Dinner : Stuffed Bell Pepper

Trying Something New

As much as possible, I try to process my photos as natural as possible.

I mostly just crop, adjust exposure, saturation, clarity and details using Lightroom.

I haven't really played with Photoshop much. Mainly because I end up with a blank look

in my face whenever I try to watch tutorials online for it.

While sorting through Lightroom, I found some photos from my cousin Jack's baseball game

that I never got around to editing.

I thought I'd try something new, something different.

Lets play with presets!

I really think you need self-control when editing. It's easy to go overboard

when post-processing images. Some styles may not fit every image.

Then again, everyone has their own style and preference.

Will Work For Food

Have I mentioned I have the best assistant ever?

Amado helped me with last weekend's shoot with the Bells.

Not only did he carry my gear, he also played with Kyzer and held Stella 

while I was taking solos of Otis and Emilie.

We headed over to our new favorite spot in Manhattan Beach, Four Daughters Kitchen.

Here's Amado enjoying his well-deserved sangria and chorizo omelette.

I ordered their sausage scramble. But for some odd reason, I enjoy it more

when they use their huge bowl instead of the regular plate.

Easy enough, my assistant will work for food.

I Wasn't Fast Enough

I have to admit that last week's shoot with the Bells had me a tad bit more nervous than usual.

Directing the people I photograph is a constant learning experience for me.

I usually try to read their personality and observe the way they move, off and in front the camera.

I try to talk as much (sometimes too much) to distract them from being self-conscious.

That morning, I anticipated multiple scenarios since I was going to be working with a toddler.

Kyzer was very elusive when it came to being photographed.

And that was definitely a challenge for me. Every second counted.

I was talking to Emilie while taking a break from shooting and 

turned around to check how Amado was doing with Stella.

That same second I caught Kyzer doing his "dance".

But I wasn't quick enough to catch more of it.

I know this photo can be criticized in so many ways but I love it.

It's soft on the focus, but I held my finger from hitting that X button while editing.

I had to keep it.

It goes back to a post that I did a couple of weeks ago.

I want my photos to tell a story. 

That one short second, he was Kyzer.

Bell Family

Amado and I woke up early this morning to meet with Otis and Emilie.

We've known them for several years now even, before the kids came along.

After many failed attempts to get together and take their photo, 

I'm really glad we got around to it today.

They weather was perfect for family portraits.

We started the day early at a park in Manhattan Beach.

I've used this park a few times for portraits but I always challenge

myself to show the location differently with every subject.

Otis with our soon to be god-daughter Stella-Marie. 

Big brother Kyzer. Very hard to capture him on camera.

Before ending the session, I asked Otis and Emilie if we can swing by Manhattab Beach Pier

for a couple of minutes.

I've been wanting to take photos under the pier. I'm glad they said yes.

Random

Amado and Jaypee goofing off in Irvine.

Jade and Mario, Downtown Disney for a concert.

and to end it with color, Campanula Bells.

ShootSac

I've been going back and forth about getting a Shootsac for several months now.

Covering Barangay LA's march during the Pride parade confirmed that decision.

I was using one of my regular messenger bags to store my lenses and other supplies.

It was such a struggle pulling my lenses out of my messenger bag safely, keeping them clean

and scratch free.

Amado let me order (yes, I do ask for permission!) the Shootsac and I know its

going to definitely make things easier.

I got the all black one. They have different covers to choose from to customize

the look of the bag.

The bag itself feels really light and the shoulder pad helps carrying the bag comfortably.

I'm definitely at ease storing my lens uncovered inside the bag since they used neoprene.

I can grab my lens in and out quickly without needing a extra help.

Can't wait to take for a spin next weekend!

The bag is intended to be used while shooting to carry your lenses and 

other items you might need. I do have another bag I use to store my gear.