Thru the Lens of Auey Santos

New Blog

aueysantos — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 01:53:03 +0000

NEWS ALERT. I’ve moved blogs. The new improved blog can now be found at www.aueysantos.com.

Rachel and Michael, Seawind Resort Boracay Island

aueysantos — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 20:29:19 +0000

What can I say about this wedding without getting all sentimental? Kel and Mike are perhaps one of my favorite couples in the whole world, and they got married at one of my favorite places in the entire world! Thank you for being dear friends and allowing me to share this day with you in person, flying me in and all! It was truly an honor.

Here’s the link to the entire slideshow. Enjoy!!!

Tony and Bendy

aueysantos — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 20:22:10 +0000

So the beautiful bride enrolled in ballroom dancing lessons, despite protests from friends that this was in quote “a bad way to meet guys.” And while it was not her primary intention to find a husband in class, Bendy proved them wrong when she met Tony. The duo foxtrotted, boogied and cha-cha’d perfectly on and off the dance floor. Fast forward to November 15, 2009. One beautiful fall evening, Bendy and Tony perform a fiery tango in front of friends and family (who flew in from as far as Hong Kong) to celebrate their union. Congratulations, Bendy and Tony! We know you’ll be dancing way into your twilight years.

Here’s a link to the Highlights Slideshow.

This necklace meant a lot to Bendy, because it belonged to her grandmother.

Meeting Dr. Frank

aueysantos — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 05:17:38 +0000

So my other hobby is reading. And lately, I’ve been averaging 4-6 books a month, largely because I’m a reviewer for San Francisco Book Review and Sacramento Book Review. One of the perks of the job, aside from the advanced reader copies and free books, is the chance to meet cool authors like Frank Portman. Music geeks might remember him as the frontman for the Mr. T. Experience, but he also wrote this book called King Dork (which was yummy) and the latest release Andromeda Klein. The hubby joined me in Berkeley and we had the chance to interview him. And he didn’t seemed annoyed when I started shooting him.Which was cool.

Here’s me being a fangirl.

The universe was giving me signs to order the Andromeda pizza. I ignored them. Wonder what the repercussions would be?

And Andreas taking a picture of Frank taking a picture of me.

Links to the review and podcast coming soon!

Megan + Dylan | Berkeley City Club

aueysantos — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:11:25 +0000

I rarely have a Saturday off. But I do love to shoot. And so when my friend Linda Trudeau asked me if I was free that weekend to help her out at a wedding, I hesitated just a wee bit at the prospect of giving up my one free Saturday in three months. The clincher? It was a pressure free gig with an absolutely beautiful couple at a historical building in downtown Berkeley. This beautiful Berkeley City Club building was designed and built in 1929 by architect Julia Morgan who was the architect of “Hearst Castle.” So I just had to go. And am I glad I did. Here are my favorites from the day.

Sofia @ 7 Days

aueysantos — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 05:07:14 +0000

Newborn alert! A bundle of cuteness, swaddled in pink! I had just photographed a very ready-to-pop Trish a few weeks earlier and loved that I could revisit their home once more to get a glimpse of their latest baby model – Addie 2.0. Rather, Sofia. This 7 day old baby was perhaps one of most cooperative newborns ever. She didn’t poop when we took off her diaper. She didn’t cry when we lay her down on the floor to have her photo taken. She didn’t even flinch when we stuffed her in a crochet cocoon wrap. What a trooper! Now if only all models would be so cooperative. More photos to come, but here are my early faves.

Seeing Double

aueysantos — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 04:13:30 +0000

OMG! Such pretty four year old twin girls were the focus of my attention (and my camera) one fine morning in Palo Alto. Now one may ask how does a photographer handle two active and fast little subjects? The answer is to be fast and active too! I. and S. definitely kept me on my toes. This portrait session was full of laughter, chasing and clowning around. I love it when portrait sessions feel more like extended playdates. Gives me a chance to feel like a four year old blonde myself. Oh I wish.

I Heart Finao

aueysantos — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 03:36:09 +0000

I just wanted to share some new photos from the album company I am currently using: Finao. I received my latest order of client albums and was seduced by all the pretty colors of their animal friendly leathers, nappy suedes and brocades – that I just had to take some photos. And just check out their new environmentally friendly packaging of the ONE series (offered as Lifebooks)! Just another reason to order a nice mini-album for your loved one, or a big ol’ one for yourself!

Tuan and Daisy tie the knot!

aueysantos — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 05:19:57 +0000

Daisy and Tuan tied the knot amidst a collective sigh of relief from friends and relatives, after being together for what seems like ages. They had one of those “it’s about time!” weddings. So what else can you expect but a seamless, perfect day where everything fell into place? The ceremony was touching. I was holding my breath anxiously, with my shutter finger poised just as I waited for Daisy’s tears to come during the vows. Years of shooting weddings had trained me to wait for it. But they never came! Instead, her face beamed with happiness as her eyes met Tuan’s. As their glance met, I knew this was one of those marriages that would endure.

Here’s the SLIDESHOW.

I’m Certified! Yay me.

aueysantos — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 04:34:03 +0000

I’ve always been a little insecure about my photography. I like my work and I know my clients like my images too (otherwise they would not hire me) but I’ve always felt this void where I felt I should have a photography degree. Growing up, I was always into the arts and was constantly drawing and painting. My mother tells me photography was the first profession I wanted, at age 4. (Of course, in between childhood and college – there was lawyer, teacher, nurse, doctor, guitarist and newscaster.) But somehow I managed to find my way back to the path to photography. And FINALLY, finally, after 2 years from passing my PPA Certification written exam – I can now call myself a certified professional photographer. I received my letter from PPA that I passed the image review of 20 images! After failing the image review three times prior, I had already convinced myself that it was no big deal if I didn’t get certified. But I knew in my heart it was something I wanted to achieve. I should have been consoled by that fact that only about 3% of those who take the exam pass. But every six months of receiving an encouraging but FAIL notice, I was ready to throw in the towel. I cried each time, but my husband’s resolve was strong. He told me to keep trying. And thanks to help from friends like Marc Benjamin and Claudia Akers, I got solid feedback on my submissions and tried once more. I paid attention to every single detail on the images, checking my lighting patterns, pushing myself to master the craft. And FINALLY — I passed! Whew – and yes, it is important. And it IS a big deal, to me. Say hello to Auey Santos, CPP. I’m so darn proud of myself. If you are considering getting certified, go for it! I hate to say I needed the validation, but I did and from PPA, no less.

For more information on the Certified Professional Photographer Program, click here.