Wendy & Stu's Engagment, The San Francisco Bay

Wendy and Stu are such a fun loving couple! When Wendy contacted me concerning an engagement shoot and that she and Stu were considering going out on the SF Bay with their beautiful boat, I was elated. I love to sail, and it's a rare chance for me to embrace, so when she asked what I thought, I said "Absolutely!" It was a beautiful San Francisco day, just the perfect chance to embrace the high seas. The boat proved an interesting challenge, but I was ready to take it on; so with one hand on my camera and the other on the ship's wheel I clicked away. It was a great adventure, and I'm so happy that they chose me to photograph their wedding this May!

Super Sunday, The Mardi Gras Indians

This has been a busy year! With a new wedding season in the imminent future I've taken some vacation / work time to explore one of my favorite cities in the world, New Orleans. Since being here I've partaken in some wonderful experiences, but my favorite thus far has been photographing the New Orleans Mardi Gras Indians on Super Sunday. The Indian walk always happens on the third Sunday of March.
The history of the New Orleans Indian's began on Mardi Gras in 1885, when fifty to sixty Plains Indians marched in native attire on the streets of New Orleans. "Later that year, the first Mardi Gras Indian gang was formed; the tribe was named “The Creole Wild West” and was most likely composed of members of Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show."-Wiki
Since the tradition began, it has evolved into one of the most impressive cultural displays I've ever been privileged to see. The bead work and costuming, done entirely by hand is awe inspiring. I was overwhelmingly touched by this prideful tradition which is transcendent through the generations. But beyond all that, what a show!
The Indians come to join the parade one "gang" at a time, many singing or chanting poetry. The tradition calls for the Indians to "face off" in a demonstration of who is the "prettiest" Indian, but each tribe has it's own style and presentation unique to itself.

Quote of the day: "I'm gonna knock 'em dead, knock 'em dead with my needle and thread!"

Baby Kai "Little Bug"

When my darling friends Melissa and Bryan told me that they wanted me to capture the birth of their first baby, I was over the moon! I have never felt so privileged to have been part of such a special moment in a family's history. Melissa's due date was set just after the end of my 2012 wedding season, but I was determined to go as early as I could, just in case the little guy came early. I was in luck! Melissa suffered braxton hicks and thought she was going into labor just two days before my arrival, but happily my little bug waited for me. Less than 24 hours from the point my plane touched ground in Seattle, Kai Hayes Balmadrid was born. At 9lbs 10oz and 21" I was the winner in guessing his size :) Below is the photo-journalistic account of his birth, and a couple of newborn pics that followed.