Photographing the Game Developer's Conference (GDC) at Moscone Center in San Francisco, California

Photographing the Game Developer's Conference (GDC) at Moscone Center in San Francisco, California

In the bustling hub of innovation and creativity that is the annual Game Developers Conference (GDC) at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, I found myself immersed in a vibrant tapestry of technology and human interaction. This year, I had the distinct honor of being commissioned to document the lively exchanges at the booth sponsored by the grand City of New York and their collaborative partners. As attendees drifted from one demonstration to the next, my lens caught the sparkle of fascination in their eyes, the animated discussions with the booth staff, and the fluid network of connections being forged in real time. Each frame captured a symbiotic dance between innovation and its enthusiastic recipients, creating a vivid narrative of the burgeoning technological advancements and the thriving community that eagerly embraces them. This assignment not only spotlighted the City of New York's significant presence at the GDC but also the vital dialogue and exchange that propels the industry forward, year after year.

A Retreat to Remember: A Symphony of Luxury and Camaraderie at Stanly Ranch, Napa

A Retreat to Remember: A Symphony of Luxury and Camaraderie at Stanly Ranch, Napa

In the heart of California’s wine country, the Stanly Ranch stands as an epitome of luxury and unparalleled beauty, offering an exquisite backdrop for corporate retreats that blend leisure with sophistication. Recently, I had the immense privilege of documenting a multi-day corporate event that unfolded amidst the extravagance and scenic beauty that this venue proudly boasts.

As the sun lazily dipped below the horizon, the retreat commenced with a welcome cocktail hour, a time where warm laughter and golden hues intermingled, creating an atmosphere of relaxation and anticipation for the events to follow. Soon, the attendees were ushered into a grand dining hall where an indoor feast awaited them. The room was a visual feast, adorned with gleaming white tablecloths and offering a gastronomic journey curated by 5-star chefs, a true testimony to the luxurious experiences that Stanly Ranch is renowned for.

But it was the spirit of camaraderie that truly stole the show, as the evening transitioned into a night of fun and friendly competition. The hall transformed into a vibrant playground where professionals donned silly hats, letting their guards down and embracing the joyous spirit of the game night. As teams battled it out amidst peals of laughter and playful banter, I captured candid moments that transcended the boundaries of corporate hierarchy, showcasing the genuine bonds that were being forged.

This multi-day retreat was not just an event, but a vivid tapestry of luxury, camaraderie, and the creation of cherished memories, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Stanly Ranch. As the retreat unfolded, each frame I captured was a testament to the incredible experiences that this unique venue can foster, blending the worlds of corporate professionalism with the warmth and unity of a close-knit community.

On-Location Corporate Headshots @ Stanly Ranch in Napa, California

On-Location Corporate Headshots @ Stanly Ranch in Napa, California

During the recent annual corporate retreat held at the luxurious Stanly Ranch in the verdant landscapes of Napa, California, I had the privilege of capturing on-location headshots that encapsulated both the professional aura and the refreshing ambiance of the locale. Nestled amidst rows of lush vineyards and resplendent gardens, the retreat offered a vibrant yet serene backdrop for each portrait, where the natural light kissed each face with a warm, golden hue. This experience was not only an opportunity to encapsulate the individual personalities of each corporate member but also to infuse the spirit of unity and rejuvenation that the retreat embodied. Clients have often remarked on the tangible sense of comfort and authenticity that these natural, on-location shoots bring to the corporate image, standing as a testament to the unique blend of professionalism and personal touch that my photography services bring to the table.

Elevating Corporate Portraits: On-Location Session with Lane Partners in Menlo Park

Elevating Corporate Portraits: On-Location Session with Lane Partners in Menlo Park

The corporate world is an evolving tapestry of personalities, ambitions, and narratives, and it is my privilege to bring these stories to life through my lens. Recently, I had the pleasure of orchestrating a lifestyle portrait session for a new team member at Lane Partners, a renowned commercial real estate firm based in the vibrant hub of Menlo Park, California.

Right in the heart of their sophisticated office space, we set up a temporary studio that mirrored the finesse and quality of a dedicated photography studio. Utilizing advanced off-camera lighting, we managed to create a series of portraits that seamlessly blended the natural ambiance of the workspace with a polished, studio-esque finish. The objective was simple: to encapsulate the essence of the professional yet approachable ethos that Lane Partners embodies.

My on-location photography services have become a favored choice for companies in and around Menlo Park, providing them with a convenient solution without compromising on quality. Clients appreciate the savings in time and resources, as I bring the studio experience directly to them, eliminating the need for them to travel off-site. It is through this commitment to excellence and convenience that I have earned a reputation as one of the top corporate photographers for Menlo Park companies.

Soquel Headshot Photography @ Private Residence

Soquel Headshot Photography @ Private Residence

My client needed some updated headshots for LinkedIn, so I met her at her home in Soquel. After scoping our options both indoor and out, I grabbed my lighting equipment and set up. We took a couple minutes in one spot I’d identified in the house, making sure the background was blurred enough to not be distracting. Then, we headed outside to a spot where the sun would provide nice rim lighting on her red hair. That’s my preferred option of the two final picks.

Monterey Headshot Session @ Colton Hall Museum

Monterey Headshot Session @ Colton Hall Museum

My corporate client wanted to match existing headshots for their employees – basically a natural, out of focus background (hint: outside photos), but with controlled lighting on the subject’s face (i.e. softbox studio lighting). Lucky for my client, this type of headshot photography is my specialty! I met Tyler at Colton Hall Museum in Monterey as the grounds around the building have a lot of greenery for us to work with. We only needed one great shot, but I like to give my clients a few settings to choose from for these types of shoots.

San Jose Event Photography @ Silver Creek Valley Country Club

San Jose Event Photography @ Silver Creek Valley Country Club

I’ve done headshot photography and event photography for Silver Creek Valley Country Club in the past, and they invited me back again this year to capture a few hours of their 30th annual members’ appreciation event, laden with food from around the world, dancing, amazing wine and cocktails, and just all the fun that we deserve to have after the grueling pandemic years. This was a special event, and I captured a mix of candid photos of guests as well as spontaneous group shots. Here’s a few of my favorites from the evening…

Headshot Session at Home in Santa Cruz, CA

Headshot Session at Home in Santa Cruz, CA

It’s pretty rare I can’t find a spot inside or outside a client’s home to take headshots. Not only is it convenient for my clients that I come to them, but they can easily change into different shirts/jackets all in the comfort of their own space. We took these photos in the living room of his home in Santa Cruz. Portable lighting equipment FTW!

Indoor Headshot at Client Residence in Santa Cruz, CA

Indoor Headshot at Client Residence in Santa Cruz, CA

This client appreciate the convenience of me coming directly to his home to set up a studio and get some new headshots for LinkedIn. We set up in his kitchen area where the ceilings were highest, and used one of the white walls for our background. He picked his favorite single photo from the session, and I included a black and white version, because options are good, right?

Corporate Event Photography @ The Westin St. Francis, San Francisco, CA

Corporate Event Photography @ The Westin St. Francis, San Francisco, CA

The top of the Westin St. Francis hotel in San Francisco is a beautiful venue for events of all sizes. This event was for an East coast college, and had the head of the university along with several individuals in leadership positions speaking to mostly alma mater. The photos below are all shot with ambient-light only, which can be a challenge if you don’t have the right equipment (or know-how!).

Traditional Indoor Headshots @ Silver Creek Country Club in San Jose, CA

Traditional Indoor Headshots @ Silver Creek Country Club in San Jose, CA

This was an indoor headshot session of the newest leadership team members for a country club in San Jose, CA. We used nice off-camera lighting and made sure the background was a neutral gray, to match previous photos.

Indoor and Outdoor LinkedIn Headshot in Aptos, CA

Indoor and Outdoor LinkedIn Headshot in Aptos, CA

One advantage of coming to my clients’ homes for their headshot sessions is there’s usually an opportunity to shoot both indoors and out, and with multiple convenient outfit changes as well. It’s pretty rare that I can’t find a wall for that classic LinkedIn clean headshot (ok, sometimes we need to remove a picture or move some furniture around). Outdoors, it’s similarly pretty easy to find a spot that gives a nice out of focus natural background while allowing me full control of lighting my subject. All this happens in under an hour. Fun!

Capitola Headshot Photography at Sunset Under the Pier

Capitola Headshot Photography at Sunset Under the Pier

A mix of natural and artificially lit headshots of Ellie at the Capitola Wharf around sunset. The two types of lighting can offer dramatically different “looks” even though they’re shot in the same session. I like giving my clients options!

San Francisco Holiday Party @ Villa Taverna

San Francisco Holiday Party @ Villa Taverna

This was an intimate corporate holiday party held at Villa Taverna in San Francisco, CA. They had a red carpet out front to capture couples as they arrived, great appetizers served throughout the night, and gambling on the top floor. It’s a great venue for corporate holiday parties – enjoy a few of my favorite photos from the event below:

Corporate Retreat Group Photo @ Asilomar Beach, Pacific Grove

Corporate Retreat Group Photo @ Asilomar Beach, Pacific Grove

My client was having a corporate retreat near Asilomar Beach in Pacific Grove, and wanted some group photos of the whole team and smaller groups taken on the beach near sunset. I did that, and also captured a bunch of candid photos as everyone mingled and hung out. Not a corporate event, but a quick, fun shoot without the stuffiness!

Staff Portraits, Action Shots, Details and Interiors/Exteriors @ Santa Cruz Business (Current eBikes)

Staff Portraits, Action Shots, Details and Interiors/Exteriors @ Santa Cruz Business (Current eBikes)

Santa Cruz local business Current eBikes needed a refresh on their image library for their new website and marketing efforts. I’m an expert in creating diverse, high quality media libraries for my clients – typically in one or two sessions. This typically includes interior and exterior “architecture” style photography, to show the space/location of the business. Next are owner headshots / environmental portraits to highlight them in their natural habitat in a pleasing way. Staff headshots are an easy add-on while we’re at it. Also, if the business has services involved (like working on bikes), it’s great to include candid (or directed) photos showing that service. Lastly are detail / product photos – in this case all inventory comes with great product photography from the manufacturers, so I captured detail shots that could be used in any number of ways for design, advertising or marketing purposes.

Santa Cruz Commercial Food Photography

Santa Cruz Commercial Food Photography

I’ve done a lot of food photography in my day, and I can tell you one of my most dreaded subjects is also a four letter word: S-O-U-P. It’s flat, often the color of throwup, and is basically about as uninteresting a subject in the food world as you could ask for. So when Edible Monterey Bay magazine asked me to do a recipe shoot at Persephone Restaurant in Aptos, I was excited for the work but meh for the subject.

Chef Cori was a pleasure to work with (she didn’t kick me out of the kitchen for food prep) and was able to add some visual interest to my subject, the SOUP.

So how did I make it a little more interesting? Using a sofboxed Profoto B1 above and behind the subject, I placed the soup under the lightsource to feather the light and make it appear to come out of the shadows. Because the shot was top-down, but slightly shooting toward the light source, we got some nice spectral highlights on the oil drizzled on the surface of the soup, giving it texture and visual interest.

Normally I’d use a dedicated macro lens for food photos, but the Nikon Z system has yet to release an actual macro lens. Luckily the 24-70 2.8 S lens can focus pretty close, and on the hi-res Z7 body we have plenty of detail to allow for cropping in closer, if needed.

Santa Cruz Corporate Lifestyle Headshots

Santa Cruz Corporate Lifestyle Headshots

Something medium to large corporate organizations struggle with in regards to executive portraits is inconsistency. If you try to exactly match certain background with different photographers in different locations over different time periods, even if the photographers do a good job there’s going to be variation in that media collection that will be obvious to everyone. One of the things I like to do is give each person a variety of settings to shoot in so that we’re baking variety into the photographic cake, and those subtle variations in lighting, etc will be much less of a factor. This shoot had 5 or 6 spots I’d picked out for each person with wildly different lighting requirements – ranging from 1/125 to 1/2000 shutter speed to keep a consistent 1.8 to 2.2 aperture setting for a shallow depth-of-field look for all the waist-up shots. All these were shot on a Nikon Z7 with the native 85mm 1.8 S lens with one Profoto B1 flash off-camera shooting through a 30” Profoto Octa. I love keeping my lighting setup simple and mobile, which cuts down on how much time I need with each executive while also delivering a diverse library of images for each person to choose from.

Santa Cruz Lawyer Headshots

Santa Cruz Lawyer Headshots

All my headshots are on-location, meaning I come to my clients’ homes, offices, or we meet outside. I bring lighting equipment to get that professional studio look, pretty much wherever we are. In the case of these two Santa Cruz lawyers, we went across the street from their downtown office and I picked a spot that would have the sun to their backs and have a nice, natural, out-of-focus background. It’s important that the headshot background not distract from your subject, and if possible – enhance it! Here’s the money shots…

Burlingame Corporate Headshots

Burlingame Corporate Headshots

Look, I know you don’t like having your picture taken. Literally everyone says this, so you’re in good company. I promise to make it quick, painless, and with the full intention of maximizing your inner-awesomeness with some ninja-level retouching skills. Each portrait guaranteed to work for 10 years before expiring. Yay!