1950s Cardiff Beach Bungalow Masterpiece

Last week I got to shoot another GEM by Jim Frisbee of Frisbee Architects. I love that he maintained the character of this 1950s Cardiff beach bungalow. The square footage added was only in the ADU that was built above the garage. And, er mer gerd, I want to LIVE in the ADU!!! Check out some of my favorites. Also, huge kudos goes to the rest of the crew that brought this property back to life...

Architecture: Frisbee Architects

Interior Design: Erica DeLorme Design

Landscape Design: Garden Studio Design

Builder: Travis McCaw (T-Mac Construction)

The Power of the Author's Portrait: A Window into Literary Souls


In the world of literature, the author's portrait holds a unique significance, transcending mere aesthetics to become a powerful tool for connection and understanding. The portrait has the ability to humanize the literary figure into a tangible human presence. Well executed, it can transform the distant author into a relatable individual, fostering intimacy and empathy with readers. Through subtle expressions and contextual details, the portrait reveals essential facets of the author's identity and creative essence, enriching the reader's perception of their work. Beyond the simple dustcover portrait, in the digital landscape of today, author portraits continue to serve as digital ambassadors, enhancing visibility and branding across various platforms.

Recently, I had the opportunity to photograph a very close friend whose book on leadership will be her first foray into the world of writing. I was humbled that she chose me to create her author portrait and I hope you’ll find that we achieved the goals set forth above. I’d like to think this portrait truly captured her essence as a writer and as a person.

"Behind the Lens: Capturing Elegance at Dior, Hermes, Burberry, and Gucci"


In the realm of high-end luxury retail, every detail matters. From the carefully crafted displays to the ambiance of the space, these prestigious brands invest heavily in creating an immersive and opulent experience for their customers. Recently, I had the privilege of being hired to photograph some of the most iconic names in the fashion industry – Dior, Hermes, Burberry, and Gucci. As I stepped into each store, camera in hand, I couldn't help but marvel at the level of sophistication and attention to detail that defines these establishments.

The importance of professional photography for these luxury brands extends far beyond merely documenting their products. It plays a pivotal role in shaping their brand identity and influencing customer perception. Here's a glimpse into why professional photos are critical for these stores and their esteemed brands.

1. Visual Storytelling: Elevating the Brand Narrative

Luxury brands are built on stories – tales of craftsmanship, heritage, and exclusivity. Through the lens of a professional photographer, these narratives come to life in a visual symphony. Each click captures not just a product but the essence of the brand, weaving a visual story that resonates with the target audience. From the meticulous stitching of a Hermes scarf to the timeless elegance of a Dior gown, every image contributes to the brand's overarching narrative.

2. Aesthetic Consistency: Crafting a Seamless Experience

Consistency is key in the luxury retail world. Professional photographs ensure a uniform and cohesive visual language across various platforms – from the storefront window to online catalogs and social media. Whether a customer is browsing the website or walking into a physical store, the aesthetic continuity reinforces the brand's image, creating a seamless and recognizable experience.

3. Highlighting Craftsmanship: Showcasing the Artistry

Luxury brands are synonymous with craftsmanship and attention to detail. High-quality images are essential for showcasing the intricate workmanship that goes into creating each product. From the fine stitching on a Gucci leather bag to the signature patterns of a Burberry trench coat, professional photos highlight the artistry behind the products, elevating them from mere commodities to works of art.

4. Creating Aspirational Appeal: Fostering Desire

Luxury is not just about the product; it's about the lifestyle and the aspiration it evokes. Professional photography has the power to create a sense of desire and exclusivity. The carefully curated images transport customers into a world of elegance and refinement, igniting a desire to be a part of that world.

5. Social Media Impact: Connecting with the Digital Audience

In the age of social media dominance, the visual appeal of luxury brands must extend to digital platforms. Professional photographs are tailor-made for capturing attention in a crowded online space. Striking visuals shared on Instagram, Facebook, and other platforms not only engage current customers but also attract new ones, expanding the brand's reach in the digital realm.

The role of professional photography in the success of high-end luxury retail stores cannot be overstated. It goes beyond a simple snapshot; it is a strategic investment in shaping the brand's image, fostering desire, and creating a lasting impression on the discerning clientele. As I reflect on my experience photographing these iconic stores, I am reminded that each click of the shutter contributes to the visual legacy of these esteemed brands, capturing a moment of elegance that transcends time.

Realtors on the High Seas: A Compass Corporate Party to Remember

Having shot enough real estate over the years, I knew that realtors, in general, are very outgoing, fun people. But, MAN, get them on a boat with pizza and some dranks flowing!?!?! It gets crazy real quick! Huge thank you to Michelle Walsh Ozanne and the Andy Bovender Team at Compass for having me shoot their kickin' party on the Champagne Yacht. Despite the rain, that boat was a ROCKIN'! I highly recommend you consider their harbor yacht cruise for your next party. For now, enjoy some of my favorite pics from the crazy night...

Building a Brand: The Essential CEO Portrait

A few weeks back I shot a series of corporate headshots at business conference at the Estancia La Jolla Resort. Shortly after the events manager at Estancia reached out to see if I would be interested in photographing her husband in his capacity of CEO and owner of his golf apparel brand called Kingsmen Golf. Golf apparel?!? Heck yeah, that’s RIGHT up my alley! I mean, it’s not pickleball, but it’s a close second!

So when her husband, Donald Burlock reached out, I was ready to go. We discussed possible locations and I suggested using Encinitas Ranch. While not as iconic as Torrey Pines, I knew that getting on Torrey would be difficult at best, and I knew Encinitas Ranch had some views that were absolutely breathtaking (as well as easily accessible via a public trail).

Normally when I do an executive portrait, knowing their time is very valuable, I do my best to get in and get out as quickly and efficiently as possible. However, on this shoot, we had a nice 15 minute walk out to the shoot location from the golf course parking lot. So I really got to spend some quality time with Donald and could understand his vision. Upon meeting him, I was immediately struck by two things, his shirt and his energy.

The shirt, which he designed, was unlike anything I’d seen on a golf course. The minimalist collar, the hidden buttons, the material and the design (which was a beautiful sea foam green with dots that felt like sand from a fairway bunker) created a look that is somehow uniquely athletic and yet stylish enough to wear out to dinner after your round. I can honestly say, I WANT THAT SHIRT!!! Of course, it doesn’t hurt that it was being worn by a young, good looking, well built athlete. Whether I could rock it like that, is a different question, but I’m pretty sure I’ll love it even on me.

Then there’s Donald. He literally took up golf at the start of the pandemic. While I was leaving golf to play pickleball, he was building an addition to golf. And with his design background, he noticed the serious lack of functional yet stylish golf apparel options. Within seconds of meeting him he had infected ME with his passion for his brand. It’s VERY new (I think he said he’d sold roughly 100 shirts so far), but if I were a betting man, I would not bet against him.

By the time we were walking back to the car after a very successful shoot (a glorious sunset washed over the pristine fairways of ER), I my own brain was already cranking on his behalf. Kingsmen Golf. Check. Kingsmen Pickleball?!?! CHECK! I could TOTALLY see a niche to be filled in Pickleball apparel for a really sharp alternative to all the t-shirts and crew necks I see on the courts. Hmmm. Stay tuned!

Meanwhile, enjoy some of my favorite images from our shoot. I think you’ll see the passion that I experienced in our short time together.

Corporate Headshots as a Business Meeting Perk

We’ve pretty much reached the point where, regardless of your job, you need a corporate headshot for work. Whether it’s for Linkedin or your corporate website, your headshot will largely shape how others perceive you in the corporate world. Projecting a vision of confidence and approachability is critical. You might think a simple selfie and some fancy filters will suffice, but I assure you, the results from a professional photographer more than justify the cost. A professional photographer will use his/her skills with lighting, background choice, retouching and most importantly, posing, to create an image of you that will set you apart from the crowd.

Knowing this, forward looking companies are now looking for opportunities to give not only their own employees, but also their industry associates, corporate headshots as a gift. Last week I was photographing a corporate conference at Estancia La Jolla, called Impact AD for the Keck School of Medicine at USC where they brought in researchers from around the country to discuss how to improve the quality of their research projects by diversifying their research subjects. It was actually quite fascinating to watch. The conference organizers hired me to come in and shoot business headshots for any/all attendees who wanted one. By consolidating many headshots into one short session (in this case I shot roughly 40 headshots in less than an hour and a half), they could bring the cost per person WAY down compared to shooting each individually. The attendees LOVED this perk and came away with a corporate headshot that they can use for years to come. Enjoy a few of the images I captured.

Restoring a Classic in La Jolla

Photographing real estate, usually the challenge is to accentuate the positives of a property and minimize the negatives. And if I'm being honest, I can sometimes make a house look better than it actually is in person. Once in a while, though, a house comes along that simply doesn't have a bad angle. It's no longer my job to improve upon it, it's just to get out of the way and reveal it. That said, older homes like this one, with beautiful dark wood can definitely gobble up the light and present its own challenges. Still, I felt like a kid in a candy store shooting this one and think, in the end, I did it justice. Almost 20 years ago, the renovations to bring it back to it's original glory (it was originally built by master woodworker and architect, Herbert E. Palmer back in 1925 and renovated by Trip Bennett of Arista Architects), drew the attention of the architectural world, and the owners had many offers to have it photographed for the world to see. They declined and as such, I'm the first person to photograph it since it was redone.

Well known San Diego architect, Trip Bennett oversaw the renovations and it's now for sale, represented by Linda Daniels and Regin Daniels Rubin of The Daniels Group for a cool $8,650,000. I hope you like some of my favorite images.

Designer Showcase: Massey Design Group - A Stunning Aviara Kitchen Remodel

As interest rates continue to rise, homeowners will become increasingly reluctant to give up their low interest fixed-rate mortgages from a few years ago. Many will instead look to turn the dated home they can’t afford to leave into the home of their dreams. Enter designer Mary Massey, who turned this very basic builder grade tract home kitchen into a chef’s dream that will almost certainly become the family hub for her lucky clients. What I love about Mary’s design is that she’s not afraid to incorporate a little color. So many kitchens play it completely safe with all black and white. Check out these gorgeous bluish-green (seafoam?) backsplash tiles. Amazing. Every detail in Mary’s design is spectacular. Enjoy the before and after photos to get a real sense of what you can do to a kitchen if you hire the right person. And be sure to check out more of Mary Massey’s work at her website here.

A Family History in Portraits

Meet the Mitchell family. Over the past eleven years I’ve photographed them ten times (missed one year in 2015) watching them grow from 8 people, to 14 of the nicest people you’ll ever meet. I’ll be honest, it’s work to coordinate this every year and shoots with six kids under 12 years old is ALWAYS a challenge. That said, how freaking cool is this to have a history of your family, growing year after year. We’ve shot these family portraits at a myriad of different locations, from their backyard to their front yard to the Hotel Del Coronado to little parks right off the side of the road, to the beautiful beach in Del Mar, but really, the location is secondary to the people in the shot. Showing up is 95% of the battle. So my advice to any young family is (and I need to listen to my own advice), MAKE THE EFFORT! Do a family portrait once every year and you will be so happy you did when you can look back at a gallery like this.

Corporate Events and Galas

Over the past few years, as I move away from wedding photography, I have looked to expand my areas of expertise as a photographer to include corporate event and gala photography. Shooting these types of events is a natural extension of having spent twenty years shooting weddings. The skills are the same, but, mercifully, the stress level is about five times lower. All the same, the event planners who put these together do an absolutely spectacular job and show an exquisite level of attention to detail and it’s my job to capture them. The locations of these generally do not suck either. I have recently shot charity galas at The Montage Resort in Laguna Beach, the Park Hyatt Aviara in Carlsbad, the Balboa Bay Resort in Newport Beach, and the Dana Point Waldorf Astoria Beach Resort (although they did manage to lose my keys at the valet for about 45 minutes, which isn’t fun when you’re ready to go home and pour a stiff drink!) and corporate events for clients including ATRI at the Keck School of Medicine at USC, The Burnham-Moores Center at USD, Scripps Encinitas, Whiting Turner construction and Trustmark Insurance. At the corporate events, there’s a trend to offer corporate headshots to all the employees in attendance. SUCH a smart idea, I think. They’re already there, they’re dressed up and it takes just minutes to run them through a quick shoot. Have a look at some of my favorite images from my recent work photographing corporate events and galas!

Celebrating Their Rites of Passage: Graduation

Our society has so few remaining rites of passage for our younger generation. Graduating from high school or college is a BIG DEAL and deserves to be celebrated. Over the past few months I’ve spent much of my time photographing these amazing kids who have worked their butts off to take this giant leap forward in their lives. These senior portrait sessions and graduation portraits, whether they be at the beach in Carlsbad, on the streets of Encinitas or on the campus of their soon to be alma mater, are one of my favorite aspects of my career. It’s even more special when I’ve known the graduate from the time they were in kindergarten or, in the case of my own son, Jack, from the day he was born. All of the images below were taken in the past few months and I’m proud of every single one. Enjoy.

An Aztec BFF Senior Portrait Session

Last week I had the pleasure of photographing Emma and Domi on the beautiful campus of SDSU. The two met as roommates freshman year and have been BFF's ever since. It's kind of interesting how high school senior portraits almost always take place away from campus and here in SD, more often than not, at the beach. College graduation portraits, in contrast, are all shot on campus. It was actually crazy how many shoots were going on simultaneously. At one point we had to wait almost twenty minutes to get "the shot" in front of Hepner Hall. I'm told over the weekend that line was TWO HOURS!!! Anyway, it was SO much fun to capture these two beautiful and spirited women. I hope you enjoy the photos!

#sdsu #seniorportraitsession #collegeportrait #bff #champagne #classof23 #classof2023

A Carlsbad Senior Surf Session

Photographing a high school graduate is always a special occasion, and when you have the opportunity to capture their personality in a place they love, the results can be truly magical. Recently, I had the pleasure of photographing Gabi, a soon-to-be graduate of San Dieguito Academy High School, at one of her favorite surf spots, Turn-arounds in Carlsbad, CA. Gabi brought her surfboard and cap and gown to the shoot, and we had a fantastic time capturing some amazing shots.

When planning a photo shoot for a high school graduate, it is essential to understand their personality, interests, and hobbies. Gabi is an avid surfer, and Turn-arounds is her go-to spot, so it was the perfect location for our shoot. When we arrived at the location, we scouted the area to find the best spots for taking pictures. We found a few different locations that offered a stunning backdrop, including the beach, the bluffs and even the spring wildflowers across PCH, which added some colorful variety to the photos.

Once we had scoped out the area, it was time to start taking some pictures. Gabi was excited to get started and brought her surfboard to the shoot. We began by taking some pictures on the bluffs above beach, where we used the surfboard as a prop to add some interest to the photos. Gabi was a natural in front of the camera, and her genuine smile and infectious energy made for some great shots.

After the bluffs photos, we moved on to the beach, where we found some incredible angles that showcased the natural beauty of the area. We had Gabi pose on the hardpack sand, looking out over the ocean, and the results were breathtaking. I used a mixture of both natural light and strobe to create different moods, and the end result was a set of photos that captured Gabi's personality and love for the ocean.

Finally, we went into the water, where Gabi put on her cap and gown and posed with her surfboard. The surf was a bit too rough to do any real surfing that day, but we managed to capture some stunning shots of Gabi in the water with her surfboard, cap, and gown. The final images were of Gabi with her surfboard, cap and gown silhouetted against the warm setting sun. Magical images to end an epic shoot.

Photographing a high school graduate at their favorite location can be a fantastic experience. Gabi's love for surfing and the ocean made the shoot at Turn-arounds incredibly special. The variety of locations we used, along with different lighting techniques, made for some incredible photos that captured Gabi's personality and interests. If you're planning a photo shoot for a high school graduate, take the time to understand their hobbies and interests, and choose a location that reflects their personality. You won't be disappointed with the results.

A Very Seussian Senior Portrait

As a photographer, capturing graduation portraits is one of the most exciting and rewarding experiences. The culmination of years of hard work and dedication is marked by this milestone event, and as a photographer, it's your job to capture that sense of accomplishment in your photos. Recently, I had the pleasure of photographing a college graduation portrait session at the University of California San Diego, specifically at the Geisel Library, which was an unforgettable experience.

The Geisel Library, named after Dr. Theodore Seuss Geisel, is a well-known landmark on the UCSD campus. It's an iconic building with unique architecture that makes for a fantastic backdrop for senior portraits. The library's design is inspired by the whimsical illustrations of Dr. Seuss, and features surprisingly monochromatic concrete building materials that contrast starkly with the quirky shape, creating a playful and fun atmosphere for a photo session. It's an ideal location for those looking to add a bit of personality to their senior portraits.

For this particular session, the graduate was Sara, who was clad in her cap and gown. Sara was full of energy and excitement as she popped a bottle of champagne, celebrating her academic achievements. The champagne added an extra element of joy and celebration to the photos, and it was a great way to capture Sara's personality and sense of accomplishment.

As we explored the Geisel Library, we made sure to include elements of Dr. Seuss and the Cat in the Hat in the photos. Sara posed casually with the statues of both The Cat in the Hat, as well as Dr. Geisel working at his animation desk. It was a great way to incorporate the whimsical, playful spirit of Dr. Seuss into her senior portraits. The photos turned out fantastic, and Sara was thrilled with the final results.

Photographing Sara's college graduation portrait session at UCSD was a fantastic experience. The Geisel Library provided a unique and fun atmosphere, and Sara's personality and sense of accomplishment were captured perfectly in the photos. As a photographer, it's always an honor to be able to capture such a significant milestone in someone's life, and I'm grateful to have been a part of this special moment. Enjoy a few of my favorite images!

The Lecours Family's Unconventional Holiday Portrait

Valentine's Day is upon us and love is in the air! And what better way to show your love for your family than with an unconventional holiday portrait?!?!

That's exactly what the Lecours family did when they came to my portrait studio. They wanted a family portrait for their Valentine's Day card, instead of the usual Christmas or Hannukah card.

The shoot was full of surprises, especially with their 22-month-old son who was both wildly entertained and completely distracted by our 15-year-old German Shepard studio dog/photo assistant, Reno. I couldn't help but laugh as I saw the little boy's face light up with glee every time Reno came close to him. Reno, of course, can’t stand not being the center of attention, though he had to settle for being just out of frame as we shot.

To be honest, I was a bit worried that the strobe lights would be too much for the little guy, but he seemed to be quite amused by them. Maybe he thought they were a special effect for his entertainment? Who knows! In the end, the winning shot was one where he was staring straight at the huge 7’ strobe lit umbrella.

But of course, we all know that 22-month-olds have a pretty short attention span, so luckily for us, his grandmother was also on set to coax his attention away from the dog through a game of peekaboo. It worked like a charm, and we were able to get some great shots of the whole family.

It was refreshing to see a family not take themselves too seriously and try something different for their holiday card. And the result was a beautiful and fun portrait that perfectly captured their love for each other.

So if you're looking to do something different for your next holiday card, why not try an unconventional portrait? You never know, you might just end up with a photo that brings a smile to everyone's face.

At our studio, we're always happy to help you capture those special moments in a fun and creative way. Whether it's for Valentine's Day or any other holiday, we're here to make your family portraits unforgettable!

Senior Portrait Session: Sharing His Passion

As a portrait photographer, I am asked to capture the essence of my subjects, and this is especially true for senior portrait sessions. I recently had the opportunity to work with a young man named Trey, and his session was truly one-of-a-kind.

Trey's senior portrait session took place at the historic Olivenhain Pioneer House just before sunset, and the location provided a beautiful rustic backdrop for his photos. On a typical senior portrait shoot, I might focus on what university the senior is planning to attend, but Trey hadn't yet decided which school he would be attending. So, instead, we decided to focus on something that was important to Trey - his truck.

Trey's truck is a nearly 30-year-old Ford F150 with a camper shell, and he has put a lot of time and effort into restoring it and making it his own. He has a deep appreciation for the work that goes into maintaining and restoring vintage vehicles, and he was eager to incorporate this into his senior portrait session.

I was struck by the pride that Trey had for his truck. He was eager to show off all the hard work he had put into it, and he was excited to see the finished product. Some of our favorites shots took place as the sun dropped behind the hills to the west and we turned on his truck’s lights, including the LED lightbar he incorporated into the front grille. Trey was a natural in front of the camera, and he brought a sense of calm and confidence to the session that shines through in the images.

The final portraits turned out beautifully. The rustic setting of the Olivenhain Pioneer House provided the perfect backdrop for Trey's truck, and the focus on this special part of his life made the photos unique and personal. The portraits captured Trey's love for his truck, as well as his adventurous spirit and his love of life.

I think Trey's senior portrait session was a true reflection of who he is, and I am grateful to have been a part of it. While many senior portrait sessions focus on the university the senior is planning to attend, Trey's session was a refreshing change of pace, as we focused on something that was important to him and that captured his personality in a unique and meaningful way. I hope that these portraits will be cherished memories for Trey for years to come. Enjoy a few of his favorite images from the shoot…

Designer Showcase: Massey Design Group

One thing I love about my job is how many DIFFERENT types of photography I’m asked to perform. Early in my career, I shot weddings almost exclusively. I still love wedding photography, but it’s no longer my main focus (pun intended). Over the past ten years or so, I’ve found incredible artistic fulfillment in photographing architecture and real estate in all forms. You’d rightly think first of photographing houses for realtors as probably the most common part of that business, but lately, I’ve been getting more and more requests from architects and designers to document their latest creations. Frankly, I’m often shocked when I look at the websites and social media accounts for both of the above and see that their “after” photos, ostensibly showcasing their months of hard work, and they’re shot on cell phones with zero consideration for lighting or composition! SUCH a lost opportunity.

Thankfully, there are still those who understand the value of professionally documenting their work. Recently, I got a call from designer, Mary Massey, who said her longtime photographer had moved away and she was looking for a replacement. She had just completed work on a kitchen remodel in Carlsbad and could I give it a shot. There’s always a moment where you hold your breath when working with a new client, but the second I walked into this gorgeously finished kitchen, I knew my job would be easy.

The challenge of this type of photography is to both create great light where there is often none present, while at the same time, not drawing too much attention to the photography itself and letting the space shine. It’s a fine line and one of my favorite challenges of this type of photography. Happily, my new client seemed thrilled with the results and I look forward to working with her again very soon. Enjoy her amazing work below and go to her website at www.masseydesigngroup.com to see more. Keep in mind, the photography of her work you’ll see there is still entirely from the previous photographer.

Executive Portraits vs. Corporate Headshots: Key Differences

When it comes to professional photography for your business, you may have heard the terms "executive portrait" and "corporate headshot." While both are important for creating a professional image for your business, there are some key differences between the two.

Executive Portraits: Executive portraits are photographs that highlight the individuality of an executive or high-level manager. They are usually taken in a more formal setting, such as the executive's office or an outdoor location, and are meant to capture the personality and professional demeanor of the subject. They are clearly meant to be more individualized than a corporate headshot. These portraits are usually used on a company's website, in brochures, and in presentations to showcase the key people in the organization.

A good executive portrait photographer will strive to produce multiple looks and variations on framing and lighting to give the subject many options depending on their intended purpose. As such, these photo sessions tend to take considerably more time on location that a corporate headshot.

Executive portraits bring environmental cues to convey more about the personality and status of the subject.

Corporate Headshots: Corporate headshots, on the other hand, are photographs of all employees in a given company. These headshots strive for a consistent look, with similar lighting and background. This uniformity helps to create a cohesive and professional image for the company as a whole. Corporate headshots are typically taken in a studio or against a simple, neutral background, and are used for company websites, email signatures, and other corporate materials.

Corporate headshots are a quick and effective way to project the professional quality of a company’s workforce.

One of the key benefits of corporate headshots is that they can be easily reproduced when new employees are hired. By having a standard lighting and background setup, new headshots can be taken quickly and easily, ensuring that the look of the company remains consistent. An experienced corporate headshot photographer can produce high quality images in very little time.

Both executive portraits and corporate headshots are important for creating a professional image for your business. While executive portraits showcase the personality and individuality of key executives, corporate headshots provide a cohesive and consistent look for all employees in the company. By understanding the differences between these two types of professional photography, you can make informed decisions about how to best represent your business to the world.