As we say good bye to 2008...

Hello all!!  I just wanted to say thank you so much for checking out my work!  With this being my first year with photography, I can quickly look back to where I started out to some of my newest works!  My workflow and eye for photography has greatly changed over the year and it seems that with everything I look at, I am always framing the image in my mind.  Thanks again for continuing to view my work and here are some of my favorite images of the year!  I look forward to 2009 and all that it may bring!!!

This is one of my favorite photos from my children's collection.  

This was shot at a wedding held in Marin, CA earlier this year.  To me this photo represents the true meaning of a loving family.

Model: Alyssa Rattanasack & Chassy Phan

This photo was from my very first staged photo shoot.  

The long lines created from the railroad tracks along with the warm lighting from the afternoon sun quickly made this one of my favorites.

Model: Nora Seto  

This photo was taken earlier this year and had a lot of Photoshop post production done on it.

The model's attitude with his sharp facial lines gave this a very serious feel to it.

Natural lighting also contributed to why I like this photo so much.

Model: Jerome Dizon

This photo was one of the first photo I took with my canon 70 - 200 mm IS f/2.8.

When I got home I was quickly amazed by the range of colors that were given off and 

sharpness of the lens.   The falcon in the background gave off seriousness of the playoff game! 

The reflection in the glass says it all for me in this photo!  The idea came to me when I was eating lunch and noticed an image within an image through a glass.

Models: Lee Gines and Nga Nguyen

For this, I wanted to capture the true curiosity of a toddler's 1st birthday.  

Of course, this was all staged and was pulled off well!  Photographing children is so much fun and difficult at the same time.

Model: Alyssa Rattanasack 

This was shot out at the Berkeley pier and was one of the first photos shot with off camera flash.  A Canon 580 Ex was placed at lower right at 1/4 power with a CTO gel.  Wireless flash was controlled by Canon ST-E2 and Radio popper.

Model: Peter Eugenio 

This photo was done out in Santa Cruz during mid day.  The direct sunlight caused the bright light and sharp shadows.  I really like the texture of the rock with the ocean background.

This photo was shot on the very first day of all the Bay Area summer fires. 

 I believe there were about 5 different fires surrounding the Bay Area.  The location was over the Berkeley Hills. The smoke from the fires gave off the spectacular sunset. 

And last, this was my favorite series of shots and sparked off my passion for photography.  Big thanks to my girlfriend for helping me during the events this year and being my support.

Models: Kellie Ngongvongsithi and Leric Gines LOL!

FILAH ALUMNI OPEN MIC

I am so glad that I was able to attend UC Davis's FILAH (Filipinos in Liberal Arts and Humanities) alumni open mic held at Paddy's coffee house in Union City.  It was amazing to see old and also meet new friends at the same time.  The event featured powerful words and soulful music that captivated the audience's attention from performer to performer.  I truly hope that the planning committee makes this an annual event and if it does I plan on being there for the coming years.  Here are some of the performers from the night. For full gallery please see here.

In preparation...

John Yap doing his thang...

Miss Larrah up on stage again!  Check out some of her thoughts on Leaves and Grass

Brian Rivera on the guitar

Lisa Rockefeller... The mastermind behind this event!

Such a great duet!

Young poet / song writer in the making...

It just takes your thoughts and a microphone...

The words may be in black and white, but the sound is in full color...

Coffee and spoken word... Truly inspirational!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas everyone!  I am very blessed to be surrounded by my family and friends for this wonderful holiday.  I hope that your Christmas is the same!!

Michelle turns 24...

Happy birthday to our dear friend Michelle Jocson who turned 24... or should we say 34! LOL. Big thanks to Chelle's mom who fed us before we headed out to Azuli Lounge. The night was filled with nothing but alcohol, alcohol, and more alcohol. Thank goodness no one got drunk tanked! Here are some pictures before all the craziness. Happy birthday once again, Chelle!

Kay and Max's Family Portrait Session

We were heavily anticipating rain today for the photo shoot. Luckily, Mother nature was on our side and it turned out to be quite a sunny day in Pleasanton. On the down side, however, it was freezing cold!!! Lucky for us, poor little Ethan didn't really seem to mind at all. Hopefully, we'll be able to do another session with Kay, Max, and little man Ethan where it's nice and warm! Please enjoy some images from the shoot and for full gallery please see here!

The Wonderful New Family

Hide and Seek!!  Look behind you Ethan!!

Ethan and Grandma

One of Many Family Outings!!

Up, up, and Away!  We outta here like Ethan!!  Until next time...

Judy & Boi's Family Photo Session...

Once again it was a great pleasure to photograph another wonderful family. This weekend we were lucky enough to get some great weather, giving us some beautiful and warm autumn images. Judy and Boi and their two terrific children, Tony and Bree, were enjoyable to work with. Please enjoy some of the highlights from this wonderful session. For full view of gallery please see here.

The Family

All's well, that Ends well!!