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!

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.

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.

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 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!

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’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.

August 17 was the date, warm was the weather and perfect was the atomsphere. I couldn’t have asked for a nicer couple to have as my bride and groom. With a less then 40 guests, the event was very intitmate and heartfelt. There was tons of photos I call my favorites, so it was really hard to narrow it down.

And, OMG! It was a photographer’s dream to shoot in Cline Cellars!  From the vinyards, beautiful barrel room, the funky and famous red truck — we didn’t run out of places to shoot. After the ceremony, we went over to Sonoma Airport which had some WWII aircraft on display.  The groom is a plane freak so this was has his special request. And I obliged, big time! Loved every minute of it.

And of course, Carol was one of the most relaxed and loveliest brides I’d ever met, laughing it off when the couple inadvertantly held the “first look” in the hotel room and later, shrugging it off when wine spilled on her gown.

Tricia and her daughter Addy are members of the same momsgroup/playgroup I belong to.  Since most of the kids are approaching their two year old mark, it’s only natural that a lot of the moms are expecting baby #2. And the cycle begins once more! I was so pleased and honored to be asked to photograph Tricia’s pregnant beauty in full bloom. She looks absolutely radiant in these photos! Here are some of my favorites. And you check out the slideshow here.

Okey, I promise I won’t make any corny tennis jokes, but the moment I met Carol and Daniel – they seemed like a perfect love match.  Sorry, I couldn’t resist. *wink* The couple decided they wanted to part of the engagement session at the tennis court, because their love of the sport. On or off-court, I think they look great together! I’m soo looking forward to shooting their Sonoma wedding next week.