Guess what today was? The Clippers’ Media Day, which unofficially marks the beginning of the 2009-2010 NBA season, and my 23rd straight year supporting this team. I don’t want to jinx anything but this very well may be THE year the Clippers turn things around and head towards the promise land :).
Thanks to Eric Pincus of Hoopsworld, I secured a media pass and headed over to Staples Center earlier today to shoot the players and coaches posing, interviewing, and just hanging out. I haven’t been to the arena since February, so it was really nice to see some familiar faces after a 7+ month hiatus.
Present was #1 draft pick Blake Griffin, last year’s rookie Eric Gordon, 3rd year Al Thornton, and veterans like Baron Davis, Chris Kaman, Marcus Camby, and others. I also took a few wide angle shots of the place to show you a “behind-the-scene” look at what was taking place on the court. Enjoy and look out for plenty more NBA photos this upcoming season! And I’m calling it right now: Lakers vs. Clippers in the first round of the Playoffs come April 2010. Let the Blake Griffin era begin!
All photos are the property of Hoopsworld. Please look but don’t steal them.
Gabriela + Scott’s Wedding: 9/19/2009 – They live life to the fullest; having traveled around the world and done millions of things together in such a short period of time. Every element of Gabriela and Scott’s intimate, fun, and even surprising wedding last Saturday was a reflection of their personality; one that simply reeked of awesomeness. I couldn’t have asked for a more care-free and easy-going bride and groom. Not to mention everyone at the wedding welcomed me and second photographer Jenny Liu with open arms (as well as a yummy Braziian dinner!).
Admist the crazy Summer and now Fall wedding season, it was simply nice to “work” at a small and very personal wedding. The officiant was Gabriela’s childhood friend Fernando, who conducted a ceremony that was a complete surprise to the bride and groom. There were bridesmaids AND bridesmen. Little and big dogs ran around the grounds of Scott’s mom’s gorgeous house (where the wedding took place). Green and black (one of my favorite combination of colors) touches filled up the ceremony and reception. But above anything else, it was Gabriela and Scott’s amazing kind yet goofy heart, filled with love and joy, that made their day memorable. You guys simply rock, here’s one more mojito to them!
Denise + Eric’s Engagement Session – The only thing better than having an e-session shoot at LA County Fair is to have a radatastic couple in Denise and Eric to go with it. We met up at the fair this past Wednesday and ran around like lil kids in love and without a care in the world. We got into bumper cars, ate cotten candy, rode the ferris wheel and other rides, and even played a few fair games, where Eric won a basketball for Denise (hope you went back to pick it up Eric!).
I couldn’t have asked for a better setting for an e-session. Lights, colors, lots of props, and motion/action/personality from Denise and Eric. What a blast we all had! I’m totally stoked for their wedding in just about a month at beautiful Temecula Inn in Temecula! See you guys then!
Shirley + Philip’s Wedding: 9/18/2009 – I first met Shirley through our online graduate school engineering program at USC about three years ago. She knew me before my wedding photography days and when I was still learning the ropes of using a professional camera. Little did I know that Shirley and her boyfriend (at the time) Philip were madly in love and was on the verge of getting engaged! They met on the grounds of Berkeley, where innocent hellos and study break conversations turned into being that special someone for each other.
A few trips to Asia and back and a puzzle piece mystery later, Shirley and Philip were engaged and planning their wedding day at La Venta Inn on the beautiful hills of Palos Verdes Estates, CA. Last Friday, I had the honor of photographing my good graduate friend Shirley and her now husband Philip’s amazing day. I know I keep saying this but I seriously couldn’t have asked for a more easy-going and nice couple. Philip wouldn’t harm a fly if it landed on his wedding meal and Shirley wouldn’t go crazy even if the whole wedding was 12 hours behind!
To Shirley and Phil, you guys are more than perfect for each other. You bring out the best in one another and I couldn’t be happier for you both! To Shirley, thank you for helping me out in those grad school classes; it was so good to finally meet you and Philip in person at our initial meeting! To Philip, we so gotta catch a few NBA games together and just talk hoops :). Best of luck and success to you both! A special shoutout and thanks to La Venta Inn’s coordinator Mike (best venue coordinator EVER!) and to my buddy Will Kim for helping me out.
