Clearlake

Last Saturday was a beautiful day.

Sandra has a been a good friend of mine for about two years now. When I think of her, I think of hard work, great advice, and her ability to transfer her cheerfulness onto others. Last weekend, I was honored to see another side of Sandra, I got to see her as the loving older sister. Getting to know her younger brother, Cesar, was also pretty amazing. They’re both beautiful people, and I thank them for showing me around their beautiful home. I told them I would some day retire there–after my success of traveling the world as a photographer, of course.

Here is a story about a sister and a brother.

Tags | clearlake, Senior, woods

Amber Moments and Golden People

Life has been really good these past few days. Well, my life is always good, regardless. God has blessed me so much already just by giving me a close-knit family, and incredible friends. That’s what I’m Thankful for every year, every day, every second. Particularly, these past few days has been special, just being with people I care about and food I (really) like in one day is awesome. Last Sunday my youth group had the annual potluck—I brought this chicken dish from my family’s favorite Chinese restaurant where we had lunch at before dropping me off. So I was already full when I arrived at the gathering, but food was in front of me, next to me, around me, so I had some anyways. I’ve actually been eating healthy these past couple of weeks so it’s “ok” to eat devour this Thanksgiving.  Besides, we went out to play basketball outside at the neighborhood school – well, my friends did, I had to capture the moment, however I participate in our second round of games. The setting was really beautiful. Autumn in this part of California is at its gorgeous peak. The grey mist sky and the rusty, golden trees that were rooted everywhere in the neighborhood was a really wonderful sight to see.

In attempt of living out the harvest/autumn themed atmosphere, I tried (keyword, tried) making Ricotta Scones with persimmons home grown from the Montemayor’s very own backyard. My parents made fun of them because they sorta look gross, but regardless of presentation, it was gooooood stuff.

I also wanted to share another set of my Plant Project. So tonight we have an extra packed post. See you around!

 

Persimmon Ricotta Scones

Plant Project 3

Tags | autumn, food, plants, project

Life and everything in it.

It’s been a season since I have posted some photos; last summer I was sharing photos from my shoot with my youth pastor, and today I’m enjoying the nice and cold autumn weather from the comforts of my room. Between then and now, not much has greatly changed. This new house we moved into over the summer is becoming more and more like home as the holidays approach our family. We have most of our Christmas decorations up and glowing, and it’s almost ready for the annual Christmas party we have for our family-friends down by the Bay Area.

For those who liked my Facebook page and follow my work and journey to be America’s Next Top Photographer (ahahaha), first of all, thank you. Second, last month I published the Holiday Sessions to be in action with a page regarding the information for those who are interested.  I finally found some time out to post that up on my website and you can view the details by clicking the banner below.

Last but not least, here are some moments earlier this fall with my family and close friends. I hope to see you all soon, especially since it’s that time of year where I want to photograph everything.

Tags | autumn, Bay Area, Christmas, family, fun, Self Portrait, Vallejo

Downtown Lights

Every time I go on sessions, I always learn something new. The main purpose, of course, is to capture moments beautifully, but the process of doing that is always different. For the past few days, I’ve been working with my youth pastor’s graduation pictures, and it’s been an incredible learning experience. We started the first day of shooting on a dark afternoon, stopping from place to place to get a couple shots, I was beginning to worry about the lack of sunlight I was so use to working with. When we arrived downtown, the night was filled with neon and fluorescent radiance.

 

The following week, or last Tuesday, we biked around the park by the water and I was back shooting in a more familiar setting. 

Tags | city lights, downtown, graduation, Sacramento, Senior, youth

Suburban Tropics

Every time I come back from a shoot, regardless if it was about capturing a type of style or a family moment, I am reminded that being with great people and getting to work with them to make wonderful pictures is one of the reasons why I love photography. Last Thursday, I was once again privileged to work with my marvelous friend Britney along with our friends Musonda and Chimmy. The whole time was a blast, we had a great day laughing and enjoying each other’s company.

Well, my summer vacation is coming to a close. Surely, it’s sad to think about not being able to sleep in for weeks on end, and not caring what I look like because I know I’ll be spending my day in front of my computer. Then there’s also the fact that this is my junior year, meaning academically it will probably be the hardest year thus far. Then that leads me to the thought of senior year- which automatically makes me think of life after high school. I think I just made myself sad. I’m kidding,in a way. So yes, not much to say other than that. I do have goals for this school year, but you know, it’s just the usual stuff; good grades, meet new friends, don’t get into trouble-which has never been an issue anyways.

OH YAH! Almost forgot. I’ve said this before on some social media sites, but I don’t think I’ve shared this on my blog, but if I was not into photography, I would definitely be a chef. First I need to learn how to use a knife without fearing it would fly out of my hands and into someone’s arm. Okay, go on. 

Tags | Britney, Jamaica, suburban, tropic