Would you consider these two homeless? I was driving up to the drive thru at McDonald's to get some late lunch the other day and I saw these two men walking. At first I thought "No, it's to late to get their photo." But then I saw them at the pay phone and well, I took out my camera. I felt nervous because I didn't know if they would see me and react or just keep being themselves...well, they were oblivious to me with my lens sticking out of the window.

But here's my question: Would you consider them homeless?

I took my film camera for a test drive the other day. It's from the 70's and works like new, well, almost. My dad used this camera when we were kids and well, it's one of my favorite cameras to use. I have a 50mm f1.4 that is so awesome to use!

This car, which is parked outside my school's Arboretum belonged to a man that was no less than 70 and fought in the Koren War, oops, Koren Conflict. He was disappointed on how America got itself back into another "useless war". He was an adopted kid and when he married, had four children of his own...he was such a sweet man to talk to. There was so much else I wanted to know about. He tends a garden at the arboretum.


I've taken many photos of this little spot below with my digital slr but nothing compares to this
They had the HUGEST pumpkins there. And a patch that spread so far as the eye could see, it was amazing. And the lighting was too!
This was in the children's garden in a little gazebo too small even for me. But I somehow managed to crawl in and found these pumpkins sitting across from me.



I can't believe the results. I love film and getting surprise at what comes out. And now you can get the film on a CD...I love it.

I'm definitely going to test some black and white film soon...for my homeless essay maybe?

It all really started a long time ago when my dad found an abandoned motorcycle at age 13 (I believe it was 13). That night he taught himself how to ride and gave everyone a ride until the gas ran out. Of course, the story is much better when my dad tells it and you can almost picture yourself there.

So riding is nothing new to him, after 35 years and a couple new bikes. Except when about 4 years ago, he bought his beloved Indian Chief and left the Harley Heritage Soft tail in my sister's hands. But then her Yamaha Maxim (which I have named Maximus, yes, after Gladiator) was left out to dry...that is...UNTIL I GOT IT!

See my excitement? I'm excited because after a lifetime of riding and taking photos along the way...I actually get to ride alongside two of my favorite people: My Dad and my Sister. Nothing can get any better than this! With my dad's extensive experience and my sister's 7 years on two wheels, I'm gonna be a great rider in no time!

But I am a bit saddened at the fact that I won't be taking anymore pictures as we ride...so in lieu of my new ride, here are some photos.



And here are a few of when I used to take photos of the rides.

(my sister is the one in the orange on the right side!)
Lake Elsinore
Thanks dad and Elanie for teaching me! Riding just got a whole lot better! Love you guys!

As you know, I had to do a Barbershop photo story a few weeks ago for a class. Well, these guys were so cool that they wanted some portraits taken of them. They wanted the typical in-the-shop kind of portrait, well, I didn't think that showed who they really are outside of Cold Cutz. So we took it across the street and found some cool spots. Their personalities just jump out! They are funky and fresh and have real character. And, they're definitely not shy in front of the camera anymore. Thanks guys for helping me out with my project and really letting me be a part of the shop. I know you'll love these portraits when I go drop them off! You are some really cool guys!

On a super side note: I just realized that my photos come out HUGE when you click on them, so from now on, they're gonna be smaller after you click on them. Sorry!

See what I mean by character and personality! Thanks again guys!

They met in high school and since then they always knew they'd be together. After graduation, they began living together and formed a new life. Fernando established his own landscaping business and Cathrine is a great mother to Lily, their 2 month baby girl. They are very much in love and were in need of a photographer. Luckily, out schedules fit each other and I was there on their special day to photograph their portraits. Thank you Catie and Fernando for letting me be a part of your beautiful August wedding.

And a very special thanks to my sister who helped me out that day.

Here are a few of my favs:

I'm on a roll trying to get all my posts up to date with all the stuff I've been up to. I'm taking an Advanced Photojournalism class this semester with a professor that motivates the real artist in me every Thursday night. He is an LA Times photojournalist and really gives us the opportunity to out do ourselves with every project. Two weeks ago we were given an assignment: Barbershop photostory.

I was so stressed out because one, I had to ask for permission, no sneaking around, and two, because I was afraid people were going to tell me "please I don't want my face to be photographed." But at Cold Cutz, it wasn't like that at all. I became part of the shop itself. A regular. The people were so awesome and so kind. People from all different walks of life. And the barbers, they were some of the coolest people I have ever met. Nothing is off limits and everything goes.

I had such a great time...keep up the great art guys!





I just love this last shot!

Can you feel the excitement! I can! This is my first real post on this here new blog. And I couldn't have picked a better event than my own cousin's birthday dinner. :o)

On Friday, I had the pleasure of photographing my cousin's birthday dinner. I was there at 7 sharp to get some initial shots, and like always, she was running late. But this gave me time to think of what to shoot mainly because I didn't want regular snapshots and posed shots of a family member on his/her birthday. So I decided to take out my flash, blind everyone, and get her some pictures worth looking at. Happy birthday Yessenia! Love you cousin.

I'd like to include so many more fun moments! The laughter never ended and the night was still young.

WELCOME!

Hey everyone! I am so excited to finally be able to introduce to you...my photo blog!

I'm going to be documenting my journey from student photographer to pro photographer and maybe find my own unique style along the way.

Also...I love popcorn, the beach, and my family.

Don't be shy, leave me a comment [or two] and tell me what you think!
Oh, and thanks for stopping by.

:o) Jackie.