Scout is the Canine companion of Apryl and David.  Their new kitten, Pico, and their cat, Miette, make appearances also.

I may add a few more later :)

Michael

The view is incredible on a clear day.  Even when it's not, Scout and her human's often enjoy gazing out over Los Angeles.

Pico (above)

Miette and Scout say hello. They've known each other a long time :)

My friend Susan was kind enough to ask me to photograph some of her work at a recent Bridal Show.

You'll see her work is unique..... and yes, that is rock candy as legs on one of her flower purses (second picture) and in one of her tropical designs.

I'm not a traditional photographer; Susan is not a traditional florist--more like an artist whose medium is flowers. :)  You might not think that your florist is as an "important" vendor-- think again.  Your florist can tie your whole wedding together, incorporating your color sceme down to the whole vibe of your wedding...... Down to earth and mellow? Striking, elegant and modern? What do you want your bouquet to look, feel and smell like??  Hopefully, you get the idea...... It can be important, depending on your taste and priorities, so find a florist whose work you like!

Enjoy the pictures,

Michael

Notice the rhinestones on this bridal bouquet..... :)

......And the crystal and rose bud on the tassel featured on this bouquet.

This arrangement is hard to define except to say it's beautiful!

I almost always prefer flowers in color, but this one worked nicely in color and B + W.  I sharpened the image more to emphasize the vase and other textures.

I just adopted Calvin this week from the Sam Simon Foundation.  A great way to start the New Year :)

Calvin is off the hook Awesome!  Not only is he adorable, but he has an absolutely charming personality to match. Very sweet and very smart--poodles are known for their intelligence.*  He's so happy he never stops wagging. He is fully grown and weighs in at just 9.5 lbs. I'm sure his long fluffy tail accounts for a fair potion of that weight, too.

Bailey is my first fur child.  That's what I call my doggies: fur kids.  I <3 dogs. What can I say?  Bailey is having some issues adjusting and housebreaking is a little hit and miss thus far, but improving.

The other dogs belong to my sisters family.  Rowan, the black Lab mix, is about 15 months old.  Bodhi, the newest kid, is a Cream colored (English??) Golden Retriever with a beautiful coat and tons of kisses. VERY sweet dog! He's only about 8 months and is rapidly adapting to his pack.

I'm doing pet portraits now too, so if you would like your fur kid photographed give me a ring or shoot me an email for details!

Enjoy :)

Michael

*Note: poodles may be plotting to take over the world. Don't believe me? Check this out.

I swear the pics above and below were done his first night home and required very little input on my part.  Clearly he knows how to sucker his new Dad (and everyone else).

Bailey enjoying the wind in his furry ears at the off leash dog beach in Morro Bay.

It's hard to get a picture with you and your dog when you are the one making the picture(!), so one has to be creative.  This is me--my shadow anyway--and Bailey.

Bodhi dug a hole and lied down in it to chill out.

Rowan loves to play fetch.

Rowan, sill carrying some sand on his muzzle and head, relaxing after some hard play at the beach.

Rowan is very lean and muscular..... with his fur like it is above, it makes for some nice patterns too.

Bailey greets a Jack Russel Terrier.

So now that the wedding season is winding down I'm shooting different things.

Last weekend I shot a dinner party for Comadres.  (If you are a foodie and want to see all 30 or so pictures I posted for them, head over here.)

Prior to that I shot "Play with Your Food – How to Get Kids to Eat Their Vegetables." Pictures from that event will be in the December issue of KCRW's program guide.  

This weekend I shot a pie contest for KCRW. Yep, a pie contest.  What's not to like about pie?? You can read about the winning entries here on Chef & Good Food host Evan Kleiman's blog. Both events are part of a series of events put on by KCRW and Westfield, the parent company that owns the properties where the events are held. KCRW's Good Food page is here.  

Now, on to some pie! 

Love this woman's shirt :)

Judging pie is serious business.....

Or not.....

Tallying points making sure everything is correct.

Eager anticipation.....

This gentleman won (I think for an entry in the "Savory" category).  His friends were obviously happy for him too.

Evan awards another happy winner.

Harriet Ells of KCRW helps pass out awards and cool stuff to winners.

Cool ribbons like this were awarded to the lucky winners.

These are some of my favorites from Melissa and Jerrond's wedding that I shot with Jen Harris in September. 

Melissa sent over some gifts for Jerrond just before the ceremony, including cufflinks.

I shot this while Jen did formals.

Melissa making sure she doesn't leave her veil (or parts of her dress!) behind at the church.

Flower girls at the reception.

...mmm.... wedding cake....