Interpol - Oakland, CA (10/18/2010)

I journeyed into Oakland to the Fox Theater last night to meet my buddy JC from TheFIVE10 Radio. He was to interview the Brooklyn band, White Rabbits, for his show. My job was to shoot for them, as well as their headliners, NYC-based Interpol. 


White Rabbits had a solid, catchy set. I felt they could have used more variety, however. But seeing that they've only released one record, that may be asking a bit much.

Interpol was astounding. A big wall of sound and lights that had you staring at the stage, fully immersed.

The Forest Through the Trees

The other day I took another trip (yet again) through the tunnel to shoot a short, but beautiful, wedding ceremony in the forests of the University of California - Berkeley. The setting was a small wooden theater among the redwoods... something that you might have seen in Return of the Jedi. It was a quaint gathering, and a lot of fun.

Wedding at the Rotunda Building! Oakland, CA.

On the 18th, I had the distinct pleasure of traveling (with my "Lion" assistant) to the Rotunda Building in downtown Oakland, CA to shoot for Sarah & Derrick's wedding.

The room was beautiful, spacious, classy, and packed with good people and good music. The bride insisted that I finish a 6th glass of wine as sort of a wedding "gift" to her, so needless to say we were exhausted by the end of the night. But it was loads of fun!

Beautiful bride in the Rotunda building, Oakland.

the Rotunda wedding ceremony, Oakland.

Newlyweds! Rotunda building, Oakland.

Happy Body Slow Brain - Dreams of Water

Today is September 21st, and marks the release of Happy Body Slow Brain's debut record, "Dreams of Water". These ex- Taking Back Sunday fellows have created an incredible disc, and I am certainly proud to have contributed (promo photos, video teasers, and a "making the record" documentary).

Head on over to www.happybodyslowbrain.com to purchase a copy, complete with all sorts of extras.

Congrats guys!

Mandy & Alan - The Brazilian Room & Claremont Hotel

Last Sunday I ventured back up to the Berkeley Hills to shoot for Mandy & Alan as they got married at the Brazilian Room. This wedding featured my buddy George (lovingly nicknamed "The Lion" by the wedding party) as my assistant. You'll see why if you scroll down...

Sooo much fun! The couple is lovely, their families were warm and inviting, and everyone (including us) just danced and laughed all night.

In case you were wondering, my style of shooting weddings involves suits & ties, some wine, and a lot of dancing and making people laugh. I am not the type of photographer to wear all black and stay creepily in the background... and my couples prefer the way I do things. I sometimes wonder if it's not terribly "professional", but I honestly believe it adds a level of comfort and fun for the couples' special day.

Not to mention I've had wedding guests seek me out to tell me how comfortable they were in front of the lens. I've also had guests take pictures of me for their own entertainment, and I often stay friends with the couples I shoot.

Anyway! Enjoy a few samples!

Bride & Groom at the Brazilian Room

Bride & Groom at the Brazilian Room

Bride & Groom at the Brazilian Room

("The Lion")

Brazilian Room & Claremont Hotel Wedding - Berkeley

This past 4th, I trekked up into the hills of Berkeley, CA to Tilden Park and shot Zaina & Lucian's wedding at the much-coveted Brazilian Room, with getting-ready photos at the Claremont Hotel.

It was a new experience, as most of the guests were from an Indian background. The wedding itself was not "traditional" per se, but there were a number of cultural staples (types of dress and dancing, namely).

Although I was a bit bummed to miss the fireworks show for the first time since I can remember, I still had loads of fun helping Zaina & Lucian celebrate their day. Here are a few samples:

Bride-to-be getting ready at the Claremont Hotel, Berkeley. 

Bride-to-be at the Claremont Hotel, Berkeley. 

Indian henna designs for bridesmaids.

Bride and Groom at the Brazilian Room, Berkeley.

Happy Body Slow Brain: Post-Taking Back Sunday

Now that Matt Fazzi (as well as Matt Rubano and Isaac Bolivar) have left Taking Back Sunday, Fazzi & Isaac have assembled with Gavin Castleton drummer Eduardo Torres to push Happy Body Slow Brain into full motion.

They begin recording their debut record in a few days in Michigan with producer Marc Hudson (Taking Back Sunday, Saves the Day), but not before taking time with me to shoot some more promo stuff (both stills and video).

Check out www.happybodyslowbrain.com to see the work I've done for them.