March 2010

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.