location. As a unique couple themselves, we felt they might like the grafitti-covered, abandoned outbuilding of an old warehouse. The sign said "Private Property", but we didn't let that stop us. The place was perfect and we didn't waste any time getting to work. We asked them to climb up a rickety, mangled ladder to the second floor and they did not hesitate. When we found an old bicycle that had been discarded and burned, we knew we wanted to use it for a few shots, and once again Amy and Harlan were game. And yes, those are shotgun blasts in the roof where the light shines through! We had a great time with these two, and cannot wait to return to this location and explore it further.

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The Diaz Family

2011-12-12T18:20:00.000-08:00

It was a grey and overcast day as Evelyn set out to photograph the Diaz family last weekend. But the minute thier little girl smiled, the grey seemed to melt away and from that moment on her smiles and laughter filled everyone with a warmth better than any sun!

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Monday Mayhem is Back!

2011-11-14T16:02:00.000-08:00

This week's mystery photo seems pretty easy to me, so I am going to ask you to be specific. What is it and what is it attached to. Good luck! Remember, only members of the blog who leave comments here with their guesses are eligble! This week's prize is a signed 8x10 of "The Sad Cafe." Here is your mystery photo for the week:

And here is the artwork you can win!

Fall Colors

2011-11-14T11:24:00.000-08:00

We just came back from a week up in the Mammoth area photographing fall colors. Here is a special preview, stay tuned for the rest!

This photo was entered into the I Heart Faces photo challenge – www.iheartfaces.com

Roller Derby Long Beach Style!

2011-11-14T11:15:00.000-08:00

Last Friday night, We attended a Roller Derby match! No, we did not travel back in time to 1974, we just drove to Long Beach where Roller Derby has been enjoying a resurgence in popularity. The women who skate and organize the derby are in it for the love of the sport. And after Friday night, they have a couple new fans. We met 'Flame Fatale' one of the skaters at last month's Zombie Walk, and she and Evelyn became Facebook buddies. Next match for Roller Derby is December 9th, who's in?

Adopt-A-Platoon

2011-11-10T16:19:00.000-08:00

Along with our friends at Walker '47, we have gotten involved with an organization called www.adoptaplatoon.org.

We have just received the gender breakdown on our platoon: We have 18 men and 2 women. So don’t forget some special needs for the women when you’re putting your donations together. We are not given their names nor the exact location – all packages go to an APO address to be forwarded from there.

(See below for the information/requested items we received from Adoptaplatoon.)

As a hint, we have no beef jerky yet and, in the past, that’s one of the things they have specifically requested. They can carry packages separately in their packs and use it for energy in the field, or wherever they might be. Been to a hotel lately and, like the rest of us, gone home with those little bottles of hand lotion or soaps? Feel free to drop those in your donation boxes. Lip balm, lens cleaner (we’re talking lots and lots of sand in their eyes and on their scopes and glasses). Remember, they do have free time, so any magazines or books that you’re done reading would be great – as well as any dvd’s (yes, they do have players). We’re well stocked on microwave popcorn, so maybe some nuts or something like that would be good to substitute. Anything that’s a self-contained protein would be great – energy bars, granola bars, tuna, you name it. No one has to tell any of us that times are tight, but whatever you can do will be terrific.

We have received telephone calls and emails from some of you who have put collection boxes in your office or at your church, for which we are most appreciative. What a great idea. We also have someone who has passed our emails onto her high school class reunion group. Thank you all so very much.

Don’t forget those signed Christmas cards. If you don’t have any to include, we have a few at the store which you can sign for us to include. They don’t have to be fancy – it’s your personal message that counts. Don’t forget to put your name and city/state so they know where the greeting is coming from. Also, remember, we will need to ship the boxes too, so if you can’t get out to collect items, any donations you could give toward the cost of shipping (yes, the post office does charge for shipping - $11.95 per large priority box [they’re giving military a $1 per box discount]; a government agency charging to ship to another government agency) would be welcome. We will use those priority boxes wherever possible, as they are not weight restrictive. If items (like microwave popcorn, for instance) are packed in a larger box, we will break down that box so that things fit in the priority box. If we have to, we will use larger boxes for those items that don’t fit in the priority boxes, but hope to keep those at a minimum, as they will cost more.

Once again, we want to sincerely thank you for participating in this program.

Your efforts and good wishes will not go unappreciated.

Remember, the deadline is Sunday, November 20, as all boxes will
have to be packed and shipped out the next week.

From Adoptaplatoon.org:

CONDITIONS: Your Soldiers live in tents with 110V generated power. There is a very small PX Store that is under-stocked most of the time.

ABOUT YOUR SOLDIERS: This is a newly deployed Infantry Combat Team positioned in some of the most remote locations in Afghanistan. They have several Combat Outposts to their North and East where amenities are very limited.

REQUESTS: Healthy pocket snacks like protein bars for long missions without food, nuts, seeds, dried fruits, jerky, short slim jims, trail mixes, drink mix singles, pop-top canned foods, ready to eat meals, pop tarts, cookies, crackers, Cheez-Its, any gummy candy, bubble gum, caramels, Twizzlers, bath/baby wipes, tooth brushes, paste & floss, mouth wash (Listerine, Scope etc), deodorant, mild soap, feminine hygiene products, foot powder, lotion, hand sanitizer gel/wipes, combs, nail clippers/files, Febreze pump spray (any scent) and anything to help boost Soldier’s morale: lots of letters/mail, American flags, photos from home, current magazines (Sports Illustrated, Off Road, Men’s Health, Guns & Ammo, Muscle, Music), ladies magazines (Cosmo, People, Better Homes & Gardens etc), assorted puzzle books, board games, small flashlights, DVD movies, Music CD’s (all types of music), all size batteries, outdoor sports balls, Frisbees, YoYo’s, etc. Cold Weather Needs: Clothing such as undershirts, black, army green or brown winter boot socks, black mittens or gloves, blankets and hand/foot warmers.

Restrictions for military mail that cannot be sent to the Troops include:

•Obscene articles in the form of prints, paintings, cards, films, videotapes, etc.

•Any matter depicting nude or seminude persons, pornographic or sexual items, or non-authorized political materials.

•Bulk quantities of religious materials contrary to the Islamic faith cannot be sent. (Whether you agree with it or not, let’s not make life worse for our troops.)

•Pork or pork by-products are not allowed. Do not send products packaged in glass.

•Use zip lock type baggies to add a bit more protection when sending foods. Send only pre-packaged, store bought food products.

Supporting our Nation’s deployed U.S. Troops is a gift we give ourselves as they serve on our behalf! We support our Nation’s Troops asking nothing in return except for the honor of letting them know they are never forgotten!

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American Indian Arts Marketplace 2011

2011-11-08T22:56:00.000-08:00

Even with all the rain dances, the sky cleared enough for us to visit the American Indian Arts Marketplace at the Autry National Center. Tribal arts including jewelry, paintings, sculpture, rugs, and more were on display in all their glory. After enjoying performance by contemporary native bands and dance groups, we had time to horse around! Pun intended!

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Virginia City, Nevada

2011-11-07T15:04:00.000-08:00

On a recent vacation to the eastern Sierras, we took a day trip up to Virginia City, Nevada. I had never been and Evelyn wanted to share the experience with me. We spent some time walking around the shops, and more time searching for the coin operated horse she remembered from her childhood! We never found the horse, but we managed to take a few pics along the way, hope you enjoy them!

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Having a Ghoul'O Time.

2011-10-31T21:08:00.000-07:00

Halloween Night and I need to see a dentist. Must be all this candy or brains! Hope you enjoyed a good scare or two. I made a little girl cry so my night is complete!

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Sirena Serpentina

2011-10-31T19:58:00.000-07:00

We witnessed a very cool act at Zombie Walk as we waited for Johnny Vato's Boingo Dance Party to take the stage. Sirena Serpentina was amazing. Beauitiful girls with fire can't be all bad! Fire dancing is an artform and these girls take it to a new level! Here are a few snaps of them doing their thing. Perhaps soon I can go photograph them properly!

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Zombie Walk 2011

2011-10-31T09:44:00.000-07:00

It was like a scene from The Walking Dead! Thousands of zombies converged on downtown Long Beach this weekend. It was a surreal night that ended in many of the members of Oingo Boing reuniting for a concert. No Danny Elfman was a no-show but the show was alot of fun. While we did not "shoot" the event, here are a few snapshots.

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Monday Mayhem

2011-10-17T10:52:00.000-07:00

This week's mystery photo seems pretty easy to me, so I am going to ask you to be specific. What is it and what is it attached to. Good luck! Remember, only members of the blog who leave comments here with their guesses are eligble! This week's prize is a signed 8x10 of "The Sad Cafe." and my own personal copy of the HEROES soundtrack! This CD is in excellent shape and comes with the original comic style package! Here is your mystery photo for the week:

And here is what you can win:

And you get this!

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CONTEST TIME! MONDAY MAYHEM IS HERE!

2011-10-10T10:14:00.001-07:00

Nobody looks forward to Mondays. The weekend is over, and the next one seems so far away. So to make Mondays more fun, (hopefully) we are starting our new photo contest!

MONDAY MAYHEM is here. Each Monday we will post a photo, ususally a close-up of an everyday item. First person to identify the photo wins that week's prize! Simple right?

Here is the catch: ONLY members subscribed to this blog are eligible. So at the moment you have a 1 in 12 chance of winning! Leave your answer in the comments here on the blog.

Here is this week's photo followed by a hint:

HINT: Nearly everyone has used this item. Some people use it on a daily basis, while others only a few times a year.

WHAT YOU CAN WIN!

This week's prize is a 3 CD set of Ray Charles music! Photography and music go hand in hand, and who doesn't like some Ray once in a while?

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Wake Up With The World!

2011-10-10T08:41:00.000-07:00

Sunrise is always a magical time. There is something mystical about the crisp morning air as the sky turns a soft purple and slowly transitions into a firey gold before your eyes. Add to that the sounds of a bird sancuary as Egrets, Pelicans, Sandpipers and hundreds of other birds greet the morning. We have never done this workshop so late in the year! It will be an adventure for sure! Join us July 31st for a magical morning of photography and fun. Come Wake Up With The World! Sign up early as space is limited! For more details please contact us at edenlunaphoto@yahoo.com .

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Rancho Las Lomas

2011-10-09T23:20:00.000-07:00

We spent the day at a charity event at the beautiful Rancho Las Lomas. The grounds are stunning and the zoo is magical. Here are a few pics!

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Murray Madness

2011-10-08T22:24:00.000-07:00

Murray came home fresh from the groomers with pink bows in his hair, apparently we aren't the only ones who mistook him for a girl when we first met him. Doesn't his new haircut look manly?

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Salton Sea

2011-10-06T19:02:00.000-07:00

Salton Sea is a wierd and wonderful adventure. We set out not sure what we were going to find, and having returned, we are still a bit unsure. In the desert of Southern California is a body of water so filled with salt that it can barely sustain life. Once a huge resort, it is now a depressed and mostly deserted area filled with decrepit structures, odd people and surreal landscapes. Here are a few of our photos:

We stumbled across an abandoned house and spent some time getting creative in the rubble.

In the hills not far from Salton Sea is an area known as Salvation Mountain. It is one man's devotion brought to life in vibrant color. No matter your beliefs, it is worth the trip to admire the work and dedication. And this much color in an otherwise bland desert is a sight you wont soon forget!

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Pet Portraits

2011-09-15T18:05:00.000-07:00

October is pet month here at EdenLuna Photography. The holidays are coming and when it is time for the holiday portrait, don't forget the four-legged family members. For the entire month of October, we are offering pet portraits for $50! Call for details and book early, this is a popular promotion!

Our New Wedding Promotion and a Thank You!

2011-08-26T06:49:00.000-07:00

We have rolled back prices all the way to 1990! As a way of thanking the communities who supported us when we first started photographing weddings, we are rolling back prices to twenty years ago! But hurry! Only twenty weddings at these prices!

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PeaceFeather is coming!

2011-07-20T23:03:00.000-07:00

Many of you know that we have been spending alot of time and energy on a new and exciting project! I can finally confirm that we will be launching something very cool on August 1st! Stay tuned for details! I leave you with this image as a hint:

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Invasion

2011-07-14T20:54:00.000-07:00

I am a man of simple joys. It doesn't take much to make me smile. Llast Summer, while working on a photo prject, I discovered an alien invasion that had gone virtually unnoticed. Since 1984 these little guys have flown their mission. Thousands of cars passed by them every week and virtually none took notice of the alien threat. In truth they meant no harm to anyone. They were there, I imagine to offer a bit of whimsey in a world that moves very fast. These little guys tickled me to death. I loved knowing that they were there. Sometime in 1984 a local artist painted them on the retaining wall of a freeway overpass, and there they remained. Taggers left them alone, though left their marks several feet away. All these years, the city took great pains to cover the grafitti as soon as it would appear, but left these little guys alone...until that is this month. After 27 years of harmless invasion. The City of West Covina has abolished the Alien Uprising. They have destroyed a work of art, something that made a bit proud to live here, and covered it up. They took something fun and whimsical and created an ugly patchwork of dull, industrial paint. I am sad to know that this little piece of coolness has been taken away from me.

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Bikinis and Beefcake Workshop

2011-07-12T20:47:00.000-07:00

Sign up NOW for our new workshop!

This one fills up fast! Register early to secure your spot! We'll be taking at least five models, (probably more) down to the beach for a fun evening of sexy photography. Both male and female models will be available for your lens!

Email for details: edenlunaphoto@yahoo.com

Or you can pay here:

Night Lights Workshop

2011-07-12T20:43:00.000-07:00

Enroll now in our NIGHT LGHTS WORKSHOP! Come learn the secrets of photographing at night. See some samples from past workshops below!

We'll talk about:

Painting with light
Photographing holiday lights
Special effects
Ghost writing
and night portraits! (Yes we'll have a model there!)

This two-hour workshop is only $60!
August 6, 2011 ~ 8pm-10pm

Come for a fun-filled evening and learn another side of photography! This workshop is for SLR users only. Point and shoot cameras do not work well with these techniques, if you have a question about your equipment, please ask. Space is limited.

Email: edenlunaphoto@yahoo.com for full details.

Or you can pay here:

Also learn the secret of GHOST WRITING!

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Wake Up With The World Workshop 6am-830am

2011-07-12T20:38:00.000-07:00

Sunrise is always a magical time. There is something mystical about the crisp morning air as the sky turns a soft purple and slowly transitions into a firey gold before your eyes. Add to that the sounds of a bird sancuary as Egrets, Pelicans, Sandpipers and hundreds of other birds greet the morning. Join us July 31st for a magical morning of photography and fun. Come Wake Up With The World! Sign up early as space is limited! For more details please contact us at edenlunaphoto@yahoo.com .

Or you can pay here:

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20 Years of Memories!

2011-07-07T16:38:00.000-07:00

We are celebrating twenty years in the photography business! it has been a wonderful, exciting, and sometimes strange trip and I have enjoyed every single moment of it! To celebrate, and as a way of thanking our friends and clients, we are rolling back our prices to where we started! But only for twenty sessions!

We will book 20 weddings for $1000 each!

We will book 20 engagement sessions for $100 each!

And 20 portrait sessions for $75 each!

We bring you over twenty years experience, and a commitment to excellence! Hurry, this won't last long!

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Queen Califia's Magic Circle Garden

2011-05-17T22:33:00.000-07:00

When I mentioned to my wife that I was looking for a cool and unique place to shoot some purple chair photos while we were in San Diego, she led me to Kit Carson Park in Escondido, CA., just your average regional park with volleyball nets, baseball diamonds and families holding reunions. But follow the driveway all the way around to the back and you'll find a dirt path. Travel a bit further on foot and you will discover a wondrous and truly magical place! Queen Califia's Magic Circle Garden is a little bit of whimsy in a world sorely lacking. We did indeed take some purple chair photos, which will be revealed at the completion of The Purple Chair Project this Summer, but here are a few pics of the magic circle.

And here is a Purple Chair Preview!

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Maili

2011-04-28T17:49:00.000-07:00

Meet Maili:

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Carlsbad Flower Fields

2011-04-25T15:24:00.000-07:00

We took a relaxing afternoon and strolled through the Ranunculus Flower Fields in Carlsbad. Here are a few photos.

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Vera

2011-04-22T22:26:00.000-07:00

Meet Vera: The photos below with the butterfly were made by Evelyn and those with the banner were made by Bill.

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Photo Excursions: Joshua Tree National Park

2011-04-11T18:17:00.000-07:00

The recently designated Joshua Tree National Park, with its bizarre lily-trees and sensuous rock formations, forms the northern edge of the Coachella Valley. The dramatic rise in elevation that occurs within Joshua Tree accounts for the varied habitats from both the Mojave and Colorado desert ecosystems whose borders meet within the park. Below 3,000 feet, the Colorado Desert encompasses the eastern part of the park and features natural gardens of creosote bush, ocotillo and cholla cactus. The higher, moister and slightly cooler Mojave Desert is the required habitat of the Joshua trees. In addition to Joshua tree forests, the western part of the park also includes some of the most interesting geologic displays found in California’s deserts. Five fan palm oases dot the park and support a multitude of wildlife.

Along with incredible rock landscapes and a wealth of photogenic rock climbers, the most interesting photography comes at sunset when the silhouetted, stark and irregular outlines of the Joshua trees make them seem almost menacing.

Day 1
Depart from a designated meeting place at 6:00 am and travel to Joshua Tree, along the way we’ll stop at anold west town, and perhaps an antique swap meet before heading in to town to check in at hotel and have lunch. Depart hotel @3:00 to arrive in the park with enough time to take advantage of late afternoon sun and sunset, then back to town for dinner and bed.

Day 2
Depart at 4:30 am to arrive in park to capture sunrise. Morning light on the desert landscape is ephemeral, glorious and awe inspiring. We have two days in Joshua Tree National Park to capture the light and landscape of this unique area. In Mid-May, we might find many species of wildflowers, along with yucca, cacti and the stately Joshua trees, and if we are lucky Barker Dam will have rain water in its reservoir. As a group, we’ll decide whether to stay at the park for sunset the second evening to improve upon the classic silhouetted shot of the “trees” against a carmine sky.

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Wake Up Workshop!

2011-04-11T11:19:00.000-07:00

Our latest workshop was a success! Wake Up With The World had several photographers of all levels coming together to create art! What amazes me is that, while photography can bring people from all walks of life together, we all see the world in a different way. We all stayed together and saw the same things, but our photographs were vastly different. That is the beauty of art. Here are a few snaps I took while instructing, stay tuned for photos from the attendees!

The Trading Post

2011-03-24T18:49:00.000-07:00

Gnubill's Trading Post is a new spin on something I did years ago, the idea was stolen...uh...inspired by a local radio station who did this on a late night show.. This is where you come to trade items you don't want for items you might want.

Here are the rules:

The trading post will begin with a random, seemingly worthless item. A classic from the past was a broken shoelace, but we can do better than that this time around. You send an email with an item you want to trade for what we have. Your item has to be worth slightly more than what you are trading for. We will run the trade for three months before we start a new one.

Items in the end will be auctioned off and the proceeds will go to The Heart Gallery, which is a local charity that I support. Follow the link if you are interested in finding out more!

The Heart Gallery

Now you can all get involved, and have a little fun in the process! By the way, that shoelace ended up in the end as 15 acres of land outside Santa Fe, New Mexico and raised $250,000 for charity. Her is the link to the Facebook page:

Gnubill's Trading Post Facebook Page

This doesn't work without all of you so join this page to play, whether you ever trade or not, tell all your friends and I will post the first item on Monday, March 28th

The Heart Gallery

2011-03-17T16:25:00.000-07:00

Throughout the year, we are honored to be a part of a special organization. The Heart Gallery is a non-profit, nationwide adoption program for hard to place children. We are proud to be a partner in such a worthy cause. Professional photographers across the country donate their time and talents and the gallery travels all over, attending high profile events and displaying the photos of all the kids, nearly 600 at the moment. Since it's inception the program has had a better than 60% success rate across the country and some states have topped 90%! We always have a great time with these kids, and hope that each and every one finds a loving home to call their own. Here are some of the pictures from last weekend's photo session!

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Back By Popular Demand!

2011-03-17T10:45:00.000-07:00

We are happy to announce our first "Wake Up With The World" Workshop of the year! Join us in the cold, crisp air of the morning and witness the beauty of sunrise over the water. We'll photograph the magical colors as the world wakes from slumber and watch the arrival of hundreds of birds. The sky fills with Egrets, Pelicans, Ducks, and all kinds of water birds. It is truly wondrous. The workshop lasts approximately two hours, bu you are welcome to stay as long as you like!

Art as Room

2011-03-03T16:55:00.000-08:00

As a photographer, I can appreciate all forms of art. So when Otis Architecture asked us to photograph some new rooms, we jumped at the chance! Interiors are tricky, taking someone else's art and doing it justice. This type of photography takes specialized equipment and knowledge, and I hope we did it justice.

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The Purple Chair is Coming

2011-02-17T22:18:00.001-08:00

The purple chair project is under way, stay tuned!

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Salvage

2011-01-30T08:46:00.000-08:00

There is a cool little store in San Diego that we visit every time we are down south. Architectural Salvage is one of those accidental discoveries that prove the theory of serendipity. We'd stopped by Filippi's for a to-die-for pizza and decided to walk some of it off, so with camera in hand we strolled around Little Italy in a light drizzle. When we came upon this store, we poked our heads inside and for the next hour, we explored. Shabby Chic is a very popular style these days, but Architectural Salvage has the real thing, old world craftsman built pieces salvaged, (hence the name) from constructtion projects. The store is part museum, part furniture and fixture store, and all the way cool.

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Scott

2011-01-13T16:11:00.000-08:00

Scott needed some new casual photos of himself. It had been a few years since I'd taken any pics of him so we went out for a couple hours in downtown Covina and looked for some new locations to try. He is the friend I have had in my life longer than any other.

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Hunter Family Preview

2010-10-21T15:06:00.000-07:00

October 24th, 2010 Workshop

2010-10-03T09:02:00.000-07:00

Wake Up With The World Workshop - $59

2010-09-27T11:20:00.000-07:00

Sunrise is always a magical time. There is something mystical about the crisp morning air as the sky turns a soft purple and slowly transitions into a firey gold before your eyes. Add to that the sounds of a bird sancuary as Egrets, Pelicans, Sandpipers and hundreds of other birds greet the morning. Join us October 24th for a magical morning of photography and fun. Come Wake Up With The World! Sign up early as space is limited! For more details please contact us at edenlunaphoto@yahoo.com .

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Doing the Jelly Roll

2010-09-13T17:05:00.000-07:00

I am loved. I have an amazing wife and an incredible group of friends. I am as comfortable with them as with my own family, more so in fact. So, after a day of hanging out, we decide, our friends and I, to go to the marina and look for jellyfish. We found dozens, floating on or just below the surface of the water. Many of these alien blobs floated right next to the boat docks. Close enough to lean over and touch! So I did.

I turned to the people I love and announced my intentions, and they all encouraged me to follow my dreams, if this was indeed a dream, and if I was stung, they all volunteered to pee on my leg. Well, all but ML. If a classier woman exists, I do not know her. ML will play along with most of my schemes, but she has a dignity and grace that allow her to choose when to participate and when to walk away. My other friends though all jockeyed for prime peeing position in the off chance that I got stung.

A jellyfish sting is said to be horrifically painful, and urine is said to alleviate the pain down from excruciating to merely throbbing. Of course, vodka has proven to be just as effective, but not nearly as much...um...fun to talk about. So, armed with the knowledge I gleaned from Finding Nemo, specifically that you can touch a jelly on top, I walked down the dock to a swarm of jellies. Of course, I do have some intelligence, that ain’t just a hat rack on top of my shoulders, and wasn’t about to just thrust my hands into a swarm of these freaky things. But isolated a few inches away from the group, was the king of the jellies. A Frisbee size, (regulation issue, not those cheap 99 cent store discs), jellyfish bobbed to the surface, daring me...taunting me to touch. Tentatively I reached out a finger and brushed the top of the transparent glop. It felt like rubberized Jell-O, so I poked it again. Jell-O yes, but you could feel the life there too. The freaky thing pulsed and moved and slowly descended from my probing but I had accomplished my goal while my friends all looked on.

I suddenly wanted to do it again, but somehow the jellies sensed the threat, and soon formed a tighter bunch, with their tentacles lying across the tops of their buddies, so it was hard to tell their gelatinous mass ended and stinging pain began. I decided not to press my luck.

Sure my friends all sent me out alone to face the flying saucer of the deep, but it was comforting to know that they all stood by ready to drench me if needed. Of course one still wanted to pee on me anyway. But that’s friendship for you.

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Aidan

2010-09-02T20:11:00.000-07:00

He's a pirate with style. We spent some time with Aidan the Pirate down at the beach where he found a full chest of goodies! But as the sun set, he changed out of the scallawag duds and put on his suit.

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Marylin and Vergil Night Photography

2010-09-02T20:03:00.000-07:00

Marylin and Vergil both attended our Night Lights workshop. They are celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary this month and we had a great time hanging out on Balboa Island! Here are some of the photos they took during the workshop.

href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26381145@N05/4952615131/" title="_DSC5499 by gnubill, on Flickr">

U.S. Open of Surfing

2010-08-09T17:03:00.000-07:00

The sun was hidden behind dense, grey clouds, the water was a cold 62 degrees, there were wall-to-wall people and I brought the wrong lens. Had alot of fun, and got to watch Kelly Slater hit a nine point run, riding like a madman witha broken foot!

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Bikinis & Beefcake!

2010-08-06T22:42:00.000-07:00

Better Late than Never

2010-07-22T15:07:00.000-07:00

Nearly 130 years after being promised a pardon, ti seems that America's favorite outlaw might finally get one. Billy the Kid was Promised a pardon in the year 1881 by then Governor Lew Wallace for helping to clean up the lawlessness of New Mexico. That's right, Billy actually worked to bring peace to the people of Lincoln County. After doing his part, namely testifying in court against some pretty bad men, Billy was supposed to walk out a free man. But the Governor backed out of the deal, leaving The Kid with a long list of enemies in addition to lawmen now hunting for him. Flash forward to the year 2010, where retiring Governor Bill Richardson is contemplating finally signing a pardon for Billy! Stay Tuned!

Night Lights Workshop

2010-07-07T23:28:00.000-07:00

Enroll now in our NIGHT LGHTS WORKSHOP! Come learn the secrets of photographing at night. See some samples from past workshops below!

We'll talk about:

Painting with light
Photographing holiday lights
Special effects
Ghost writing
and night portraits! (Yes we'll have a model there!)

This two-hour workshop is only $59!
August 14, 2010 ~ 8pm-10pm

Come for a fun-filled evening and learn another side of photography! This workshop is for SLR users only. Point and shoot cameras do not work well with these techniques, if you have a question about your equipment, please ask. Space is limited.

Email: edenlunaphoto@yahoo.com for full details.

Also learn the secret of GHOST WRITING!

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Days of Glory Past

2010-06-14T16:45:00.000-07:00

A light rain began to fall as we drove along a lonely two-lane rural highway in Georgia. We hadn't seen another car in quite some time and the road wound forever onward. As we rounded a bend, I spotted a ghost resting amidst the flowers on the side of the road.

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New Maternity Progressions!

2010-04-12T16:17:00.001-07:00

I am very excited to debut our 'Progression of Love' series. These photos consist of four individual photo sessions, one per each trimester, and the last with the latest addition to your family. Maternity photos can be beautiful, and now our 12"x36" progression photos show the entire pregnancy in a single image. For a limited time, we are offering 25% off all maternity sessions!

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A King Profit Films Production

2010-03-15T14:18:00.001-07:00

Many of you know that we sometimes shoot for the film and television studios. We have photographed many of the stars you know and love, Ellen Degeneres, Dennis Hopper, Benjamin Bratt, Marissa Tomei, the entire cast of My Name Is Earl, etc. But what you may not know is that I am a writer as well. I have a novel published, SARAGOSA, and have seen several of my short stories in print. So when King Profit Films called and asked if they could produce a short film based on one of my short stories I said yes! They asked me to shoot production stills, which are behind-the-scenes photos of the filming. Here are some of the photos from the three day shoot!

Griffith Park Observatory

2010-03-08T13:34:00.001-08:00

Recently we checked out the new and improved Griffith Observatory. I remember this place from when I was a kid, though Evelyn had never been. We had a great day of discovery even caught a beautiful sunset.

Orange County Wedding Photographer

BLUE!

2010-02-28T19:11:00.000-08:00

When she was thirteen, Leann Rimes had a huge hit with BLUE. Story goes it was originally written for Patsy Cline, who died before she was able to record it. I don't know how much truth there is to that, but it is a good story. Here are the last of the February Project 2010 entries. I present to you...BLUE!

Southern California Family Photographer

It's Not Easy Being Green

2010-02-24T10:19:00.000-08:00

Last week's color was green and we were surprised at the variety of photos that came in. Be sure and vote for your favorite on our FaceBook Fan Page! And remember the current color is Blue!

West Covina Wedding Photographers

Mellow yellow

2010-02-14T10:29:00.001-08:00

...and they call it mellow yellow. The color yellow is the first color your brain recognizes and identifies, it happens a milisecond before your brain registers all other colors. That is why there is so much yellow in advertising. And caution tape!

Los angeles wedding photographer

A Walk in the Park

2010-02-12T15:40:00.000-08:00

Recently I spent some time at Yorba Regional Park with a friend. We visited and spent a couple hours looking for inspiration. Our conversation was sometimes intense and sometimes light, but a good friend and a long walk are sometimes just what the soul needs. I only took a few photos, but when we were lucky enough to stumble upon some bees, doing the things that bees do, I started snapping away!

Orange County Photographer

The Beauty of Fungus

2010-02-08T11:20:00.000-08:00

We spent some time walking through a new park we've discovered, and came across some wild mushrooms. What struck us was the tragic beauty of these disgusting little spores. We have always believed that beauty presents itself everywhere, all you have to do is see it.

Orange County Portrait Photographer

I See Red!

2010-02-07T10:32:00.000-08:00

This year's February Project is all about color! We asked you to send us photos that represented the color red last week. It could be anything, as you will see, as long as the color red was well represented and obvious. Here are last week's photos BE SURE TO GO TO OUR FACEBOOK FAN PAGE AND VOTE ON YOUR FAVORITE! Which photo represented red for you in the most artistic and fun way?

And remember...this week's color is YELLOW! Get those cameras snapping!

West Covina wedding photographer

February Project 2010

2010-01-29T11:54:00.000-08:00

Every year we do a personal project throughout the month of February. Last year we vowed to take only a single photo each day for the entire 28 days. Only one click on the camera per day and then posting the results...good or bad for all the world to see. If our exposure, composition, or focus was off it was too bad for us and we could not take another. A single shot per day for 28 days...no do overs!

This year we are focusing on color. We will be taking photos that represent or feature an individual color each week. Red the first week, Yellow the second, Green the third, and Blue for the final week of the month.

We invite you to join us and take the February challenge! Submit your best shot each week that sticks to the theme! Winner each week gets a gift certificate for a free photo session! You must be a fan of our Facebook page or a registered follower of this blog to enter.

We'll publish the best photos, both yours and ours here on the blog as well as on our Facebook page for all to see! Here are a few favorites from last years 'One-Click' challenge!

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Rainy Day Glamour

2010-01-27T10:18:00.000-08:00

So, we thought it would be cool to shoot some fashion in the rain. A spin-off of our glamour in un-glamorous places series. We'd find a model crazy enough to pose in a downpour and see what kind of photos we could get before we were all too water-logged. Only problem is, once we got to the location and set up, the rain stopped! In a week of torrential downpours, we had scheduled a shoot during the only dry time. We did get a few sprinkles and the model nearly froze to death, but the torrential downpour shots will have to wait for another time! Still, I think we got some nice photos.

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Melissa and Chris at the Orange Circle

2010-01-22T09:54:00.001-08:00

Recently we spent the day with Melissa and Chris down in Orange County. Melissa wanted photos that were a little funky, while Chris wanted something more traditional. We spent the next two hours just walking around laughing and taking pictures...well they did a fair amount of kissing too. At the end, we asked them to climb into a fountain and splash around. They didn't have a change of clothes, and the water was pretty cold, but they jumped right in! As for the photos, I think we got a good mix for them both.

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Rowland Elementary Reunion

2010-01-17T18:16:00.001-08:00

Rowland Elementary School in West Covina recently had an informal reunion. Several classes got together at a local resturant to revisit old friends and dish about the good old days. Who changed? Who got married? Check out the fun below. To see all of the photos from this event, go to EdenLuna Photography and click on 'View Proofs'.

www.edenluna.com

How I Did It: Erik and Melissa

2010-01-14T10:23:00.000-08:00

We are introducing a new feature here on the blog. Tell us how he proposed...or how she did it! We would like to feature the most creative ones here on our blog for inspiration to other couples. First up is a couple whose wedding I photographed way back in 2004! I am proud to say that they are still my friends and they have recently welcomed their first child!

Everytime Melissa and I are in New York City, we take a horse drawn carriage ride. After a full day of carrying around the ring box in my coat pocket, it was 5pm and we were having dinner at 7. I was determined for us to leave her brother and his wife to get to our carriage ride. Once we got to the Park, the line was insane. As you know it's like hailing a cab, first come first serve.. I literally walked off the curb and pointed at one of the cabs and said "You... yeah you..".. he came over and let the others off and we got in.

I knew this would be it.

As we took off, our driver, an italian man, proceeded to spend the next 15 min of our 25 min ride standing up, facing backwards and screaming in italian to the other driver of the carriage 50 yards behind us.

Once he sat down and finally shut up, I figured I better ask now before he starts yelling again.

I said some mushy stuff (I remember what it was) and asked her if she would marry me. She said yes. :)

At that point we kissed and she said "Open the box!!" (I had waited to open the box as to ensure it wasn't the blinding diamond that would sway her decision)

When I opened it, she cried... I put it on her finger and we both cried and smiled and kissed. It was wonderful.

The best part was the cabbie didn't say another word the rest of the way.

He snapped this photo for us:

Here are some photos of them on their wedding day:

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A Sad Day for USC Fans

2010-01-12T16:18:00.000-08:00

Today is a sad day for all of the USC fans around the country. Pete Carroll, the beloved head football coach of USC Trojans college football team has gone pro. We, of course, wish him all the best in his new home. I know one fan who is going to be devastated that his beloved coach has left. Aidan is a three year old USC fanatic. True, he is more into the band than the team and over the years has become somewhat of an unofficial band mascot. He has his own helmet and a custom-made drum. This photo proves he is a band all by himself!

Sonoff Family Portraits

2010-01-11T13:35:00.001-08:00

I met the Sonoff family in 2005. Since then both of the kids have gotten married and I am honored to have photographed their extended family.

Rose Parade Float

2010-01-06T12:23:00.000-08:00

The West Covina Rose Parade float this year won "Most Outstanding City Entry" The float honored the Tuskegee Airmen and featured a bald eagle and two P-51 Mustangs along with portraits of many of the pilots. We did not make it down to the parade, but the float was displayed in the city for a day and we visited it late at night. Way to go West Covina!

'Tis The Season

2009-12-21T15:36:00.000-08:00

Five days before Christmas and the weather was a brisk 70 degrees. The elf was dressed in a black, zebra print bikini and the sun painted the sky with an amber hue! Christmas in Southern California is brutal!

Decorations

2009-12-21T12:35:00.001-08:00

We went out looking at Christmas lights this weekend. Of course we brought a camera along and tried to photograph things that would put us in a holiday mood and still try to be as creative as possible. We had a great time! The Mission Inn in Riverside always does it up right!

Rima and Brooke

2009-12-19T17:32:00.000-08:00

This weekend we spent some time out in nature photographing an old friend and a new one. Rima is an old high school friend, and her daughter Brooke is a brand new friend...though at first we weren't sure. She was shy and nervous when we met, and didn't seem to be in the mood to make new friends or have her picture taken. And then the marshmallows came out. I hid a marshmallow in each hand and made her pick one...her smile outshone the sun and from that point on, we were friends. She even called me the 'Marshmallow Man' when we left. After a while, a marshmallow war broke out and if you look close at that last picture, you'll see that Brooke is very good at marshmallow War!

INCOMING!

Ramirez Family at Downtown Disney

2009-12-15T09:31:00.001-08:00

When the Ramirez family wanted a holiday portrait, they decided to go someplace that would be decorated to the hilt. We spent some time with them at the Grand Californian hotel smack dab in the middle of Downtown Disney. We worked in and around the hotel for a bit and then headed to the parking lot. On the way we made one more stop at the Lego store. Disney and Legos...now that's a good day.

He Knows When You're Naughty!

2009-12-09T10:46:00.001-08:00

This year, give him something he will truly love!

It's That Time of Year Again!

2009-12-09T10:16:00.000-08:00

Holiday Parties are always some of my favorite gigs each year! Everyone is always in a great mood and for nearly the entire month, it seems people truly believe in Peace! Here are some photos from parties so far this year!

Holiday Portrait Day at Downtown Disney

2009-12-09T09:55:00.000-08:00

We are having our annual holiday portrait day at Downtown Disney Next Weekend! Still have a few spots available but they will fill up quickly! Call to schedule an appointment soon! We will be shooting in and around the Grand Californian and all along the boardwalk!

Myrene and Adrian

2009-11-29T17:34:00.000-08:00

Myrene is one of the sweetest brides I have ever had the pleasure of working with. She and Adrian are so much in love that the feeling engulfed all the guests. It is easy to get swept up into the wave of emotion with a couple like them. We were only with them for a short time, but we will remember them for years to come.

orange county wedding photographer

Sunsets and Butterflies

2009-11-24T22:22:00.000-08:00

We recently spent some time in Monterey, CA. While we were there we ventured over to Pacific Grove for the Monarch butterfly sanctuary, where thousands of butterflies fill the air from October through February. From there, we traveled down to Carmel for sunset and dinner. Here are some of our favorite photos.

Orange County Wedding Photographer

Maine Through The Lens

2009-11-19T08:58:00.000-08:00

I have already told you of my love for the town of Brooks, Maine. (scroll down to the next post) But truly the entire state deserves recognition for its beauty. My father was born and raised there, and some of my family lives there still. Here are some more photos showcasing the beauty and grace of the state.

orange county wedding photography

A Little Town Called Brooks

2009-11-17T17:01:00.000-08:00

Somewhere along Purple Heart Highway in the mid-coast region of Maine lies a little town with a big heart. Brooks, Maine is small even by small town standards with just over 1,000 residents. I was one of them for a time. I came to Brooks in the fall before my sixteenth birthday and stayed just long enough to see the leaves turn and the first snowfall of the season. It was just long enough to fall in love with the town. It has been 30 years since I lived there and I have not been back, but my heart remains tied to that small town and the dreams I had there. Here then, in photos, is a love poem to a town and a way of life. I wish that I had been a professional photographer back then, so that I could truly capture its heart and make you see the Brooks that I knew. Perhaps one day I can return. Perhaps on some golden eve I will once again walk through town and then, gentle reader, I'll show you something wondrous!

Orange County Photographer

Pete's Burgers

2009-11-17T12:59:00.000-08:00

On the way back from Yosemite, we stopped at Pete's Burgers in Oakhurst for a quick lunch, an hour later we were still there. The food was pretty good, but the atmosphere was even better! The property was filled with little treasures and we had a blast photographing the goods. Here are a few of our favorites!

Irvine Wedding Photographer

Gift Certificates Available!

2009-11-13T11:11:00.001-08:00

Just in time for the holidays! Give the gift you know they'll cherish for years. This one is guaranteed to be displayed proudly in their home! From now until December 15, gift certificates are half their face value! A $100 certificate will cost you $50 and so on. Any denomination available. Make your shopping easy this year and give a lasting gift.

Orange County Wedding Photographer

Yosemite

2009-11-11T14:19:00.000-08:00

Recently we had the opportunity to visit Yosemite National Park and I wondered if it was possible to capture the beauty of this immense park on a smaller scale. Everybody knows the photos of half-dome and the falls, so here is a series of photos that show the beauty of Yosemite on a smaller, more personal level. Here then are some of the OTHER reasons Yosemite is so beautiful!

Executive Property Management

2009-11-05T17:31:00.000-08:00

I am proud to announce that my sister, Roxanne has launched her new business. Executive Property Management is a full service property management firm specializing in single-family dwellings as well as multi-unit properties. She and her partner Michaeline have over thirty years combined experience and truly know how to offer the utmost in quality and service. I wish them incredible success in their new endeavor.

Southern Clifornia Wedding and Portrait Photography.

A Taste of Marriott

2009-10-28T15:46:00.000-07:00

Last night we were invited to the Irvine Marriott's "Taste of Autumn" event. But in my opinion it should have been called "A Taste of Professionalism". The event, as always was elegant and classy. These people truly know how to do things right. There were several food stations set up for hand-tossed salads, pumpkin gnocchi, wine and cheese, and even a Tur-duck-in! The Irvine Marriott has consistently gone above and beyond in every event I have had the good fortune to attend. The food was excellent and included a cooking demonstration by executive chef Lisa Lyon. Overall the Irvine Marriott proved once again why they are the premier event location in Orange County. This was true social networking at its best.

Heart Gallery

2009-10-25T10:29:00.001-07:00

Yesterday we had the opportunity to photograph some truly inspiring kids. The Heart Gallery is an organization dedicated to helping hard to place kids get adopted to loving families. Whether they are mentally challenged, have medical conditions or are simply older children, the Heart Gallery has a phenomenal success rate with these kids.. Their idea was to team up with professional photographers across the country for photos of the children, and then hang the kid's photos in public places such as union Station, the LA Zoo, etc. This is the third time we have photographed children for the gallery, and this time there were twenty kids and eight photographers scheduled to attend this mass shoot. Only five photographers actually made it, and we walked around Pa's Pumpkin Patch in Long Beach, who was kind enough to open their facility and their hearts to these kids. Not only did they allow us to use their grounds, they donated ride tickets all day to the kids. I know where I am buying my pumpkin this year.

The Heart Gallery is an amazing organization, and I urge you all to get involved. If this is not your cup of tea, find a charity you believe in and volunteer. Do it. No more excuses.

Southern California wedding and event photographer

Gold

2009-10-23T08:48:00.000-07:00

Last night I was invited to attend a reception for local jewelry artist Daniel Toledo. Held at Seta' resturant in Uptown Whittier, and hosted by Covenant Diamonds. The atmosphere was relaxed and the music was provided by Jon Varto, an AMFA Music Award Winner, whose amazing voice filled Seta's hip, stylish lounge. The pieces on display were intricate and impressive. Toledo is a Nature Artist and most of his jewelry and sculptures are beautiful renditions of animals. The evening was filled with laughter and drink, and beautiful artwork by a master craftsman.

Jana and Danny

2009-10-11T21:41:00.000-07:00

Jana and Danny were full of life and love for each other. They were up for anything, and when I suggested they sit down in an alley, they plopped right down. Truthfully, I think they were happy to get off their feet. The wedding and reception were held at Villa Del Sol in Fullerton. This is a great venue, they really know how to put on a fantastic event. The Catering staff of Cafe Hidalgo was top notch and very attentive to all the guests. We had a great time working with them, and I think the photos turned out great.

Southern California Wedding Photographer

Pin-Up Photography

2009-09-28T14:27:00.001-07:00

This weekend I had the opportunity to work with two of the best Pin-up Models around. Doris May Day and Kim Falcon have been lighting up the world of pin-up photography for the last few years and I am proud to have worked with them both. Here are a few samples.

Southern California pin-up photography

He Knows If You've Been Naughty!

2009-09-22T15:06:00.001-07:00

Give that special someone in your life a gift this year that they will truly enjoy! Booking now for Glamour/Boudoir sessions! Don't wait, book early for best times! Be as mild or as wild as you like!

Southern California Boudoir and Glamour Photography

Another Beautiful Custom Album!

2009-09-22T09:13:00.000-07:00

We custom design every single page of your wedding album. Your album will not look like the one we delivered last week and it won't look like the one we do next week. Why not ensure that your album is unique. Southern California Wedding Photography.

One Tough lady

2009-09-09T15:53:00.000-07:00

Danielle is a kick-boxer and I have no doubt she could drop me without breaking a sweat. She wanted something feminine, but could show her toughness as well. Once I determined that she wouldn't beat me down if she didn't like her photos, we got started. Danielle was very easy to work with, she had an easy smile and a positive attitude. I think she is very happy...at least she hasn't shown up at my door yet!

Unlikely Glamour

2009-09-09T15:30:00.000-07:00

I drove past this building on Sunday afternoon as my wife and I were headed to dinner and I knew immediately that I had to use it in a shoot. It would fit perfectly as part of our series "Glamour in Un-Glamourous Locations." The first step was to find a client who might be interested in doing something there, and that is when Nadia called. We set the session up in a day, and headed out to the location. When we arrived, the first thing I noticed was that bulldozers had already been there and had torn up most of the land...but the building remained untouched. So far. As we began to work, we discussed how fortunate we were that we were able to get these photos before the building was gone. Here it is two weeks later, and the building has in fact been torn down. At least we've got these photos to prove it existed in the first place.

Glamour in Un-Glamourous Locations

2009-09-09T15:13:00.000-07:00

Ruth and I discussed a few ideas and ultimately thought it might be fun to use the train trestle as our location. We had a great time, though we almost got run out because we parked on a road that turned out to be some ones driveway! But the misunderstanding was soon resolved, and after moving the car a block away, we climbed the embankment and started shooting. Soon we developed a rhythm and had a lot of fun, which was the whole point anyway.

Los Angeles and Orange County Wedding and Portrait photography