The Long Way to Half Moon Bay

Every once in a while I have an urge to get away. Life is full of so many distractions that sometimes you need to unplug yourself from the matrix to remind yourself there's an existence beyond your daily routine. Armed with my camera and a fully charged iPod I set off without a time frame or destination. I make frequent stops, I take unfamiliar roads, I strike up conversation with strangers.

Here are a few images from one of these recent getaways.

Bradley Pasienski

Earlier this month I made a special trip to Texas to visit a new addition to my family. My cousin Greg and his wife Andrea are settling into parenthood with their son Bradley. Unfortunately I don't get to see this side of my family often, so I was surprised and honored when Greg and Andrea asked me to be Bradley's Godfather. We had a wonderful baptism at their church and Bradley made sure to put on a performance that people won't soon forget. I expect big things from him in the future.

It was great getting to spend some quality time with my relatives in Texas. We might all live far away from each other but we manage to stay involved in each others lives. Its really special when you can reunite with family you haven't seen in a long time and immediately feel like you're at home. At least now I have one more reason to visit.

Logan Swirsding

I'd like you to meet baby Logan David Swirsding. Last month I got to meet him for the first time with his parents Katie and Dave. I can't wait to see him again once he gets a little bit older and Katie is able to take him around more. Here's a few pics from our session.

Ranjan & Subodh 50th Anniversary

Last month I had the honor of photographing the 50th wedding anniversary of Ranjan & Subodh. In this day and age its an accomplishment to make it to your 50th birthday, so to survive 50 years living side by side your spouse is definitely a means for a celebration. Obviously every marriage experiences its fair share of ups and downs, but its a shame that so many people in our society view them as disposable. A successful marriage requires a great deal of hard-work, sacrifice, understanding, friendship, support, and a conscious decision to love one another regardless of the circumstances. The second I met Ranjan & Subodh it was instantly evident why these two have maintained such a successful marriage. They both exuded genuine warmth and kindness and you could feel the outpouring of positive energy in their presence.

It was a wonderful celebration full of family, friends, drinks, laughter, and my favorite....traditional Indian dancing. This group sure could dance! People were glued to the dance floor the second the music started. Subodh was also kind enough to show me some of her moves, so watch out ladies....I'm ready to hit the Indian club scene.

I also wanted to thank my good friend Sarah Powers for coordinating this awesome event. She took care of all the details and made sure everything went off without a hitch. If you ever need an event planner or a wedding coordinator I'd highly recommend her.

Congrats to Ranjan & Subodh on such a momentous occasion. Hopefully I can match this accomplishment one day, although I guess I need to find a soul mate first. At this rate I'll be pushing 80 years old if I make it to a 50th Anniversary! I'll be keeping my fingers crossed.