[b]ecker's blog http://www.beckersblog.com/ the becker photography blog en-us [ b ] connected http://www.beckersblog.com/index.cfm?postID=92 http://www.beckersblog.com/index.cfm?postID=92 Sun, 01 Apr 2007 13:06:00 GMT Infinet Design

This blog will continue where my old blog left off and it will feature super sized photos, a better commenting system (which I will be more involved in responding) and of course regular updates.

For all the wonderful people that have linked to my blog from theirs, I would really appreciate you taking a second to update your link to www.beckersblog.com

You'll also notice along the bottom of this blog I have linked to some of my favorite blogs and websites. Most of them are linked to good causes, or helpful resources for professional photographer and brides to be. Check them out!

Each time you refresh the page, you'll see a new headshot of yours truly, 7 fresh images along the top, and the banners on the bottom with switch it up as well.

Thanks again for everyone who has visited in the past and if you like a particular post, feel free to send it to your friends. You can also send me an email if you'd rather not leave a comment.

If you have a blog of your own, please Add me to your Technorati Favorites and I'll return the favor.

You can support this blog by purchasing items from my Amazon.com aStore. Thanks again for stopping by!





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Model Shoot, Caspers Park http://www.beckersblog.com/index.cfm?postID=500 http://www.beckersblog.com/index.cfm?postID=500 Fri, 16 May 2008 12:40:00 GMT Please login here. ]]> Latest addition to the gallery http://www.beckersblog.com/index.cfm?postID=503 http://www.beckersblog.com/index.cfm?postID=503 Tue, 13 May 2008 14:49:00 GMT
The place is called Conway of Asia (it's on Dolores between Ocean Ave and 7th if you happen to be in town).

It is from India, and it was made out of an old oxcart.


Check out the detail:


It's as if it was made to be in my gallery:


Lots of sample albums:


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Miscellaneous monday #32 http://www.beckersblog.com/index.cfm?postID=502 http://www.beckersblog.com/index.cfm?postID=502 Mon, 12 May 2008 23:18:00 GMT
Welcome to Miscellaneous Monday, rant & rave edition. I'm having a case of the Mondays and I don't care who knows it! First, the rants:
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Gas prices are ridiculous. For the first time it cost me over $80 to fill my tank. Does anyone want to buy my 2003 Infiniti FX 35 so I can buy a rickshaw?




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Hillary is still running? Seems like the DNC would want to start focusing on the bigger election in November, instead of having their candidates attack each other. I guess Senator Clinton is hoping for a scandal to take down Obama. Otherwise, it looks like he has the votes to get the nomination.
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I am over this weather. I know complaining about the weather from Southern California isn't going to get me any sympathy, but it's just been so unseasonably nasty for way too many days in a row. Everything is relative I guess, so when you expect sunny and 78 in May, and get the nasty June gloom an entire month early, that's just no bueno! Two weeks ago, it was like 103, and I thought there may be some truth to that "global warming rumor", but since then, it's been in the low 60s and damp, which has got me into a funk. I am ready for the sun to come out now!
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Open letter to NBC:

Dear Sirs:

Can't you please pull your heads out of you collective asses and put your shows back up on the iTunes store? I missed the season finally of 30 Rock last week because of my lame fake Tivo knock off from DirecTv (but that's a rant for another day). So I went to you website to watch the episode for free on my laptop, which is cool and all, except the website was all choppy and I had to start it over several times. It took me 45 minutes to watch 22 minutes of programming. Plus, I had to endure the same commercial 4 times, for a product I don't even recall what it was. Why show the same EXACT commercial 4 times? Why not tell a little story, or have 4 different versions of a campaign for example the Get a Mac ads? I would have gladly paid the $1.99 to enjoy it on my plasma television through my Apple TV. I appreciate you making it free on your website, but what is the harm in making it available to those who'd rather pay for it? All I know is, if I miss another episode of an NBC program, I'll just have to hope I get lucky and catch the rerun sometime in the future because I won't be going back to your website. Ever!
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Ah, that felt better to get all of that off of my chest. Thanks for listening and I promise I'll be back to my normal chipper self tomorrow!
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As far as the raves go... it looks like the iPhone 3G is coming soon.
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If you haven't tried Tropicana's Pure Valencia Orange Juice, you don't know what you are missing. It's the best OJ you can buy at the store. Period.
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Breaking news: The helicopter was invented after Chuck Norris was observed doing 8 roundhouse kicks a second.
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May 10th Wedding in Hollywood http://www.beckersblog.com/index.cfm?postID=501 http://www.beckersblog.com/index.cfm?postID=501 Sun, 11 May 2008 15:15:00 GMT
Second of all, check out this cool wedding I shot in Hollywood at the Roosevelt Hotel yesterday. It was the 3rd wedding I worked with The Party Goddess in the last 6 months so I knew it was going to be a fabulous affair.

Check out the sweet blue shoes:


The dress is on like Donkey Kong:


Hello Hotness!


Oooh, I like that background!:


Taking relaxed portraits to a new level, cigarette and all.


We shot most of the portraits before the wedding. (Something I highly recommend if it's going to be dark after your ceremony).


Looking quite dapper:


The ceremony was in a very dark hall within the hotel. I had to use some tricky double off camera lighting:


Dark, a beautiful ceremony:


Very cool, very moody:



We headed out to Hollywood Blvd. between courses for a few shots outside:


The room gorgeous and the details were amazing as per usual with The Party Goddess:


The first dance:


Dance Party USA:


And I love this closing shot taken in the photo booth at the end of the night. These two were so sweet together:


Check out some images on Brian's Khang's blog

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Caden & Addison http://www.beckersblog.com/index.cfm?postID=499 http://www.beckersblog.com/index.cfm?postID=499 Fri, 09 May 2008 12:34:00 GMT

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Matt Blum, Guatemala http://www.beckersblog.com/index.cfm?postID=498 http://www.beckersblog.com/index.cfm?postID=498 Wed, 07 May 2008 14:31:00 GMT Matt Blum just put a killer slideshow of his images from Guatemala. Definitely worth checking out. Click his photo below to be inspired.


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May 4th Wedding, Ponte Family Winery http://www.beckersblog.com/index.cfm?postID=497 http://www.beckersblog.com/index.cfm?postID=497 Tue, 06 May 2008 17:06:00 GMT Ponte Family Winery in Temecula. It was a picture perfect day and everything was awesome, until the bride wasn't feeling well towards the reception (more on that later). The wedding was coordinated by the ladies at Red Orchid Design, who also provided the florals.

I loved the texture in her dress:


Flip flops are alwasy in style in SoCal:


Looking sexy!:


The definition of a relaxed portrait:


Workin' it!:


Hello!:


Ok, just one more of the [b]ride:


Cheers:


Details, details:


Only one shot of the groom:


There's just something extra special about when a father walks his only daughter down the aisle


The place was really pretty:


And just a couple more relaxed portraits:



Cupcakes rule:


And unfortunately, the bride wasn't feeling well during the cocktail hour and had to lie down in the getting ready room for a bit. Sadly, we didn't get to shoot in the vineyard during the tasty sunset light and she missed the first hour or so of her reception. She finally came out in her getting ready outfit and at least danced with her man for a bit and managed to have a good time despite her not feeling well.

I know this isn't a typical last dance shot, but it was a real moment and she'll never forget about feeling sick on her wedding day.


Check out the nice shots my second shooter Brian Khang took on his blog.

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Miscellaneous monday #31 http://www.beckersblog.com/index.cfm?postID=496 http://www.beckersblog.com/index.cfm?postID=496 Mon, 05 May 2008 14:21:00 GMT
Hola, Happy Cinco de Mayo everyone! I don't know about you, but tonight is a good night to go out for Italian, since everyone else will be eating Mexican.
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I also want to wish a Happy Birthday to my good friend Mike Colon. He's 25 today! ;-)
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I am super tired as I had back to back weddings this weekend, but thankfully I am able to lay low an hone my poker skills this afternoon... just two more months to the WSOP!
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How 'bout that Barbara Walters??? "I'll take things that make you go hmmm for $200 Alex".
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I'll be doing a photo shoot of my new niece later this week so I'll post photos soon.
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I don't want to sound all preachy, but I just think what happened at the Kentucky Derby this weekend is horrible and I was terribly upset when I heard the news about Eight Belles being euthanized after the race. Boxing is considered barbaric by some, but it's between two consenting adults, so I don't have a problem with it. And yes, sometimes a race car driver also dies in a tragic accident, but the driver knew of the risks involved. This horse, had no choice but to race and due to a freak accident, is now dead. Seems pointless and cruel.
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Ironman? Yes, No? I usually shy away from these types of blockbusters because the stories are generally so weak, but this one looked half way interesting to me. Should I go? I know it did huge box office, but the reviews are some what mixed? Any new releases I should see instead?
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And to the beautiful blond milf who was in front of me at the check stand at Trader Joe's this afternoon... it's called a check card... it's like writing a check, but much, much faster and doesn't hold up the line while you try to figure out what day it is. Seriously, who still write checks in public? It's like using a pager... how 90s!
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When Chuck Norris wants and egg, he cracks open a chicken.
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Here's a little sneak peak from yesterday's wedding. Check back tomorrow to see the rest:




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May 3rd Wedding, The Portofino Hotel http://www.beckersblog.com/index.cfm?postID=495 http://www.beckersblog.com/index.cfm?postID=495 Sun, 04 May 2008 00:40:00 GMT Portofino Hotel in Redondo Beach. It was one of those picture perfect Southern California days and I just went about my business of capturing relaxed portraits, amazing details and real moments.







I love this because they just spontaneously looked over their shoulders after walking up the aisle.


I also like this blur action in a dark hallway. Half second exposure.


It was so sweet to see how he was so into his bride.




I am off to another wedding this afternoon. Check back Tuesday for the photos.

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Sneak Peek of this afternoon's wedding http://www.beckersblog.com/index.cfm?postID=494 http://www.beckersblog.com/index.cfm?postID=494 Sat, 03 May 2008 00:23:00 GMT Portofino Hotel in Redondo Beach.



Check back tomorrow for most tasty images.

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Street Portrait http://www.beckersblog.com/index.cfm?postID=493 http://www.beckersblog.com/index.cfm?postID=493 Thu, 01 May 2008 02:51:00 GMT
While shooting the engagement session in LA the other day, we came across this guy on the street who was asking about my "fancy camera". I though he had an interesting look so I asked him if he wanted his photo taken. "It's all good" he said.

One of these days I am going to just do an entire series of portraits of random strangers I meet on the street. People's faces tell such an incredible story.


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Last Minute Engagement Session http://www.beckersblog.com/index.cfm?postID=492 http://www.beckersblog.com/index.cfm?postID=492 Wed, 30 Apr 2008 22:25:00 GMT
They clean up alright!:





Shooting within the old San Juan Capistrano jail. Just pretend there is nothing ironic about that.


Yeah, not photogenic at all!:


I dig the messy hair and the grain. Very cK


I couldn't resist putting this together... I warned her that tongue action usually ends up on the blog.


Check back Tuesday to see their wedding images!

And just a side note... obviously these are attractive people, but i understand when people say they aren't photogenic per say. These two were a tad uncomfortable being photographed, but that's where my style of relaxed portraits sure comes in handy. It's also the main reason I like to shoot engagement sessions... to get people used to my style and pace of shooting, that way, when I show up on the wedding day, it's all good in the hood!

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Sunset Strip Engagement Session http://www.beckersblog.com/index.cfm?postID=491 http://www.beckersblog.com/index.cfm?postID=491 Tue, 29 Apr 2008 16:34:00 GMT



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miscellaneous monday #30 http://www.beckersblog.com/index.cfm?postID=489 http://www.beckersblog.com/index.cfm?postID=489 Mon, 28 Apr 2008 17:00:00 GMT
First and foremost, Happy 35th Wedding Anniversary to my amazing parental units! I love you guys so much! Thanks for setting such an awesome example of what true love is.
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Speaking of anniversaries, today Apple's iTunes Music Store is 5 years old and has become the largest music retailer in the country. You should head on over and pick up the new release from Flight of the Concords.
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Ok, last week it was Facebook, now I am on Twitter... the world is rapidly evolving... try to keep up!


follow thebecker at http://twitter.com

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It's hot here!
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One of my favorite authors and bloggers Seth Godin never ceases to amaze me. On his blog the other day he suggested you share a copy of his book, "The Dip" with a friend so that twice as many people could read it. I think most author's would encourage y'all to buy a copy of his book. If anyone wants to loan me a copy, I'd love to check it out.
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Also in Apple news, I saw some photos of the Apple Store that is going to open in Boston soon and it's wicked cool!:



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I am thinking about going to the Angel game this Thursday night at 7. Is anyone interested in a little happy hour get together before the game at the happiest place on earth? No, I am not talking about Disneyland, I am talking about the Hooters on Katella around 5pm? Send me a note or a leave a comment if you are interested. I don't have tickets yet, I am just going to get them when I show up... it probably won't sell out.
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Lastly, I laughed my ass off for a good 45 minutes or so this weekend while reading about Chuck Norris Facts. I saw it Saturday on Joe Photo's blog and was just so entertained. Some of my favorites are:

Chuck Norris can kill two stones with one bird.

Chuck Norris counted to infinity - twice.

If you Google search "Chuck Norris getting his ass kicked" you will generate zero results. It just doesn't happen.

Some people wear Superman pajamas. Superman wears Chuck Norris Pajamas.

You can find many, many more of these gems by clicking the logo below:


Have a Chucktastic Day!

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