I stumbled upon a competition for wedding photographers the other day and have decided to enter some of my favorite images into it. It’s called WedComp and the winning photos will be selected by four of the top wedding photographers in the industry. The great thing about this competition is there’s really no restrictions at all on the style of photos that can be entered. Plus, it’s open to virtually every wedding photographer in the world. Wish me luck! I believe winners will be announced in July.

Updated on 4/16/2008 at 11:31PM: So I’ve entered my first six images into this competition that is spread out between four categories: getting ready, ceremony, portrait, and reception. I’ll be updating this blog everytime I enter new images. What do you guys think of the ones I’ve submitted so far?

Updated on 5/23/2008 at 9:06PM: I just entered a few more images into the competition:

Updated on 6/28/2008 at 12:06PM: A couple more entries before the competition closes in a few days; winners will be announced in about a month.

Getting ready 1:

Getting ready 2:

Getting ready 3:

Getting ready 4:

Ceremony 1:

Ceremony 2:

Ceremony 3:

Portrait 1:

Portrait 2:

Portrait 3:

Portrait 4:

Reception 1:

Reception 2:

Reception 3:

Here’s the official WedComp flier:

My 22nd year supporting the Los Angeles Clippers officially began today, when they held a draft party for season ticket holders and other fans at the NOKIA Theatre. As some of you might know, today was the 2008-2009 NBA Draft and the Clippers had the 7th pick. Many speculated that they would take Eric Gordon from Indiana University…and that was exactly what happened.

Next season should be really exciting, as we have two perimeter scorers in Thornton and now Gordon. Hopefully Brand doesn’t opt out so he and Kaman can form one of the best low-post duos in the NBA. I just heard that the Clippers are letting Livingston be an unrestricted free agent. But perhaps we can still sign him at a lower price and pick up a legit starting point guard as a Knight/Livingston (TBD) will not cut it next season. I’m all for a Maggette/Heinrich trade since the Bulls just picked up Rose with the first pick but I’m not holding my breath. Sadly, the hopes of landing Mayo or Westbrook didn’t happen. But I’m hoping Gordon can light it up from the perimeter and still play a bit of PG. ANYWHO, I’ll save that NBA talk for the forums.

Draft Party at NOKIA Theatre:

DJ Dense rocks the party:

Anxious crowd inside awaits the Clippers’ pick:

Special guest appearances from Coach Dunleavy, Paul Davis, and Clipper Darrell:

Brad J, Paul, and Clipper Darrell:

Some Clipper memorabilia:

Entertainment for the fans inside and outside the theatre:

It was great seeing some famiiar faces! Here’s Chris and Laura:

Lovely ladies from the Fan Patrol team with a very lucky young man:

Jamie! She’s so cool. And her awesome sister :).

Laura, Britney, Tiffany, and…Tiffany!

The Clippers select Eric Gordon with their seventh pick:

Lastly, yours truly with Rachel and Kristin:

Talk about two cool and unique cats in Brenda and Joel. My photography senses lit up when they told me they wanted their e-session at a skate park. I just love how B + J took my theme of “all about you” to a whole new level, incorporating places, outfits, and style that fit their personality for each other so well. Joel grew up in Southern California and has a huge passion for skating; Brenda grew up as a small town girl in Minnesota. So it just made perfect sense to start their e-session at a skate park down in Mission Viejo and end the day walking through the grassy-like fields, which reminded Brenda of her place back home. We even stopped by the library to get some dorky yet fun shots :).

Both were troopers for putting up with the heat and willing to try out different “poses and looks”; they even brought a few of their own. Major kudos to Joel for pulling off some serious killer tricks while sporting a business tie and shirt. After getting to know B + J better and shooting their e-session, I know their wedding at Rancho Capistrano in October will be a blast. I seriously can’t wait!

When I shot Monique and Aaron’s e-session last month, I had a really good feeling their wedding would reflect their personalities so perfectly: intimate, sincere, peaceful, and simply fun. Aaron has a smile and sense of humor that lights up any crowd and Monique has such a pristine heart. Their wedding ceremony was held at Little Chapel of the Dawn in Santa Monica, filled with their closest family and friends. Monique got ready at her friend’s house literally right next door to the chapel, and Aaron and his best man got ready at his apartment a few blocks away. We ended the wonderful (and very warm!) day at Chez Mimi, a lovely restaurant where the newlyweds had a very intimate and casual dinner reception.

Aaron and Monique: you guys are truly wonderful individuals. I love how you incorporated so many of the things you’re passionate about into your wedding, especially all the video game-related activities and beautiful artwork. It felt so good to see you guys happy; laughing, smiling, and crying all day with your loved ones. Thank you both for making me feel like I was going to a friend’s wedding. I kept telling my assisant Miguel afterwards how great it felt to be part of your big day. I wish you both a wonderful honeymoon in Europe; my offer still stands if you’d like me to be your personal photographer :).