The Slye’s “Burn away from the Burn” Party
When Jeff and Kristin Slye sent out the announcement for their party we new we had to be there. They are two very good friends that have amazing friends and always throw a great shindig. If have seen the masses of costume, water and tent filled vans and motor homes leaving headed to the desert in the past week, then you know its the annual Burning Man Party/festival/cultural happening. Jeff and Kristin have spent many a year at Burning Man but this year they were staying home in San Francisco. So in good fashion, they hosted a “Burn Away from the Burn” party complete with furry jackets, fire dancing and dust storms (aka hair drier driven flour). Sue, Lucius and I put on our best Burning Man attire and we had a great time. I wasn’t really intending on photographing the event but I’m glad I brought my camera along. More importantly, I’m really glad I brought my flash (and wireless trigger). I moved the flash around to a few different places and go some really interesting shots. I love the shots of Lucius Hula hooping and Jake (their son) with his cool-guy cowboy hat. Made me think that I should set up lights at parties with children to get more fun shadows, flares and contrasty shots.
Thanks as always Jeff and Kristin and hope your playa wasn’t too hard to clean up.
Caroline’s birthday and my one year anniversary
Wow, its been a year since Caroline’s last birthday. She turned three and have a great party at the Fr Mason Art Center. And while today was very important to her and her fabulous family (Amy, Andrew and baby sister CeCe) for all the obvious reasons, it also has special meaning to me. Caroline’s party last year at Crissy Field was the first event I ever photographed as the official photographer. I can absolutely remember calling Amy and being so nervous to ask if I could photograph the party. I couldn’t believe she said yes and then sent out an email that said “our friend and professional photograper, Joey Chandler will be taking photos at the party”. It’s definitely been quite a year.
Seeing Caroline’s friends and realizing that I have photos of almost everyone there was a treat. These families are now very much part of my life (I see their photos on my screen saver at least a few times a week) and its nice to know that a few of the photos I took are now part of their lives.
So thank you Caroline and Kvaal family. Not only for being great in your own right but for also taking a chance on me.
Happy Birthday Caroline. Thanks for inviting us – we had a great time.
Here are a few shots I took today – gotta love cupcakes and chocolate frosting:
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Blog Link: http://jchandlerphotography.com/1788
Tamar’s Birthday Party
On Saturday, Tamar had her second birthday party at Ruby’s Tumbling in Alameda. Tamar is the daughter of our good friends Tora and Shi. There were about 20 kids and their families there and everyone seemed to have a great time. Ruby’s is a perfect spot for parties for children. Lucius loved the rope swing and all the padded blocks and balance beams. Yet another reason why leaving San Francisco is actually an OK thing to do.
Thanks Tora and Shai. Happy Birthday again Tamar.
Gallery here (password required).
Snowy Tahoe Weekend at Anne’s
Our good friend Anne organized an amazing weekend at her place up in Tahoe. There were fours families, loads of great food, and lots of wonderful food. A snow storm kept us their for a couple extra days and we had a blast making snowmen and igloos. The kids and dogs supplied us with a constant supply of giggles and laughter. Lucius loved being up in there and we really need to figure out a way to get him out of San Francisco and up to Tahoe. Anne – thank you so very much!!
Complete Gallery here.
Isis Oasis Weekend
We spent the weekend in Geyserville at the Isis Oasis Retreat House. Definitely an interesting place with a collection of parrots, Peacocks, spooky black swans, ocelots and a slew of other animals. Plus there is an Egyptian temple and all of the rooms where we stayed had an Egyptian theme. Had some amazing wine for from the local wineries and generally spent the weekend stuffing our faces.
July 4th in San Francisco
Perfect day and a great party organized by the super couple of Kristen and Jeff Slye. The Pan Handle in Golden Gate Park was just going off with islands of bbqs and parties from beginning to end. We of course where child centric so nothing got too out of control. Loads of cute little ones. Again – hard to think about what we did before children.
Thanks to everyone for the good times.
Also testing out the D300. Solid piece of machinery for sure. But I think I have to agree that the D700 has a better light meter. Of course is that light meter worth the extra price tag? Hard to say.
All Photos here
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Picnic with Cat, Stephen and Bern
Sunny, warm days in San Francisco can’t be taken for granted – even when they are on a school night. We put out a call for a picnic at Chrissy Field. Fortunately Cat, Stephen and Bern stepped forward. One roasted chicken, a bottle of wine and pefect weather made for a great night. Bern brought a “dumpy” truck which made for loads of fun. One of those moments that makes it hard to leave San Francisco.
More photos here.
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Burger Meister Max
I met Max, his Mom, Nicole and Dad (name ??) at Burger Meister in Cole Valley when Sue, Lucius and I went out for a Father’s Day-eve dinner. Super nice family and Max clearly loves the camera. We first started talking when we realized that three of the 5 tables in BM were filled with a Mom, Dad and a 2-4 year old. Guess we weren’t all that original. I rented a D700 from Camulet this morning and I was itching to use it. Max looked adorable peeking over the chair and Nicole was generous enough to say yes when I asked to take his picture. I’m a bit worried that this taste of the high life will ruin all lesser cameras for me (including my own). No way I get these shots hand held and in fading light with my camera.
Down load images or purchase prints here.
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Caroline’s Birthday Party
Another fabulous party hosted by Caroline and her parents Amy and Andrew. Chrissy field in the Presidio is beautiful of course and one of the best places for photography in San Francisco. The children were just amazing. Great to have so many great relationships form between the kids and the parents.
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