Columbus Day has different meaning in all countries. But in Spain, especially, it is held in one of the highest regards. This was my first experience in a country that holds it with such high regards. The Fiesta is the only parade that includes all the Military Branches, the political parties and the Spanish Monarchy as well. Enjoy!
The Tanks are getting ready!
Traditional Uniforms!
The King is a HIGH ROLLER!
The Youth admiring the parade…
Well it has officially been 1 week since I made the official “reboot” of my life. (Now please note, when I say reboot what I mean is that I wanted to make a change and alter the path I was on and like a computer, a reboot was needed) Some may say that I was being selfish but, mind you that I am always there to do for others and I normally put myself 2nd or last, normally. This, for instance, was an opportunity of a lifetime. A chance to see another part of the world while being able to use the “overpriced” college education I so desperately struggled to achieve.
I won’t go into semantics but here is a simple recap of the last 7 days of my life.
Sunday 9/25 – 4am trip to LAX for a 6am flight to Miami and 6 hour layover while I wait for my redeye flight to Madrid. (Special thanks to the single mother for bringing an obviously ill toddler on an almost 9 hour flight. The vomit stains are still being cleaned off American Airlines flight AA66) A new friend and Language Auxiliar, Jessica, was able to snooze on the flight to Madrid while I spend all of 30 minutes waiting for the nightmare flight to end…
Monday 9/26 – After almost 16 hours of travel (1st 4 hours in First Class – totally worth the upgrade fee) I am in Madrid and checked into my Hostel for the next 5 days while I look for a place to stay. Next stop, the phone store for a sim card for the Blackberry. Yes, in Spain I went with Blackberry since I didn’t want to jailbreak the iPhone. Siesta time; then it was off to the Gran Via area for Tapas & Mojitos with my new friend Rosana. She has been a total angel when it comes to helping me find my way and get me organized.
Tuesday 9/27 – Jetlag finally kicked me in the butt. Slept until 4pm. Yes, almost 16 hours. But still managed to get up for another fun night with some awesome new friends. A few pints to celebrate the move then it was off to Sol to check out the sites… at midnight…
Wednesday 9/28 – Orientation Day – will not go into a story but it was uneventful. Best part of the day was Taco Bell (yes, I said it) at 9pm with JD & Jessica since it was our only meal of the day!
Thursday 9/29 – 1st Metro Rail trip to Coslada, Spain. Wanted to check out the new school where I will be a Language Auxiliar for the next 9 months. Was introduced to other professors, the director and one class of students who seemed very interested to learn more about me than about my lack of talent with the Spanish language. So far a success… Next, meeting with my cousin Raquel. She is so awesome and very patient especially with the fact that I do not speak Spanish well, at all. But we are able to have a decent conversation about life and she even spoke to my mom for a little bit. Overall, the day was a success. Reward – Bocadillo de Jamon, Large Chocolate doughnut and water!
Friday – 9/30 – With hopes of continuing on yesterdays success I hit a roadblock, no success in the “piso” hunt. Bummed but not beaten I start to scour the Facebook forums for our page which has advice and comments by other Auxiliars in the program. Totally a lifesaver and one of the successful reasons I am in Madrid. Was able to find a room with another Auxiliar and her boyfriend in the Tetuan area of Madrid. A total WIN – WIN! No need to celebrate just back to the Hostel to pack and get ready for a new day.
Saturday – 10/1 – Moving Day to my new digs, simple shopping at the Mercado and lay back with some pizza, Euro Sprite and a real shower in my new place. Thank you God!
Sunday – 10/2 – Breakfast with the new roommates and then it was off to Lazipies for lunch with new Auxiliares. Totally cool to meet new people and capture some new images with the G12. The Think Tank Roller has not been unpacked but will be soon…
Be sure to keep following for new updates every week within my new adventures.
“Two souls with but a single thought, two hearts that beat as one.” – John Keats
The love story of Kim & Kris is a whirlwind in the making but one that makes the heart yearn for. It is one that spells out love in a way that cannot be pronounced as one syllable. Kim is an elementary school teacher from my “neck of the woods” area in West Covina; with much charisma and patience that I know is going to be a wonderful addition to any educational system. Kris is an Officer in the U.S. Navy stationed in San Diego. Currently back from duty in the Middle East and back home to marry the woman he loves, Kris knows a lot about what it takes to be patient and persistent. Whether its his duty as an ET-1 or it’s caring for Kim while away it never ceases to amaze me the way love conquers all. Congrats to you both and enjoy life together!
Here are a few images I captured in Downtown San Diego..
Special Thanks to Katie Osborn for assisting and being an awesome 2nd shooter!
Here is a slide show of the images from the day..
Last November I told you about a wonderful opportunity I had in collaborating with the awesome & talented Myra Greenlee of double-sided tape. Well 7 months pass and Myra is ready to bring in little Mia into the world. With such an abundant amount of love and support from her husband Mike and their daughter Michaela. Thank you all for allowing me to capture your moment in time before the arrival of Mia. I can’t wait to capture her 1st images too….
“To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under heaven.” - Ecclesiastes 3. 1
A celebration for many to see and all to enjoy. Having assisted Karen Ard on many occasions I was happy to get the opportunity to capture a wonderful event in the private Rolling Hills Estates of Palos Verdes. The Harlyne J. Norris Pavilion was the perfect setting to house the event and the images below show the details that make it remarkable.
Please visit Karen Ard to view more images.
“You have a lifetime to work, but children are only young once.” ~ Proverb
Not much can be said about a family be started. Paige & Angel are going to be phenomenal parents and this simple session in Huntington Beach, CA makes me realize how much beauty is in the world. Eden is going to be a very adored baby and her parents are great friends and an inspiration to all. Thank you for letting me capture a few moments.
The story of love never gets old in any way. When you are able to hear and appreciate the story of two people who are deeply committed to each, for life and longer, you just know you are in the presence of greatness. That is how I felt when I was able to capture the wedding of Maita & Tom. Their engagement story was magical but their wedding event… was just as phenomenal.
Here are a few images from the day…
To view additional images please enjoy this slideshow.
Special Thanks:
Carol Cobb, Alfred Bertulfo and Thomas Pelicar for assisting in the capture for both stills & video.
Sophia Park - wedding coordinator – www.thespecialday.net
Locations:
The Fairmont Hotel, St. Vincent de Paul Church and The Pacific Club
Just in time for their wedding event!
With the help of my fabulous team of networked still & motion photographers we are pleased to present:
Maita & Tom – an engagement story.
You can view the video off the blog site – MAITA & TOM
I seriously have some of the greatest friends in the industry. SERIOUSLY! I was contacted by my friend Karen Ard to assist her in being a 2nd shooter for a wedding in Malibu’s Calamigo’s Ranch. I hadn’t seen Karen since a lighting workshop we attended and I was emphatic about getting out to Malibu and trying out a few new things since then. The images are just a glimpse of how awesome April & Eric are. Their laughter & smiles are contagious and their families & friends are have so much love for the couple that it was an honor to hangout with them for the day. Thanks again Karen!
For more images & details please visit Karen Ard.
Here is a slideshow of images from the day. Enjoy!
“Sometimes it’s not what you know, it’s who you know…”
Words like that can stick to your memory and when you least know it you are shooting an engagement session based on a personal recommendation. Maita & Tom were recommended by my friend, Tom’s sister, Marinel who I have know for almost 15 years. (Man, time just flys by) In any case I was able to meet with the couple, their family and I could tell right away that this was an event I would be looking forward to capturing. Sure enough it was not long after I had sat down for a cup of coffee, within 10 minutes, that Tom basically said “You’re hired.” True story!
We tried to get the session in before the holidays but it was raining for what seemed like forever here in So. Cal. So here we are 4 months later and it was time to decide on ideas for their engagement session. Maita is very favorable of the “classy & vintage” look that can really bring out some awesome ideas. We had decided on locations but I did have a surprise up my sleeve. I was able to schedule my friend and make up artist extraordinaire Kim Bragalone to enhance Maita’s look. But I was still not done..
First stop was Union Station in Los Angeles. One of the most impressive architecture achievements you could find in all of L.A. We were looking to shoot within the tunnels and near the train areas but unfortunately was cut off due to “security concerns.”
Ok, not a problem, lets me pull the surprise card and let the magic happen. As you enter Union Stations main area you will notice to the left a private area that is “off limits”. But I knew I had to work my charm and get the couple into the area so we can capture some very classic images within an area that was built during the 1930′s and had been closed off since the mid 1990′s when a more compact and digital age of travel was preferable. “Ask and ye shall receive” My buddy Raul came through and we spent 10 minutes having some fun. We even had spectators capturing us as if we were on a media set.
After wards, it was off to Angel’s Flight near the Museum of Contemporary Art. My friends Carol & Alfred has joined me and were up to capturing some charming images of the couple inside the train car. Then Carol also had a surprise to include a more personal and engaging form of capture within the Beloved experiential series. Carol did a wonderful job with the couple. But then after 15 minutes guards were chasing us out for “security concerns.”
Lastly, it was time to have some fun at the beach. Tom is a big time surfer and enjoys shredding the waves with his friends whenever possible. Tom wanted to make sure that one location to capture was the beach for some sunset magic.
I know I have only shown a few “glimpses” of the day but it was really memorable, special and a wonderful day to capture. No rain, little wind, wonderful emotion and an awesome couple to capture made this a great session to kick off 2011.
Here is a little slideshow of more images from that day that I hope you enjoy.
Special Thanks: Maita & Tom, Alfred Bertulfo, Carol Cobb, Kim Bragalone & Raul at Union Station!
by Danny
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