String Theory Amazing Ensemble

I really don't expect this blog will do justice in describing this amazing group of musicians that I had the privelege of photographing in Santa Barbara last Thursday. I've mentioned before that my sister Natanya Marks is booking a musical group called String Theory. Well, I finally had the honor of hearing them and now photographing this group. I'm not capable of the eloquence needed to portray to you what type of experience you will have when you witness their performance. They must have dozens of instruments, ranging from a 30 foot harp to a percussion wall, and it seems that they are all capable of playing all of them! But they don't stop with music, their harpists also do interpretive dance. The ensemble feeling is attained as the dancers float out into the audience to perform as well, so the fourth wall between the audience and musicians is broken and invites the audience to be part of this unique experience. It really was amazing. If you haven't heard of String Theory before, I can guarantee this will not be the last time you hear of them. They will go far, mark my words. You have to experience it for yourself. Check out their website at http://www.stringtheoryproductions.com/ and get on their mailing list to see where they are playing around you. You will not be disappointed!

Eduardo and Teresa wedding at last!

Whoever said great things come to those who wait were right on the money. We were so priveleged to be a part of Eduardo and Teresa's wedding this weekend. What a great couple! What great families to join together as well. Thanks for letting us be a part of your amazing day.

Craig and Michelle

Craig and Michelle tied the knot last weekend at St. Phillips church. It was a beautiful ceremony and it was great to be a part of these two families joining together. Here's a couple pics, the rest will be up mid July. Check them out!

Creative Assignment #1

I guess it's my first assignment, at least officially. I've decided to give myself creative assignments to make me reach outside of my comfort zone of photography. It's actually my husband's idea, he's my gumption coach. Of course I've always known that in order to continue growing in my creativity, I will always need to be challenged.

Animals have never been all that interesting of a subject for me (I prefer two legged creatures), but I took my kids to the LA zoo on Friday and although my three kids were just about the cutest monkeys there, I got a couple other shots as well. This King of the Jungle shot was pretty awesome and I just happened to catch the full teeth shot--ouch! The giraffe, I'm pretty sure, had a crush on me and stared at me the entire time we were near his neighborhood. And finally, the zebra's coat is just, to me, an amazing testimony to our God's creativity. The other little monkey with freckles was just too cute not to post. So, just thought I'd let you see a little taste of my first self improvement assignment.

Feel free to give me suggestions on my next assignment. I need some help coming up with new ideas. What I'd like is to be given labels to go off: like a certain color, emotion, category, occupation--whatever...you name it. Join the party and brainstorm.

Karissa graduates from Monterey Bay Academy

What a weekend! Sunburned and pretty exhausted, but enriched nonetheless! My husband and I had the opportunity to travel to the Santa Cruz area for one of my favorite Bakersfield families. Karissa Torres graduated this weekend from Monterey Bay Acacademy in La Selva Beach. I was priveleged to be able to photograph her and twelve other graduates that day. Here's a couple pics of Karissa. The rest will be posted in a few weeks. Families like the Torres' make me so proud to do what I do. Thanks guys!

A Morning at Hart Park with the Sleggers Family

My normal shooting spot at Hart Park was under sprinkler attack, so we ventured out. Just like sitting in the same pew at church, I tend to get comfortable in my "spots". Hart Park is like my second home for much of the year, so it was a test of creativity to find a completely different spot to shoot! And the result, amazing! (If I do say so myself :). The Sleggers family is beautiful on the outside, but I think it's their inner beauty as a family that made this shoot so successful. I'm all about telling stories when I have the privelege of photographing a family. And this one was, to me, what it's all about! Here's a sampling, but you can check out the rest on my proofing gallery! Thanks Sleggers family!

Jose and Brienne's Big Day

I've know this awesome family for a couple years now and it's so fun to watch their families grow. Such beautiful kids that are so fun to photograph. Their big day was Sunday and we couldn't have asked for more beautiful weather. I've posted a few pics of them already on my web site, but the rest will be up the end of June. What a great beginning to your new life together!

Brad and Shellie's wedding at First Presbyterian

What a beautiful day! Weather included. Brad and Shellie have to be two of the sweetest people in the world. It's so awesome that they've found each other. We were absolutely honored to be a part of this special day. You are right, Shellie, you guys are incredibly blessed with a great group of family and friends. And I think you guys win, hands down, the most creative groomsmen ring debacle we've seen yet! The rest of your pictures will be up in a few weeks. Happy Honeymooning...