Cara Mia Photography~ photojournalism that captures the heart...

I have a new blog!

2010-05-28T10:06:00.000-07:00

I have a new blog! Here's the link to find it: Cara Mia Photography Blog

See you there!

Cara Mia Head Shot Porfolio Sessions | Berkeley Session with Gar-Ye

2010-04-28T10:31:00.000-07:00

Introducing the new Cara Mia Head Shot Portfolio Sessions. Shot on location with natural light we will work together to create intimate images that reveal the soul of your talent with genuine expression and emotion. The result is a portfolio of evocative images that show the character types you want to portray as well as the person you are. Obviously this isn't your average head shot session and won't produce average head shot results! These images will stand out and get you noticed.

Just look at the images I created with the marvelous aspiring actress Gar-Ye. I asked her before the shoot what types of characters she was interested in playing and what types of feelings she wanted to get across. Her reply was fun and flirty, strong and sexy, goofy but endearing, fearless but vulnerable, inquisitive and approachable. A tall order but hey,,, I think we got it covered! Our 2-3 hour shoot included more locations than represented below with many more amazing images which I don't have room to show here. She did an incredible job and I'm so proud to have her images launch the campaign for my newest photography endeavor.

Please contact me for more information or to book your session. I look forward to working with you to create head shots you'll love.

Thank you to Gar's friend and our beautiful assistant Andrea for your help!

Edward + Sayoko | Four Seasons Maui

2010-03-09T10:43:00.000-08:00

Last month I had the wonderful opportunity to shoot my first destination wedding in Maui with the amazing Marlin Lum of Marlin Lum Photography. What an extraordinary day it was celebrating with this very special couple and their families at the stunning Four Seasons Resort. Sayoko's Japanese heritage added such a dramatic flare to the celebration with the gorgeous traditional kimonos and Buddhist ceremony. Hearing the words of this ceremony reminded me why I love Buddhism so much, it just resonated with such serenity and depth. It was truly an honor to be present for and document the joyful coming together of these wonderful people. Many thank you's to Marlin for having me as part of your team! Let's do it again!

Dead Man Walking | San Jose City Lights Theater Benefit with Sister Prejean

2010-02-04T14:53:00.000-08:00

I recently had the wonderful opportunity to photograph San Jose City Lights Theater Company's promotional pictures for Theatre Bay Area magazine. It's very exciting to have my first magazine cover! The publicity piece is for their current show Dead Man Walking.

Last weekend I attended the company's benefit dinner and show where I had the great privilege of meeting Sister Helen Prejean in person. She is truly one incredible woman with the kindest heart, broadest smile and a sense of humor that would make any nun blush! She really is an American icon; spreading the word of compassion for all beings. Her story is incredible, so much so that there was a blockbuster film based on her book and Sean Penn won the academy award for best actor playing the inmate that sparked her mission.

The play is running through February 21st and I can't recommend it highly enough. A superb rendition that will not leave a dry eye in the audience.
Click here to purchase tickets: http://www.cltc.org/

some of my photos for the magazine...

Sister Prejean speaking at the benefit dinner.

Meeting herself! Actress Lisa Mallette meets S. Prejean directly after the performance. I can't say how amazing it was to have "the real person" attend the play. She said she thought it was the best rendition she'd seen outside of the movie!

Sister Prejean telling actor Thomas Gorrebeeck who played Matthew Poncelet that it was so good to see him alive. Indeed an emotional moment!
Story telling with remarkable S. Prejean humor.
Asked how it feels to watch her story played out on stage she replied that it always puts her back in the moment including all the emotion and stress she felt at the time.

The amazing director Amanda Folena and her husband Justin Karr ~ my beautiful wedding couple from May, 2009

Bride's Choice Award | Wedding Wire 2010

2010-02-03T18:46:00.000-08:00

Congratulations! We are excited to announce that Cara Mia Photography has been chosen to receive the Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2010.
This award recognizes the top 5 percent of local wedding professionals from the WeddingWire Network who demonstrate excellence in quality,service and professionalism. The Bride’s Choice Awards™ are determined exclusively by recent newlyweds (brides and grooms)through extensive surveys and reviews, which means your past clients have spoken on our behalf and selected you to receive this honor.

Cape Town, South Africa | Day 2 Favorites

2010-01-06T11:41:00.000-08:00

last light on Table Mountain

Cape Town, South Africa | Day 1 favorites

2009-12-30T12:08:00.000-08:00

Crystals & Champagne

Shadowplay

Watercolors

Winning Photo in WPJA contest: 15th place Q3, 2009

2009-12-26T09:54:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited to have a winning photo in the WPJA (Wedding Photojournalist Association) 3rd quarter contest of 2009!! This beautiful image placed 15th in the Ceremony category among hundreds of submissions by wedding photojournalists from around the world. I captured this moment at Elise and Jonathan's wedding in the stunning Santa Clara University Mission Church. The light and sweet gesture expresses exactly what I try to capture at every wedding. I'm so thrilled to have this lovely image represent my work.
Here's the link to my profile page on WPJA : Cara's Profile

Kaski Family Portrait | Tilden Park

2009-12-07T14:52:00.000-08:00

Now that's going to be a big Christmas tree... but how to get it home?

Deserie + Joe | Testarossa Vineyards

2009-10-22T14:22:00.000-07:00

Here are some of my favorite images from Deserie and Joe's wedding at Testarossa Vineyards. What a beautiful family you have now; four adorable children and the cutest pug. (what is it with me and dogs? that's two weddings in a row, I love it!) An identical twin brother to the groom certainly added to the fun since I really had to make sure I was photographing the right guy, and they really had a good time trying to confuse me! Thanks for all the fun and wonderful opportunity to share your incredible day.
Enjoy the the lovely slideshow here: Deserie and Joe's Wedding
To register to view the photos click here www.pictage.com/734094

Linda + Brad | Nestledown

2009-09-24T16:47:00.000-07:00

Here are some of my favorite images from Linda and Brad's gorgeous celebration at Nestledown. What a magically beautiful setting to be married! There are so many whimsical and charming elements to this property all nestled in the grove of magnificent redwoods. The event design and coordination was by Isabella of Florabella Weddings. She did an exquisite job creating some of the most beautiful colorful details I've seen. We loved being there and capturing all the beauty. Cheers to you both on your new adventure!
To register to view Linda and Brad's photos click here: Brad and Linda's Wedding

Have you ever seen cuter dogs? I could have photographed them all day!

Holiday Portrait Sessions!

2009-09-10T11:43:00.000-07:00

Yes it's coming to be that time again.... and what could be a more wonderful way to spread some holiday cheer than with a family portrait! I'm starting to book sessions for October/November and would love to hear from you! Let's get this moment in time documented so you can have something truly special to send to friends and family.

Holiday Portrait Sessions include:
~1 hour sessions at outdoor East Bay or SF location. (to be determined)
~up to 6 people
~48 unique and beautiful holiday cards
~Private online gallery of 20-25 edited images to choose from which can include a variety of family, individual, parents and kids shots

Total investment $400 (+ CA tax)

These artistic and elegant black and white examples here are the cards I'm offering. There are 5 different beautiful designs to choose from. The cards are press printed by a professional lab in 5x7 cardstock weight paper (recycled available) printed on 4 sides, front/back and inside. They are truly little art pieces by themselves!

If you're ready to book a session I'd love to hear from you! Contact me with your availability and location preference. (east bay or SF) and I'll get back to you to finalize the details. I look forward to capturing some wonderful images for you this holiday season.
studio| 510-778-9833
cara@caramiaphotography.com

*Just click here{CaraMia Photography Blog} to take you back to all my latest postings. Cheers!

Gar-Ye + Coleman | Piedmont Community Hall

2009-08-18T10:20:00.000-07:00

We so enjoyed photographing Gar-Ye and Coleman's beautiful wedding celebration in the Piedmont hills of Oakland. The enchanting redwood grove amphitheater was such a dramatic spot for the ceremony. And Gar's hand made decorations were so creative from her butterfly place cards and paper flower bouquets to the adorable tea pot flower arrangements. Gar has such a charming creative flare and a personality to match! Congrats to you both; it's great to see the coming together of different cultural backgrounds to make such a unique and wonderful new family.
Enjoy the slide show here: Gar-Ye and Coleman's Wedding
To register to view the whole wedding click here: www.pictage.com/699941

Chau + Anup | 1 Fort Mason, San Francisco

2009-07-19T23:47:00.000-07:00

There are so many pictures I love of Anup and Chau's beautiful wedding that it's been hard to pick just a few for the blog. Their wedding was incredible to photograph; two wonderful ceremonies, two gorgeous bridal dresses and of course two of the sweetest people. It was a complete pleasure to capture it all including the hearty and vigorous reception dancing. It was hard to keep myself from joining in! Thank you both so much for letting us capture your unforgettably joyous occasion. We wish you so much happiness.

...first ceremony

...sister Tiffany helping get ready for the second ceremony

...the five graces

...brian got this great shot of the girls

...enjoying cake and family and love, what could be better

Green Gala | Berkeley Botanical Gardens

2009-06-30T10:25:00.000-07:00

The University of California Botanical Garden at Berkeley had their Garden Party Fundraiser the Green Gala on June 28th. The fundraiser highlighted the truly amazing relationship between plants and people by featuring a fashion show of eco-conscious local designers. I loved photographing the beautiful models and all the wonderfully creative designs. It was truly exciting to capture the magic of these talented designers especially in the setting of one of my favorite spots; the spectacular redwood grove amphitheater. Here are some of my favorite pics from the show. (click on the picture if you'd like to view it larger;-)

spectacular gown made from 100% milk...

{All the above designs}: Mr. Larkin

{above} Sasha Duerr: Permacouture
Feathered Jellyfish Ensemble
Driftwood Dune DressTree Ring Tea Dress: all three magical creations above by The Moon

{All sensual and intriguing felt designs above}: Ashley Helvey The extraordinarily imaginative and organic designs above: Ocelot

{above designs}: Heather Howard & Cat Janky

{above designs} Molly De Vries: Ambatalia

above on left: Ambatalia on right: Tierra Del Forte

Sustainable simple, sylish cyclist clothing above: Skye Schuchman

Hoops 4 Hope | Cocktails for Change

2009-06-24T12:23:00.000-07:00

Yes,,, cocktails can contribute to the greater good! My beautiful sister-in-law Nisreen with my brother Christian organized this great fundraiser in SF for Hoops 4 Hope a charity that benefits at risk youth in South Africa through basketball/life skills programs. The event was a resounding success. All auctioned items captured higher than expected bids and of course since profits from the sale of cocktails were a big part of the donation we all heartily imbibed. You can read here about the terrific organization and see pictures below of the charity event.

"Since 1995, HOOPS 4 HOPE (H4H), a global not-for-profit organization, has supported youth development throughout southern Africa by providing more than 10,000 school-age children with our Basketball/Life Skills program. Using sport as a vehicle for social and personal change, H4H empowers children to become productive adults, engage in healthy lifestyles, and become leaders within their communities and the world. Our extensive network of partnering schools, children’s shelters, and community groups helps get kids off the street.

Basketball and other team sports provide an infrastructure where social skills can develop. Young people in our programs learn that the skills they will develop playing sports extend well beyond the playing field and are applicable to life’s challenges. Life Skills are any acquired techniques that help an individual deal successfully with his or her own life.

Organized sports encourage more than healthy competition; they help erase racial boundaries. Sports unite adults and children from different backgrounds. Moreover, the trust that develops between coaches and the young people they mentor provides an opportunity for discussion of the crucial issues that affect their lives every day."

Christian and Nisreen looking very pleased with the unfolding event. Congrats and thanks for your great efforts to help others in need!

Both of my brothers helping out with the auction.

Lucky winner of an autographed Sixers jersey!

Music by Acoustic Chain Garden

The Matrix Fillmore hopping.

List of delicious cocktails a couple of which I personally sampled. (Glad not all of my pictures were out of focus.)

Christian sporting this elegant suit custom made by the sponsor Astor and Black.

Amanda + Justin | Testarossa Vineyards

2009-05-26T11:28:00.000-07:00

Here are a few of my favorites from the wonderful wedding between Amanda and Justin. What a beautiful couple and they are! Thank you so much for choosing us to photograph your incredible celebration. We absolutely loved being there and capturing all the magic.

To register to view the images on Pictage when released click here: Amanda and Justin
Their slide show link is here: Amanda and Justin's Slideshow Enjoy!

Such a sweet moment during the ceremony. I love how she has her finger gently placed on his ear.

I think this is one of my favorite candid portrait shots. It's enigmatic and soulful. With it's shallow depth of field and shadows it lends itself well to interpretation.

I love the mood in this picture and the light reflecting off the bridesmaids while Amanda shines like an angel soothing any pre-ceremony jitters with some ipod tunes.

The movement in this image captured me. The flow of her dress, as they glide across the patio to enter the ceremony site, appears so graceful and their faces convey a lovely relaxed anticipation.

Anyone getting married at Testarossa will know Leah, event coordinator extraordinaire. I love this moment here, she looks so calm as Amanda anticipates her cue to walk through the archway into the ceremony.

A beautiful contrast in textures.

An intimate unguarded moment that I was trying to get all day. She is such a little camera glam!

This whimsical hair decoration was sooo enchanting in her curly "testarossa" (redhead) tresses.
I have to say we captured some of my favorite reception images ever! There are so many I love but could only pick a few for the blog. The band Savoir Faire was fabulous and everyone rocked hard until it was time to go. FUN!

This moment was definitely a highlight for all of us. Amanda belted out a song to Justin that left us all in awe of her absolutely fabulous voice! What an incredible heartfelt and passionate performance.

Not your average wedding image of the bride accompanying the band!

A very sweet mother and son moment...

A quintessential "capturing the emotion" moment. It's just pure joy

Congratulation to you both!

Claire + Jamie~ Testarossa Vineyards

2009-05-01T13:10:00.000-07:00

Congrats Claire and Jamie on your beautiful celebration and for letting us be a part of it! Here are a few of my favorites...
To pre-register to view the wedding pictures when released please click here: Claire and Jamie's Wedding

Here is the link to view the wedding slideshow: Claire and Jamie's Wedding Enjoy!

My Earth Day Heroines

2009-04-17T08:25:00.000-07:00

Ten years ago when Julia Butterfly Hill was sitting up in that redwood tree called Luna for 738 days I must say she caught my attention. I along with many others worldwide became aware of the plight of our forests and we applauded her bravery and eloquent statements issued by radio from her perch. She was a beacon of inspiriation to me both for her passionate and determined efforts to save old growth redwoods but also for her courage to stand up against the huge forces that consume and destroy nature for economic gain. Read her amazing story in The Legacy of Luna

Wangari Maathai is a Nobel Peace prize winner and the founder of the Green Belt Movement. Having endured and overcome unspeakable hardships she tirelessly continued to plant trees and change many lives while saving Kenya's forests. You can read about her life and her organization through her book, Unbowed: A Memoir and The Green Belt Movement. Or look for the inspiring and award-winning documentary about her journey 'Taking Root: The Vision of Wangari Maathai on your local PBS station. I watched it just the other night and can see why it's been winning awards.
Legendary ocean researcher Sylvia Earle shares astonishing images of the ocean -- and shocking stats about its rapid decline -- as she makes her TED Prize wish: that we will join her in protecting the vital blue heart of the planet.

Couture Book Wedding Albums

2009-04-14T10:33:00.000-07:00

I'm excited to offer this new album by Couture Book. I am so pleased with the simple elegance of it's construction and design. This design is the NYC East Hampton in 8x10 which includes 50 pages and 100 images all printed on beautiful matte recycled paper with a full color photo printed slipcase. For the eco-conscious couple who doesn't want to sacrifice any style this is your option!

Chau + Anup Engagement Session, UC Berkeley

2009-04-10T15:43:00.000-07:00

We so much enjoyed our recent photo shoot with Anup and Chau on the UC Berkeley campus where they first met. It was such a beautiful day and we had a lot of fun seeking out great photo spots of which there are many. Being there brought back fond memories from my old school days. With a BA in Anthropology I never imagined I'd be back on campus for an engagement photo shoot. One never knows where a degree like that can take them! Documenting and preserving moments of love, life and culture are still my passions. Anup and Chau are a blast of sunshine and here are some shots of this clearly drop dead gorgeous couple. We can't wait for their wedding this July at 1 Fort Mason in San Francisco.

To view their slide show click on this link: Chau and Anup's Engagement Slide Show

Shari and Fred~ Testarossa Vineyards

2009-04-09T17:30:00.000-07:00

Congratulations Shari and Fred on your wonderful wedding at Testarossa Vineyards! Here are a few of my favorite pix from the day. I love the portraits we got in the cave doorway, the perfect spot to stay out of the rain.
To register to view the pictures on Pictage.com click here: Fred and Shari's Wedding.
To view the slide show click here: Shari and Fred's Slideshow

Sarinbuana Eco Lodge~ Bali

2009-03-19T22:04:00.000-07:00

During my trip in Bali I was fortunate to stay in some absolutely amazing hotels. One in particular, the Sarinbuana Eco Lodge, was truly magical. Located in the mountains about an hour north of Ubud this beautiful, hand-crafted lodge is nestled in a the wilds of a rain forest. Owned by an extremely adventurous and intriguing expat family from "down under", Norm and Linda are passionately devoted to permaculture practices and sustainable tourism. This is a truly authentic eco-resort in every way and they revel in sharing their enthusiasm and love for nature with guests who travel far and wide to experience their hospitality.

View from the dining room down to Kuta.
My first siting in nature of one of the most exquisite flowers in the world. This was just volunteering it's presence down the hill from from the dining room. Bali's abundant exotic beauty still abounds.

My lovely Orchid Room overlooking a panoramic view of jungle hills and valleys with the sound of a rushing creek below swollen from the occasional daily downpour.

Their pet guinea pigs and bunnies helping out with composting!

All our absolutely delicious meals were made fresh with organic ingredients harvested directly from the garden.

Here I am learning how to make the temple offerings that so profusely abound all over Bali. Girls learn from a very young age how to quickly create these for daily offerings. All materials are natural and decompose back into the earth or the bellies of street dogs. My teacher here had a good laugh at how difficult it was for me to put the bamboo twigs through the palm without tearing it. For me it was more a lesson in respect for those nimble Balinese fingers which can seemingly effortlessly make beauty out of everything.

Pics from a hike in the rainforest where I sampled my first cocoa pods. They were so sweet and tasted just like the sweet tarts I enjoyed as a child. I also enjoyed my very first experience with leeches that found their way into my sandals.... yuck.

Here is the trailhead leading into the rainforest. Seacology, an international organization based in Berkeley, has worked with Sarinbuana Eco Lodge to establish the preservation of this unique habitat. They provided the funding for a large community center and school in exchange for the 1,975 acre forest reserve. Please read more about the unparalleled work Seacology is doing around the world.

Becky + Steve~ Julia Morgan Ballroom, San Francisco

2009-02-10T21:53:00.000-08:00

The grand Julia Morgan Ballroom was the stately venue for the warm and wonderful wedding of Becky and Steve. Enveloped in the dark wood and candle light of the ballroom, the celebration matched the warmth felt for this adorable couple. They are truly as beautiful and genuine as they come. It's not every day I get to photograph the coming together of Catholic and Mormon families and the abundance of children did not fail to provide many charming photo opportunities! Thank you for letting us document this extraordinary day in your lives!

To register to view the images when they are released click here: Becky and Steve's Wedding
To view their wedding slideshow click here: Becky and Steve's Slideshow!!

Thomas John Events {Catering}Thomas Hughes {Videographer}Monique Lhuillier {Wedding Dress}

Wayang Ceremony, Denpasar Bali

2009-01-29T11:25:00.000-08:00

Our wonderful friend and driver Mr. Eka gave me an amazing opportunity to attend a purification ceremony for his daughter Erika in Denpasar. The ritual was partly conducted by this extraordinarily beautiful elder priestess temporarily in a wheelchair because of a knee injury. I don't know how old she was but it was incredible to see how women hold high ranking positions in their religion until very late in their lives. (Look at the ancient photo above her where she is conducting a ceremony with her late husband) Her son or nephew, I wasn't sure, presided over the rest of the ceremony and I was completely welcomed to both watch and participate.

Balinese religion is far too complicated to explain or comprehend for most but I did manage to get a basic understanding by doing a bit of research about it. Erika was born during a time considered to be inauspicious called the Wuku Wayang. Someone born during this week has a taste for the arts and are bound to be creative but may also be egoistic, stubborn, uncontrollable and selfish. So to prevent life on earth from being difficult and full of confusion Lord Shiva instructed these people to have a purification every six months for their entire lives! Holy water used in this ritual is invoked from a priest/priestess puppeteer and sprinkled (or poured) on the persons head to control the vice qualities and help them to develop wisely as artists. (a brilliant concept useful cross-culturally) Shadow puppets aren't just for entertainment but actually represent the holy gods who enact the ancient sagas of good battling evil. The important gods/puppets used to perform this ritual were carefully unwrapped from their holy cloth and then replaced in their sacred cabinet. (quite a different impression of them since my days of selling stacks of them at Ethnic Arts!)

Watching this ceremony unfold was an extaordinary glimpse into the infinite layers of religion, spirituality and history that pervade this island. A journey through time when I believe all our ancestors lived in constant effort to keep the world holy and in balance. The Balinese are the key holders to living in harmony with both nature and each other in this modern world. I marvel at how this culture remains so intact and cohesive even in the face of exponential change around the world where ancient cultures have all but disappeared to embrace our monoculture of capitalism. By being present and witnessing this ceremony and others I felt myself purified and blessed by the beautiful energy of faith and rightous living around me. Om Swastiastu!

Erika still obviously not thrilled with getting sprinkled...

Rice on the forehead is part of every ritual, symbolizing the sacred element that sustains life.

Erika learning prayer hands

Mr. Eka's beautiful family.
Hand spun cotton bracelets tied to seal the ceremony and blessings performed.

Me in the family car on our ride back to Ubud

Puspa Kirana Dance Performance, Ubud, Bali

2009-01-21T12:37:00.000-08:00

I spent nearly a month in Bali during the holiday season and wanted to finally get some of my images posted! These images are of a spectacular dance performance, the Wayang Wong, by Puspa Kirana Arts Foundation. It has all the elements of a great opera but Balinese style; passionate singers, exquisite costumes, mesmerizing dance and haunting music. The Wayang Wong is one of Bali’s most unique and rare forms of performing arts. It is a classical drama dance that recounts the ancient Ramayana Epic using masks to portray the various characters of the story. The masks themselves are considered holy and are stored carefully in a sacred space in the temple. The amazing thing is that many performances are happening every night of the week in many grand palaces all over Ubud by various troupes. I was priviledged to get a few back stage shots before the show and then was asked by the troupes director to take a group shot when they finished.

*I did not take this image above. It was sent to me from Kadek Windiawati who very much wanted me to show her picture and share that she is the principle dancer of the Dewi Tara dance. The woman dancing in the image above her filled in that night because she was unable to make the performance.

RE:MIX Retreat and Soul Beautiful Calendar

2008-12-18T16:07:00.000-08:00

Check out this video trailer created by Gia that highlights her RE:MIX Retreat Project and the Soul Beautiful Calendar that I'm so proud to be a part of. For just $20 this beautiful calendar will make a difference in someone's life.
Click on the picture to play...

Soulbeautiful.org - RE:MIX foster youth programs

RE:MIX - play.pause.record...soul beautiful trailer. Help us make a difference in the lives of some of the 500,000 children living in our states foster care system. The Soul Beautiful calendar was designed as a fundraiser project to get our programs off the ground. For just $20 you can be a part of our beginning...visit us at www.soulbeautiful.org and order your calendar today...

A YEAR OF BEING EXACTLY WHO YOU ARE! A fundraising calendar for foster youth programs...

2008-12-17T11:21:00.000-08:00

WWW.SOULBEAUTIFUL.ORG

The Calendar is finally here!! I'm so proud of the amazing Gia States for bringing her passion and dream to fruition. Quoting Gia directly will explain the inspiration for this wonderful project and the reason for making it all happen...

"I awoke suddenly and I am NOT a morning person, on February 24th with wild ideas & vivid images whirling around in my head. Something told me I had to create a calendar called, “Soul Beautiful.” Seriously…really? A gorgeous piece of artwork that celebrates the whole woman inside and out, filled with images that capture feminine beauty as well as personality & emotion.

A calendar that’s raw, edgy, artsy, and alive. One that will inspire people to show the world who they really are while generating resources to help others at the same time. The vision was so clear and the purpose was so strong that I knew I had to act on it. Within a few hours I had twelve incredible women on board and one photographer willing to help out. And that was just the beginning…"

Gia will use the funds from the sales of this calendar to help start her Remix Retreats for foster youth.

Mission Statement

The mission of Remix is to empower foster youth to express their voice, take risks, and encourage them to dream in a safe and supportive environment in the magical wilderness of the Truckee, Tahoe area.

Purpose

Children are placed temporarily in foster care due to parental problems, such as abuse, neglect, substance abuse, abandonment, and incarceration. Foster care is not a place for children to grow up : it’s meant to be temporary, but it’s not. Foster children have learned not to expect much and that not much is expected of them. There’s nothing like walking through life feeling alone. At Remix, we’re here to make sure that doesn’t happen anymore.

Once surrounded by the beauty of the High Sierra Mountain range, Remix Retreat students will begin to understand that all of the labels and stigma society has placed on them thus far can be dropped and they can begin to form their own identities with the support and encouragement of committed adults and peers. Remix provides a safe environment for students to be authentically themselves as they participate in 3 weeks of self-exploration activities, wilderness expeditions, and personal growth opportunities.

Please visit the website SOULBEAUTIFUL.ORG to view more about Remix Retreats project and the wonderful women in the calendar. There's a lot of fun information about the models and photographers, including me! I photographed the Cover, January and May. And by the way, I'm also the model for November! The beautiful image was taken by Brian when we were in Bali Indonesia...

Click on this link to order copies for yourself and the perfect holiday gift for your girlfriends Order my calendar I am really honored to be a part of Gia's inspiring vision and am also so proud of being published in my first calendar. Enjoy these images of the photo shoots. We had too much fun.... and all for such a great cause.

Becky + Steve's Engagement Session ~ San Francisco

2008-11-07T10:19:00.000-08:00

Rebecca and Steve will be married at the Merchants Exchange Building in the beautiful Julia Morgan Ballroom coming soon on January 31st, 09. Enjoy these wonderful images we captured on a gorgeous saturday afternoon in SF. We had a lot of fun photographing them against the backdrop of San Francisco's endless charm. It's obvious they are absolutely smitten with each other and we were so happy to capture all these sweet moments. ...So looking forward to the wedding!

Their slideshow can be viewed by clicking here: Becky and Steve's Engagement Slideshow

And to view the rest of all the images go to Becky and Steve's Pictage site
(just hit your back button to return to the blog)

Tamra and Roberto ~ Berkeley Botanical Gardens

2008-09-29T14:09:00.000-07:00

The Berkeley Botanical Gardens and Redwood Grove must be one of the most breathtaking ceremony spots I've seen. And what a special ceremony it was! Filled with beauty and wonderful sentiments offered by many of the guests, Tamra and Roberto just basked in the love and support of all their family and friends. Tamra looked effortlessly gorgeous in her grecian style gown and I just couldn't get enough pictures of the two of them. I absolutely loved the flowers that were hand-crafted by Pilar Zuniga (the bridesmaid in yellow) a very talented florist who also designed Tamra's necklace. All the best to you both and thank you for hiring Brian and I to photograph this wonderful day in your lives.

You can register to view their images on Pictage.com when they're released. Click here: Tamra and Roberto's Photos

Nisreen & Christian ~ September 5th, San Francisco

2008-09-15T10:30:00.000-07:00

It's not every day I get the opportunity to photograph my own brothers wedding! Between my tears and laughter, joy and some serious celebrating, Brian and I managed to capture some wonderful moments. It was a super sweet, emotional and intimate ceremony on Crissy Field with the reception at the St. Francis Yacht Club in San Francisco, which hands down, has the best views of the bay in the entire city.

Congratulations to the MOST beautiful couple of the century! Nisreen, my new sister-in-law, must be the most gorgeous bride we've ever seen. How lucky I am to put you two on the other side of my lens:-) We're so happy to have you both living back here in SF after five years in South Africa. We look forward to your grand wedding in Cape Town next year!! Enjoy this peek into a wonderful celebration:-) We love you!!

To view the slideshow click here: Nisreen and Christian's beautiful day!!
(make sure the volume is turned up on your computer and note that it plays smoother the second time around)

To register to view the rest of the images on Pictage when they are ready click here. Pictage.com/539615 (Just click on your back arrow to return to the blog.)

my nieces looking more adorable than ever!

Tammy + Nick ~ Lawrence Hall of Science, Berkeley

2008-08-05T16:45:00.000-07:00

This was one incredibly fun party! Thank you to Tammy and Nick for an unforgettable celebration!! This wedding was a blast to photograph, from the science projects and games, T-rex and the glowing globe, to an incredible band comprised of Nick's friends, complete with groom on the trombone! To top it off, photographing a couple so in love is really the most magical thing of all.

To view the slideshow click here: Tammy and Nick Wedding Slideshow

To register to view wedding pictures and to be notified when they are released click here: Tammy & Nick Wedding Pictures

To see Nick and Tammy's engagement slideshow click on this link: Nick and Tammy's Engagement Session

Destination Weddings ~El Encanto Inn~ San Jose del Cabo, Mexico

2008-07-24T13:32:00.000-07:00

Here's my first selection of images from our magical trip in Los Cabos Mexico. I have to firstly share the photos from our visit to this absolutely enchanting boutique hotel in San Jose del Cabo called El Encanto Inn , as it's name implies. They offer full service weddings on the property in a storybook setting complete with a beautiful chapel. We are encouraging anyone interested in a destination wedding to consider this jewel in the heart of the arts district of SJ del Cabo. This city boasts world class restaurants, plenty of art galleries with spectacular beaches and it's so convenient to fly there from the West Coast! We are ready to return anytime to capture the magic of your celebration in these enchanting surroundings that will certainly be a backdrop for anyone's dream wedding....
(check out their website for more pictures...the inside of the church is super amazing. Just click on the link above)

This is the sweet chapel to the back of the property.

Sweet details in the gardens~ you can't go wrong with fairies and saints around...

These murals are just across the street. What a great spot for some fun and creative portraits!

Stephanie & Itzik ~ Pt. Reyes Seashore Lodge

2008-07-23T20:39:00.000-07:00

Manhattan Musings

2008-07-14T15:48:00.000-07:00

The view from our hotel room provided some fun capturing shadows in the late afternoon sun.

photo by ~Brian
One of the most amazing meals of my life: Eleven Madison Park... A truly indescribable culinary experience.

This one is too pretty for words. The bridal dress really is my favorite element of the wedding, along with the bride of course. photo by ~B

Loved this persons form of street art as graffiti taggings that engages the viewer to think; challenging the usual impression that it's just vandalism.
"even a nobody like me can make a difference"

wonderful play on color and perspective. photo by ~B

Fallout Shelter

selves portrait
This beautiful poem in a shop window inspired me to want to remember it... Every turning of the season they put a new poem up to inspire passersby to remember their connection to nature within the concrete jungle of NYC. For the full poem, see below.

It was a surprise to discover these beautiful portraits of women that grace the front doors of St. Patrick's Cathedral. I was so moved by their beauty that it prompted me to do more research about who these amazing women were. On the left is Kateri Tekekwitha, Lily of the Mohawks; the patron saint of ecology and the environment. She is the only Native American to be canonized and died at only 24 years old! Her feast day happens to be today as I write this, July 14th. The other woman is Eliza Beth Seton who was the first American born woman to be canonized for her legacy of charity work.

This is a jewel of a find in the Metropolitan Museum; a special "maiden cup" for use during wedding ceremonies in the 1600's. I'd love to see this come back in fashion, I'm sure it must have been a very exciting part of the ceremony.

Shop window poem: by anonymous

The oceans exhale, the forest sighs, the volcano belches, the air is born.

Air is the most intimate of all the elements. It caresses us, it pushes us. It reaches deep inside our bodies. It clears our minds. Air speaks in us a language all of it's own. It carries the scent of the rain, the smell of the fire, the fragrance of the flowers. It plays with our senses in a magical way. We understand the language of the air as we gaze at the clouds, we dream of flying in the wind. We blow our kisses to our loved ones. It carries our prayers to heaven and lifts the sound of our voices. It is always present always near. 

It is the realm of the spirit.  The air can jolt us, frighten us.  It can roll with thunder and blow tempestuous in the storm.  It can tap at our windows and slip past our doors.  It is unpredictable.

Air is the elemental symbol of thought, of dreams, of magic!  It is the element of heaven.  In it we release our hopes, we look to the future, we marvel at the butterfly and we envy the bird.  We celebrate the vastness of the heavens and the element of air.

Heather + John, San Francisco

2008-07-05T17:13:00.000-07:00

Here are some photos from Heather and John's wedding that took place at Old St Mary's Cathedral and the United Irish Cultural Center in San Francisco. I was shooting with the sweet and fabulous Lori Paladino for this wedding who I work with as an associate photographer.

Tammy + Nick Engagement Session

2008-06-15T11:21:00.000-07:00

Congratulations Tammy and Nick who are getting married August 2nd at the Lawrence Hall of Science. It really is the perfect spot because they're both scientists! During our session Nick's new blackberry phone tucked in his pocket accidentally dialed 911 which he realized later when there was a call back message from the operator. I hope it wasn't just a subliminal call for help to get rescued from our photo session! Sometimes people get nervous being in front of the camera but as you can see they honestly look like they had a blast:-) To view their slideshow click here Nick & Tammy Slideshow and to register to see both engagement and wedding pictures online, go to Pictage.com and enter event code 493723

Everybody's Free (to wear sunscreen)

2008-06-06T09:08:00.000-07:00

I found the link to this wonderful video from my sister in law Christine Gardner's very inspiring and enlightening website/blog More Green Moms. For anyone looking for an insightful, super informative, and might I add very entertaining expose about how to make your life and home more environmentally friendly it's sure to inspire.

I really LOVE this video! Enjoy:-)

COLOR-Talk

2008-05-30T22:54:00.000-07:00

Here are some images from the lovely presentation on Aura-Soma by Claudia Booth who is director of Dev Aura in England. This event was organized by my dear friend Ananda Ma in Mill Valley. Two elements that comprise this beautiful healing modality and infinitely inspire my work as a photographer are light and color. If you've never heard of Aura Soma take a moment to read about it. It is widely known throughout the world including a devoted following in Japan, Australia, Germany and the UK, while still in the US it has yet to be fully discovered.

Ending the Trafficking of Nepali Girls- A fundraisier for Dhamma Moli

2008-05-22T15:05:00.000-07:00

Here are a few images from an event I photographed for the Buddhist Peace Fellowship in Berkeley. These nuns have traveled here from Nepal to raise both awareness and funds for their inspiring project called Dhamma Moli. The project provides an opportunity for refuge and education in a Buddhist monastery school for young Nepalese girls at risk of falling victim to human traffickers who sell them into brothels and circuses in India. In addition to building a school for the girls, the sisters run an educational program, traveling to mountain villages of war-torn Nepal finding girls at risk and educating the rural populace about the deceptions and ploys used by traffickers to trick families into selling or sending their daughters away in the hope of a better life.

Catherine + Carlo, St. Mary's Church ~ May 10

2008-05-14T11:34:00.000-07:00

We had so much fun photographing Carlo and Cat's very special wedding day. A big Congratulations to you both! May your vespa carry you happily ever after off into the sunset!

Burmese Cyclone Relief

2008-05-08T17:26:00.000-07:00

I recently documented the San Francisco Olympic torch protest for human rights for the people of Burma and Tibet. So in light of the recent devastating cyclone I thought I should post a site where one can make a donation. Burmese American Democratic Alliance http://www.badasf.org/ and Foundation for the People of Burma http://www.foundationburma.org/
~C

Olympic Torch Protest March

2008-04-10T12:39:00.000-07:00

It was an honor to document this peaceful protest march across the Golden Gate bridge led by Jack Kornfield and other Buddhist clergy in support of the monks and nuns of Burma. Enjoy the slideshow!

All proceeds from the sale of this DVD will go to the Buddhist Peace Fellowship or the Foundation for the People of Burma

For me, this picture says it all. I hope it's a 'sign' that there is no going back now since so much world wide attention is being focused on the human rights abuses in both Burma and Tibet.

With love and support for the monks, nuns and people of Burma and Tibet.

~C peace

Congrats Katy and Ray!

2008-04-08T15:11:00.000-07:00

Destination Weddings

2008-04-05T11:01:00.000-07:00

We are enthusiastically ready to capture your seaside celebration anywhere in the world. Bali, Mexico, Caribbean, South Pacific wherever your heart desires. Dream it!
What could be more amazing than celebrating your wedding in paradise?
We will capture the sparkle reflecting off the ocean in your eyes and the magic that will flow through your wedding day as you say I Do.

Easter with Ashley

2008-04-02T16:23:00.000-07:00

Here are some portraits of my beautiful niece Ashley that I took on Easter. I have been photographing her since she was born, literally!, and hope to make a book of them all some day. In post production I used some actions from Totally Rad Actions that I bought at WPPI this year. These are totally rad and I could spend many hours in front of the computer making artful renditions of each image. So self-discipline is key... love the blue fingernails

Inspiring Pictures

2008-04-01T12:10:00.000-07:00

One may wonder why a blog for a photography business specializing in Weddings has started with this glorious image of a remote Indonesian outpost off the coast of New Guinea. Because it is this image, and the memories that accompany it, that have filled my dreams for the past two years and brought me to where I am today. I have made a concerted effort to keep the marvel I felt in this moment present in my mind, to help the vision of my business and life flourish.

Pictures can hold so much meaning for us. They capture the emotion born of the moment and preserve it for future inspiration and reflection. Similar to how sleep allows the mind to creatively process our daily life, pictures evoke a process not unlike the power of dreams- deepening memories and giving space in our hearts and imagination to savor what we've lived.

I think we all LOVE pictures and I'm here to generously toss my offerings into the well! I am excited to become part of the blogging world and share my little part through beautiful images of marvelous people and places accompanied by occasional thoughts and information for all fellow travelers and lovers of life!

What picture is your inspiration?
~C life

Testarossa Vineyards

2008-01-10T10:01:00.000-08:00

The biggest storm of the year hit on January 4th the day of Jessica and Leo's wedding. Even though various activities were curtailed because of the wild wind and rain we still enjoyed the moody weather. Congrats to you both!