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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Abramowitz Family Portaits

Had a wonderful family portrait session with Abramowitz family from Mill Valley.  Parker is 2 and Stephanie and Mark are expecting number 2 in August.  Beautiful family with lots of energy and love.  We took pictures in and around their home (love the big back yard) and in Kay Park.  Little Parker is a budding photographer and took to photographing Mom and Dad from my lap.  The standout photo is of Parker curled up in a play tube.  Smile for the ages for sure.  But one photo that caught my eye is of Mark and Parker walking on the street.  Mark looks like a movie star that was followed by the paparazzi.

Best part was getting a goodbye hug and kiss from Parker when I left.  Just have to love those moments.

Complete gallery 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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Jonah’s Birthday Party

In a stroke of brilliance, Jonah’s parents Rebecca and Ari held the birthday party at My Gym in Potrero Hill.  How they predicted the one day of rain among many sunny days is beyond me. But the indoor space what perfect for the rainy day.  Loads of fun with kids playing, singing and generally having a great time.

Photos and downloads here.

Lucius and Granddad Joe

One of the great things about being a Dad is seeing how great my own Dad is at being a dad.  He just does what needs to be done and he so clearly loves the people around him.   We were scheduled to do the AIDS Life Cycle together but the plans changed when he got sick and was unable to train.  So he did the most amazing thing and flew out to LA, rented a car, picked my tired-butt at the finish line and drove me all the way back to San Francisco.  Then he played Granddad-on-Vacation for 5 days.  He took care of Lucius most of the week and cooked several lip smacking dinners.

Pretty awesome I’d say.

Thanks Dad – I love you and you are the best.

Here are a few photos of Dad in action.  The love of a grandfather just oozes off of his face.

All photos are here.  One thing to note is that these photos were shot with my Nikon p6000 (point and shoot camera).  The shots came out better than I expected.

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.

Order prints and downloads here (password required).

Family Portaits for Rebecca, Ari and Jonah

I met Rebecca, Ari and Jonah through my wife and her mom’s group.  They are moving to Dallas in June and wanted photos to commemorate their years in San Francisco.  We talked and settled on two locations that were important to them: the Randall Museum and Buena Vist Park.  Both areas have amazing views and great afternoon sunlight.   That afternoon the fog rolled in so we were racing against increasing winds and dropping temperatures.  Fortunately, they are troopers and we got a great collection.  I’ll definitely miss them and wish them the best of luck in Dallas.

Photos here (password required)

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Note from Rebecca…

“Joey did an amazing job capturing our family’s daily life in a beautiful, refreshing way. As a dad, he really understood our 2 year old and helped us determine where and when would be ideal to get great family photos. We were thrilled with the pictures and had so much fun working with him. He really gets kids and us!”

Going away picnic for Rebecca, Ari and Jonah

Made it back from the AIDS Life Cycle just in time to attend Rebecca, Ari and Jonah’s going away party.  Didn’t really intend to take pictures (the mind and body were mucho tired-o) but the kids were cute so I snapped a few.  The playground in Golden Gate Park (19th and MLK) was nice.  Will have to plan a few portrait sessions there in the future.

More photos here.

Chloe’s Birthday Party

We were all waiting in anticipation for Chloe’s birthday party because Catherine had arranged for Enzo Garcia (the musical genius behind Breakfast with Enzo) to play.  The party was hosted by Chloe’s grandparents at their beautiful home off of Alta Plaza Park.  Enzo brought his unique brand of entertainment and we all had a great time – especially when the cup cakes appeared.

See all photographs here.

Franklin Square Playground Opening

Great community story.  A few years ago, Franklin Square was a run down park in the heart of the mission.  But now, after years of hard work and a $1.2 million grant from the city, the park looks fabulous.  So glad to see children playing.  Complete photos here.