Celebrating Milestones: A Senior Photoshoot with Ricky Barrios

Nestled in the heart of Redlands, California, lies Citrus Valley High School, a hub of learning and growth for countless students. Among its graduating seniors this year is Ricky Barrios, a young man whose journey through high school is as remarkable as it is inspiring. Recently, I had the privilege of capturing some moments from his final year through a memorable photoshoot.

From the outset, it was clear that Ricky Barrios was not your average high school senior. With a warm smile and an infectious enthusiasm for life, Ricky exuded a sense of confidence and grace that belied his youth. As we embarked on our photoshoot adventure, I was struck by Ricky's easygoing nature and his willingness to embrace every moment with open arms.

The location for our photoshoot couldn't have been more perfect. Surrounded by the natural beauty of Highland, we explored a water outlet from the mountains, which perfectly complemented Ricky's vibrant personality and allowed his true essence to shine through.

One of the most memorable moments of the photoshoot was capturing Ricky against the backdrop of the San Bernardino Mountains as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a soft, golden glow over the landscape. It was a breathtaking scene that seemed to encapsulate the beauty and promise of youth, and Ricky's radiant smile only added to the magic of the moment.

As the photo shoot progressed, I had the opportunity to learn more about Ricky's interests, passions, and aspirations. A talented athlete and dedicated student, Ricky shared his love for football and his dreams of pursuing a fulfilling career. His ambition and drive were palpable, and it was clear that he was destined for great things.

But beyond Ricky's achievements and accolades, what truly stood out to me was his genuine kindness and compassion for others. Throughout the photoshoot, Ricky was quick to lend a helping hand, whether it was assisting with props or offering words of encouragement to his peers. It was a testament to his character and a reminder of the impact that a positive attitude can have on those around us.

As the day drew to a close and we wrapped up the photo shoot, I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to document this momentous chapter in Ricky's life. Through the lens of my camera, I had the privilege of capturing memories that Ricky and his loved ones will cherish for years to come.

In the end, the photoshoot with Ricky Barrios was more than just a photoshoot; it was a celebration of youth, resilience, and the power of dreams. As Ricky prepares to embark on the next chapter of his journey, I have no doubt that he will continue to inspire those around him with his passion, determination, and unwavering spirit. Here's to you, Ricky, and to the bright future that awaits you.

 

Capturing the Heart of the City: A Photographic Journey from Elysian Bridge

Nestled in the heart of Los Angeles, Elysian Park offers a unique perspective of the sprawling metropolis. One of the best vantage points within this green oasis is the iconic Elysian Bridge, providing photographers with an unparalleled view of downtown Los Angeles. In this blog post, we'll take you on a visual journey, exploring the process of shooting a stunning image of the cityscape from the Elysian Bridge, situated just a stone's throw away from the legendary Dodger Stadium.

The Perfect Setting:

Elysian Park, with its lush landscapes and serene atmosphere, serves as the ideal setting for capturing the dynamic essence of Los Angeles. The Elysian Bridge, gracefully arching over the 110 Freeway, offers a unique angle that beautifully frames the city's skyline. As the sun sets behind the skyscrapers, the cityscape transforms into a canvas of vibrant colors, making it the perfect time to embark on our photographic adventure.

Gear Preparation:

Before heading to the Elysian Bridge, it's crucial to ensure you have the right gear. A sturdy tripod is essential for capturing the long exposure shots that will bring out the city lights. A wide-angle lens will allow you to encompass the entire panorama, while a remote shutter release can help eliminate any potential camera shake during long exposures. Don't forget spare batteries and memory cards, as capturing the perfect shot might take some time.

Timing is Everything:

When the sun goes down, and the sky turns blue, it's time to set up your equipment on the Elysian Bridge. Blue hour, the magical period after sunset, creates a breathtaking contrast against the city's steel and glass structures.

Composition Tips:

The Elysian Bridge offers a variety of compositional opportunities. Experiment with different angles and perspectives to find the perfect frame. Consider including elements of the bridge itself in your composition to add depth and context to the image. Leading lines created by the bridge's architecture can guide the viewer's eye toward the downtown skyline, creating a sense of visual harmony.

Post-Processing Magic:

Once you've captured the essence of downtown Los Angeles from Elysian Bridge, the post-processing stage allows you to enhance and refine your image. Adjusting contrast, color balance and sharpness can bring out the details and make your photograph truly pop. Consider experimenting with black-and-white conversions or adding subtle filters to evoke a specific mood.

Conclusion:

Shooting an image of downtown Los Angeles from the Elysian Bridge is not just a photographic endeavor; it's a celebration of the city's vibrant spirit. With the iconic skyline before you, this location provides a unique perspective that encapsulates the energy and diversity of Los Angeles. So, grab your camera, head to Elysian Park, and let the city lights guide your lens in capturing the heart of this urban masterpiece.

I have included the final image as well as the raw out of camera image below for you to enjoy!

Taken on a Sony A7iii with the Tamron 28-75 Lens.

Settings; ISO50 50MM f8 1/15th

Shooting for Publication in Idyllwild-Pine Cove

In the heart of the picturesque Idyllwild-Pine Cove, a captivating photoshoot recently unfolded, shining a spotlight on the hidden gems nestled within this charming community. Local businesses came together to showcase their unique offerings and the indomitable spirit that defines their operations. Against the stunning backdrop of nature's wonders, this photoshoot captured the essence of Idyllwild-Pine Cove's entrepreneurial scene, celebrating the people and places that make this mountain town so special.

Check out some of the images we captured below.

What You Can Expect From Me

When you come in for a photoshoot, I will take lots of photos and provide many different options for you to choose from.  My goal is that you will find at least one GREAT photo; one that will become your story.  A classic that you will hang on your wall forever.

My goal is to create a portrait.  It's what I love to do.  And I can't wait to do it with you.

Headshot session with Adam.

Last weekend I had a fun headshot session with Adam in his home in Irvine, Ca. Adam is so photogenic and outgoing so he was super easy to photograph. We had so much fun capturing these images. All images were shot with the Sony Aiii and the Tamron 28-75 Lens. We used the Westcott FJ400 with the Manny Ortiz beauty dish modifier. For the background, we used the Westcott X-drop portable background. EXIF ISO 100, f 2.8, 250th. Westcott power was at 3.5. Images were edited in Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop.

What You Can Expect From Me

When you come in for a photoshoot, I will take lots of photos and provide many different options for you to choose from.  My goal is that you will find at least one GREAT photo; one that will become your story.  A classic that you will hang on your wall forever.

My goal is to create a portrait.  It's what I love to do.  And I can't wait to do it with you.

Fun Soccer portraits with College Athlete Sam Smith

Sam had asked me to take some soccer portraits of her in the studio. We got together and made some amazing portraits! Sam plays soccer for Cal State San Bernardino. She is a beast on the field and a natural in the studio. We had so much fun taking these photos. All shot on the Sony A7III with the Tamron 28-75. Settings were 100ISO, 1/160, f8. Check out the images below.

What You Can Expect From Me

When you come in for a photoshoot, I will take lots of photos and provide many different options for you to choose from.  My goal is that you will find at least one GREAT photo; one that will become your story.  A classic that you will hang on your wall forever.

My goal is to create a portrait.  It's what I love to do.  And I can't wait to do it with you.

Headshots in the studio with Dave

Dave is good friend of mine and he messaged me that he needed some professional headshots. Of course I was more than happy to take them for him. We shot these in the studio on the Sony A7III with the Tamron 28-75 Lens. Check out the images below.

A Senior portrait session with Savannah.

Savannah is a senior this year and will graduate this summer. She is a great soccer player and will go to college to play. We did both studio and on location shots in Downtown Redlands. We had so much fun taking these photos. Check them out below.

What You Can Expect From Me

When you come in for a photoshoot, I will take lots of photos and provide many different options for you to choose from.  My goal is that you will find at least one GREAT photo; one that will become your story.  A classic that you will hang on your wall forever.

My goal is to create a portrait.  It's what I love to do.  And I can't wait to do it with you.

21st Shoot with Cheryl at the University of Redlands.

For Cheryl’s 21st birthday we went to the University of Redlands for a photoshoot. These were fun to take. Check out the images below.

What You Can Expect From Me

When you come in for a photoshoot, I will take lots of photos and provide many different options for you to choose from.  My goal is that you will find at least one GREAT photo; one that will become your story.  A classic that you will hang on your wall forever.

My goal is to create a portrait.  It's what I love to do.  And I can't wait to do it with you.

Downtown Redlands Shoot with Natalie

Natalie finally agreed to a photoshoot so downtown Redlands we went. We had so much fun capturing these images. There are so many great places downtown to shoot. From Alleyways to the storefronts to the umbrella alley there are so many different options.

What You Can Expect From Me

When you come in for a photoshoot, I will take lots of photos and provide many different options for you to choose from.  My goal is that you will find at least one GREAT photo; one that will become your story.  A classic that you will hang on your wall forever.

My goal is to create a portrait.  It's what I love to do.  And I can't wait to do it with you.

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Sports shoot with Gavin and Erabelle

Gavin and Erabelle play Baseball and Softball in Redlands, Ca. They came over for some sports portraits. Shot these on the Canon 5D Mark IV with the 24-70 @ f8. We used 2 speedlites to light them and shot them on a seamless grey paper background. Check out the images below.

What You Can Expect From Me

When you come in for a photoshoot, I will take lots of photos and provide many different options for you to choose from.  My goal is that you will find at least one GREAT photo; one that will become your story.  A classic that you will hang on your wall forever.

My goal is to create a portrait.  It's what I love to do.  And I can't wait to do it with you.


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Family session with Dakota, Shane, and Lacey.

Took these images in Highland, Ca at the Ranch. We had so much fun capturing these and we made a great photo book for the parents. Dakota, Shane, and Lacey are so easy to photograph. Check out some of the images below.

What You Can Expect From Me

When you come in for a photo shoot, I will take lots of photos and provide many different options for you to choose from.  My goal is that you will find at least one GREAT photo; one that will become your story.  A classic that you will hang on your wall forever.

My goal is to create a portrait.  It's what I love to do.  And I can't wait to do it with you.

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A Soccer session with Shyler

Shyler plays for Legends and she got her new uniform so we decided to have a photo shoot! So much fun capturing these images. Check them out below.

What You Can Expect From Me

When you come in for a photo shoot, I will take lots of photos and provide many different options for you to choose from.  My goal is that you will find at least one GREAT photo; one that will become your story.  A classic that you will hang on your wall forever.

My goal is to create a portrait.  It's what I love to do.  And I can't wait to do it with you.


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A photo session with Maddie in Downtown Redlands.

When I shot with Taylor in downtown Redlands last year Maddie decided to tag along so we couldn’t go without including her in some shots. As always we had fun capturing these images.

What You Can Expect From Me

When you come in for a photo shoot, I will take lots of photos and provide many different options for you to choose from.  My goal is that you will find at least one GREAT photo; one that will become your story.  A classic that you will hang on your wall forever.

My goal is to create a portrait.  It's what I love to do.  And I can't wait to do it with you.

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Another Great session with Molly and Co.

I love seeing the same clients year after year and being able to watch their families grow. This time we went to the old Bridge in Highland, Ca. We captured some great images and had fun catching up on life this past year.

What You Can Expect From Me

When you come in for a photo shoot, I will take lots of photos and provide many different options for you to choose from.  My goal is that you will find at least one GREAT photo; one that will become your story.  A classic that you will hang on your wall forever.

My goal is to create a portrait.  It's what I love to do.  And I can't wait to do it with you.

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A geeky shoot with Tiernan and Max.

Wanted to shoot some back to the future portraits but the costume was way to big for the kids. So we just used the shirt and added some suspenders and glasses and did a geeky but cool shoot with Max and Tiernan. The boys did so good posing and these came out great! Check out the images below.

What You Can Expect From Me

When you come in for a photo shoot, I will take lots of photos and provide many different options for you to choose from.  My goal is that you will find at least one GREAT photo; one that will become your story.  A classic that you will hang on your wall forever.

My goal is to create a portrait.  It's what I love to do.  And I can't wait to do it with you.

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