Florida!

Juan and I recently went to Florida to spend a weekend with my mom, dad and Meme. I had not seen my family since Christmas, and we scored a sweet deal on airline tickets. Off we went to the warm, sunny weather for 3 great and relaxing days. You might see some familiar images here and that's because we had lunch at the same arepera, Doña Arepa, as we did on our last trip to Florida.
That restaurant totally ROCKS. We need an arepera here in Charlotte.....

It's funny how different my parents are, especially when it comes to being photographed. You'd figure after all this time that both parents would be comfortable with a camera pointed at them, right?

Hardly!

Dad is as natural as can be. Being a photographer himself, he is super comfortable in front of the camera. So comfortable, in fact, that he doesn't even realize he is being photographed.



And then we have mom. As soon as I raise the camera, here's what she does:



So it's good practice for me to work different angles and try to capture images of my mom when she's not focused on the camera being in my hands.



a lovely portrait of mom and dad



Speaking of cameras being in my hands, Juan took my camera and took this portrait of yours truly. I recently got some feedback about my blog and that there isn't an image of me anywhere....here you go!



Meme is my incredible 89-year old grandmother. Juan and I had the chance to spend an afternoon with her, catching up on life and having the pleasure of hearing her tell stories from her past. Meme is the greatest. I love you!


And last, but not least, is a photo of the 3 Sagy generations.
Can't deny we're related now can you?!!!

Creative Loafing Cover

I shot the cover for this week's Creative Loafing here in Charlotte, NC.
My editor liked my Battle of the Hoods cover from 2008 and asked me to create something similar for the 2009 Battle of the Hoods.

I went for a Fight Club, more grungy feel and had a chance to work with new off-camera lighting techniques, inspired by the AMAZING Zack Arias. He truly is a great photographer, a master of the white background portrait and teacher of great one light photography techniques.

I shot these series of portraits with 1 Alien Bee and a 20 degree honeycomb grid.

This first image was the one chosen for this week's cover.



These next 2 are other images I shot for the cover.





And this image was the inside cover shot for 2009 Battle of the Hoods.



There's still time to pick up your very own copy of this week's Creative Loafing!

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.