I had the priviledge to speak again at Carpinteria High School for Partners in Education and Center for Community Education.  I was asked to come back this year and talk to a class of juniors and seniors about my career in photography and basically my life as a photographer.  Are you kidding me? Free recruiting for future artists ... I was all over it.  Last year, I allowed only one student to take photos of the class during my visit, but this year I passed my camera around to everyone.  I introduce photojournalism this way, and explain that telling a story in one picture and capturing life as it happens is my calling, my passion, my reason for living and as they are hearing my words, they are capturing their own history.  I loved observing each student take a turn with the 30D, some were quick and shared a laugh with a classmate and a few were cautious, selective, focussing on what they found, pressing the shutter, view the lcd screen at their creation and smile.  Below are the pictures taken by the students in Andrea Peters leadership class.  Thanks everyone and I hope to see you again soon!!

Side note: There is not enough art in our schools today being allowed to expose young minds to creativity and instill passion for thinking outside the box is an incredible honor to me.  Something I know I did not live up to fully and cannot do alone. To the creative community: We have a responsibility and I encourage every artist to reach out to a younger soul and share your passion.

I have been humbled by Jeremiah's smile. Since, this little, I mean BIG, guy has already been through so much, it was a fitting celebration on his day of baptism.  After suffering from a very rare case of infant botulism, a life threatening disease, Jeremiah battled his way into the world and his smile is evidence of his strength and love for life.  His spirit truly brings joy to anyone near him and I know his life will be full of many adventures, not to mention a few football victories.  Blessings sweet baby boy!

We are so lucky to live so close to the stretch of coastline that is truly unbelievable. I have a tender place in my heart for Big Sur and the businesses and people that reside there and I often think what it would be like if we moved up there.  Of course, Eoin would have to get over the "town center" consisting of only two gas stations, a library, a post office and a handful of fun places to grub. The few campgrounds sprinkled along the Pacific Coast highway are so quaint that anyone who drives an RV into it is truly missing out on the back-to-nature vibe.  My good friends Joe and Mandy took a quick vacation from New York to get their ocean air and hippie fix and Eoin and I drove up in a flash to see them.  What a time! What memories! What a place!

Monique and Mark were married on the day of their first date 8 years ago.  It was just the four of them, Monique, Mark, their daughter, Miranda (due in March) and Cajun, their sweet, rescued from Louisiana, dog. Their officiant, Tom Adams, me and Viana, my videographer, made seven for a lovely midday celebration on the most beautiful day at the Santa Barbara courthouse.  These are just a few of their moments and be sure to check out their super cute slide show ...  Congratulations M & M & M !!  {Thank You again.}

I love getting invitations and save the dates from my clients. It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy and part of the uniqueness of their day.  Plus, I can really learn a lot about the style and theme of the wedding, and each detail that developes throughout the course of planning shows much about the couple themselves.  Here are the latest surprises I received in the mail this week.  So fun! 

One of the best thing about photographing Heather and Jason is their unfolding affection for each other.  Since I knew the theme for their wedding was everything wine, what better place to catch some cute and personal moments than Santa Ynez and surrounding area.  We started out their shoot walking around the adorable town of Los Olivos and throughout our laughing and finding out things about each other, we literally stumbled upon gorgeous areas to play with the light.  Heather and Jason were up for anything, climbing fences, walking over private property, even drinking on the job! :)  I think my favorite pictures are toward the end of their awesome slideshow, because after a glass of wine, Jason would do the Zoolander 'Blue Steele' pose on cue and Heather's laugh just got louder every time he did it.  It was contagious and I'm so glad my camera didn't pick up my laughter-shake!  Thanks again you two and I can't wait for August 8th!

Today is April 1st, Eoin's Mom's Birthday!!!  Since it falls on a Wednesday, we surprised her hoedown style at Monica's house last Sunday.  The theme of the hoedown birthday brunch was 'From the Farm to the Table' and there were so many adorbale decorations, I couldn't stop taking pictures of everything.  Between an amazing potluck brunch, hangin out with good friends, holding the most adorable Abby and opening all her fun presents, I think the birthday girl had a great time. :)  Happy Birthday Mama! Enjoy this slideshow of your super fun 60th ~ We love you!