30 HOUR HUNGER STRIKE - Event and Documentary Photography

Last year I shot a candlelight service for the 30 Hour Hunger Strike at St. Paul's Greek Orthodox church in Irvine. A few months later, the director of Hunger Strike told me she thought I should go to Africa. Several months after that, I went. And now, about a year after that one chilly evening in that one dark sanctuary, over 50 teens will gather again to raise money and awareness for people struggling on the other side of the world.

Part of my photography assignment while in Tanzania was to shoot for Hunger Strike. I shot portraits of about 50 kids there, so that our 50 kids here could each have a face, a name and story to understand during their retreat. The 50 kids here will fast for 30 hours this weekend, learn what it's like to live as a child in Tanzania, and work together to raise money to build wells that will provide clean drinking water in the remote villages of Tanzania.

If you're interested in hearing more, watch the video below. If you're interested in learning more, contact me. If you're interested in giving a little, you can donate below as well.

Hunger Strike from Mission Visual on Vimeo.

Details - Food and Wedding Photography

Yesterday I met with the fabulous Donya Vaughn of As You Like Services and the tasty Teresa Louis of B&L Caterers, Inc. before we collaborate in two weeks for a wedding up in Los Angeles. We spent the first thirty minutes talking 'shop about the industry and our work and laughing the whole time. These ladies are going to be fun to work with, for sure.

We went over details and the time line and I have to take this moment to say that if there are any brides out there reading this (or readers that know brides) that don't have a planner, PLEASE, PLEASE consider it. The planner or coordinator at the venue/location is not the same as a planner like Donya (typical misconception). Take a moment to hit her up and you'll find out why. SO worth it.

I'll update in a few weeks (after the event) with some images and more fun stories of how great it is to work with these ladies, but for now, I thought I'd share an image of my fabulous breakfast I made before the meeting. I know I can't do it in the kitchen quite like Teresa can, but I thought these fried green tomatoes were pretty bomb diggity anyway.

Engagement Session and the Mix - Portrait Photography

Saturday was quite the busy day...woke up and went straight to the desk to do some editing and design for a fantab client, went straight into helping the help replace my water heater, pulled a few weeds, pushed the "hired help" out quickly just in time for two client meetings, organized my equipment, got on my way to Laguna for one of the most fun engagement shoots EVER, dinner + drinks with a St. Paddy's twist, a quick consultation at GoodFellas and straight to bed. Great day.

So Perla and Hector were the two love birds that I was lucky enough to get to play around Laguna with on Saturday. We met up on Forest and frolicked around the alley ways and nooks and crannies of that lovely little town until we packed up and trekked to a hidden beach that my awesome assistant lead us to...SUCH a great portrait session.

Here's a sneak peak...more to come later this week!

He's Got Me - Lifestyle Photography

I went to church this morning...and the moment I walked in, the Holy Spirit wrapped His arms around me and didn't let go.

The sanctuary was smaller and darker than the one I'm used to, but the Light filled me more than it ever had. There was a thickness to the air, with the incense dominating my nose, but my allergies were calm in a way I've never known. The music was different, but it entered my ears and my heart like the voice of God Himself. I wept.

Throughout the service I sniffled back tears and my skin tingled with all hairs standing on end. I felt humbled, and little and unworthy to be standing in such a greatness of life. I felt like the Greatest Good was literally holding me, arms wrapped around, hugging tight, welcoming me home.

And now I lay here in the sun, with the Light and Smell and Sound of God still all around me. And I wonder, why did it take me so long? And where do I go from here?

Lovato Images Featured on CAKE Newsletter - Engagement Session

Lovato Images was featured on CAKE Wine Country Wedding Newsletter this month...fun!

CAKE is the wedding newsletter of the Temecula Valley wine country and Fallbrook area, to inform and to entertain. They have all sorts of tips and tricks about venues and events and activities in the area and provide some awesome images with the loads of information (toot toot).