A few quick shots of Jeannie Cross, one of my amazing assistants. Taken during last weekends wedding at the Holland Ranch.

Matt Cross & The One Night Band are a 3 piece semi-acoustic trio that have been playing at local venues throughout SLO. Stacy and I have a blast every time we go to their gigs. Even though were not avid dancers, we always find it fun and easy to get out and rip it up with Matt at the helm. These pics were taken at a recent performance at the Pelican Point in Pismo Beach. Follow Matt and the band on Facebook.

Taking long walks on the beach on the Central Coast is always a favorite way for me to spend a relaxing afternoon. Yesterday, while my teen surfed I decided to head up the beach and explore the many coves that were exposed due to an extreme low tide. Having an inner gravitational pull towards rocks and the desire to balance them, I decided to have some fun. Below are a few images from my experience and the incredible sunset that followed. Enjoy.

I wanted to highlight my friend and former second shooter Lisa Maksoudian. Based out of San Luis, Lisa specializes in newborns, babies, and children. Her portraits reflect a wonderful sense of simplicity, color and vibrancy. She also does amazing wedding and engagement work. Most of all, I love her fresh and whimsical approach to every one of her shoots. Go Lisa!

Every summer I always take the opportunity to dig my creative roots into Rock Balancing. Since photography is two dimensional, I find it a blast to let the 3-D side of myself out from time to time. Several summers ago while on a family camping trip on the Big Sur coast I started arranging rocks in creative ways. I found out that the simple art of balancing rocks is a cool art form. I find it interesting as I encounter the array of responses from onlookers. Everything from “you must use Velcro” to there must be a rod going through the rocks”. Mostly just a lot of patience, a positive attitude, and a child-like curiosity to arrange things in creative and uncontrived ways. So… every time I’m on a family outing, or visiting a new place I always take advantage of balancing some rocks in natural settings. Even though it all looks quite difficult, it really isn’t. Go out, balance a few rocks, and surprise yourself. Let me know how your experience went. Enjoy and stay balanced.

Here’s a poster of the various locatons I have left my mark: a few of the locations: San Diego, Mammoth Lakes, Big Sur, San Luis Creek and Monterey.

Since I had a wedding in Saratoga, Stacy and I thought it only appropriate to spend several days in one of our all time favorite cities, San Francisco. We just love that place and find ourselves getting lost in all the color, culture, history, architecture and eclectic nature of it all. A favorite area that we explored was North Beach, the Italian District. Must have been the Italian in me that connected with the many great Italian restaurants and sidewalk Espresso Cafes.

I was able to catch up on my “Signs” project. As you can see their is a wide array of colorful signs, rich in personality.

Every now and then I enjoy taking photo field trips that allow me the freedom to shoot for myself. These are fun exercises that keep my stoke for photography alive. Last year I shot a series on “Signs”. Recently I added to my collection. Here are a few that caught my eye. The first two are of the old diner that sits off the side of the road just before Buellton. I had fun enhancing a bit with some of the TR actions. Enjoy.

Yesterday I shot Alicia and Brent’s engagement photos at a favorite little cove of mine in Avila beach. The day was stellar in every respect. There was a minus tide, an offshore breeze and an amazing golden light. I knew I had to return today, which I am so glad I did. The tide was once again low, offshore breezes gently blowing the tops off the waves and again, that amazing golden light. A great time to bring Jax and Rudy down for an early evening stroll and explore the tidal pools. The fall on the Central Coast is always a favorite time of the year for me. The beaches are quiet, the tides are low and the warm winds sweep the coast clean of the coastal fog.

Rudy and Jax basking in the sunshine. 

Stacy and I are blessed with three sons. Cory, our oldest, left for college in San Diego yesterday. I have to say, I got a bit choked up as we prayed for him. The past 20 years of his life suddenly flashed before my eyes. Wow! That was fast. I am so proud of Cory, as he proves himself as a responsible and fun-loving person. He recently graduated from the Fire Academy and plans to become a fire fighter upon completion of his education.

In a blink of an eye our children grow before us. Makes me think about the importance of our relationship with God, family and friendships. For when all is said and done, those are really the only things that matter.

Cory lived in Maui this summer. Seen here enjoying the island life.