http://blog.thebecker.com/ the becker photography blog en-us http://blog.thebecker.com/index.cfm/postID/919/San-Clemente-Engagement-Photos http://blog.thebecker.com/index.cfm/postID/919/San-Clemente-Engagement-Photos Fri, 05 Mar 2010 11:48:00 GMT

]]> http://blog.thebecker.com/index.cfm/postID/918/WPPI-2010-is-coming-up http://blog.thebecker.com/index.cfm/postID/918/WPPI-2010-is-coming-up Wed, 03 Mar 2010 01:44:00 GMT
Hey photo friends,

This post is going out to all of you photographers who aren't [ b ] School members - yet ;-), don't follow @thebschool on Twitter, don't check the [ b ] School blog, and/or aren't a fan of the [ b ] School on Facebook. I've still been getting tons of questions about my plans for WPPI 2010, but I've posted everything you'd ever want to know about my personal plans and other [ b ] School related activities for this year's convention, which officially starts tomorrow. Just head on over to thebschoolblog.com/wppi and see everything you need to know.

Here are some of the selected highlights in order of which they occur:

Even though the convention officially opens tomorrow, most people don't arrive until Sunday, we are having an early bird GTG on Saturday at Dos Caminos at the Palazzo Hotel. All photographers are welcome and it's free to attend, you're just responsible for your own food & beverages. Details and RSVP here.

Sunday night is the 3rd annual WPPI Poker Tourney at 9pm at the MGM poker room. There are a few seats left (it caps out at 100). Details & RSVP info.

Monday afternoon at 3pm, I am doing my annual avatar shoot. It's free and open to all, just RSVP here. My goal is to shoot over 100 headshots in 1 hour.

Tuesday Night I'll be hosting my 10th annual [ b ] party. I can't believe it's been 10 years. There are just a few tickets left. We aren't going to be selling them at the door or in Las Vegas at all, so go to bpartyvegas.com today and get your ticket. Ticket sales end at midnight tomorrow or when they sell out, whichever comes first.

As a special bonus, if you sign up for or upgrade to 1 year of the [ b ] School by tomorrow at midnight, we'll throw in a party ticket. (plus you still get the Tofurious Blogging Videos (an $800 value). What are you waiting for? SIGN UP!

Don't forget we also have brand new, limited edition [ b ] School T-shirts available for pre-sale right now, and you can pick them up in at the trade show.

Lastly, I want to encourage everyone who plans on leaving early, to try to chance their plans and stick around to see the closing program on Thursday at 9am. It's called Photographers Ignite and it's going to be awesome. A bunch of use are doing 5 minute presentations, 20 slides, 15 seconds each on auto advance. It should be entertaining to say the least.

Again, head on over to the [ b ] School blog to find out more and see how you can connect better in Vegas. I am looking forward to catching up with old friends and meeting many new ones. Travel safe and I'll see ya soon!

]]> http://blog.thebecker.com/index.cfm/postID/917/with-friends-like-these http://blog.thebecker.com/index.cfm/postID/917/with-friends-like-these Mon, 01 Mar 2010 17:14:00 GMT Regis.

(embeded object)
Video hosted by SmugMug

I also wanted to post this video to introduce you guys to Tom & Jeff. They aren't photographers but they will be at WPPI as part of my entourage. Tom is in charge of security and Jeff is in charge of snacks. (If you run into Jeff in Vegas, be sure to ask him for some gummi bears... he'll totally have some in his pockets). Neither of them are very good poker players. And while Jeff is spoken for, Tom is single and his turn ons include: heavy metal, tattoos, fine cigars, facial piercings, folk dancing, unicorns, aggressive women and low standards. ;-)

REMEMBER... If you can't laugh at yourself you just aren't trying that hard.

]]> http://blog.thebecker.com/index.cfm/postID/913/I-love-the-Olympics http://blog.thebecker.com/index.cfm/postID/913/I-love-the-Olympics Sun, 28 Feb 2010 15:39:00 GMT
I really love watching the Olympics... even the Winter Olympics. There's just something about national pride and competing against the best of the best that makes it so exciting. I've watched a lot of the coverage of the Vancouver games. Since I work from home, I had them on in the background most every day of the last two weeks and if I was home at night, I was certainly tuned to NBC and good ol' Bob Costas.

It sure looked like Vancouver did a great job as hosts and as someone who has been to Canada-land 3 times in the last year and with many new Canadian friends, I was very excited and happy for the pride they must be feeling with all the gold they won especially in Men's Ice Hockey this afternoon. What a game! The preliminary game was exciting too. The city looked absolutely gorgeous and I want to go back up there asap.

I also think NBC did a nice job with the coverage, although I wish they were able to broadcast more events live as to not ruin the surprise by finding out who one before the event actually aired. Earlier this evening they aired a touching tribute to the Georgian luger who lost his life right before the opening ceremonies and they also recapped the last two weeks in a nice little montage.

One of my favorite moments of these Olympics was Shaun White absolutely destroying the competition in the snowboarding halfpipe. He was just in a different league then the rest of the athletes. I also really enjoyed watching the women's downhill... there were lots of crazy wipeouts. I am glad no one was seriously hurt, but dang that was exciting! The snowboard cross was a cool event to watch, both men's and women's. I am not so into the ice skating or ice dancing

I watched a lot of curling. I love curling. I think I like it so much because I think with just a few weeks of practice, I could probably make the Olympic team. It doesn't look all that hard, and while I am sure it is harder than it looks... when pregnant women and middle aged bald men compete, it gives me hope. How hard could it be?

Anyway, I am looking forward to the London Olympics in 2012 and even though I am not a huge soccer fan, I do watch the World Cup every time it comes around for the same national pride reasons I like the Olympics so much and that's only a few months away.

Lastly, Stephen Colbert, who is one of my favorite television personalities and is pictured in the poster above, also has been broadcasting stuff for his show and I love his 4 minute recap below. Enjoy.

The Colbert Report	Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c
Recap - Week of 2/22/10
www.colbertnation.com
Colbert Report Full Episodes Political Humor Skate Expectations

]]> http://blog.thebecker.com/index.cfm/postID/916/they-start-so-young http://blog.thebecker.com/index.cfm/postID/916/they-start-so-young Fri, 26 Feb 2010 13:29:00 GMT

]]> http://blog.thebecker.com/index.cfm/postID/915/Laguna-Beach-Engagement-Photos http://blog.thebecker.com/index.cfm/postID/915/Laguna-Beach-Engagement-Photos Mon, 22 Feb 2010 18:57:00 GMT
If you've been following my blog since the early days, you may remember my friend Alison, who was diagnosed with breast cancer and asked me to shoot some photos of her to help her remember a very significant period of her life. (You can click the photo above to see the original post from my old blog).

I am happy to report that she has been in remission for 5 years! She'll be tying the knot this summer to a great guy and we shot some engagement photos down in Laguna Beach the other day. They look so cute together and I am looking forward to their wedding. Don't they look so happy?

]]> http://blog.thebecker.com/index.cfm/postID/914/The-10th-Annual-b-Party http://blog.thebecker.com/index.cfm/postID/914/The-10th-Annual-b-Party Fri, 19 Feb 2010 14:05:00 GMT
Right now, tickets are only available to [ b ] School members and if there are any left over next week, I'll open it up to everyone, but at this pace, they won't last long. You can get more info and a link to the ticket page by clicking the flyer below:

A special thank you goes out to my lab, WHCC for helping us out with the bar tab!

]]> http://blog.thebecker.com/index.cfm/postID/912/Thirst-Relief-Mentor-Auction http://blog.thebecker.com/index.cfm/postID/912/Thirst-Relief-Mentor-Auction Sun, 14 Feb 2010 18:02:00 GMT
This Tuesday & Wednesday you will have the opportunity to take part in the ultimate WIN-WIN solution. Over 80 photographers & industry leaders are donating their time to raise money for a worthy cause... the 2010 Thirst Relief Mentor Auction powered by ShootQ.

I am proud to be participating once again this year. The winner of my auction will get a 90 minute mentoring session with yours truly, lunch on me at one of my favorite Las Vegas restaurants, a Private School membership (a $1,000 value) as well as a pair of tickets to the 10th annual [ b ] party (details on that coming soon). FYI, I've done this several times in years past and I promise you, I am an open book and will answer any questions you have, I'll help you rework your packages, I'll critique your portfolio, I'll do whatever it takes to make sure you get the most out of out time together. Plus you'll be getting a big fat tax right off by donating to this noble cause.

The bidding starts this Tuesday and continues through Wednesday, so get out that credit card and bid early and often. I want to make sure I bring in more money than my friend Jasmine Star or that David Jay fellow.

You can read more about my auction by clicking the banner:

Please share this link by using the Twitter & Facebook buttons below. Thanks!

]]> http://blog.thebecker.com/index.cfm/postID/911/Italian-Bridal-fashion-shoot http://blog.thebecker.com/index.cfm/postID/911/Italian-Bridal-fashion-shoot Wed, 10 Feb 2010 06:10:00 GMT
We had a super fun time putting this fashion shoot together and I think Id like to do more of this kind of work in the future. Don't get me wrong, I still love shooting weddings, but sometimes it's nice to mix it up and shoot things were we have a little more control over the outcome.

]]> http://blog.thebecker.com/index.cfm/postID/910/Maternity-Session http://blog.thebecker.com/index.cfm/postID/910/Maternity-Session Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:56:00 GMT Mila Photography. Curtis and Michelle have become very good friends of mine ever since Michelle joined the [ b ] School and Curtis started playing in our poker league. They are a super fun couple and are going to be wonderful parents.

Note for those in SoCal... Michelle's work is being featured at a gallery in Fullerton and there's an artist's reception tomorrow night for her series, Bridging the Gap. She also wanted to give a shout of to Carina from Flawless Faces and Jen from the AG studio in Irvine for helping her get all dolled up for the shoot.

Please voted for your favorites:

I am so excited for you guys... just a couple more weeks!

_____


If you'd like to book a portraits session with Becker, just use the contact form to get in touch.

]]> http://blog.thebecker.com/index.cfm/postID/909/Gavin-Erin-Wade http://blog.thebecker.com/index.cfm/postID/909/Gavin-Erin-Wade Sat, 06 Feb 2010 14:50:00 GMT Gavin & Erin Wade at the Mission in San Juan Capistrano. They actually tied the knot back in October, so I guess we should have called it "a couple months later" session. I was hoping to go to their actual wedding, but I have a wedding of my own to photograph that day. These two are active members of the [ b ] School and I have enjoyed getting to know them and watching them build their business. These two are so nice and incredibly talented. I love their spirit and positive attitudes and we had a super fun time shooting some of these relaxed portraits.

Please vote for your favorites:

]]> http://blog.thebecker.com/index.cfm/postID/908/Maternity-Session-Sneak-Peek http://blog.thebecker.com/index.cfm/postID/908/Maternity-Session-Sneak-Peek Thu, 04 Feb 2010 12:03:00 GMT Mila Photography is due to give birth in just a few more weeks. We went down to the back Bay area of Newport Beach to shoot a few portraits. I'll be posted more images of her and her man Curtis (who's also one of my poker buddies) in the coming days.

]]> http://blog.thebecker.com/index.cfm/postID/907/Cadens-first-T-Ball-game http://blog.thebecker.com/index.cfm/postID/907/Cadens-first-T-Ball-game Sun, 31 Jan 2010 17:56:00 GMT
So I went to Caden's first T-Ball game this afternoon and being the good uncle that I am, I brought the big camera with the big lens and a monopod. My whole family was there cheering on our future Major Leaguer. I'd love to tell you that Cade hit a few home runs, and a game saving diving catch in the bottom of the 9th... but at this level, it's all they can do to hit the actual tee hard enough that hopefully the ball rolls forward a few feet. They don't keep score, they don't make outs... everyone bats and they just play 1 inning. Everyone is a winner. Yay!

The actually practice for 45 minutes, then they play a 1 inning, 45 minute game.

Here's our little slugger:

Here's coach Matthew (Cade's dad) leading the team in some calisthenics.

Hey Cade, it's easier to catch with your eyes open buddy!

That's some nice form!:

He knocked the crap out of the tee:

This kids always has fun. He's such a happy boy. And check him out rockin' the backwards hat. Lookin' good is just as important as playin' good!:

Uh... we need to work on the batting stance. And he actually had quite a nice hit during the game, but totally did a Barry Bonds impersonation and just admired his nice hit for a few seconds before deciding to run. Showoff! ;-)

They play with passion, everyone goes to the ball. You have to give them that!

Proud Mama snuck out onto the field with her flip:

Coach dad, future superstar & assistant coach grandpa:

Here's a self portrait with my big lens. And yeah, I know I am wearing my Angels shirt. I couldn't bring myself to buy any Dodgers gear and give that organization any of my money.

]]> http://blog.thebecker.com/index.cfm/postID/906/10-years-at-the-b-pad http://blog.thebecker.com/index.cfm/postID/906/10-years-at-the-b-pad Sat, 30 Jan 2010 12:26:00 GMT
Over the last decade the house has really become a home and I love living here. It's only about 2 miles from my parents home where I grew up. Mission Viejo is a wonderful place to live. It's clean, and safe and just a really nice community. It's often on the list of safest cities in America.

So, of course I run my businesses out of my home, and when you first want in, the living room has been turned into my gallery where I meet clients. Upstairs I have 2 bedroom offices and a loft, which is where we do most of the computer work and production. The master suite is my sanctuary... my cave (because of the the dark walls and black out curtains). I spend most of my time working from my room on my laptop. I have a nice view of Saddleback Mountain. Behind the curtains in my gallery, is the bachelor pad... the kitchen and den with the big screen plasma. The garage is part time poker room and part time studio for the [ b ] School. I can't believe it's been 10 years. Time flies these days.

The [ b ] pad (yes, I know it needs a paint job):

]]> http://blog.thebecker.com/index.cfm/postID/905/preview-of-a-day-after-shoot http://blog.thebecker.com/index.cfm/postID/905/preview-of-a-day-after-shoot Wed, 27 Jan 2010 10:11:00 GMT
Anyway, today is an exciting day. Steve Jobs will be giving his keynote presentation that I am excited to watch the replay of later tonight and I am about to give a 1 day presentation to a bunch of photographers up in Vancouver BC. It's my 3rd trip to Canada in the last 9 months and this time I'm not totally freezing, so thank you

The other day I shot a day after session... a couple months after my good friends Gavin & Erin Wade got married. I was really hoping to go to their wedding, but I had a wedding of my own to shoot that day. So they got dressed up again this past Monday and we headed to the Mission in San Juan Capistrano for a fun shoot. There are tons of photos but here's just a quick peek of one that caught my eye on the plane yesterday. I'll post more soon.

Happy hump day!

Contact Becker. View Wedding Portfolio

]]>