I chose that title for the simple fact that those words express how I feel about sharing my talent of creating images that they will cherish for a lifetime. When I drive back home after a shoot I always smile because I think of how blessed I am to finally do what I love to do for the people I love.

This shoot was all about that. I was shooting the first month of my nephews life for my sister Margarita and her husband Orlando. I feel great about the images because I think they capture the awe they feel for Emilio.

I remember when our girls were born and I know that stary eye look that Margarita and Orlando had when they look at him. There is something awesome about being able to capture that look in an image because while that look is forever, those images will serve to show Emilio how mom and dad felt about him when he was born.

The best part of these images is that when Emilio has his own children and is stary eyed as well… he will have these images to show him that life does come full circle and that love is universal.

Margarita and Orlando, I hope you really love your images.

-Andres

A few weeks ago, I had the great pleasure to photograph the creative work of Paula Estes, owner of Petalos di Pauli www.petalosdipaoli.com. Paula Estes, is a Botanical Artist who combines paper with natural elements to create unique stationery, invitations and gift wrap. Paula specializes in incorporating real flower petals, leaves and grasses into her designs.

Her custom designed event stationery consists of coordinated ceremony and reception pieces, such as programs, menu and table cards, as well as complete invitation suites.

Her work has been featured in magazines including Ceremony, Your Wedding Day and Special Events Magazine as well as being featured on Lifetime Network’s Get Married with Colin Cowie in a segment called “The growing trend in bridal of going green.”

Paula’s hair and make up were done by Tara Dowburd-Luftman, a well sought after Make-up Artist and founder of Make Up Therapy www.makeuptherapy.com, a stylist studio that caters to red carpet events, film shoots and luxury weddings.

On my drive back to the office, I was thinking about how I am always surprised at the amazing talent that is out there, and I feel blessed to have the opportunity to work with such talented folks that love what they do and do what they love.

The images below are of her amazing work. Take a look and visit her site to see more of her custom work.

Ok, so my original idea was to capture the judo members in one of their stances or throwing someone. Something dramatic and action packed, BUT at the end the parents really wanted portraits, so we went that route. I still wanted to put some edge on the pictures, so I used a background light to create a background glow and hit them with one strobe on a shoot through umbrella to create dramatic light. The setup worked like a charm.

When I delivered the pictures Sensei Gomez and the parents were really happy. Next year I am going with my original idea… I think capturing them in action would be a perfect way to get a sense of what they do and how they do it.

Here are some pictures from that session. Enjoy!

Last week I had the opportunity to shot my high school alma mater’s freshman football team and it was awesome.

I met with Coach Jimenez about what he was looking for and we decided on creating some images that would define the season. Images that would reflect the state of mind of his team.

This is is a hardcore team that will be playing some smash mouth football, so the concept behind the shoot was to create images that were dark, gritty and just made these 14 year olds look hella tough. The mission was accomplished.

The coach thought the images rocked, the kids will too and I felt good that I was giving back to my old high school.

Check out a sample of the images that will help define this up and coming team.

Last week my sister gave light to her first child, Orlando Emilio Luna. She had a long delivery, but at the end an amazing little boy was born.

We are extremely happy for my sister, Margarita, and my brother-in-law, Orlando, because Emilio is going to add amazing experiences to their lives. They are going to be great parents because they are going to be present, attentive and actively engaged with Emilio. With that and their love for him, Emilio has it made.

Congratulations Margarita and Orlando. Welcome to the world of parenthood!

Here are some pictures I took after Emilio was born. Enjoy!

Andres

Live to inspire.