2011 Recap - Through My Eyes *Over 500 Photos*
As 2011 comes to an end and 2012 is just right around the corner, I felt rather than doing my 2011 recap usually a day before the year ends, do it earlier then before - just felt right. I must say, it's been one hell of a year. I started several projects such as 365 & Day In Your Life, to photographing my first Wedding & a Concert Block Party to name a few. From the beginning of 2011, I decided to stay more open-minded towards projects rather than being selective. Take any photo opportunity and make something happen with it. Of course the way I vision it in my brain, doesn't always go the way you plan it and sometimes life in general takes over. It was not how many photographs I took or how many goals, rewards, and opportunities I gained, it was the people that made 2011 possibly one of the best years possible.I just wanna thank everyone who made this year possibly the best. I don't want to be selective nor give certain people more credit than others. It should never be about that because you were apart of my life and you know exactly who you are. Those who have been keeping track of my lifestyle blog, What would you like to see more in 2o12 on this blog? Your answers do matter because I take consideration and probably making it happen. To be honest, I believe I have gotten better, but their is always room for improvement and advice. Of course, I shall keep taking photographs and updating as much as possible but who really knows what's going to happen. With that being said, Enjoy!
January 2011
Treasure Island, San Francisco Fireworks.
The first photo that started my 365 project which is now days being completed by the end of this year.
Christian's New Year party.
Why not celebrate and toast to a new year for hopes and dreams.
Ron's balcony.
Day or night, I always loved this view and could never get tired of it no matter how many photos I took.
Jed's Car.
At the time, my car was having issues, thanks Jed for driving, appreciate it.
Oracle Arena.
Eric got Mindy & I free tickets and watched The Golden State Warriors play for free. Thanks Eric.
Day In Your Life 001, Gabe.
The first Day In Your Life featured my homie Gabe from Virginia. Decided to do it a bit different as a first and nothing but good vibes. Thanks Gabe.
Mitch & KJ.
My two bestfriends who Mindy & I helped them move in.
Jesse Hernandez, Mindy & I.
Met Jesse for the first time at Kid Robot with Mindy. Very chill and talented artist
Ron's Balcony Again.
Airplans pass by as I snap for a photo. One reason why I never get tired of this view.
Kayla's Birthday Party.
A night with good company.
Day In Your Life 002, David.
Project 002 started off featuring my homie David who I met basically through shoes and forums. It's pretty crazy how the internet has evolve into meeting people.
February 2011
Sean.
The first time I meet him was through school and he actually acknowledge who I was which was surprising to me. Even though I had one class last semester, it was nice chilling with him.
Chinese New Year
I celebrated a Chinese New Year for the time thanks to Eric and his family. It's nice to experience other peoples culture and explore.
Mindy.
I had more plans of actually relaxing at the beach with Mindy, but didn't have much time as much as I wanted to. Photos like these, make me want to work less.
Banksy.
Before the art piece got more torn down.
Valentine's Day.
We normally don't match shirts, but we decided to represent The Imaginary Zebra of course.
San Francisco Pillow Fight.
Every year they hold a pillow fight in San Francisco for those who don't have a valentine. Very fun experience.
Day In Your Life 003, Kayla.
This was an eye opener and made me appreciate life even more. With Kayla fighting Lupus, and experiencing one day what it was like, I couldn't imagine the years. Not only was I able to photograph, experience, and learn abut Lupus, I was able to spread the word for those who were unaware about Lupus. Thank You Kayla.
March 2011
Day In your Life 004, Marvin.
Documenting Marvin in his busy life makes you realize how hard he strives to were he wants to be. Some people think or believe he's got it easy, but he's just like everyone else trying to succeed. Not only was I able to document him in his daily life, I was also able to visit Pixar which was a dope experience. Thanks again Marvin.
Huf.
When you least expect it, it may just happen. So long and farewell Huf. You will forever be apart of the Bay Area.
Day In Your Life 005, Chris.
Documenting a great friend who has came a long way. Thanks for a great day Chris.
April 2011
Day In Your Life 006, Benson.
Following around Benson and seeing how a clothing brand unfold and what goes into work in small projects to meet goals is no easy task. Gave me a glispe on how hard work pays off. Thanks Benson.
42nd Floor.
Thanks to Steven, we were able to access one of the buildings and just take photos. Such an amazing view.
Ron's 14-24 F/2.8.
This lens is just amazing. Although I am aware that you can't put any filter on the front element, only amazing can describe that lens.
Michael.
One thing about the internet is the fact you meet majority of the people that way now. Michael came down to visit San Francisco and pretty much chilled and was able to see another amazing view of San Francisco from his hotel. Thanks Michael.
San Francisco Aquarium Of The Bay.
One of my favorite photographs I have taken this year. This was the defining moment were I realize I needed a better camera to better myself. This photo not only made me prove something of myself, but it actually broke the barrier and gotten me some work published.
May 2011
New Camer Body.
As of May, I finally upgraded my camera body after two years. Of course it's not the camera, it's just a tool to help me get the job done with desired results faster and better. One of the best investments ever.
Memories.
I told myself I wouldn't sell my old camera body due to the fact that I had a whole bunch of memroes, but unfortuantly I wasn't using it as much and it was collecting dust. I barely recorded videos and decided to sell it. I don't regret it because it's in the hands of someone who I know will take care of it.
HWC X Elissa Alva.
One of the great things is networking with people all over the world. Thanks to Don for letting me photograph his clothing brand and Thanks to Elissa Alva for being the model along with Marvin.
June 2011
Day In Your Life 007, Romar.
Following Romar around for one day makes you realize how down to earth he is and make you appreciate the things you have in your life. Thanks Romar.
July 2011
Leanne's 21st.
It was nice to have an invitation for Mindy & I to see our homies. Thanks Leanne & Marvin.
R.I.P JayR.
Although many of us have stopped crying, many of us have not missed you one bit.
My Early Birthday Celebration.
Thanks Benson for driving and Ron, Marvin, Elissa, Michael, Chris & Kayla for spending that night with me. Good times.
My Older Brother Reniel.
Got to see him before my birthday so that was great. Stay safe and see you soon.
Happy Birthday To Me.
Thanks Marvin, Jed, Justin, Leanne, Marvin T, & John for spending my birthday with me.
Abi's Pre Shoot.
Another one to add to the books. Thanks Abi & to your court.
First Flight Together.
Since Mindy & I actually never had a real vacation as in just the both of us, we decided to fly to San Diego & Los Angeles for a weekend which was too quick. Next time will be a longer vacation for sure. Thanks Karen & Jamal for letting us stay at your place.
San Diego.
Even though it was the first time we actually met, thanks Isaac, Mike, Frank, Derek, May, Kat, Marvin, Ant & Mike S for the good times.
Magic Mountain.
As a kid, I always wanted to go Magic Mountain but never had the chance. This was one of the reasons why Mindy & I wanted to come down to Socal. I can finally say I been to Magic Mountain and it was a blast.
Los Angeles.
I always wanted to just drive and walk around L.A and just take photos regardless if it's day or night. My time during Socal was def worth it since I got to go around the city and take photos.
Los Angeles Fam.
Thanks John, Bluee, Kamz, & Malie for showing Mindy & I around. Not only that, we finally got to met each other. Good times.
Don, Esta, & E.P.
Although it was a very short talking and meeting you guys, we still managed to make it happen.
Last Day In San Diego.
Went around shooting the city since I never really explored San Diego. Thanks Isaac, Andy, & Ant.
August 2011
Tommy & Arlene.
Coming back to the Bay Area, had dinner at Buffalo Wild Wingswith Tommy, Ron, & met Arlene for the first time.
Reniel.
My older brother Reniel came down again to visit. That night we had dinner to celebrate him coming home safe.
Abi's Cotillon.
Had the privilege of photographing Abi's cotillion. Thanks again Abi along with your family, friends & court.
Day In Your Life 008, Karl.
The last of the Day In Your Life which I decided to stop. Although it was not easy, I did learn many things about people in their lives. Documenting Karl was about living life to the fullest and enjoying it while you can. Thanks Karl.
Goodbye.
Sold my D90 and it was some what hard seeing it go. Oh the memories, but it was time to move on to bigger and better things.
Monterey Bay Aquarium.
My parents decided to go to Monterey Bay Aquarium and Mindy & I tagged along of course since I never been there before. Great experience and worth the drive. Another one of my favorite photos taken this year.
September 2011.
San Francisco Pier 14 Pano.
Night shooting with Eric and Mindy. On a good night, one of my favorite panos that I have done.
Pursuit Of Happyness.
One of my favorite photos that was taken by great friend Romar. When I was on that basketball court, I thought about a lot. Thanks again Romar.
Off The Grid, San Francisco.
John & Bluee were still in San Francisco visiting. I never really got into the hype of food trucks but it was nice to try it and I must say its def worth it. I don't think it's hype, it's more of food bringing people together. Thanks John & Bluee.
F.A.M.E, San Jose.
Thanks to Bobbi Vie for inviting Mindy & I to take photos of the event. Not only that, but it was nice to see familiar faces. Thanks again Bobbi.
Off To Los Angeles Again.
I decided to drive down to Los Angeles and cover UCR Block Party.
The Cataracs.
Had a privilege photographing them. At the time, Dev was pregnant.
Big Sean.
Not only I am a fan of his music, it makes me photographing him a dream come true. I honestly felt like I was living my dream even if it was a short time. If it was never for Don, I would of never had this opportunity so I was very thankful and appreciated by this. True good friends will never let you down. Thanks Don.
Mindy's Birthday.
Nothing but good fun times with great company. Ass Ass Ass Ass Ass Ass Ass Ass.
October 2011.
San Francisco, Hyatt Protest.
Always bring your camera because you never know what might happen. My photojournalist style in photography once again helped me capture moments leading to where my career goes as for photography.
San Jose, Party Cup Tournament.
Even those Fullylaced didn't win nor did we come in last place, it was all for the memories. Shout out to Fullylaced Fam.
Halloween 2011.
Last year Mindy & I were Carl & Ellie kids version, this year we were the grown up version. Thanks to Steven for taking the photos.
November 2011
6 Years.
Another blessed year for Mindy & I. Thanks Steven for the taking photos of us.
San Francisco, Coit Tower Pano.
One of the more liked photos but not my favorite. Just another pano to show San Francisco.
V2 Stickers.
Dropped a second version of my stickers for those who want to support me in my photography. You can still order them Here.
First Wedding.
I was honored and more then happy photographing my first wedding thanks to Ron and the help of Eric. I thought wedding were very stressful but to be honest, me shooting everyday made it a whole lot easier and I honestly don't mind becoming a full time wedding photographer. It's not about the money nor how many gigs you obtained, it's the previledge to photograph two loved ones wedding and your their capturing timeless moments. With my style of photojournalist style, it just makes it a lot easier for myself. Thanks again Ron, Eric, Cristel, & Jeff.
Occupy San Francisco Protest.
Another protest helps me practice for my photojournalist style in photography. Not only does it help me, I am capturing a movement in history. I am just happy taking photos and doing what I love.
December 2011
Fullylaced Tribute Look Book.
I had an opportunity to photograph Fullylaced's look book and I was more then happy to do it. Thanks again Jon.
Happy Holidays all, Cheers!