Scott Family Session | Japanese Friendship Gardens | San Jose, CA

Before Thanksgiving, I was asked to take family photos of one of my wife's co-workers and her family. I met them before we were married when Kate was still a little one, and now they're a family of five! There was energy all around despite the overcast sky. On top of that, I shot in the Japanese Friendship Gardens. This was the first time that I have ever visited the park in my whole life, and I grew up in San Jose!

A big thanks to the Scott Family for making my first visit to the gardens really fun!

Photos taken by yours truly =)

Jillian (Right) has the deepest, bluest eyes I have ever seen! So blue that when I looked at the picture straight out of the camera, they almost look violet!

VICE Ultra Lounge | Walnut Creek, CA

I had the opportunity to do some low-lighting practice, so what better venue than a nightclub? A while back, sometime last summer, my assistant Jhory and I were invited by one of my musical acquaintances to photograph a party they were hosting. Gotta say, it was difficult, but I think I did a pretty good job considering that there was absolutely, ZERO light in the place. Out of the pictures that I took, I was most proud of this pic of a Go-Go Dancer. Whaddayathink?

Photo taken by yours truly =)

Canon 35mm f/1.4 L Practice

I really, REALLY need to get one of these! I had to see how a portrait would look from a distance with a wide open aperture. I gotta say, not bad at all.

Disclaimer: This is how Bella smiles now when asked. I am not responsible for her quirkiness.

Photo taken by yours truly =)

Abby & Yi-Lei | Buffalo Wild Wings | Saratoga, CA

I had the privilege to meet up with my assistant's co-worker Abby and her fiancee Yi-Lei. I am so excited that these two trust my work so much, they want me to shoot their wedding later this year! After they both told me their wants and needs for their wedding later in 2012, I couldn't help but listen and visualize their blissful day.

Being a little nervous myself, I wanted to put my best foot forward. After all, I want to give them my best as a business and make every moment of their union memorable. So what better way to relieve some of the anxiety with my first client? They fed us and gave us drinks! =) We caught the tail end of the Patriots game (yes, the "Patriots." Not the "Broncos" game; don't get it twisted) and Jhory educated Abby on the rules and submission moves as we were watching UFC matches as well.

A big thanks to my assistant Jhory for his business savvy and Abby and Yi-Lei for giving me a chance (and for the dinner)!

Photos taken by yours truly =)

Tony.PSD Product Shoot | Yu Tsai Inspired Theme

When I look at magazines, books, movies, or any other media that contains photos or pictures, I study them. I try my best to draw inspiration of how I would like my work displayed and who to properly give credit to. I've always seen inspiration being drawn from inspiration. It's kind of a dogma of creativity.

I came across a set of photos of Minka Kelly and James Franco for Esquire magazine from a couple of years ago where the lighting and portrait setup was so simple, it held enough backbone to the article related to the picture.

The photographer: Yu Tsai. His portraits of the celebrities he photographs show the fun and avant garde style he makes his own. Look him up and you'll see why I admire his work!

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The many faces of Beverly.

The many faces of Charles.

The many faces of Christian (DJ "CMC").

Tony.PSD Product Shoot | Hershey N.

Model: Hershey N.
Shirt Design: Tony Robles of Tony.PSD

Photos and Composition by Yours Truly =)

Tony.PSD Product Shoot | Christopher P.

Model: Christopher P.
Shirt Design: Tony Robles of Tony.PSD

Photos and Composition by Yours Truly =)

Rosete Family Session | Guadalupe River Park | San Jose, CA

The holidays were coming up and I had zero plans going into them. I had a 35mm f/1.4 L I wanted to get some use out of when my brother called me up and asked me to take family portraits for him.

The plan was to start off pretty early at Guadalupe River Park across from HP Pavilion. Alas, it was somewhat of a success. "Somewhat" is the right term because my brother, his wife, and my nephew were all for it. My niece however wasn't having it. I don't blame her; it was crazy cold outside!

After briefly fighting the cold, my brother had a better idea. "Dude, lets go back to mom's house," he said. I happily obliged. On top of that, my mom fed me breakfast =)

Photos taken by yours truly =)

Christmas 2011 | Fremont to San Jose, CA

Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, not much has happened.  I had work, started taking it a bit easier because the year was winding down, and right before the family and I was about to head to Los Angeles, BAM!!!  I ate something nasty and thus nixed any type of movement from San Jose to LA.  Nevertheless, my gastrointestinal pains dissipated enough to enjoy the festivities of Christmas.

On that note,what do you get when  you have a family who's father's side is a family of 8 siblings and a mother's side is a family of 10 siblings (and to add a googolplex of nieces and nephews)?  Wrapping paper and toy chaos with a side of child meltdowns.  Luckily for me, all I had to do was take pictures =)

Photos taken by yours truly =)

The in-laws got a trip to Aulani next month!!!!!