J KLEWER imaging

Portray Life Photography

2009-08-10T14:46:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to be a part of Portray Life Photography now! Jonathan West, Beau Mora and I are teaming up to offer the best we have to give when it comes to capturing weddings. Please check us out at http://www.portraylife.com. Thanks so much, John

Jenni + Bryan Engagament

2009-07-17T22:47:00.000-07:00

So after a long time away from the blogosphere (as someone once put it) I have decided to return. Okay, actually I just found the time to return on a Friday night. Today was WONDERFUL, I got to shoot a little engagement session for two of my closest friends in the Orange Circle in Orange, CA. We had a wonderful time and I am so excited for Bryan and Jenni and their wedding coming up in November.

Michelle + Jamey Wedding

2009-07-15T01:38:00.000-07:00

Here are a few from Jamey and Michelles wedding. Their reception was at a home in Laguna Beach out on the water that was absolutely breathtaking. I had a wonderful time at the wedding andhad a FANTASTIC time hanging out with Jamey and Michelle... as always. John

Nicole + Scott

2009-06-29T16:02:00.000-07:00

So again, I have been MIA recently due to an onslaught of work (which is good) and also just the stuff that comes from being alive!! Here are just a few pictures from Scott and Nicoles wedding at French 75 in Laguna Beach, CA a couple weeks ago (I know). They were an amazing couple to work with and I wish them the best. John

Road Trip - Stop 2 and 2.5 - San Fran and Reno

2009-06-02T00:05:00.001-07:00

The next leg of our trip brought us from Napa to San Fran for a couple days. Afterwards, it was off through Donner Pass into Reno for the night before we head to Salt Lake City tomorrow morning. John

Too soon, I know.

Road Trip - First Stop - Napa

2009-05-29T10:01:00.000-07:00

Michelle and I left at 10:40pm two nights ago and stopped over in SLO on our way up to Napa. We got in yesterday afternoon and had plenty of time to go out walking than down to the Rutherford Grill for dinner. Here are just a few shots from yesterday.

CIS Awards Banquet

2009-05-16T10:16:00.001-07:00

Congratulations to everyone who received an award at the CIS awards banquet. The following link will take you to the photos from the night where you can download them for free. Find the image(s) you want and right click, "save image as..." or "download image."

http://www.teddybourgeois.com/CIS_Gallery/

Big Rock Triathlon | Lake Perris, CA

2009-05-11T21:05:00.001-07:00

Here are a few shots (mostly of a good friend of mine, Jason Lomheim) from the Big Rock Triathlon out in Lake Perris, CA. Jason had an amazing race and thank God the air wasn't blazing until well after the race was over. We all had a great time and can't wait for the next race. John

Hanging with Hretta

2009-04-12T00:44:00.000-07:00

These were taken a few days ago, but I just got around to messing with them so enjoy! These were taken with my new Canon 1D Mark II N and even newer 24-70mm f/2.8L. This combo is just unbelievable, I'm not totally sure what I did without it! I can't wait to use it on my weddings this summer, John

A little hanging out...

2009-04-10T23:46:00.000-07:00

Michelle and I went over to some friends house tonight for some wine, pizza, salad, Easter egg dying, web site schooling, fellowshipping, and Arthur watching. We had a great night especially since everyone there at the end of the night is comprising a new book study group. We are going to start out with "Life of the Beloved" by Henri Nouwen which is a great one for sure. Here are a few shots from tonight as I bothered my friends with my new gear! John

Nice empty bottles Mike, real nice. Good thing only one of those was your doing, and it wasn't the wine.

I've Been MIA, I Know

2009-04-08T19:54:00.000-07:00

Hey all you guys out there, I have been LAZY!

It seems I really only update by blog during wedding season since I'm putting up wedding shots every week or so. This is definitely not the case at the moment, in fact it has been a month and a half since my last one. There has been plenty happening on the home front lately though.

I picked up some new gear which is very exciting. I have been greatly enjoying the married life since the big day in January and my wife Michelle and I are currently preparing for a trip this summer. We are going to Haiti and the Dominican Republic for a couple weeks at the end of July. We are going to be working with Child Hope International in Haiti and are still waiting to find out where we will be in the DR. Wherever we end up working, Im sure God has a good plan for using our gifts for His glory.

Thanks to all who have been following this blog even through the slow and completely dead times. If there was nobody checking it, I wouldn't be doing it!!!!

John

Nicole and Brett

2009-02-22T15:12:00.001-08:00

Here are some quick edits from yesterdays wedding in Newport Beach. The day was wonderful, lighting was even and the temperature was great. I shot second at this wedding for Marcie. Nicole and Brett were a wonderful couple and had a lovely wedding. Congrats you guys, John

Grammy Sound Lounge

2009-02-06T22:53:00.000-08:00

Michelle and I manned (and womaned) the Foto Cabina booth at the Grammy Sound Lounge yesterday and today. We had a great time meeting everyone coming through the gifting suite. The event was put on by UPP Entertainment Marketing next door to the studios where the artists were rehearsing for their Grammy performances. More photos from the three day event can be found at elitescene.com. J

Printz Board from Bucky Jonson (Black Eyed Peas accompanying band)

Carmit from Pussycat Dolls tearing up Guitar Hero

Darren Robinson from Phantom Planet, Miniature Tigers

Bringin Back the Beach House

2009-01-31T23:56:00.000-08:00

A few shots from our little swoiree at the Newport Beach House. We look like a lot of trashy drunken hooligans... some of us are, some are not, I'm just documenting, that's all. J

Hawaii Honeymoon

2009-01-28T23:32:00.000-08:00

My new wife and I just got home from our honeymoon in Oahu and Kona and had a blast. The weather was great, though the seas were quite choppy from a storm passing through. This made snorkeling a bit difficult with the huge swells that were coming in. Regardless, we had a wonderful time getting away from the bustle of southern California and relaxing for a week. J

Marriage and a bit of a break

2009-01-27T23:06:00.000-08:00

Well, it has been about month or so since I last posted. I was wed to the most beautiful girl in the world on 10 January this year and perusing the internet has not really been on the top of my priority list. Our wedding was unbelievable, more than either of us could have asked for or expected. Two near and dear photographers covered it for us, Marcie Jane and Beau Mora and they did a wonderful job (of course). Following are a few pictures of our big day that I snaked from Beau (thanks buddy).

New Years 2009 Bicycle Joy Ride

2009-01-06T00:31:00.000-08:00

Cut this together this afternoon from this past New Years day. A few of us took a ride through Long Beach to grab some breakfast... good times.

New Years 2009 Bicycle Joy Ride from John Klewer on Vimeo.

Michelle and Jamey

2008-12-09T00:13:00.001-08:00

This past Saturday I had the pleasure of shooting an engagement session for two of my good friends, Jamey and Michelle. We shot in Laguna, at the Montage and the beaches around it than we headed up to the main beach in Laguna near Broadway for the sunset. These two were fantastic to work with, just as I suspected! I can't wait for their wedding coming up this summer... John

Damage

2008-12-06T19:46:00.000-08:00

I drove past the Cascades apartments near my new apartment in Anaheim Hills and was stunned by the damage from the recent fires. I knew a few people personally who lived there and lost their homes and my thoughts go out to them. John

Portraits - Griegs

2008-12-04T22:27:00.000-08:00

I got to shoot with a friend of mine and her brothers this evening. The event started a bit late, but thankfully it turned out just great. In fact, it was a little more exciting this way, which is never a bad thing! I like this photo because of the angle, the movement, the clouds and the sunset... John

Portraits - Raquel, Chris and Family

2008-11-30T22:20:00.000-08:00

Shot some portraits for a wonderful family today, the weather was great and their kids were so much fun. Here are just two shots from the day that I thought were sort of fun... John

our new porch

2008-11-25T20:39:00.000-08:00

i moved in to M and I's new place last week. got evacuated the next day cause of the fires, but am home and happy as of tonight. i never knew how much time i could spend by myself in a quiet, creative place. after a hike to the top of a peak nearby, i've been solo all evening waiting for the rain to come, loving the sounds of some great new bands.

Halloween

2008-11-02T11:57:00.000-08:00

I'm rarely a party-goer, but had a great time down in Costa Mesa this past Friday with some good friends. Here are just a couple shots of the night... John

A few more from my recent trip to Peru...

2008-10-26T23:35:00.000-07:00

I got around to editing a few more shots form my trip to Peru and thought I might as well post them! John

balboa on bikes...

2008-10-12T21:52:00.000-07:00

just dug up a couple older photos i shot earlier this year and i thought i would play with them a little and post them. this was down in newport beach on balboa peninsula when i was still living there... john

Megan and Travis

2008-10-05T21:17:00.001-07:00

Got to shoot Megan and Travis' wedding for the awesome Jonathan West at Arroyo Trabuco, the same place I am getting married at in January! The day was beautiful, the rain held off, and there was never a dull moment... John

Womens Soccer - CSUF v UCSB

2008-10-05T20:49:00.000-07:00

Got to shoot a great game tonight. The CSUF Titan women beat the Gauchos 2-0 at home. Following are a few pics for the Daily Titan.

Peru Pt. 2

2008-10-03T18:16:00.001-07:00

We took our second trip down to Pucallpa, Peru and returned home on Sunday. The trip was an amazing experience, and instead of shooting pictures of everything our team was doing with construction and relation, I relied on one of the other photogs to cover it! I loved being able to be a part of the trip, and to shoot just the few things I wanted to shoot...

Bocas del Toro, Panama

2008-10-02T10:24:00.000-07:00

After our trip to Panama, a couple of us extended our layover in Panama for a few days. We rented a car and drove up to the Costa Rican border, than up over the continental divide to the Caribbean coast and the archipelago of Bocas del Toro in Panama. Following are a few shots of our tough times in this little developed area...

Brittany and Joel

2008-09-08T18:58:00.000-07:00

This last Saturday was Brittany and Joel's wedding at Black Gold Golf Course in Yorba Linda, CA. It was a hot day, but the weather ended up cooling down in the late afternoon which was quite a relief. Thanks again to Marcie, whom I shoot second for.

Luau at CSUF

2008-08-28T21:11:00.000-07:00

To help celebrate the opening of the new Student Recreation center at CSUF, members of the Polynesian Dance Club performed during a Luau...

Brandi and Jeff

2008-08-18T22:44:00.000-07:00

I had the pleasure of shooting Brandi and Jeff's wedding this past Saturday in Huntington Beach. The couple was great, and we had tons of fun. Thanks again to Marcie for keeping me on board... John

Yose-Mite @ sunrise

2008-08-05T19:08:00.000-07:00

A couple of us took off this weekend and braved half-dome at midnight in Yosemite National Park. We got to the summit about an hour before sunrise and couldn't believe the amazing views as the valley lit up before us...

Jackie and Brian

2008-07-27T12:43:00.000-07:00

Got the opportunity to shoot Jackie and Brians wedding yesterday at The Reef in Long Beach. The wedding was beautiful and the weather couldn't have cooperated more. Again, I shot for Marcie Jane Photography this time. Here are a few shots from the day, J

Ali and Dan

2008-07-19T23:26:00.000-07:00

I got the priveledge of shooting Ali and Dan's wedding in San Diego, CA this afternoon. The weather was overcast, but at least it wasn't boiling outside like last weekend. The wedding was beautiful, with the Shelter Island being surrounded by water and sailboats. Tonight I shot as a second to Jonathan West, check out his website and the rest of his work. Thanks, J

New York Engagement Session

2008-07-19T23:03:00.001-07:00

My fiancee and I had some engagement photos taken while we were in New York a couple of weeks ago, but I am just now getting around to posting them up. She and I posed ourselves, and I set my camera up for Michelle's dad to shoot all of these! It worked out great, and we had a very good (although occasionally embarrassing) time doing it all.

Lee-Ann and Jared

2008-07-12T22:43:00.000-07:00

Even though it was blistering hot in Canyon Lake, CA today, Lee-Ann and Jared's wedding was beautiful. I shot as a second to Beau Mora, and had a great time getting to know the couple and their awesome family and friends. Following are just a couple of shots from the day... J

July 4th Camping at Julian, CA

2008-07-11T23:47:00.001-07:00

Here are a couple snapshots from our camping trip in Julian, CA this past weekend. We had a good time, the weather wasn't too hot, and we got to eat plenty of s'mores. S'mores turn any trip into a vacation.

New York City

2008-06-28T23:30:00.000-07:00

I got to spend the last week in New York City with my fiance Michelle and her family. Following are a bunch of shots I took throughout the week. It was my first time visiting the city, and I had a wonderful time. John

This is the stoop from Sex and the City.

Every Tuesday night is movie night at Bryant Park, the place got crowded to watch The Bride of Frankenstein this past week.

Old baggage at Ellis island from immigrants.

One of the original benches still left over from the turn of the last century at Ellis island.

Some of the guys from Fire Station #10 across the street from the twin towers.

Michelle bought her wedding dress during the trip, and I refused to look at it no matter how tempting it was...

Met up with a few friends from high school at McSorley's Pub in Manhattan, the oldest Irish pub in the city. Abe Lincoln frequented the place...

Ate at Serendipity the day before going home. Also had some tremendous frozen hot chocolates!

New Jersey and Kyle's Wedding

2008-06-21T08:02:00.000-07:00

I am in New Jersey at the moment, recovering from a long two days of flights, swimming, and weddings. Today it is time to relax. Much of the family that has been staying at the house here has left for New York for the day, so the rest of us get to enjoy a little rest.

Lake Mohawk lies just a couple miles from the families house in Sparta, NJ. Kevin, Garrett, and I sat down on the dock to eat some pizza before the rehearsal and got nibbled on by all the fish in the water waiting for food hand-outs.

Jenna and Kyle during the rehearsal.

My brother-in-law Casey flew in to surprise my sister Stephanie. She did not think she was going to be seeing him until a week later back home.

Back at Lake Mohawk after a good swim, Michelle relaxes on a hammock near the water a few hours before the wedding.

The newlyweds enjoy a dance. Kyle donned his Army attire for the wedding.

Casey and myself, (with my sister Justine) hanging out at the wedding. I should really learn how to dance... my fiance would be thrilled.

The night of the wedding, we all hung around in the basement of the house, playing ping-pong, beer-pong, and pool. It was a pretty tame night, but a ton of fun.

This cemetery is directly behind the church where the wedding was held. There are stones there dating back to the civil war.

I know this is a nerdy picture, but I'm a total softy for small animals... especially cats.

Angela and Lee - Villa Park, CA

2008-06-14T23:44:00.002-07:00

I got the wonderful privilege of covering Angela and Lee's wedding tonight, again as a second working for Marcie Jane Photography. The couple had to be two of the coolest people I have been able to work with, and the wedding was just great! John

S'mores

2008-06-06T13:08:00.001-07:00

My wonderful fiance made s'mores in the oven for us the other day. They were the best $16.00 s'mores I have ever had. We went to Trader Joe's and got crazy hand-made vanilla mallows, cinnamon grahams, and 71% dark chocolate and ovened them. Turned out brilliant!

Charlene and Hector - Skylinks Golf Course LB

2008-06-01T00:28:00.000-07:00

Tonight was such a great night! Charlene and Hector got married in Long Beach to some great weather and many more incredible characters at the wedding. They had a great group of groomsmen and bridesmaids participating, and the wedding was beautiful. I shot as a second to Marcie and learned a lot. I had a great time and can't wait to work with her again whenever I am able. Thanks so much to you guys for the incredible evening, J

Debby and Drew - Four Seasons Carlsbad

2008-05-30T17:24:00.001-07:00

Sorry if anyone has been awaiting this post since it is so late. I shot Debby and Drew's wedding at the Four Seasons in Carlsbad last Sunday with Kim Le and everything was beautiful. The two met in South America while they were both volunteers in the Peace Corps so they had plenty of photos and stories to share from their experiences there. Thanks so much for letting me be a part of this you guys, John

Sarah and Markus Tava - 18 May 2008 - Newport Beach

2008-05-20T21:48:00.000-07:00

I got the privilege of shooting the new Mr. and Mrs. Tava's wedding on Sunday in Newport Beach. The ceremony and reception were held aboard the Athena out in Newport Harbor. The weather was beautiful as the heat started to subside a little. I shot the couples engagement a few months ago, and I was thrilled they decided to invite me back for their big day. Thanks so much you two, John

Mary and Tods Wedding - 10 May 2008 - Palm Springs

2008-05-19T09:15:00.000-07:00

So I am done with finals now for the summer, and I am feeling good. I finally have some free(er) time on my hands now that I can hopefully fill with shooting, and plenty of relaxing. I shot a friends wedding out in Palm Springs this past Saturday, and for those of you living in Southern California, you know how hot it must have been out there! Regardless, it turned out to be a beautiful day, and everyone had a great time...

Sunset over Mexico somewhere

2008-05-06T17:40:00.000-07:00

I just got around to playing with this quick shot I took from the window of the plane returning from Panama. I played with it a bit and thought it to be slow-period-blogging worthy!

Shengjin, Albania

2008-05-03T09:58:00.001-07:00

I got the opportunity to spend some time in Albania last August teaching English to Kosovar college students. I spent one of my afternoons tooling around the city and caught some shots of a few locals...

Gypsy woman in an abandoned shell of a building

Gypsy child

Old man selling broken watermelons on the street. It's hard to miss the pride in his eyes.

She's Taken.

2008-05-03T00:01:00.000-07:00

I just have to say it: My fiance is way too good looking to be hanging out with a guy like me.

The Marlboro Marine

2008-05-02T00:05:00.000-07:00

If you have six minutes to spare, follow the link below to the story of the infamous Marlboro Marine. The image, taken by Luis Sinco of the LA Times in Fallouja has come to symbolize the ongoing war in Iraq. Not only are the images in this photo story breathtaking, but Marine Lance Cpl. James Blake Miller's story sheds some light on the situation facing our soldiers in battle and as they return to their ::normal:: lives.

LB... a few cityscapes

2008-04-24T15:32:00.000-07:00

Went out to Long Beach this morning to shoot a few pictures for use with the Long Beach Project. Check out that link to see what's going on in LB with ROCKharbor church...

A Little Foto Booth Fun

2008-04-20T15:51:00.000-07:00

Michelle and I worked a sweet 16 party last night with Foto-Cabina (the company Michelle works for) and I jumped in during a slow point! Just thought I would post this up for whatever reason...

Portfolio Shoot - Brett

2008-04-08T11:53:00.000-07:00

This morning I shot for my roommate Brett for a little while. He needed some head-shots for his portfolio, and I was happy to help him out. We shot on Balboa near the base of Newport Pier...

Peru

2008-04-07T19:31:00.000-07:00

Flew in yesterday from Peru. I was there with a small team of leaders from my church as we prepare to lead a larger team back to Pucallpa this September. This was certainly one of the most beautiful places I had ever seen. Cusco reminded me of some of the old cities in Italy, and going to Machu Picchu was definitely one to cross off my bucket list. I know these pictures don't necessarily tell the story of the whole trip, but they're the ones I like, so they're the ones I'm showing!

Ancient streets of Cusco, the walls on each side are original, built around 1100 AD. The drainage canal down the center was either storm water management, irrigation, or both.

Plaza de Armas in downtown Cusco. Both of the building are Spanish Catholic churches built on top of Inca ruins.

The coca leaf can be made into cocaine through a difficult chemical process, and great quantities. In its small, original form, the coca leaf is chewed to reduce the ill effects of altitude sickness, necessary since Cusco sits around 12,000 feet above sea level.

My fiance Michelle during the train ride to Machu Picchu. It was a little chilly on the train!

Taylor near the peak of Huaynu Picchu, making his way toward the top.

Michelle descending some of the "Inca Steps" on Huayna Picchu. These steps have been in place for over 600 years.

The view from the sun temple atop Machu Picchu looking over the ancient city at Huayna Picchu in the background.

...

Stalin. Yes, this boy's name is Stalin, and he is totally awesome.

Cup in the local church in Pucallpa.

...

This curious little girl watched us pass by in the Amazon community of La Perla.

Panorama stitch of Machu Picchu and the surrounding mountains over Aguas Calientes from the top of Huayna Picchu

Easter Egg Hunt

2008-03-25T12:52:00.001-07:00

Spent most of my Easter with my fiance and her family in Chino Hills, CA. Here are a few pictures of some of her nephews during their easter egg hunt...

Sarah and Markus

2008-03-24T15:46:00.000-07:00

Spent some time with Sarah and Markus on a beautiful day in Huntington Beach this past Saturday. We had postponed the shoot from the previous Saturday due to some extreme wind, and this time the weather ended up just perfect. Thanks so much for everything guys, I had a great time working with both of you, and I hope you enjoyed yourselves as well.

Mens Basketball v UCI

2008-03-09T10:01:00.000-07:00

Here are a few shots from last nights game against UCI. The Titans beat UCI 74-66 to become co-champions of the Big West Conference. They will play this week in the Big West Tournament to advance. This is the first time the Titans have taken the conference title since 1976.

Senior Kenneth Alexander attempts a dunk during Saturdays win against UCI.

Seniors Kenneth Alexander (21) and Frank Robinson (5) celebrate Saturdays win against UCI.

Senior Scott Cutley drives towards the basket during Saturdays win against UCI.

Jenny and Ned Engagement Session

2008-03-02T20:45:00.000-08:00

Jenny and Ned, I just wanted to say thank you so much for all of your energy and creativity on Sunday. I had a wonderful time with both of you, getting to know you, seeing how great you are together, it was really a fantastic day. On top of it all, the location ended up working out great, and the weather couldn't have been any more beautiful. I hope you are pleased with your pictures, I know I am. I wish you the best in your marriage later this year... John

CSUF v Cal State Northridge

2008-02-28T23:48:00.001-08:00

Here are a few shots from tonights game (loss!) against Cal State Northridge...

Senior Kenneth Alexander ties the game at 50-50 during the second period on Thursday against Cal State Northridge.

Senior Scott Cutley attempts a rebound late in the second quarter on Thursday.

Senior Marcus Morgan attempts a shot Thursday against Cal State Northridge.

Senior forward Scott Cutley breaks away during Thursdays game against Cal State Northridge.

Junior Marcus Crenshaw cringes as a final time-out is called during Thursdays loss against Cal State Northridge.

Coach Bob Burton faces un unsettling loss against Cal State Northridge on Thursday.

Geraldinne and Manny E-Session

2008-02-23T20:20:00.001-08:00

I got to spend the afternoon with Geraldinne and Manny in Huntington Beach today. They were a wonderful couple to work with and we had a great time. Geraldinne was super brave considering it was about 58 degrees with some considerable wind gusting through. Manny made my job quite a bit easier with plenty of ideas for shots flowing, can't argue with that!

Thanks so much for all the fun guys!! J

Not-so-fishy Fisheye Shot

2008-02-19T14:30:00.000-08:00

So Michelle (my awesome fiance) and I spent some time at church (ROCKharbor) last night working the "snack shop" (Three Trees Cafe) to raise money for our upcoming trip to Peru. Our friend Teddy stopped by to pick up his camera that he let me borrow for the bellow CSUF basketball shoot. He shot a few pictures as we were waiting for people to come support us and I thought I would post one up. (Thats Michelle by the way!)

CSUF v Pacific University

2008-02-16T21:52:00.000-08:00

Got the opportunity to shoot Cal State Fullerton vs Pacific University today at the Titan gymnasium for the Daily Titan. Titans took the fantastic game with ease. This was an awesome time for me to learn the ropes from some photogs much more experienced than I! Hopefully I will have some more games coming up in the future...

Senior Ray Reed soars in leading the Titans to an early lead against Pacific on Saturday.

Senior Ray Reed clears the officials table after the ball goes out-of-bounds early in the second half against Pacific on Saturday.

Senior Frank Robinson scores on a layup late in the first half against Pacific.

J

India

2008-02-08T23:04:00.001-08:00

So I have finally found some time to edit a few of my pictures from my trip to India last month. I just thought I would post them up to show a little about what it was like over there. Enjoy...

This man had no where to go, no where he had to be, and probably no one that missed him either. Passing time in the train station seemed to be a common affair.

During our eight hour train ride from Chennai to Tenali, we got to know a few of the locals sitting across from us. We finished some breakfast and were not quite sure of what to do with our trash. Through some gestures and a few laughs, after none of us would budge, one of the guys across from us grabbed it all and threw it out the open window. It was a weird thing trying to wrap my head around the fact that 1/6 of the worlds population don't care for one second about some of the convictions we Americans think are imperative! Kind of makes you wonder...

When we arrived at the Harvest India orphanage in Tenali, we were greeted by close to a thousand orphan kids who couldn't have been better behaved. There were flowers showering down all around us what seemed like everywhere we went. What a treat to be honored by this many children with the hope of Jesus in their eyes.

Inside the orphanage, the behavior of the children is clearly very regimented. We spent a little time with some of the street kids in the community, and it was amazing to hear about how bad those kids want to be in this orphan home. In the states, most kids would rather fend for themselves or stay with friends somewhere rather than be an orphan, not so here.

During a service of one of the local churches, these two boys just blew my mind. They were so calm just sitting, waiting for everyone else to arrive. I just love the expression on the left, I would love to have known what he was thinking when this dude knelt down in front of him to snap a picture. It just captures some of the joy they dwell in, even living in a place of such despair.

Just after seeing the two boys in the shot above, they can be seen in the background as I became fixated on the scene taking place farther inside the church. The woman on the left, in the beautiful sari, was fervently praying. As I looked closer to her and her daughter, I saw that her daughter is blind, and has been all her life. The mothers concern and cries to God went deeper than anything I have been faced with in life. This young woman can not marry in this culture, without the presence of God, she will live her life as an outcast. Once her mother is gone, and assuming her father already is, she would undoubtedly find herself on the streets depending on the mercies of a few. God heal her...
OSHA would have a fit in this country! Yes, we think we have it all together and have all the answers for everything in America (though we certainly do not), but one thing we could all agree on is that riding on a truck of rice twelve feet in the air is probably not terribly smart. Pair this with the less-than-serene driving taking place, and it really is a recipe for disaster. Its kind of fun to watch though!
During Vacation Bible School at the orphanage, I watched this boy do everything to the best of his abilities for three days. He sang louder than anyone, he played games harder than anyone, he participated in activities more exuberantly than anyone, and he certainly took prayer seriously. I would love to have been able to spend time with him, have no language barrier, and hear his story

Our group went into a delete village in the midst of the red light district part of the town. They call it a delete village since it is full of people who are not even "fortunate" enough to be in a caste. They have been kicked out because of one of plenty of things including stealing, fighting, etc. Most of them make their living catching snakes and rats in the homes of the wealthy, and they often take their catch home for dinner. Of all the people we contacted, these were some of the most joyful. Just like this boy, they were genuine. They were glad to see us; not only are we white (and all the things that go along with it in a society containing many who have never seen light skin before!), but we had no reservations against touching them, shaking hands with them, giving them contact. They felt accepted in a country that wanted nothing to do with them.

This man caught my eye from the window of the van as we rolled through town. I just pondered what he was up to, what concerned him in life. After I snapped the picture, I flashed a huge smile, and his face instantly lit. He gave me the wonderful hands-together posture of respect, and I returned the greeting.

During the same van ride, this little girl stood waiting for her family just off behind her a little. She hammed it up for the camera, but she's genuine in it all at the same time. Her face looks as if she's seen a number of life-times and the hardship that goes with them.
During another van ride, this man's total comfort made me envious! Sure, he could have been sitting there wishing he was on a cushion, or that it wasn't a muggy eighty-five degrees, or that there wasn't some foreigner taking his picture while he wasn't looking. I like to think he was just totally content with life right there for a moment.

It turns out this little boy was naked, as I came to find out when we went a little further down the road! His curiosity was the coolest thing about him and it sparked my interest at the same time. I wondered what he was thinking, way up at the top of some stairs overlooking a parade of orphans marching down his street. I also started to wonder what is in his hand...

American dollars make lots of rupees... plus we had a ceiling fan in the hotel. From left: Taylor, Trevor, me, and Richard. Ballers.

This is a shot that I obviously did not take, but I am so glad someone had snagged my camera at the moment. We were giving out vaccinations of, I think, meningitis to about one hundred kids from one of the Hindu schools nearby. This was a very cool experience, one I will not soon forget.

Got a New Toy!!

2008-02-04T23:58:00.000-08:00

Well, my long-awaited new toy arrived Friday from the wonderful guys at B&H in New York. Picked me up a Canon 70-200 f/2.8 IS for all things photography! Unfortunately, I was swamped all weekend with all sorts of things so I had to wait until today to actually play with the thing a little. The first thing I couldn't believe when I finally tested it is how incredible the DOF is on this thing. Just buttery smooth background blur, I love it.

I will be heading off to Phoenix for the weekend to attend the Food for the Hungry Summit 2008 (fh.org). I will be gone for a week in Peru next month with my wonderful fiance and a group of leaders from ROCKHARBOR to spend time getting to know the ministry FH runs in and around Pucallpa, Peru. So this conference over the weekend will give us all a chance to get to know some of the people behind this incredible organization, and wet our palates a bit for the upcoming trip.

Hopefully I will have some opportunities to shoot a little this weekend. If I do, I will be sure to post whatever I come up with...

Enjoy, J

New Developments

2008-01-29T23:48:00.000-08:00

So I've been waiting for some new developments to happen in this photographic journey of mine in order to have an excuse to post again. Now that there are some exciting events coming up, I feel I have the proper prerequisite!

First, I have three upcoming engagement sessions In February. Three brave brides, Claudia, Geraldinne, and Jenny will be getting some free engagement pictures done during the middle of the month. Hopefully this will be a great opportunity of expand my ideas on posing and such during shoots. I am looking forward to shooting with these ladies very much... More to come on this, as the events take place.

Second, had a good meeting with one of the staff photographers at the Daily Titan (dailytitan.com) today during a break from classes. I am really thrilled to start shooting freelance for the paper hopefully as soon as next week. I have a feeling it will be a lot of sports shooting, which wil be great for my portfolio, and is also exciting most of the time. There should also be some PJ work covering campus news and events which should be good as well. As before, more to come on this as the semester unfolds.

Thirdly, it now looks like I have two wedding photographers that I should be shooting second for once wedding season rolls around towards the middle of spring. Marcie (marciejanephoto.com) and Kim (kimlephotography.com) will hopefully be giving me opportunities to work under them for a period, which is definitely something I look forward to.

Fourthly, I lad a great time working with my good friend and fellow photographer Teddy Bourgeois (teddysblog.com) this weekend in Encino. Teddy works for Foto Cabina (fotocabina.com) which offers high-end photo booths for parties and events. The booths are a blast and are enjoyed by all.

Good chat, see you all soon... maybe.

J

Fresh Start

2008-01-23T00:05:00.000-08:00

Well, I've decided it's time to move this photography thing from a passion and hobby to my job. Although I have a long road ahead of me, I know I've been gifted for a reason, and its no use if I bury my talents for no return. So alas, I wish myself Godspeed (if you're allowed to do that to yourself!)...

My fresh start is materializing in a few ways. First off, guidance from God and from friends is the most important step, and the best thing I can rely on at the moment. Secondly, this blog ought to be a good step in keeping myself organized as well as keeping a few people informed along my journey. Thirdly, I am pursuing a number of pros to get in as a second shooter as often as possible. Things are happening, but unfortunately, it seems as though nobody gets married in January! However, I have some offers for shooting later on in the spring which I am greatly looking forward to.

So in the meantime, I am here to work on my portfolio as I wait. This thing will be a constant learning experience, where there will undoubtedly be little time to sit back and relax. So on this note, I've propositioned myself offering free engagement pictures and things of this sort. More to come soon on this front, but hopefully I can make a bride and groom happy with this offering as well as giving my portfolio a boost. I also contacted the wonderful people at the Daily Titan (CSUF's school paper) and should be on my way to shooting different assignments for them. This will probably include some sports photos, and some PJ work including all the normal stuff like university matters and the local pep rally. Nonetheless, it should be grand for developing a well rounded portfolio.

To jumpstart this process, my wonderful parents (and fiance) have chipped in for an early graduation present in the form of a new Mac Book Pro! I'm definitely learning still, but with this and Photoshop, I think I am on my way to being organized on my journey. There is still some gear I need to pick up, seeing as how I sold much of my good stuff in order to be engaged to my wonderful fiance Michelle! But I don't regret these moves in the least, and am excited to se what happens next!

John Klewer