Friday, April 29, 2011

Shooting for Hope



I'm sure you know I have become close with some of the world's best Swing Dancers- International Lindy Hop champions Nikki and Shesha Marvin, and many other of their stellar swing star friends. A few years ago, Shesha started a charity event benefitting the City of Hope cancer center. The event was a brilliant concept- a 24-hour Dance-a-Thon. Move over, Dick Clark! The event is held yearly, and has raised over $33k.

This event hits close to home for me, as cancer is rampant in my family, and one of the most amazing Uncles I ever had was a longtime patient of City of Hope. My Uncle Willybill, son of my grandfather's brother Welcome Albao, flew from Kauai to City of Hope for months and months before he lost his battle. He was too young when we lost him, and I remember how devastated we all were that someone so sweet and kind could be gone. Unfortunately, he's not the only special person I've lost to this disease, and certainly not the only person in my life who's had to face it head on.

This year's Dance A Thon will take place November 12th and 13th (from noon to noon). And until then, I'm offering you a special deal.

If you donate $50 or more through this link- http://www.danceathon.org/donate/?loadbody=mip&mid=1008, I will give you $75 off your regular price photosession. So, not only are you doing something good, supporting an important cause, making a 100% tax deductible donation, but you're also getting an amazing deal. Feel free to dedicate your donation to someone in your life who's fought this battle.


(About 1/10th of the family at the 1983 family reunion on Kauai- Uncle Willybill is front row, second from left)


I really truly hope you'll take advantage of this, and help us support an organization that really does offer hope to the hopeless.


Monday, April 25, 2011

2012 Wedding Rate Change



Heads up, boys and girls! I'm pretty booked for weddings through October- I'll only be accepting a few more weddings this year!

On January 1, 2012, wedding pricing will be going up. For 2012 weddings, I will honor this year's pricing for events that book and confirm by June 1st, 2011!

So book now to secure this year's rates!


Monday, April 18, 2011

By popular demand.....


A beautiful May Day in the park- and the option of horseback riding!

Session is open for portraits of babies, children, maternity, and families up to 4 people, horseback riding at additional cost.





Thursday, April 14, 2011

The Santos Boys

First of all, I gotta say- I am so lucky that so many of my friends are having kids at the same time! Second of all, I am doubly blessed that they would want to entrust me with taking photos of their new little families.

Lucinda was part of my main circle of buddies in high school. Even though she was a cheerleader, I loved her. :) After high school, like many of my friends, we lost touch. She grew up, got married, and had a little boy. We found each other again, when she was pregnant with her second, both of us mommies, both of us (sort of) grown. I'm so grateful that she asked me to photograph her ADORABLE little boys. Of course, we stayed in San Pedro, hitting up the old Korean Bell. Stomping grounds, for sure. After our session, I'm pretty sure I spied my first beer can from 1995 back behind the bunkers.

San Pedro is laced with memories for both of us, and it's the only place I could ever legitimately call home. Thank you, Lucinda, for letting me be a part of this, and here's to you and your family making new memories in the neighborhood we shared.