Joe & Caitleen
Pleasanton, CA

***photos for Junshien Wedding & Portraits***

Real quick update.  I’ve been pretty busy lately and I’ve only edited a handful here from this wedding I did with Junshien.  Man my schedule these days just don’t seem to slow down much but I’m not complaining.  MLK weekend was a hit, I’ll have photos from that.  Snow boarding is awesome and I can’t wait to go again with all that fresh powder we are getting.  Who is down?  Let me know, cuz I want to plan another snow boarding trip.  This past weekend was spent at Camp Alta for our annual youth group retreat.  It was an amazing time but most of all to see the passion many of these young kids have for God is truly inspiring.  I got to met the cool worship team who happens to be a band too.  They are called Evergreen and I hope to do a photo shoot for them sometime when the weather gets warmer.  Never the less God really moved in the hearts of the youth that weekend and I witnessed someone committing their life to Jesus.  Just awesome.  I will update on the retreat in detail later on.  I have a lot to share.  Just an amazing time.  Well, I’m keeping this one short.  I hope you are all having a blessed week.  Stay tuned for some tahoe and snow ball fight pics haha.  Sorry for such a small series of photos! 

Cheers,
Steve

Jack & Karen
***Images for Junshien Wedding & Portraits***

Wow its only my second post of 2008 0_0  I trust you all partied your hearts out to kick off 2008.  Sorry I about being MIA for so long.  I’ve been pretty busy juggling various things lately (work, photography of course, wedding album and portfolio designs) but I’m finally managing to load up a small handful from Jack & Karen’s wedding.  This was definitely a beautiful wedding and you know the best part about their day had to be the way their reception was laid out.  It had to be the most chillest and easy going reception with ample amounts of space to shuffle around without running into other guest.  Granted it was in a huge auditorium it was really nicely laid out and I especially enjoyed how they had drinks and appetizers for guest to eat while waiting for the wedding party to make their grand entry.  Never the less, the food was great, we partied hard and snapped some good memories of their day.  Blessing to you both Jack and Karen!

Food For Thought

***below is a summary/excerpt from Pastor Danny at church this past Sunday***

Aside from the powerful Words from God I love the title…”A Life of Simplicity”  – the way our lives should be =) 

References to Matthew 6:1-8 & 1 Peter

-Jesus’ answer to the complicated life I found out was…”come and follow me.” 
-Living a life of transformation is the essence of our Hope
-The beauty of following Jesus is we are always looking forward to what is ahead! (I like this one)

What is the answer to the simple life?  Well its quite simple but difficult at the same time.
(1) Come and follow Him
(2) Disciplines to become more Christ like – building a habit or routine to adopt a life that center Christ in our lives.  How? Discipline in Listening to God or in other words reading His word and Praying (talking to God). 

What is our problem?
-Well the problem for many of us often lies in our spiritual disciplines.  Our worship during the week doesn’t always reflect God.  We get out daily bread from just Sunday service, church youth group or something to remind us that God is there.  We have so much clutter in our lives that we can often block the author and perfecter of our faith. 

-It’s pretty apparent that our generation is about doing it “my way” or the highway but really how often is it Gods way?  In 1 Peter, it says “cast your burdens at the feet of Jesus and take up my (Jesus’) yolk for it is lighter” – We were never meant to carry our burdens.  MEN WERE DESIGNED TO BE DEPENDENT ON GOD.  But who lives that when you live in a nation thats always Pro individualism?  Struggle for me, most definitely because I like being independent.  I relearned, yes relearned.  I feel like a idiot so many time because I always forget God’s promises and the very truths I’ve known to be true.  Relinquishing our will and taking on God’s will is found in the very act/decision to take God’s yolk and give Him ours. 

The call to a simple life is simple but not easy.  Can that coexist? Sounds funny but if you’re anything like me, I have to rid so much clutter in my life.  I don’t know if you even got to this point to read my post but I appreciate it and I hope this sermon that blessed me will bless you this week too.

Thanks for reading.

Cheers,
Steve

Keiko | Kihana | Kimiko

What can I say…but I am a proud uncle to these three girls! =)  Technically they are my cousins but they are so much younger than me so I tell them I am their uncle hahahaha.  Anyways, over the holidays my aunt wanted me to capture a few shots of the girls especially since their schedules are becoming more complicated for each girls its really hard to get photographs of them for memory purposes.  Anyways, we had tons of fun as usual.  I love doing photographs for kids because of their free spirit.  Children almost define the concept of experience photography for me simply because their expressions are for the most part priceless and more true.  Meanwhile I was able to capture a good portrait of my aunt!  =)  The last photo is Kihana and I’ll tell you that girl is a magnet to my camera.  She is simply irresistible.  She has a personality totally of her own.  Above all…props to my uncle for holding it down with four ladies haha.  Now I can only imagine what life will be like for him once these girl reach college age haha.  On that note, I think it would be interesting if I had three girls of my own haha.  Now before you laugh I actually think I could handle them but then again I doubt I know what I would be getting myself into haha.  Well leave that to when that time comes haha. 

I hope everyone here had a sweet action Christmas and a great time bringing in the new year.  Where did 2007 go?  2007 has been a landmark in my life time and quite frankly one of the best years of my life.  I’ve traveled to about 8 states this year and three countries.  Paris being the single most memorable event of 2007.  Paris people…we will reconnect one day again.  Scott…you rock man!  I’ve embarked on a life style I never knew could be so obtainable if you go after your dreams.  I’ve met some of the most incredible people from all over the world.  Learn so much about myself, life, people and have obtained a greater appreciation for every single blessing in my life.  I have some of the greatest friends and family in the world and through their support have found my passion and aspirations in life.  These people continue to influence me, challenge me, grow with me and most importantly share their lives with me.  Sharing life together is what I absolutely love and to the people who impact my life (you know who you are ) you have enriched my life beyond my dreams this year.  I know 2008 is going to kick some major booty and I can’t wait to be a part of it.  2008 is going to rock the socks off your feet ya’ll.  Don’t let another moment go by…Live While You Live.  Work hard, play hard, laugh endlessly, love unconditionally and don’t just live.  Live your dreams! 

Stay tuned for a couple winter weddings I did with the notorious Junshien. =) 

Current doings:  Working on wedding albums, portfolios books for clients

Thanks for reading!

Cheers,
Steve