Lastly, I am so excited to be shooting the wedding of Tina and Justin this Saturday! Images to be posted soon! Have a great day everyone :)
With my friends, it's easy to ask them if I can photograph them, like in this photo of my friend Wanru. This was taken really quickly, available light, in front of the Japanese American National Museum. I've known Wanru for awhile, but it was nice to take a simple photo of her like this on a whim. I love her eyes.
Happy Monday everyone :) Check back soon!
While most of us were out at barbecues on Monday, I had the pleasure of spending the afternoon with the Ramos clan, at UC Irvine. This 10 person family was a joy to work with, and were pretty much game for anything, including running up and down a grass field several times, climbing over some pretty cool rocks, and the guys doing their best "Michael Jordan" impressions!
My thanks go out to the Ramoses (is that the right pluralization?) - you guys rock!
Enjoy some of the images we captured that day! And leave a comment :)
Enjoy the photos! It was a beautiful day today - perfect weather for photography and cycling!
These pictures are awesome. I want to order prints! Especially of my boyfriend Fabian. Did you have a press pass? What a great background. I want to see everything.
(06.06.10 @ 10:29 PM)After the three weeks were up, I kinda noticed a bond build between the canine "odd couple", with Cutie giving Nike her daily "I'm gonna pester you" exercise, and Nike giving Cutie the "big sister" company that I feel she desired. So when my Grandmother and Aunt returned, we decided that we were going to keep Cutie with us from now on, giving them the reason that they were now inseparable (Although I'm certain Nike couldn't have cared less either way - again, snobby). From that moment on, Cutie became a part of our household, and a part of our immediate family. (One funny thing about her was that she never barked! Serious! She may have barked maybe 5-6 times max, but that was it. She just didn't need to.)
Over the years, she and I became really great friends, and my constant running companion on many training runs in and around our area. Because she was so low to the ground, and lightly built, she could run for hours without complaint, and mostly keeping me honest, as she would usually run ahead of me. I think that dog logged about an easy 3,000 miles over those years. It definitely kept her healthy and strong, and oh-so tired after wards, but each time she would figure out that I was going out for a run, she'd be the first to want to go.
She and Nike were there with us at all family events, from Christmases, Thanksgivings, picnics, etc. She met and knew people who are no longer with us. She even visited a few places most dogs don't get to go to like, spending a day at Center Theater Group, or even having her own sleep overs. She was one of the sweetest dogs you could ever meet - cute, just like her name, despite her over grown, messy, black and white hair. She definitely was one of the family through and through.
Today, Monday, April 26, Cutie went "home" to be with Nike, her other best friend. She lived to be 17 years old, and saw a great many things in her life, and for the length of it, she was our friend, our family member, our little Cutie. She led a happy, loved, and cared for life, and I honestly believe that she knew and felt it also. The last few years were a little bit of a struggle for her, but despite her age, and her declining health, once she recognized you, that little puppy tail of hers would wag just a little to let you know that she was happy to see you. I definitely was always happy to see her. A big thank-you goes out to my mom who took care of her these last few years - great job mom.
I will miss Cutie very much. She was the first dog that I've ever owned that lived so long, and I'm certain I'll never have another dog live to be as old. She was with me in my twenties and thirties, through thick and thin. She was my running partner, Nike's little companion, an old friend, and lifelong member of our family. I will miss petting that sweet little head of hers, and watching that tail wag in delight just because she was around you. The trails we used to run will never be the same without her, but I know in spirit, she's right there with me, pacing me through those long miles. We will definitely miss her, but I know that somewhere, up at Rainbow Bridge, my two dogs are once again united, and having a good old time, waiting for the day when I can once again see them both.
Take care Cutie, and thank you for all the years you gave us. We'll miss you dearly, and think about you fondly every day.
Your friend always,
Michael
January 1993 - April 26th, 2010
Another great one...Gone too soon :(
Yappy, but you were cool too. Godspeed Cutie.
(05.03.10 @ 12:20 AM)I am sorry to hear you lost Cutie yesterday. It's difficult enough to lose a pet but to lose Cutie is like losing one of the family members.There are no words to describe that. I am sure Nike and Cutie are united and running alongside each other. RIP, Cutie.
(04.27.10 @ 05:14 PM)Thanks Daniel, I appreciate the comment left, and the kind thoughts :) Mike
(04.27.10 @ 09:38 AM)Sorry to hear that. 17 years....a life well lived for the little bugger!
(04.27.10 @ 08:55 AM)Michael,
My condolences for your loss. It is very hard to lose a pet. Cutie was very lucky to have such a loving dad like you, as well as a Mom like Helen. What a lucky family to have all of that warmth and love. When my cat Snooker passed after 20 years I remember asking Tamlyn "What do I do now?" I just missed her so much. But know that Cutie is right there by your side. She is too alive in your and Helen's hearts, and you can still tell her how much you love her and she will still hear your voices. All my love and Tamlyn's too!
(04.27.10 @ 12:27 AM)I will miss you so much, Cutie!!! One of those sleepovers was at my parent's house and I'll never forget how good you were. You followed me around wherever I went in that house and never caused a fuss. You were the same when you came to work with me at CTG. My favorite moment was when I was at my desk working, you would just sit there and look at me patiently...waiting for me to give you a little attention. :) Everyone fell in love with you. How could they not? That adorable face!
Rest in peace, Cutie. I love you very much!
H
(04.26.10 @ 11:04 PM)Last night, for I believe the fourth year in a row, I was asked to photograph the East West Players annual dinner Gala, which honors the "who's who" in Asian American entertainment. Over the years, Asian-American Celebs like John Cho, Geroge Takei, Carrie-Ann Inaba, etc. have all stood in front of my camera to take their official "EWP I was there" photo (that's not what it's called, but it might as well be). But last night, there was one guest that I was really excited to photograph and meet. This guy:
Okay, you may think I'm going crazy, but I'm not! I was there to meet the voice behind one of the greatest Pixar films characters ever - 10 year old Jordan Nagai. You see, it's not often that a movie really touches you, and "Up" certainly is one of those movies. When I found out that Jordan was going to be honored at this year's Gala, I was thrilled to know that I'd get to meet and photograph him. So, yes, there was a bit of "starstruck-ness" going on cause let's face it, the kid's cool. He made that movie and the character "Russell" sing! Not only was I able to meet him, I totally geeked out and had him sign my copy of "Up". I know, what a dork. I've met "bigger" celebs in my life, but Jordan is cool. I'm pretty certain I wouldn't pull out another DVD for any other celeb. Go Jordan.
So, to complete my geekdom, here's the customary, "Hey, look at me, I'm taking a picture with celeb!" photo:
Mike
I absolutely adore that movie too! And Jordan was great in it. What? He's not chubby? ;)
(04.20.10 @ 11:23 PM)awesome -jordan rocks!
(04.20.10 @ 09:08 PM)





