Ever since I was a kid, I have had an unhealthy relationship with books. Give me a good book, and I forget about normal things like eating and sleeping. It got to the point that my mom would actually hide my books from me and forbid me from reading for too long. So I would take abnormally long "baths" and read in the bathroom. Yes, I know that sounds ridiculous, but a good book has the tendency to do that to me.
So lo and behold, I was extremely excited when this bulky package arrived at my door yesterday, crammed to the brim with goodies handpicked by Gisela. I know I've said this a few times, but it's great when clients feel like old friends, and Gisela is no exception. Despite a distance of, oh, about ten states, we chatted freely about travel, BBQs, and all sorts of random things. And, like me, she has an (un)healthy love for books.
There goes my free time!
I'm excited to read them all. Thanks so much
Gisela! I'm so excited to see you and Jay soon! It's going to be an awesome wedding!

I took this picture a few years ago. Yosemite is probably one of the most easily
recognized landscapes in the United States. I haven't been there recently, but this month has been rolling by far more quickly than I ever
imagined it to. And looming over it all
in August is our Half Dome trip, which I am excitedly anticipating.
A few years ago a few of us hiked for about six hours to the
top of Upper Yosemite Falls (above). It
was supposedly the equivalent height of two Empire State Buildings, but of
course, far more scenic. There was also a lot of
snow at the very top of Upper Yosemite Falls (picture below, right).
... but Half Dome is going to make Upper Yosemite Falls look like a cakewalk.
So I'm faced with a dilemma: bring my SLR or bring more
water? I had initially glibly answered, "camera,
of course!" However, according to Tony,
by the eighth hour on a hot August day I will probably be thinking differently. And I also saw this recently, had a few
second thoughts, and am now back to square one. Perhaps more water isn't a bad idea after all.
i hike just an hour of i guess lower yosemite falls back in may and almost died...albeit, we were shooting cinema and had i had camera + lenses + audio gear in tow, but the footage was amazing. i'll show you next time we meet. i would argue to bring your SLR and make Tony carry extra water for you :)
*disclaimer -- when Ray did half dome a couple years back he went with just a point 'n shoot.
(07.25.10)





Many (bridesmaid) hands make light work of Lan's beautiful dress.















Their reception was at the Turnip Rose in Costa Mesa.















I love all the beautiful close-ups in these shots and the emotion on the dad's face! Plus, I love the fish eye view.
(07.09.10)LOVE IT!!! Love the one where she's about to enter the ceremony with her dad , and then the wide angle ceremony shot! And every single last one on the beach, especially the rocks and the surf board!!! amazing girl!
(07.12.10)beautiful shots of a gorgeous couple! beautiful wedding! i love the one where lan is holding her dad, while he's so emotional... really touching.
(07.12.10)Hi, really loved the pictures - thanks for sharing them! Made me remember it all over again. Loved the beach pics, and the Dad pics - which made me cry at the current moment. (sniff!)
(07.12.10)LOVE ALL the pics phoebe!!! :)
(07.13.10)
Paramount Ranch was a nice place for these two free spirits. Sean and Rina are a very sweet couple, and it was a lot of fun wandering around sunlit Agoura hills.















Such a beautiful picture... That's where I got married two days ago! Ahhhh, what a beautiful night. Can we maybe include this picture? I cannot wait to see them! I am like a little child waiting for Christmas!
(07.06.10)



Hi, I'm Gisela's sister in law and she is an awesome person and has great tastes in books! I love your photography so much, she has made me fall in love with you lol! I really can't wait to meet you, see you at the wedding!
(07.16.10)Hey Phoebe, I'm so glad I found you and can't wait till the wedding! I'm such a book nerd that I was I'm amazed by these book pics. You set them up so prettily.
(07.16.10)