January 3rd was the day when my life changed. That is the day I met Theresa.

It was like one of those days when you get moved into a new school not knowing what to expect other than hoping the other kids will be nice and like you. It was my first day on the job and Theresa was the first person who befriended me. I had just moved in with a friend 40miles away from my parents. By the end of the week, we became inseparable.

That was three years ago and even though much has happened, and much has changed, our friendship remains strong.

Theresa, you are one super friend! I am glad that we were able to see each other and really spend the day doing what we do best. Love you BFF!

Of course I had to do a session with her! We tried out a Trash the Dress type of shoot at the beach. I've been experimenting lately and I am very happy with what we got!!!





The one is my absolute favorite!










And here we had a bit fun with a regular desk lamp. I really like the mood!


Of course, the story doesn't end with Theresa. I would say about two weeks later, she introduced me to Judy & Sophia. Judy wasn't able to hang out with us, but I suppose her new baby is a good enough reason, haha. So, I've decided to include a little photo montage of the four of us, because we are some super cool gals! Love you ladies!









And here is beautiful baby Sebastian Kaleb Brady [Judy's baby]!

I didn't think I was going to be able to make it yesterday. But I'm glad I did! I made the long drive from Riverside to Fullerton yesterday in midday sun, which was blazing at 93 degrees, in my car with no air conditioning. Well, I have AC but my car over heats every time I use it.

After three water bottles we started shooting. Our models, Paulie and Crystal, were great! They were dressed so well for the shoot and I had a great time. Paulie is a musician who plays guitar and sings.

There were about 10 other photographers out dealing with the harsh sunlight. It was more of a workshop if you ask me because we were able to get some guidance from our adviser, Davis Barber, and another photographer that works out in Orange County.

I tried out some new angles and also took some shots with gold and white reflectors. I also had fun using a strobe. And, it felt good to be around my peers. I'm not sure exactly what the objective was but it felt more like a workshop where we all go and shoot together and just have fun creating something. I really enjoyed it.

Thanks Davis for treating us to some great appetizers from Table Ten Restaurant, and thanks Matt for coordinating the shoot out. I can't wait to see what every one else's pictures look like!

Here are my set of photos. I hope you enjoy!














And here are some candid shots from the day. :o)

"You're so vain. You probably think this song is about you. You're so vain. I'll bet you think this song is about you. Don't you? Don't you?"

Yesterday my sister, Elanie, and I finally got around to shooting my portraits. And let me tell you, it's not so easy being on the other side of the camera!

It was the weirdest feeling to not be able to look through the camera and see the picture. When I take portraits of someone I see everything, and I mean everything. I see the emotion in their eyes. I can tell whether a smile is forced or natural. I can even see hairs that are out of place or the trash in the far left of the frame. I see what the picture will be even before I set up my angle and my lighting. All of this happens in seconds; and then I press the shutter.

It's a simultaneous creative process.

To be the subject of someone else's creative process was very exciting. I am very proud of my sister, who was the master creator yesterday. She made me over, twice, and was the photographer.

If you ever need make up and hair for a wedding, quinceanera, or any other fabulous event, call on my sister. She is amazing and makes you look your very best!!!

It took me a while to get in the groove, though. I was nervous, self conscious, and excited all at the same time. It did help to calm my nerves by listening to some bitchin' music while she was doing my make up.

Now I know what it feels like to be on the other side of the camera. And my reaction to the pictures is "Whoa, that's me! Dang... I look good." Ha, ha, ha.

However vain that may sound, that's exactly the reaction I would like to get from all of my clients, future and past. Because in the end, the pictures are for you and I know I've done my job when you are able to say, "Whoa, I look good." And then hang a whole bunch of them on your wall :O). Because it really is about YOU.

Well, okay...on to the photos. Be kind it was my first time modeling! Ha,ha,ha.

Here is my first look.




And here is my normal look. :o)





Thank you sister for being the bestest sister ever! You are totally super cool, osea, lo maximo!

If you're going to be in the Fullerton area today...meet me at Table Ten restaurant. I'll be there at 3:30 pm along with other student photographers from CSUF for our first Shoot out!

Come and be the subject of our workshop today! If you've never modeled or if you're a model guru, we want you!

Again, we'll be shooting from 3:30 to 8pm today. Downtown Fullerton. If you see me, say hello!

Today I was browsing through some blogs and came across Think Pink Photography. They are a network of photographers who photograph woman that are survivors of breast cancer.

I am still so moved by the amazing effect photographs have on people's life and their emotions. Reading through the stories and looking at the strength of these woman made me even happier to do what I absolutely love to do. I was even more moved that the organization is a charitable organization.

If you would like to know more about the charitable organization, please visit their blog!

I just thought I'd share :o).

Yo amo a Mexico.

A place where people have a rhythmically peaceful gait and where time seems to have stopped. A people who smile and say hola with out even knowing your name. Where people don't look at you annoyingly if you stop them for directions.

My dad and I were in Tijuana and Rosarito this weekend and we had a blast!

Thanks dad for spoiling me this past weekend and just hanging out with me. I like being able to bond and have long conversations about our lives that only brings us closer together. And I'd like to thank Dona Licha for being a great host even though we arrived unannounced.

Here are some pictures from the trip. Enjoy! :o).



This donkey was painted with strips and was tied in an alleyway.

El Salon de la Fama del Deporte. The sports hall of fame of Tijuana's best athletes.

This guy was a cook back when Cesar Chavez was still in Tijuana. He was showing us the picture of a bar that was one block long. It doesn't exist anymore.


This mirror is so cool! it's on the way up the stairs to my dentist's office. I had to take a picture.


My best dad! He's posing in front of his lots in Rosarito.

I like to jump :o).



Fox has filmed many movies in Rosarito.


Who else's dad is so cool that he goes to a club with his daughter? Mine is !

I'm standing on the beach in front of Papa's & Beer.

Crossing the border. There are man people like this in middle of the lanes who ask for money. It's really sad.

And that's the trip! We sat for two hours to cross. Yo amo a Mexico.

Earlier this month as I was on my way to work I was listening to the radio, station 107.1, and they were interviewing the producer of La Misma Luna [Under the Same Moon]. After hearing the interview, the name of the movie stayed with me. I knew little about it except that it dealt with the journey of a boy who crossed the boarder to find his mother, who was here in the United States.

Well, the other day my mom accompanied me to the theaters here by my house and we watched the movie. It took me away. I was moved by it so much so that I'm here blogging about it. It's theme is so close to my heart since my parents are from Mexico and crossed the boarder as well. Even though they are now naturalized citizens of the US, it still makes me think of all those families separated by the boarder between two neighboring countries.

I cried, laughed, sat without wanting to blink as to not miss one second of film. It is now at the top of my list of favorite movies ever. Carlitos, the main character, is one hell of an actor!

Here is the trailer. The movie is in Spanish with English subtitles, just so you're aware. I hope everyone goes out and watches this magnificent movie.

There is a new group at CSUF, and we're gonna shoot it out! Photographically, that is. The newly created Titan Photo Group [or TPG] is all about self expression, growth, and networking with fellow students. It is about learning how to become a better photographer through projects, workshops, and meetings. It's about photography students doing what we love to do.

On April 13th, we have a scheduled Shootout that is going to take place in downtown Fullerton. We are currently in need of models and sponsors.

Please email me or the group [tpg.csuf@yahoo.com] directly so that we can put you down as a model or sponsor.

And if you're in the area between 3pm - 8pm, don't worry, our only weapons are our cameras!

There comes a time in a person's life when they form an undeniably strong bond with a particular family member. Sometimes it's the bond of a daughter and mother, a grandson and grandfather, or a sister and brother. And sometimes it's a bond that only two can ever really understand.

My dad and Tony have that kind of bond. Tony is an amazing person because of that relationship with my dad, and vice versa. He is smart, funny, and kind. And there are so many more qualities that make him so uniquely wonderful.

Tony, thanks for letting me snap a few photos. You are the best "little brother". Love you!



And here is a photo of the both of them.

As soon as I heard the boasts of laughter come in through the sliding door, I quickly grabbed the tortillas from the comal and ran out side to see what was so funny. My family was sitting around a table eating carne asada talking about everything and anything. We ate and laughed, shared stories and jokes as the sun was setting.

It was a wonderful Sunday evening and I hope to have many more just as wonderful. :o).





And.... I was also able to snap a few shots of some of my cousins. :o).

Here is Karen.


Belen & Rosita

Luis

And Rosita
Hope everyone had an equally wonderful weekend :o).