Carranza Fotografia

Dark gray overcast skies always put me into this melancholy mood that makes me want to sit in front of a cozy fireplace with a cup of hot chocolate. Thank goodness there’s a Starbucks up the hill. Bethany and Arash were visiting from San Francisco, so we really didn’t have the luxury to reschedule for a sunny day. No need to worry, I always bring along my trusty Norman 400 watt flash, and if that doesn’t work I have my super hero Kubota software that may even make you forget about your hot chocolate. Bethany and Arash were especially easy to photograph; their smiles and spontaneous personalities made our session flow despite the weather. We are looking forward to photographing there up coming event at the Palos Verdes Country Club.

What a beautiful building. To most Angelino’s, the newly refurbished Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles is a gem of a historical landmark. Its Art Deco design depicts an era of Hollywood’s golden years. We were so grateful that our clients Natalie & Jason made special arrangements for us to have access to the grounds. Even Henry, their 3-year-old Basset Hound, enjoyed the tour.

We started our photo session with overcast skies that gave us a very soft light that’s ideal for portraiture. I generally like to change my background as much as possible, so we can utilize more of the architecture and environment.

Natalie & Jason were a breeze to work with, they were fun and spontaneous, and were willing to try different ideas. Were looking forward to photographing their upcoming wedding at LMU and the Langham in Pasadena.

Julie and Mark had an elegant wedding at Manhattan Beach's Verandas. Their event had both a traditional ceremony and a tea ceremony. The venue was beautifully decorated which served as a perfect background for their photos. We had the opportunity to shoot some very fun photos of Mark spinning Julie. We were able to capture several very unique photos utilizing many elements of Verandas and the happiness of their wedding day.

There is always something special when you step out of yourself and give a lending hand. So often we become dissatisfied with our lives that we lose touch of what we really have or need. Our homes seem too small; our cars are not of the latest style and our vacations are not extravagant enough. Somehow we simply overlook the fact that we already have everything we need.

Three months ago my wife Ericka and my thirteen year old daughter Natalia and about 120 volunteers from Journey Covenant Church, South Bay Presbyterian, and another church that came as far as Santa Cruz California, helped build two homes in a small village in the town of Maniadero, just south of Ensenada in Baja Mexico.

Last week my wife and our close friends, the Sonoda’s, loaded up our Toyota Previa and the Sonoda’s large utility van with what seemed like at least 100 large plastic trash bags full of clothes, shoes, toys, food and even a mountain bike for Mr. Gonzalez.

Our donations were not excessive or pretentious, as a matter of fact they were second hand toys, last year's soccer uniforms and shoes that may be one size too large and not of the current fashion, but none of this mattered to the of villagers of Maniadero. To them it was never a concern. Perhaps to them, it was simply a prayer answered.

I hope my images portray the reality of why we should all be so grateful.

Matthew 25:35-37

For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in.