Bahia Portrait

I took this portrait in Bahia, Ecuador.
I really like his curly hair and the composition of the image.
I hope it leaves you asking questions about who he is.....why is he looking down....how is he feeling in this moment....



if you find yourself wondering, tell me.
that means I've done my job.
thanks.
peace.

Charlotte Observer Photos

My photos recently appeared in a Charlotte Observer article about a play called Living Out, which deals with Latino nannies and the families for whom they work.

My husband and I are actually off to see the play this evening - here's a little bit about it, and below are screenshots of 2 of my images that published both online and in the actual paper.

Living Out is playing at the Great Aunt Stella Theater through March 7th.

Rafaela's Senior Portraits

I now have a more complete collection of Rafaela's Senior Portraits, and wanted to post some of my favorite images here.

If you or someone you know is looking for some cool and fun senior portraits, call me at 704-293-5683 or shoot me an email! catalina@catalinaphotography.com

WPPI 2009!

Hello!
I have recently returned from the 2009 WPPI - Wedding & Portrait Photographer's International convention in Las Vegas, Nevada!

This was my first trip to Las Vegas and to WPPI and I have to say I have returned pleasantly saturated, inspired and looking forward to shooting TONS this year and striving to constantly improve my work.

During my time at the WPPI, I had the honor and pleasure of meeting and attending lectures by Yervant, Jerry Ghionis, Bambi Cantrell, Michele Celentano, Tamara Lackey, Jesh de Rox, Joe Bussink, Skip Cohen (only THE organizer of WPPI and Rangefinder President!!), Jeff & Julia Woods, Laura Novak, Mitche Graf, the Sallees, Jim Garner, and Ecuadorian photographer Roberto Falck, who attended the same high school as my husband back in Quito, Ecuador - small world!!

I also had the chance to reunite with the fabulous David Williams, whose "Almost Alone" workshop I completed in Raleigh last September.

I also had the pleasure of meeting many fellow wedding and portrait photographers as well as a large number of vendors for both albums and online proofing galleries.

Needless to say my mind is swimming in many different ideas and ways to market my work and grow my business.

On Saturday, during one of the many platforms I was listening to, a lady sitting next to me left rather quickly, and when she told me she was leaving because she had a shoot at the "boneyard," my curious self asked her what that was - and she quickly proceeded to explain AND she told me that there was an extra spot - so i tagged along! Off we went, driving through Las Vegas, to the "boneyard," which is a VERY cool place where all the old flashy Las Vegas hotel & casino signs go to rest. This place is also known as the Neon Museum.

We had 1 hour to photograph several brides & grooms all over the place.
I was in HEAVEN!!!!

Here are some of my favs from the Neon Museum.

My Rock Star Husband Juan

no words needed here. he's hot. he's cool. he's my fabulous husband Juan.

Married - Ashley & Jonathan - and the FunkyFotoBooth!!!

during the reception, we decided to have some fun and take some cool, photo-booth style shots of the guests....can you tell they had a blast?!!!

Married - Ashley & Jonathan!!!

Our dear friends Ashley and Jonathan were wed on Saturday, January 11th and I had the pleasure of photographing their special day.In past weddings, Ashley has been a wonderful help as assistant and second shooter.

Now, however, it was me on to be one side of the lens photographing her. How special! Their ceremony was at Forrest Hill Church (Huntersville) in the lobby area, which had a beautiful fire place going the entire time.

After the ceremony and photos, off we all went to the Gallway Hooker Bar in Huntersville for the reception, which took place on the 2nd floor. That space is absolutely wonderul for receptions - I highly recommend it!

Here are some images, some details of the day.

Argentina Favorites

In earlier blog, I mentioned that to celebrate our 3-year wedding anniversary,
Juan and I hopped on a plane and went off to Argentina for a few days.
I have already posted my ABSOLUTE favorite photos (tango), but here are
a few other neat images I captured while in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

All I can I say is "I WANNA GO BACK!!"

I thought this shot was interesting. There's one uber modern hotel, right
next to - literally - a very very old residential building. I like the modern and
old contrast in this image, as well as the beautiful purple flowers on the tree.
These purple flowers were EVERYWHERE and in full bloom wherever we went.



Juan is standing at a street called Avenida 9 de Julio.
Now I can safely say that I have traveled a good bit, but NEVER had I ever
seen a street that had TWENTY (20) lanes of traffic.

YES, TWENTY!

Juan is standing smack dab in the middle of the twenty lanes of traffic.
Behind him is the obelisk.



While exploring, we made our way to Puerto Madero, which
- if you know Charlotte -
reminded us a lot of the South End District. This place underwent major
renovations back in the 80s, after being abandoned for several decades,
and there are 11 residential buildings, which used to store corn.

This is a very cool bridge in Puerto Madero.



And how could I resist? The rest of these images are from our
trip down to La Boca, where we watched some incredible tango dancing.