Spent an hour or so at @complinerestaurant the other morning with @disunza …very generous with his knowledge sharing and extremely gifted. He’ll be cooking there through the 26th of this month. Get in there if you can and be prepared for something truly special.
This first image got me kicked off the parade deck at the Marine Corps Base Quantico over the weekend…completely worth it…funny story…
Family flew to DC over the weekend to see my nephew graduate from the Marine Officer Candidates School (OCS). 560 Candidates started the rigorous 10-week program. After it was all said and done 360 Candidates graduated as Second Lieutenants; my nephew came out #1 in his class and was awarded the status of Honor Graduate. We can’t express how proud we are of him… what an accomplishment.
It was a whirlwind trip. The only sight seeing we got to do was the night before. We were afforded about 30 minutes to walk around the Washington Monument in the rain…incredible! I need to go back soon and spend some serious time there.
The next morning at the graduation there was a point in the ceremony where he was up in front of the main VIP reviewing stand with other award recipients being saluted by a 3-star General. In my mind I saw a cool photo. I walked behind the reviewing stand where it was guarded by Marines and other security officials… I could clearly see prominent elected officials and diplomats enjoying the ceremony (some of them you would all recognize).
With two Leicas around my neck I walked up the back steps, held the cameras up and pointed forward. Security moved out of my way (obviously they thought I belonged there), I walked past everyone, down the front steps and on to the parade deck. I was crouched down about eight feet behind this General for 20-30 seconds when I was suddenly grabbed by the arm and “escorted” off the deck. I love this photo (my nephew is 2nd from left) and I am glad I didn’t get into trouble.
After the ceremony I went back to the area and apologized to the security detail. They were extremely gracious and understanding of the situation. I showed them the image on the back of the camera. I was told, “Great picture, but probably not the best idea to sneak up behind a 3-star General.” I agree 😂
A few images I took the other night…
On 02/24, in celebration of the Italian Fashion Day in the World, the Consulate of Italy in San Francisco hosted an event dedicated to the cultural and contemporary significance of Made in Italy fashion. The program explored the role of craftsmanship, the heritage of Italian Haute Couture, and the ongoing relevance of artisanal excellence in a rapidly evolving global landscape, bringing together scholars, professionals, and members of the creative community to reflect on how Italy’s “saper fare” continues to define the country’s identity.
Venue: @italyinsanfran
Evaro Fashion Director: @evaroitalia
Model: @marina.paull
Model: @sarahgullixson
Makeup Artist: @d.beauty_glam
Makeup Artist: @yaya_baltazar
Photographer: @duyho_
Photographer: @dersh.fotki
Photographer: @chester_cooley
Next month marks three years in business, and I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who has supported this journey and recognized my work as a photographer.
As the year comes to a close, I dedicate time to organizing and archiving the images I’ve captured over the past twelve months.
I’ve selected a few of my favorite images from this year to share. I hope one of them resonates with you as well. Thank you for your continued support and for being part of this creative endeavor. Shot on @leica_camera M and SL cameras.
