Doug Gifford Photography

2011-12-23T16:03:00.001-08:00

I wish all my family, friends and clients much happiness at this Holiday Season and throughout the coming New Year. I was blessed to have my client’s support to complete my 30th year as a professional photographer. It was filled with lots of fun and interesting assignments as usual. I continue to do weddings, corporate events and portraits of all types. This year, there was more of a focus doing commercial assignments with new clients like McDonald’s, and editorial work as a freelancer, and with Getty Images in sports, and entertainment, with images being published in media around the world. More importantly, as I have done every year, I was able to use my photographic talents to help many non-profit organizations raise money to support causes in our community and others – near and far. I thank you and appreciate all of your love and support.

Professional Photographers of California Print Competition

2011-02-01T14:57:00.000-08:00

I had the honor of being the Print Judge Moderator for the 2011 Professional Photographers of California Print Competition, held in San Diego, California on January 25th. I guided seven judges as they reviewed and scored over 400 entries this year. For more information about the Professional Photographers of California, print competition, and the upcoming convention in March at the Pasadena Convention Center, follow the link. www.prophotoca.com

My Dad and Lacey Skydiving

2011-02-01T14:54:00.000-08:00

My nearly 80-year old dad, Bill Gifford, and my niece, Lacey Bolander, each jumped out of a perfectly good airplane on January 22, in Perris, California so that my dad could check one more thing off his bucket list. On a beautiful cloudless day, in front of family and friends, they had a flawless jump. “Maybe next time,” was something you heard from a few that witnessed the event. As for me, we will see. For those who want to send 80th birthday greetings to dad, his birthday is September 25th). For information about the Skydiving School in Perris, go to http://www.skydiveperris.com/

"Reflections" - SCFTA

2011-02-01T14:45:00.000-08:00

As those of you that follow my blog regularly know, I had a chance to photograph a couple of the rehearsals for Reflections. So… when the Segerstrom Center for the Arts unveiled the world premiere on Thursday night, January 20th, to a cheering audience, it was very exciting to photograph the finished production. “Reflections is the Segerstrom Center's first artistic partnership with the Bolshoi Ballet, a co-commission and co-production of the institutions in association with Ardani Artists. The production stars seven of the most brilliant ballerinas in the world today -- Maria Kochetkova, Yekaterina Krysanova, Olga Malinovskaya, Natalia Osipova, Polina Semionova, Yekaterina Shipulina and Anastasia Stashkevich -- all of whom were trained in the Bolshoi's revered dance academy. They were paired throughout the evening with four of the leading male dancers of the Bolshoi -- Vyacheslav Lopatin, Denis Savin, Ivan Vasiliev and Alexander Volchkov.” My biggest challenge photographing the performance for Getty Images that night was writing the captions afterwards with all those Russian names. I hope to see them again and again as they are so inspiring and, like anything, with practice, the names will be easy! If you would like see the images (and captions), please follow the link to Getty Images, http://tiny.cc/4h29h . To check the schedule of other events at SCFTA, go to www.scfta.org .

Sunwest Bank

2011-02-01T14:43:00.000-08:00

I had the pleasure of photographing Sunwest Bank making a donation of $5,000 to Father Joe Carroll, of Father Joe’s Village in San Diego. Father Joe’s Village is a one-stop facility that provides services to the poor in San Diego. http://www.sunwestbank.com/

Orange Performing Arts Center changes its name to Segerstrom Center for the Arts

2011-02-01T14:34:00.000-08:00

“After 25 years, at a festive public ceremony attended by Former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and before a crowd of 1,500, Thomas V. McKernan, chairman of the of Orange County Performing Arts Center, announced that the Center has changed its name to Segerstrom Center for the Arts. The new name honors the extraordinary contributions of the Segerstrom family, whose unwavering commitment has been at the core of the Center's success. The evening began with a performance by Grammy Award-winning trumpeter Chris Botti and ended with a dazzling finale of fireworks. More than 40 members of the Segerstrom family were on hand to accept the honor.”http://www.scfta.org/

DGP image featured in December 2010 issue of Professional Photographer

2010-12-10T11:16:00.000-08:00

I had this award winning image featured in the December 2010 issue of the Professional Photographer magazine. This magazine is published monthly by the Professional Photographers of America (PPA). http://www.ppa.com/

SunWest Bank Ad - OC Business Journal, November 22-28, 2010

2010-12-02T10:21:00.000-08:00

Check out the full-page advertising sleeve cover piece showcasing Sunwest Bank's, http://www.sunwestbank.com/, Economic Outlook Event in the November 22-28, 2010 Orange County Business Journal, http://www.ocbj.com/. The cover and inside pages featured my photography for the second year in a row. The event was held at the Balboa Bay Club, http://balboabayclub-px.trvlclick.com/index.cfm in Newport Beach and was attended by more than 250.

Aces Camera Entusiasts - ACES

2010-11-05T15:16:00.000-07:00

It was my pleasure to once again judge a print competition at the Anaheim Camera Enthusiasts (ACES) photography club.

ACES is open to all Orange County photography enthusiasts, from novice to professional and meets regularly in Garden Grove.

Please go to their website for more information. http://www.aces-photo.org/

Girls Incorporated of Orange County

2010-11-01T13:44:00.000-07:00

My wife, Karen and I were honored to join Elaine R. Levin, current Secretary and past President of the Board of Directors of Girls Incorporated of OC, at her table for the third year for the annual fundraising event at the Balboa Bay Club and Resort in Newport Beach on October 29th, 2010.

Joining us at our table was one of the girls that was featured at the event, Mitzi Hermann. After becoming a member of Girls Inc. of OC in 2000, she receiving a National Scholarship from Girls Inc. and now will be graduating from the California State University, Fullerton with a degree in Domestic Violence Counseling and Addiction Counseling in May. She will be entering a Master program in the Fall.

The Girls Incorporated Mission Statement is: Inspiring all girls to be Strong, Smart, and BoldSM
Go Mitzi, and all the girls involved with Girls Inc.,OC!
To see how you can get involved with this great organization visit their website, http://www.girlsinc-oc.org/

Sunwest Bank

2010-11-01T13:42:00.000-07:00

I have had the pleasure of photographing several company owners who Sunwest has featured as part of their customer appreciation initiative. The images and a stories about these executives and their companies are featured as part of Sunwest’s advertising campaign which runs in the Orange County Business Journal. I really enjoy doing this work and later reading about these success and relationship stories in the OCBJ. November 1st, is another event that I am returning to photograph for Sunwest. It’s their Annual Economic Outlook Event at the Balboa Bay Club, Newport Beach.

Sunwest Bank, headquartered in Tustin, California, is the premier small and middle market business bank in Southern California. Its aim is simple - provide entrepreneurs with a banking experience akin to one found in a private banking environment.

To find out more, visit their website at http://www.sunwestbank.com/index.aspx

Hacienda Open House

2010-11-01T13:31:00.000-07:00

It was great to be a part of the annual open house held on October 28th at the Hacienda in Santa Ana. I meet some wonderful couples with whom I hope I will be working as their photographer on their wedding day. I also had a chance to get caught up with all of my vendor “friends” with whom I have worked over the 28 years I have been referred by the Hacienda.

The Hacienda is owned and operated by June Neptune, who conceived the idea of turning this beautiful space into a venue that can be shared for many special weddings and events and has directed operations for over 25 years. Under June’s direction, the wedding coordinators and event planners are available every day of the week.
The Hacienda is an historic ranch estate built in 1901, complete with balconies, courtyards, fountains and grand staircases. It is the perfect setting for a romantic wedding and reception, corporate event and other special occasions.
To find out more about the Hacienda and June’s other wedding locations in Laguna Beach, visit their website at http://www.tivoli-too.com/TheHacienda/tabid/59/Default.aspx

Friends of Dorothy Guild of Aids Services Foundation (ASF) - Haunted Halloween 2010

2010-11-01T13:28:00.000-07:00

Over the last three years, it has been my pleasure to contribute my time and talent to photograph all the events for a super organization called the Friends of Dorothy, which is a support guild of AIDS Services Foundation. This year, the 4th Annual Haunted Halloween Fun(d)raising party was held on October 23rd at the Village Crean Estate, and was a huge success. The Friends of Dorothy Guild raised over $62,000 breaking all previous year's records! 250 party goers had a great time - all for a good cause.
I was presented with my second “The Red Shoe Award” for my support of and love for the organization. As is often with things like this, when we are giving of ourselves, we are the ones who are really benefitting. So, “thank you” for giving me a chance to be with some really great people helping great people challenged by HIV/AIDS. It is truly my pleasure and honor and I have met so many wonderful people. At the top of the list especially is my friend, Tim Dunn. He invited me to get involved after working with him at the Orange County Performing Arts Center where he is head of PR. He plays that role as a volunteer for Friends of Dorothy. Our eight years at OCPAC and three at Friends of Dorothy working as a team have meant a lot to me and I know we will continue for years to come.
If you are looking for an organization to support that is doing great work in providing services to those whose lives have been touched by HIV/AIDS, I can highly recommend getting involved with Friends of Dorothy. You will not only be “doing good,” I promise you will have a really good time!
Please go to their website, http://www.friendsofdorothy.org/ to get more information on their upcoming events and I will see you there!

Ruff Family Portrait

2010-11-01T13:27:00.000-07:00

Since 2005 I have had the pleasure of photographing Team Ruff: Jaritt, Erin, Jack, Max and Sam. Watching the family grow-up each year is one of the things that I have been able to do with many other families through-out my career. Thank you all for that honor!

Bergeson Elementary School – Reflections Judging

2010-11-01T13:25:00.000-07:00

This year’s Reflections Program Theme: "Together we can," brought out a number of wonderful art pieces. It has been my pleasure to be a judge for this program the last several years for a couple of schools in the area.

The PTA believes all children deserve a quality arts education and encourages students to pursue artistic expression through participation in its annual arts Reflections Program. The program offers students the opportunity to create works of art for fun and recognition. Students in preschool through grade 12 are encouraged to create and submit works of art in six areas: dance choreography, film production, literature, musical composition, photography, and the visual arts (which includes art forms such as drawing, painting, print making, and collage). For nearly 40 years, the program has encouraged millions of students across the nation and in American schools overseas to create works of art. The Reflections Program was started in 1969 by then Colorado PTA President Mary Lou Anderson.

National Association of Woman Business Owners (NAWBO) - Remarkable Woman Event 2010

2010-11-01T13:22:00.000-07:00

After taking a year off because my wife, Karen Gifford, was the President, I was asked again to photograph this year’s 15th Annual Remarkable Woman Event which was held on October 5th at the Hilton Hotel in Costa Mesa.
This year’s honorees are:

Kathy Gardarian, Qualis International, Lifetime Achievement Award
Angela Cortright, Business Owner of the Year, Spa Gregorie's
Allyson Ames, Wonderland Bakery, Entrepreneur to Watch

For those woman business owners out there that don’t know about NAWBO, it just celebrated its 35th Anniversary. The Orange County Chapter, NAWBO-OC, was started in 1991 and it touches more than 5,000 women-owned businesses annually in Orange County. NAWBO-OC is the leading organization for the most successful and respected women business owners in the area. Achieving explosive growth, NAWBO-OC is 350 strong. As the nation’s largest NAWBO chapter, they continue to inspire and respond to their members’ needs with quality and innovative programs. Their programs and events focus on education, skill building, mentoring, peer support, policy and political awareness for women entrepreneurs. The national organization has over 70 chapters and more than 7,000 members nationwide. http://www.nawbo-oc.org/

UCI Extension Class – “Keeping it Simple: Photographing People”

2010-11-01T13:21:00.000-07:00

For the first time in a long time, this year’s class was offered in the fall quarter. . I have 12 students in my basic portrait photography class for the UCI Extension program. From students to retirees, this year’s class is as diverse as all the others have been over the last 10 years. Some come wanting to just learn how to do a better job of taking their snap shots of their family and friends, and others want to make a living with a camera like me. My hope each semester is that I can share what I know and help them all enjoy taking better photographs of the people that end up in front of their lens, for fun or profit.
If you would like more information about the UCI Extension classes, please call 949.824.5414, or go online at www.extension.uci.edu.

Orange County Performing Arts Center – Peter Pan

2010-11-01T13:18:00.000-07:00

As I have talked about before, one of the benefits of working with the Orange County Performing Arts Center http://www.ocpac.org/ is that my wife, Karen, and I get to see some great shows, and this is one you don’t want to miss.

Direct from the U.S Premiere in San Francisco, Peter Pan is a spectacular new stage production of J.M. Barrie’s classic story performed in a state-of-the-art 1350-seat theatre pavilion.

Conceived by an award-winning creative team and featuring twenty-two actors, stunning puppets, epic music, and dazzling flying sequences surrounded by breathtaking video, Peter Pan was a smash hit when it launched in London in 2009. The world's first 360-degree video projection for live theater flies both cast and audience over Edwardian London. http://www.peterpantheshow.com

Wait until you meet the original Tinker Bell with attitude. It is fun for the whole family!

Orange County Performing Arts Center – Project Bandaloop

2010-11-01T13:15:00.000-07:00

Since 2006, the Orange County Performing Arts Center http://www.ocpac.org/ has tried to find more ways to use the outdoor plaza that is in-between the Theater and Concert Hall. On my birthday, I had a special treat as I was once again asked to photograph the Project Bandaloop which propels dancers off and across the exterior walls of Segerstrom Hall. The plaza was packed with blankets and beach chairs as everyone watched this noted contemporary dance company create a blend of dance, sport, ritual and environmental awareness that is unlike anything you’ve ever seen. All I can say is “WOW!!”

Prints in Leatherby's Café Rouge Private Dining Room

2010-11-01T13:12:00.000-07:00

I was honored to be asked to produce eight (8) 40-inch canvas prints to decorate the walls of the private dining for the Patina Restaurant Groups, http://www.patinagroup.com/restaurant.php?restaurants_id=20, in the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall at the Orange County Performing Arts Center (OCPAC) http://www.ocpac.org/home/

The prints were all architecture images that I had done of the OCPAC buildings and Richard Serra sculpture, "Connector."

If you are at the Center for a show or another event, stop by Leatherby's Café Rouge Restaurant for a great meal and drink, and check out my prints in the private dining room.

AIDS Services Foundation, Orange County (ASF) - Red Ball

2010-11-01T13:09:00.000-07:00

The event took place Saturday, September 25, 6:00PM on the grounds of the Festival of Arts in Laguna Beach. This year commemorated twenty-five years of help and hope by launching a new tradition, "The Red Ball." Like the "Big Splash" so effectively did, "The Red Ball" will help raise awareness and funds to support all of those assisted by ASF. http://www.ocasf.org/index.shtml
Tim Dunn, the director of PR for the OCPAC and I worked together to provide the images of the event needed for the media.

Digital Happy Hour – Charlie Palmers at Bloomingdales, South Coast Plaza

2010-11-01T12:41:00.001-07:00

My friends at Orange County Films http://www.orangecountyfilms.net/home.html and Charlie Palmers at Bloomingdales, South Coast Plaza http://www.charliepalmer.com/Properties/CharliePalmerAtBloomingdales/
put together a unique event called the Digital Happy Hour. Each week, Executive Chef Amar Santana and Social Filmmaker Sean Saint-Louis, host unique celebrity and social media guests as they unwind with cocktails and culinary delights while discussing the latest trends in food, film, mixology, sports and fashion.

Here is an image from the first show.

Check it out if you are in the area!

Bolshoi-trained beauties bolster ballet in Orange County

2010-08-30T15:54:00.000-07:00

I have had the pleasure of working with these "Bolshoi beauties" for the last couple of weeks, photographing them for the Orange County Performing Arts Center at two of their rehearsals, for an ad piece for the event (see above), and at a party to introduces them to the press and donors. The show will be January 20- 23, 2011 at the Orange County Performing Arts Center and January 27 - 30 in Moscow, Russia.
To read about the details please follow the link to the article in the LA times today.
Bolshoi-trained beauties bolster ballet in Orange County

Newport Beach Breakers

2010-07-27T17:54:00.001-07:00

Nice Face!

Maria Sharapova

Lindsey Davenport

John McEnroe

I had the pleasure of working for Hoag Hospital again this year, photographing the Newport Beach Breakers as they played in their World TeamTennis matches at The Tennis Club Newport Beach.

This years Marquee players were Lindsey Davenport, Maria Sharapova, and John McEnroe.

http://www.newportbeachbreakers.com/

Game Face!

John McEnroe

Maria Sharapova

Lindsay Davenport

Tour of the USS Nimitz

2010-07-12T15:58:00.000-07:00

WOW! That is one big ship! In fact, you cannot believe how big a ship it is. I had always wanted to see an aircraft carrier up close and Karen and I got to tour the USS Nimitz in San Diego on Saturday. Very Cool! Next on the list is to see it working. The 10 part PBS series "Carrier" is about the USS Nimitz. Go to the PBS website to see more details about the ship and clips from the series.

http://www.pbs.org/weta/carrier/

Charlie Palmer at Bloomingdale’s, South Coast Plaza

2010-07-05T14:24:00.000-07:00

With a recent change in décor, I was asked to do a new set of photographs of the lounge and dining room of the Charlie Palmer Restaurant at Bloomingdale’s, South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa.

I had the honor and pleasure of taking the first set of photographs they used for marketing and advertizing two years ago when they opened.

For those of you that have not yet dined at one of the best restaurants in the SoCal area, I highly recommend it. It is located on the southeast corner of Bloomingdale's at South Coast Plaza and has a wonderful lounge, beautiful dining room with fantastic food, private dining rooms, and a retail wine shop called the Next Vintage Wine Shop.

Call 714.352.2525 for reservations or visit their website

USA Soccer Dog!

2010-06-28T16:54:00.000-07:00

Maybe next time the USA Soccer Team should use more players like Pukalu who has a dogged determination and a nose for the ball!

PPA International Print Competition

2010-06-28T16:51:00.000-07:00

June 12-16th found me heading to Atlanta, Georgia, to judge the International Print Competition for the Professional Photographers of America (PPA) www.ppa.com . was one of 50 judges selected from a total list of only 125 qualified jurors who, over a four-day period, judged over 5,500 entries from PPA’s 20,000 plus members.

We broke new ground this year by scoring all the prints digitally using an Apple iPad as our key pad. All the print scores and judging stats were sent to a central server via our own wireless network in each room. Pretty cool! We already judge digital albums, but next year we will have digital prints as well.

To become part of this esteemed group of jurors, I first had to become a Master Craftsmen Photographer with PPA, then judge for many years at the local, state, and regional competitions, followed by completing a series of judging classes, and finally a review of my background and submissions of my work for review by other judges. Over the years, I have also had many opportunities to judge the international print competition for the Wedding and Portrait Photographers International (WPPI). By judging these international print competitions, I get to see thousands of prints from photographers around the world. This allows me to stay in touch with the latest trends and styles in photography and, most of all, to always provide fresh perspectives and ideas for my clients.

AIDS Walk Orange County

2010-06-28T16:46:00.000-07:00

I worked for the first time as a volunteer photographer for AIDS Walk Orange County 2010 on Saturday, May 22^nd, at the Great Park in Irvine.

More than 6,000 attendees participated, from walkers to corporate sponsors to volunteers and vendors. The day was full of energy, support and, most of all, hope. Phil Yaeger, AIDS Services Foundation Executive Director/CEO, announced that approximately $400,000 had already been raised with more pledges yet to be received.

For more information about next year’s walk and how you can support Aids Service Foundation of Orange County, visit their website. www.ocasf.org

Angel Baseball!

2010-06-28T16:39:00.000-07:00

My wife Karen and I got a chance to enjoy an Angel Baseball Game from the Dugout Suites with our good friends Randy & Suzanne Asebroek. Pretty Cool!

Stem Cell Research Lab at UCI

2010-06-28T16:36:00.000-07:00

Through a trusted referral, I received a call from the construction company, Hathaway Dinwiddie, to photograph the 100,000 square foot Stem Cell Research Lab they had just finished building at the University of California, Irvine. The day before the keys were turned over, I had a chance to photograph the external building, inside the facility and all the details to show the workmanship for which Hathaway Dinwiddie is known. My biggest smile came when the architect pulled out the drawings of his vision and compared it to the photograph I had taken. The angles, light, essence were nearly identical. He smiled, too!

Who would of thought that we would have a stem cell research lab right here in Orange County just a couple of years ago - but we do now - and it is a beauty! www.hathawaydinwiddie.com

Friends of Dorothy Fashion Show

2010-06-28T16:23:00.000-07:00

On May 12th, 2010 I photographed the 3^rd Annual Friends of Dorothy Fashion Show in a warehouse on the west side of the Orange County Airport.

Before the show, 400 guests enjoyed Barefoot Wine and food provided by Billy’s Naked Chicken, and had a chance to bid on some great auction items.

The fashions for the show were provided by Brooks Brothers, South Coast Plaza, and Mi Place in Laguna Niguel and Newport Beach.

The event raised nearly $47,000 for AIDS Services Foundation Orange County!

For information about how to join the Friends of Dorothy, please follow the link to the website.
www.ocasf.org/dorothy.htm

TLC Laser Eye Centers

2010-06-28T16:16:00.000-07:00

Over the last month I had the pleasure of photographing all the doctors, staff, operating rooms, examination rooms, waiting rooms, and exteriors of the nine TLC Laser Eye Center locations all over Southern California. The images will be used for their new website and other marketing material. Being able to “see the light” and having great eyesight is critical to my work as a photographer. After having a chance to work with the TLC teams, when I need laser eye surgery, I know they will be the first company I call. They really do care as much about their work and taking care of clients as I do.

This engagement tapped into my creativity and love of a challenge. To get the images that the marketing department desired and allow the doctors and their teams to continue providing great service and care to their clients in the least disruptive way, I took “the studio” to them.

At first, we were using a cloth background and simple studio lighting that could be easily set-up in a small office. Two locations into the project, we decided to make a creative change which required using a 9-foot paper background with the subjects six feet from the background and offset. Normally, portrait work like this is done in a large, light and temperature-controlled studio setting. Alas, we captured all the portraits, on location, in each of the offices including an outside covered hallway of the TLC building in the middle of 85 degree heat in Palm Desert! When there’s a will, there’s always a way!

For information about TLC Laser Eye Centers, please visit their website:

www.tlcvision.com

Bettyann and Fred Behr Wedding / Pelican Hill Resort

2010-06-28T16:13:00.000-07:00

OC Metro - Henry T. Segerstrom

2010-04-27T20:34:00.000-07:00

I was honored to be asked by Elisabeth Segerstrom if she could use one of my images of her husband, Henry Segerstrom in the latest issue of OC Metro. The story is about Henry receiving the Carnegie Hall Medal of Excellence. The award, which will be presented in June recognizes his leadership in arts philanthropy.

I have known and done work for Henry and Elizabeth Segerstrom for over 8 years.

Congratulations Henry!

Follow the link to see the article. OC Metro

Heritage Museum Volunteer Day

2010-04-27T18:02:00.000-07:00

I was one of the corporate sponsors and "official" photographer for the Heritage Museum of Orange County Volunteer Day on April 24th 2010.

Here some details about the event and the Heritage Museum of Orange County. Corporate and Family Volunteer Day, April 24, 2010

Where: Heritage Museum of Orange County
3101 W. Harvard St., Santa Ana, CA 92704
714-540-0404, http://www.heritagemuseumoc.org/

Purpose of this event: This year Heritage Museum is celebrating its 25th anniversary. This event is actually a 25th anniversary celebration of the very first multi-corporate project (which occurred at Heritage Museum, by the way) that was ever done in Orange County. We have developed this unique, feel good experience to reintroduce the Museum to the many employees and their families who live and work in Orange County. We hope this special day will bring them back more often to volunteer, to become contributors and to proudly share Orange County's rich history and the people who were its first settlers with their children, their relatives and their neighbors.

Participating Companies: : Fluor, Disney, Pimco, Ernst & Young, Grant Thornton, Resources Global Professionals, Pacific Life, Kellogg Garden Products, In N' Out Construction Co, AECOM, Grant Thornton, Big Picture Imaging , United Way, Volunteer Center, Gruett Tree Co. , Anthem Blue Cross, Wells Fargo, Behr Process Corporation, and Doug Gifford Photography.

Volunteer Projects: Designed for skilled and unskilled individuals, projects include restoration work on two Victorian Homes, planting trees, scrubs, annuals and perennials, clearing evasive weeds from the environmental nature center, constructing a raised vegetable garden assessable to physically impaired school children, preparing a designated area for the planting of a First California Native garden, painting balusters around the various porches of a traditional Victorian house of early Orange County, painting the floors of the Carriage Barn and Quilting House, laying bricks around the Rose Garden, sanding and staining, removing the old Bat Houses and Pole Structures for disposal, painting the perimeter wrought iron fence and much more.

About Heritage Museum: A 12 acre site of floral gardens and citrus groves amidst a historic plaza featuring Victorian structures, The Kellogg House and the Maag House, and artifacts from the 1890s and early 1900s. Approximately 20,000 school children annually visit the facility, and experience life in Orange County at the turn of the 20th Century with hands-on-activities including: churning butter, using great-grandma's washboard, dressing in period costumes, listening to Great Grandpa's Victrola, talking on an original party-line telephone, mining for gold, learning quilting and blacksmithing, and much more. You can get more details about the museum and our programs on our web site at http://www.heritagemuseumoc.org/

Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach

2010-04-27T16:11:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend of April 16 - 18th I worked for the the 29th year as a staff photographer for the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach. It was another beautiful weekend at the "beach" and the racing was as good as ever.

Ryan Hunter-Reay led 64 of 85 laps - relatively unchallenged - and won the 36th Annual Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach IZOD IndyCar Series race. It was Hunter-Reay's second series race win and first in 2010.

Hunter-Reay took the checkered flag 5.6031 seconds ahead of runner-up Justin Wilson, with polesitter Will Power filling out the podium. Scott Dixon was fourth and Tony Kanaan fifth.

For all the results go to the Grand Prix of Long Beach website. http://www.gplb.com/

LA Times Wedding Showcase March 2010

2010-03-25T12:06:00.000-07:00

I had one of my timeless wedding images used in an ad for the Community Church Congregational, Corona del Mar in the LA Times Wedding Showcase March 2010.

I have photographed over a 100 weddings in that church and have always enjoyed working in the beautiful little church by the sea because my wife, Karen and I were married there 30 years ago.
www.cdmucc.org

It is "Raining" at OCPAC

2010-03-23T22:50:00.000-07:00

The Beatles tribute band "Rain" opened at the Orange County Performing Arts Center (OCPAC) Tuesday night to a packed house and the four lads didn't disappoint. They look like the boys, and play and sound just like the originals. The staging and multimedia presentation makes it a great show.

All the old Beatles songs brought back lots of memories for Karen and I as we danced, and sang along.

As many of you know I have a set of Ludwig drums," just like Ringo", that I used in my rock bands in High School that are now a piece of usable art in our living room.

Most of the audience probably didn’t realize that half of the songs that they played in the show were never performed live by the Beatles. This was because they didn't have the same portable keyboards that they do now that could reproduce the the strings and other sounds in a lot of the late 60’s songs.

Make plans to go see this classic rock concert style show now. www.ocpac.org

The Friends of Dorothy Friendraiser

2010-03-18T16:12:00.000-07:00

The Friends of Dorothy Friendraising was on Thursday, March 17th at Lexus of Newport Beach. The Friends of Dorothy is a support guild for the Aids Service Foundation of Orange County. For more information go to the website. http://www.ocasf.org/dorothy.htm

OCPAC Guilds Fashion Show

2010-03-18T15:59:00.000-07:00

The Orange County Performing Arts Center (OCPAC) held their Annual Guilds Fashion Show on Wednesday March 16 at the Weston South Coast Plaza with fashions by St John.http://www.ocpac.org/

Check out my latest E-News @constantcontact newsletter

2010-03-15T21:48:00.000-07:00

http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs044/1102626961119/archive/1103130257516.html

Spring has sprung!

2010-03-14T17:00:00.000-07:00

I found these beautiful images right here in my backyard.

Toshiba Sr. PGA Golf Classic

2010-03-14T15:23:00.000-07:00

I had the pleasure of photographing the Toshiba Sr PGA Golf Classic March 5th to the 7th, 2010 that was held at the Newport Beach Country Club in Newport Beach, CA for Hoag Hospital. Fred Couples won the event going away. http://www.toshibaclassic.com/

March 2010

2010-03-04T17:18:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone.

I am back from hiatus.

Let’s get caught up.

Team Ruff Holiday Portraits
The 2009 “Team Ruff” holiday family portrait was a winner! Our annual trek to the beach was a blast last year with the topper being a simply beautiful evening in Laguna Beach. Check out those smiles!

OCPAC Candlelight Concert The 36th Annual Candlelight Concert in December was glamorous, glittering and pulsating with the energy of the ‘70s disco star, the iconic Donna Summer. www.ocpac.org

Icon Roy E. Disney Sails into the Sunset One Last Time on December 16, 2009 I had the honor and pleasure of getting to know Roy while working with him doing photographic stills on the documentary film Morning Light. Roy and his executive co-producer wife, Leslie DeMeuse Disney, teamed up to tell an inspiring true-life story about one of the youngest crews ever to compete in the Transpac Yacht Race from Long Beach to Honolulu – a 2,225 mile ocean race aboard this extraordinarily high-tech sloop. In addition to a sea adventure that captures your heart while giving you an adrenalin rush, it’s a must-see movie about how the sea can teach rookies to become winners and leaders – especially under skillful mentorship and coaching – and how anything is possible with vision, humility and will. Roy was an avid competitive sailor and held several elapsed-time records for offshore races in the Pacific Ocean, including multiple wins in the Transpac. Needless to say, after personally photographing sailing races and regattas for nearly 25 years and then being able to work with someone who, like me, so loved the sea, my heart was really saddened when I heard of his passing at Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian in Newport Beach, California following a year-long battle with stomach cancer. Roy Edward Disney was the son of Disney Studios co-founder Roy O. Disney, and nephew of Walt Disney. He was 79 years old with the spirit and drive of a much younger man. He was “a successful businessman, philanthropist, filmmaker, and award-winning sailor, who played a key role in the revitalization of The Walt Disney Company and Disney’s animation legacy. He was associated with the Company over a 56-year period, and from 1984 – 2003, served as vice chairman of the Company’s board of directors, and chairman of the Studio’s Animation Department. In recent years, he held the title of director emeritus and consultant for the Company.” It was a pleasure to get to know and work with him. He will be greatly missed! For more about Roy’s life please follow this link: http://corporate.disney.go.com/news/corporate/2009/2009_1216_roy_e_disney.html

What a year! What a decade! New decades, like other milestones in life, offer an opportunity to reflect on not only the immediate past year but the last decade as well. 2009 was filled with challenges, both with the economy and business. The diversity of both clients and photographic projects allowed me to keep the doors open – even try some new things – when other photographers were closing their doors. I was reminded that having an “attitude of gratitude” could also help me continue to do the work with the several charities that my wife and I support and truly appreciate all the gifts that we are given each day. Emotionally, 2009 took a toll with the loss of several truly great friends and human beings: Tom Holt, the husband of my long time mentor and friend, Joyce Wilson, passed away in April. Then, fellow photographer and friend, Chloe Blom, lost her battle with cancer and passed away in June, followed by Roy E. Disney in December. What I have learned through this last year and the decade gone by is how important it is to support one another and find a way to not only keep moving ahead but to enjoy the journey with your friends and family.

Orange County Performing Arts Center (OCPAC) The Orange County Performing Arts Center (OCPAC) season has started! Wonderful shows like the Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber, the Bolshoi Ballet, and the Alvin Alley American Dance Theater in Segerstrom Hall have been playing to full houses. We are rich in world-class theater offerings here in the OC and there is truly something for everyone! My wife, Karen, and I hope to see you there! Don’t forget all the great concerts presented by the Philharmonic Society and the Pacific Symphony in the Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. Check out the fun intimate shows like Pigeon Party in the Samueli Theater. For tickets and more information visit the OCPAC website at www.ocpac.org.

Doug Gifford Photography E-News Archives

2009-11-12T13:25:00.000-08:00

Good news!

The Doug Gifford Photography E-News archives are now available by following the link at the right of the DGP blog homepage.

Once at the homepage for the E-News archives, you can choose the issue that you would like to read by selecting it from the list.

If you are not on the E-News mailing list and would like to be, you can sign up by using the link at the bottom of the archive home page or by using the link on the E-News.

If you have any questions or comments, please contact me at doug@douggiffordphoto.com.

Thank you!

Enjoy!

Welcome to the Doug Gifford Photography Blog - Fall Edition.

2009-11-09T13:55:00.000-08:00

Weddings, portraits, corporate jobs and projects for several non-profits for which I have a passion have kept me on the go on the professional side for the last several months. For fun, my wife, Karen, and I, have been hitting some great events at OCPAC (Rent, Spamalot, Trey McIntyre Project). (http://www.ocpac.org/) It’s always a treat to be at this beautiful Orange County venue and have some time together – especially these days as Karen, in addition to her business as an executive and leadership coach, has been very busy as the President of the Orange County Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners (www.nawbo-oc.org). Speaking of great events, her organization just had its Remarkable Women Awards Dinner Event on October 15th at the Hilton-Costa Mesa. It was truly inspiring hearing the stories of three successful women business owners – Laura Neubauer, CEO of Deliver It! (www.deliverit.biz), Laura Osborn, CEO of CASCO Contractors (www.cascocontractors.com), and Heidi Miller, Owner of Tight Assets and the World Newsstand in Laguna Beach which had there big event last month. If you are a women-owned business or want to do business with women-owned businesses, I encourage you to take check NAWBO-OC out. I know that the “purse power” of women is strong and the women of this chapter are determined to get the Orange County business engine going!

Doug Gifford Photography E-News

Thank you for your many kind comments (and your referrals!) about the inaugural edition of E-News in September. I hope you will equally enjoy this second edition!

Our goal is to provide you with special offers, photo tips, and to feature articles and information about topics to help you make better photography decisions.

Please sign up for the E-News by e-mailing me at doug@dougiffordphoto.com if you are not yet on the mailing list.

Executive Portraits

Executive Portraits have always been something we have offered both – either in the studio or at the company location. Today, with more and more people changing careers or needing their image updated for professional and social media purposes, we have seen an increase in requests.

Our “Image Portrait” includes a head and shoulders studio portrait, a clothing consultation, the session, retouching, a high and low resolution file of and usage starting at $195. On-location rates for executive portraits start for as little as $450. We have worked with terrific hair and make-up referrals who, like us, understand lighting to help you become ready for your close-up. We can also help you and your team with creative on-location images of your company, products, employees and customers for marketing, incentive and annual report purposes. Simply call us for a quote.

To see examples of our work, please visit: www.douggiffordphoto.com and select the “portrait tab” and then “executive portrait portfolio.” To schedule an appointment, call 949.362.3661 or e-mail doug@douggiffordphoto.com

Alliance Medical Products, Inc.

Have you ever had one of those amazing experiences that leaves you feeling like your work matters? I sure did when Alliance Medical Products, Inc. (AMP) asked me to photograph their new machinery for marketing and display pieces. AMP is a very successful contract pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Irvine, California. (www.amp-us.com)

The unusual and fun part of the experience was going through training in order to “suit up” in the sterile gowns eight different times to go into the clean rooms in which the various pieces of machinery were located. I had to choose the photography equipment I wanted with me before I went in each room because I could not come back out without undressing and redressing. This made it a little more challenging. What really got my adrenalin going was knowing that they had to shut down their production lines and then spend two days thoroughly cleaning each room when we were finished with the photography (a huge cost to and investment by the company) in order for me to produce the images they needed. So as interesting as it was to be in the rooms with the machinery and my “models,” I had to stay focused on getting the job done right the first time! I’ll let you know when the images are up on their site. The rush felt like my many times on the Formula One race track or the America’s Cup course when there was only one chance at getting the shot! I still love that feeling after 25 years. AMP was a real WOW! and I’m ready for the next opportunity!

Sunwest Bank

Headquartered in Tustin, California is Sunwest Bank - the premier small and middle market business bank in Southern California, www.sunwestbank.com.

Glenn Gray, President & Chief Executive Officer, and I met through my wife, Karen, at the Forum for Corporate Directors (www.fcdoc.org) several years ago. Karen was on the board and Glenn was a new sponsor of that organization. At one of our first meetings, I learned that Glenn is an avid scuba diver and loves underwater photography. He also wants to continuously get better at it. I think that always learning and improving is what makes Sunwest such a great bank under his leadership. Anyway, he hired me as his photography coach to do a better job of taking photographs underwater. That led to photography engagements at the bank for customer appreciation purposes, marketing and last week to cover the 2010 Economic Outlook event hosted by Sunwest Bank for their customers at the Center Club (http://tinyurl.com/ydvbdjs) – a venue where I have photographed countless events. Sunwest continues to maintain a strong and growing presence in these interesting times. My sense is that you can “bank on” Sunwest for being around well into the future!

Friends of Dorothy

Over the last couple of years, it has been my pleasure to contribute my time and talent to photograph all the events for a super organization called the Friends of Dorothy, which is a support guild of Aids Services Foundation. This year, at the annual Haunted Halloween party at the Village Crean, I was presented with “The Red Shoe Award” for my support of and love for the organization. As is often with things like this, when we are giving of ourselves, we are the ones who are really benefitting. So, “thank you” for giving me a chance to be with some really great people helping great people challenged by HIV/AIDS. It is truly my pleasure and honor and I have met so many wonderful people. At the top of the list especially is my friend, Tim Dunn. He invited me to get involved after working with him at the Orange County Performing Arts Center where he is head of PR. He plays that role as a volunteer for Friends of Dorothy. Our eight years at OCPAC and three at Friends of Dorothy working as a team have meant a lot to me and I know we will continue for years to come.

If you are looking for an organization to support that is doing great work in providing services to those whose lives have been touched by HIV/AIDS, I can highly recommend getting involved with Friends of Dorothy. You will not only be doing good, I promise you will have a really good time!

Please go to their website, www.friendsofdorothy.org to get more information on their up coming events and I will see you there!

OC Rescue Mission

If you have been following my blog for the last couple of years, you know that I have been working for many years with the Orange County Rescue Mission and their facility in Santa Ana, The Village of Hope.

Last week, the playground at the Village of Hope was the setting for this year’s holiday card. President, Jim Palmer, and 25 kids of the village had a chance to play and pose as I captured their joy and smiles before simply playing was what the kids had in mind! Their energy was engaging and the photo heartwarming. Look for it as we head into the season. And, if you want another place to give of your heart, time and resources, Jim and the Village of Hope team can always use help!

For more information about what they are doing for the homeless in Orange County and how you can help, please go to there website at www.rescuemission.org.

Heritage Museum

The Heritage Museum of Orange County is a cultural and natural history center dedicated to providing hands-on educational programs that emphasize the history, heritage, and diversity of Orange County and California. The Museum is also committed to preserving and restoring the historic buildings and artifacts that have been entrusted to our care.

Each year they have a major fundraising event. Last year and several years before, I photographed the event. This year, thanks to Karen’s paddle going up at last year’s auction to support this wonderful organization, we were rewarded with tickets to just be guests at the event this year. We were joined by a table of friends who were delighted to find out about this OC museum and, like us, enjoyed being able to donate to a wonderful cause to help educate thousands of SoCal kids. This year’s event theme was A Night in Casablanca, which evoked the Moroccan setting for the classic Bogart/Bergman movie. It was a wonderful night of food, drink and fun. This organization really gets into creating magical events. It’s a two thumbs up from our perspective!

Outside of regularly hosting school kids on educational tours, the museum is also the location for parties and special events, such as weddings. For more information, please visit their website at www.heritagemuseumoc.org.

Girls Incorporated

Over the last couple of years my wife, Karen, and I have supported Girls Incorporated in Orange County by giving our time, talent and donations. Their mission statement tells you exactly what they do: Inspiring all girls to be Strong, Smart, and Bold.

www.girlsinc-oc.org

This year’s fundraising event, 2009 Annual Strong, Smart, and Bold Celebration was held at the Balboa Bay Club and Resort in Newport Beach. We had the pleasure of joining Elaine Levin, who is both Secretary and President Emeritus of Girls Inc.

Read all about it in the OC Register:
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/girls-inc-human-2636083-options-marcus?referrer=facebook

Let's get caught up: Summer 2009

2009-09-03T18:47:00.000-07:00

OCTOBER IS FAMILY PORTRAIT MONTH!

This October, Doug Gifford Photography will participate with an elite group of photographers around the country in a very special family portrait promotion. Throughout October, we will celebrate “Family Portrait Month,” a wonderful opportunity for you to update your family portrait (or portraits of your children), and help to support Operation Smile, which treats children around the world who suffer with cleft lips, cleft palates and other facial deformities.

Along with other studio members of Professional Photographers of America (PPA), we have pledged to contribute $25.00 from each session to PPA Charities, which has chosen Operation Smile as its charitable partner.

What’s more, we want you to benefit from this special offer. With your purchase of a single wall portrait, choose one of the following:

• 2 free gift-sized portraits
• 24 free custom holiday cards
• 10 percent discount on framing
• $75 gift certificate (for your use or as a special holiday gift)

Recording the faces of children and their families is our greatest pleasure. That’s why we believe so strongly in the work of Operation Smile. Each year this incredible organization of more than 6,000 volunteer doctors, nurses, dentists, and specialized health-care professionals, perform free reconstructive surgeries for children suffering with cleft lips, cleft palates and other facial deformities. More than 100,000 children are born with a facial deformity each year in Operation Smile’s 26-partner countries.

We also believe that Family Portrait Month is a wonderful way to teach children the value of reaching out to others. Even small children can understand the importance of Operation Smile’s work, and they are eager to help these needy children.

We hope you will join with us in helping to make this vital work possible. Don’t forget that the holiday season is right around the corner, so there’s no better time for a family portrait! Plus, portraits are always appreciated as gifts for family and friends and to send along with holiday greeting cards.

Call now to schedule your appointment and be part of helping a child smile!

As always . . . we look forward to creating some truly wonderful portraits of your family.

Karen Gifford Named President of NAWBO-Orange County

It is with great pleasure that I announce that my wife, Karen Gifford, executive and leadership coach and principal of Gifford Management & Leadership Coaching, has been named president of the Orange County Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners – the largest in the country with 400 members, www.nawbo-oc.org. She is also a founding member of the Professional Coaches and Mentors Association, www.pcmaonline.com and member and former director with the Forum for Corporate Directors (www.fcdoc.org).

Congratulations!

October is Remarkable Women Month

I just realized that this blog includes a lot of remarkable women – and I am lucky to know a few! October 15th is the 14th Annual NAWBO-OC Remarkable Women Awards dinner event. I have had the opportunity to experience this high energy and exciting event and it is always a sell out! This year the three honorees are: Laura Neubauer, Founder and CEO of Deliver It! for Entrepreneur to Watch; Cheryl Osborn, Founder and CEO of CASCO Contractors, Inc., for Business Owner of the Year; and Heidi Miller, Founder and CEO of Tight Assets and Founder of Heidi’s Frogen Yozurt for Lifetime Achievement. The event is six weeks away and over half of the seats have already been sold! For more info: http://www.nawbo-oc.org/RWflyer09.html

Congratulations!

Kimberly Snodgrass

The story of Kimberly Snodgrass, www.kimsodgrass.com, who went through foster care and adoption and is now on her way to Harvard Graduate School, is an amazing one. A friend of mine, Debbie Douglas, who is a partner in Douglas Strategic Communications (with her husband Gary), www.douglasstategic.com, and a volunteer at Orangewood Children’s Foundation, www.orangewoodfoundation.com, was in an article that I read in the Orange County Register. The article told the story of Kim and how Orangewood was helping her prepare for a graduate and post-graduate life as a professional. When I read the article I wanted to help, too. As my wife, Karen, always says “these young professionals are our hope for the future.” So, I emailed Debbie and offered Kim her first professional portrait as my gift. The next day, I had the pleasure of meeting and photographing a beautiful and bright young woman who I have a sense is going to accomplish great things in our world. That night I was invited to her launch party, hosted by Shirley Pepys and Orangewood at Shirley’s home on Balboa Island. Heartwarming! Good luck Kimberly!

Step Up Women’s Network

I was ask by my friend and Step Up board member, Julie Brady, who is the Catering Sales Manager for Patina Restaurant Group at the Orange County Performing Arts Center, www.patinagroup.com, if I would be willing to donate my services and photograph the July 30th meeting of Step Up Women’s Network at the St. Regis Hotel in Dana Point. It was my pleasure to do so and to meet all the dynamic women involved in this wonderful organization.

The best way to summarize this organization is to quote from the website: “Step Up is on the cutting edge of women’s philanthropy and social enterprise. The organization’s strength stems from member’s abilities to leverage their personal and professional skills and relationships to give back to the community. Our programs are designed to engage women in a way that inspires a life-long commitment to responsible, philanthropic involvement encompassing hands-on volunteer work and leadership opportunities. “Invest, Involve and Inspire” is our motto.”

To learn more, go to their website at www.suwn.org.

Jim Palmer - President OC Rescue Mission

OC Rescue Mission Board of Directors

I was honored to be asked to photograph the board of directors for the OC Rescue Mission, www.rescuemission.org.

As many of you know, I have been working with them over the last year. The people there are wonderful and they are doing great work in support of the homeless in Orange County at the Village of Hope that was carved out of the former Marine Air Station in Tustin.

Please support them if you can with a donation of money, food or time.

Orange County Performing Arts Center (OCPAC)

It is almost that time again, to Get Centered as the 2009/2010 season starts at OCPAC. For more information about all the happenings at the Center this season or to make a donation, please visit their website at www.ocpac.org.

I hope to see you there!

June 2009

2009-06-23T14:26:00.000-07:00

Megan and Garrett Haake Wedding – Dallas, Texas

I had the pleasure of photographing Megan and Garrett Haake wedding in Dallas, Texas on Saturday, May 9, 2009. The wedding ceremony was in the beautiful Perkins Chapel on the campus of SMU and the reception was at the Belo Mansion.

A good time was had by all, and I have the images to prove it!

Orange County Rescue Mission’s Village of Hope

During early May I had the privilege of again working for Roberta and Howard Ahmanson photographing the reinstallation of the stain glass windows in the chapel at the Orange County Rescue Mission, Village of Hope in Tustin by Danish artist Peter Brandes. He was also here to install stained glass windows in the new Ahmanson home which I also photographed. The best part was to get the whole story behind each piece from Peter.
The Village of Hope is a 200-person residential facility for homeless families located at the former Tustin Marine Corps Air Base. The Ahmanson’s have been long-time supporters of the OC Rescue Mission and were a big part of helping to build the Village of Hope. https://www.rescuemission.org/

Tour de Force: A Dance Spectacular

A whole host of Russian ballet stars put on an amazing one night only show in Segerstrom Hall at the Orange County Performing Arts Center last month.
I have had the opportunity while working at the OCPAC for the last 8 years to photograph many great dance programs, and this was one of the best. Check out more about this show and others to come by visiting the OCPAC website: www.ocpac.org.

Jane Griffin, PhD.

Congratulations to our “niece”, Jane Griffin, who received here PhD from UCI this last week. After the usual boring ceremony, but we had a great party on the beach that was attended by lots of family and friends.
Jane is the daughter of our dear friends Wayne and Susie Griffin who live on Catalina Island. Susie is one of the Innkeepers at the Inn on Mt Ada, www.innonmtada.com which was the old Wrigley Mansion and is now a four star six room bed and breakfast. While Wayne heads up the Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Bureau, www.catalinachamber.com.
As many of you know, I have been teaching an extension class at UCI over the last 8 years. So, over the last 5 years as she complete her studies, Jane and I would have dinner together at In n’ Out Burger on the UCI campus before I would teach my class. We would solve all the world’s problems by the time I had to go to class, and so I will miss my “dinner dates” with Jane as she now moves on to teach at the University of Indiana.
All the best Jane!

ACES Photography Club

Last year I had the pleasure of judging the print competition at the ACES Photography Club in Garden Grove, and this year they invited me to speak. www.aces-photo.com
I choose to speak about something that I know a lot about, but is rarely talked about, Low Light Photography.
With all types of photography, at the beginning and end of the day, inside and out, you work with low light all the time.
The room was full and everyone said they enjoyed the program. I enjoyed talking to this very nice, passionate group of photographers and hope to have a chance to do it again.
Look for an announcement soon about more of my private classes held here at my home studio over the summer. www.douggiffordphoto.com

PPA International Print Competition

June 13-17 found me heading to Atlanta, Georgia, to judge the International Print Competition for the Professional Photographers of America (PPA) www.ppa.com. I was one of 40 judges selected from a total list of only 125 qualified jurors who, over a four-day period, judged over 5,000 entries from PPA’s 20,000 plus members. To become part of this esteemed group of jurors, I first had to become a Master Craftsmen Photographer with PPA, then judge for many years at the local, state, and regional competitions, followed by completing a series of judging classes, and finally a review of my background and submissions of my work for review by other judges. Over the years, I have also had many opportunities to judge the international print competition for the Wedding and Portrait Photographers International (WPPI). By judging these international print competitions, I get to see thousands of prints from photographers around the world. This allows me to stay in touch with the latest trends and styles in photography and, most of all, to always provide fresh perspectives and ideas for my clients.

Morning Light is now available on DVD and Blu-Ray

Morning Light is a documentary sailing movie by Roy E. Disney. I had a chance to work on it shooting stills with my friend, and long-time yacht photographer, Sharon Green (www.ultimatesailing.com). It is available on DVD and Blu-Ray.

The movie is about a young crew of sailors that are on the yacht Morning Light in the Trans Pac Yacht Race that sails from Los Angeles, California to Honolulu, Hawaii every other year. The movie follows 15 young sailors through the selection process in August 2005, their training in Hawaii and Long Beach, and sailing the race in July 2006. http://disneydvd.disney.go.com/morning-light.html

Friends of Dorothy

June 11, 2009, found me at the Impulse for Spring Fashion Show for the Friends of Dorothy Guild at Macy’s in South Coast Plaza. The guild has raised a whopping $245,500 to date for Aids Services Foundation.

As you can see from the other posts in this blog, I have been supporting this organization proudly for the last year and an half.

I hope to see you at the next event! For information: www.ocasf.org/dorothy.htm

Sad News

Chloe Blom lost her battle with cancer and passed away on Friday, June 19th. She and her husband, John, have been dear friends and colleagues for the last 28 years. For 30 years, John and Chloe have owned and operated John L. Blom Photography in Corona del Mar.
Chloe started out only running the business side, but soon picked up a camera and started producing some beautiful images. They were a great team at providing some of the best photographic services in the country.
Chloe was very loved and will be deeply missed by all of us who knew her.
Our prayers are with John and the family.

Hoag Hospital Scanner Magazine cover

2009-05-14T15:34:00.000-07:00

I am proud to have an image on the cover of the Spring 2009 Scanner Magazine, with another image used inside with the article about the Toshiba Golf Classic event. Both images are of Eduardo Romero who was the winner of this year’s event.

This is the second time I have had an image on the cover of Scanner, the first one was of Roy E. Disney’s yacht Pyewacket sailing in the Hoag Cup in 2005 with Hoag Hospital in the background.

Scanner magazine is published quarterly by the Hoag Hospital Foundation in support of Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian. www.hoaghospitalfoundation.org