April First Forever • New York City

Olympus OM-D E-M1 MkII
M. Zuiko 12-40mm

The last of our mini-moons was spent in one of our favorite cities, New York City.  We landed early April 1st, excited to start our 16 year celebration and our first year as a married couple.  Little did we know that heartbreak was around corner.  I vividly remember that day.  Seeing the hurt in my wife's eyes was the most painful feeling.  Her sister, our angel on earth, now the guardian angel of our family.  This was Kate's city as well.  It was in the stars for her to transition to a life in Brooklyn.  Kate reminded us of her constant love for NY, even in our last moments dropping us off to the airport.  

Sony a7rii
Zeiss 35mm + Canon 50mm LTM

It's hard realizing how much someone so special has left us so soon.  Reflecting on these photos 6 months later, it dawned on me how little motivation I had for photography.  Just that sadness took a toll on all of us in different ways.  But it's time to channel these feelings into more photography.  Looking back on these photos, I feel I owe it to my wife and my family to stay motivated in things that drive me to be a better person.  

March Recap • San Francisco & Home

Olympus OM-D E-M1 MkII
M. Zuiko 60mm

Seriously, what a month!  Why I love March?  My most favorite people are celebrated this time of the year.  My beautiful wife grows into an even more amazing individual.  And my brilliant brother catches up right behind me in age.  These are the days I live for.  Seeing my loved ones smile and reflect on their accomplishments.  

Sony a7rii
Canon LTM 50mm

Wife decided to get away for her birthday weekend.  Packed up the truck and hit the road to San Francisco.  We were lucky enough to stay with wonderful company to celebrate her special day.  Low key days are the best days and a plus with amazing people.  Did some SF exploring, had good eats and drinks, and of course some time for photography.

Olympus OM-D E-M1 MkII
M. Zuiko 17mm

Meanwhile in San Diego, finally got my ass off the couch and caught a sunset out in La Jolla.  I've been pushing my cameras to it's lowlight limits these days.  Having both the E-M1 and a7rII is a treat, but truly two different cameras and shooting styles.  The E-M1's biggest focus in low light is its stabilization capabilities versus the a7's high ISO capabilities.  So truly no tripod needed just as long as its coupled with an appropriate amount of light.  Two completely different focuses and outcomes in lowlight.    

Lorraine & Don • Wedding Day

Sony a7rii
Zeiss 35mm

Sony a7rii
Zeiss 35mm

Sony a7rII
Zeiss 35mm

Sony a7rII
Zeiss 35mm

Sony a7rII
Zeiss 35mm

Sony a7rII
Zeiss 35mm

Sony a7rII
Zeiss 35mm

Explore • LA

Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mkii
M. Zuiko 17mm

Second trip to LA this year, this time to meet up with one of my favorite photographers, Josh Rose.  Met up at Deus Ex Machina to catch up over some coffee.  Convos about life, family, photography, cameras.  The guy enlightens me every time.  His perspectives inspire me, not only to evolve my photography, but even in life.

Olympus OM-D E-M1
M. Zuiko 17mm

With his Typ 240 in shop, it freed up room for his Nikon body and wide angle glass.  Josh's distinct wide angle style is pretty damn uniform whether with Leica, Fuji or Nikon.  

Olympus OM-D E-M1 MkII
M. Zuiko 17mm

I needed the day away from San Diego.  Something about heading to LA, get a refreshing perspective, nothing to anticipate.  To top it off, I was in great company.  The E-M1 exceeded my expectations, no surprise there.  As I mentioned in my last blog post, there's no hunting problems from my experience with the speedy AF from the E-M1, but it does tend to lock on unfocused.  Make sure your AF point is smack dab in the center of something with detail/contrast or else you could miss.  

Valentine's Day 2017

Sony a7rii
Voigtlander 40mm
Minolta Rokkor 58mm

Happy Valentine's Day to all you lovebirds out there.  To my other half, I love you.  Thanks for all the love, encouragement, understanding and faith you instill in my life everyday for the last 16 years.  

Sony a7rii
Voigtlander 40mm

Out last night to hit up our favorite late night spot(s) in North Park.  Midnight dinners aren't the regular these days.  Shit, midnight photography doesn't seem to come around as easy as before.  Happy to take a quick stroll through Downtown San Diego before grabbing our favorite takeout.

Sony a7s
Zeiss 35mm

Getting ready for dinner for the day of at our all time favorite spot, Tong Sake House out in Poway.  Put some photos together for print for Chef JJ.  Blown away by this man's talent and personality.  My wife and I enjoy spending our nights there catching up with him and his wife.  Dinner at Tong's easily became our Valentine's Day tradition the last 3 years.

Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mk II • First Impressions

Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mk II
M. Zuiko 12-40mm

Here we go... a little review of my new E-M1 Mkii.  Camera landed at my front door a few weeks back, really haven't had the chance to put it through any real tests.  But as far as initial observations, this camera is built.  Still very impressed by its inherited features, but the new additions can't go unmentioned.  The buffed grip and enhanced ergonomics, the oscillating screen is a gem, and that dual card slot though.  And of course let's highlight the new battery; packs more juice for those long day shoots out on the street.  Overall, the size isn't noticeably larger and stays true to the mirrorless form factor... small.

Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mk II
M. Zuiko 17mm

The warm AWB DNA is beautiful.  There's an option to adjust this off, but not my preference.  I absolutely love the warm tone the sensor brings out.  The AF speed is insane, sometimes too fast.  Don't sleep on the back focus when in AF mode, last thing you want are a series of unfocused shots because that shutter will just fly.  

Details on details on details.  Yes we're talking m43, but the focal plane wide open is perfection.  For street and action captures, you can't go wrong with this bad boy, even wide open... at 1/32000 (haven't found it necessary, yet)

Looking forward to the weekend with Josh Rose out in LA to put this camera to the test.  And if you're asking if I would recommend this new Olympus camera, it would be a hell yes.  Price is steep in comparison to the m43 cameras out there currently, but in my opinion, it was worth the wait and every penny spent.  

New Year • San Diego

Olympus OM-D E-M1
M. Zuiko 12-40mm

Took a stroll Downtown San Diego for some captures to start off 2017.  Good old rainy days bring those flat tones, maybe a little too flat.  It was a hunt to find some good highlights to balance it all out.  A definite change of pace, the complete opposite mood that San Diego portrays. 

Olympus OM-D E-M1
M. Zuiko 12-40mm

Interesting enough, these San Diego rainy days always remind me of San Francisco.  The light, the architecture, the people.  So much character.  Another definite trip needing to be planned for the new year.

Olympus OM-D E-M1
M. Zuiko 25mm • 12-40mm • 60mm

Some new texture for 2017; don't leave without saying goodbye.  

Portraits • Leo Carrillo Ranch

Through my blog posts, I'm sure you all have gotten to know that my photography revolves around street, landscape and travel.  Occasionally, I'll venture back into the "hired" gigs for those special people in my life.  

It's amazing to watch such a close family grow even closer each time we meet.  Every laugh and smile comes with love that's contagious.  All I want to do is keep my finger on the shutter.   

Sony a7rii
Zeiss 35mm f/1.4

Brought both the a7rii and a6000.  Paired up the Zeiss 55mm with the a6000 to get close to that 85mm equivalent.  Not only that, the quick AF from the a6000 never fails, especially with a little 3 year old running around.  

Sony a7rii
Zeiss 35mm f/1.4

It was too much fun that day.  Even though we had a small window to work with, still had the chance to catch up and capture some fun photos.  Look forward to seeing you all again and capturing another year of your beautiful, growing family!

Sony a6000
Zeiss 55mm

Sony a7rii
Zeiss 35mm f/1.4