World Series: Volcano Ridge

Who decides to go to the top of an active volcano, hang out in 30 degree weather at 4am in the morning and then get on a cheap mountain bike and ride all the way down with no helmet at 40 miles an hour!?!


Ummm....that would be me! :)

This is in the island of Maui. When I got up there it was pitch dark. We had to wait around in below freezing weather for the sun to come up. (Took almost 2 hours) The stars were so vast and beautiful, something we never see in L.A., that it was like a HD movie playing on the biggest plasma screen ever! Gorgeous.

And going down the volcano on a bike was such a thrill. Then our smart ass guide decides to tell us that people have actually died on their bikes going down when they accidentally went off the edge! Yeah....no pressure!!

But it was still lots of fun.
-Santiago Valencia

My Two Cents: The World of Photoshop

If you are trying to get a great overview of the world of Photoshop then here's an idea that you might like. Twice a year there is an event called Photoshop World which takes place over three days and is a blast. This time around it is in Las Vegas and it hits this Oct. 1 - 3.

You can sign up as a student and pay only $149 for the whole event. Take classes on different tracks and you learn about what interests you! And as an added bonus there is also a trade show that displays the latest in camera and printer technology. Big wigs like Canon, Nikon, Epson and Leica usually show up. It's a great way to stay on top of things.

Here's the link to their website:
http://www.photoshopworld.com/

And while you're there enjoy Vegas and win a bundle! :)
-Santiago Valencia

Wedding: Tayler & Nathan

Here is Tayler & Nathan. I shot their wedding a couple of weeks ago in the SF Valley and had a great time. These two looked so good that it was easy to know what to shoot. After a limo ride we arrived at the Kingdom Hall and the magic began...


Hey, that's me!...


And of course what would a wedding be without the very sexy & beautiful bride's maids...



Just moments before showtime. Everything is ready...



A very classy 1930's look that Tayler flaunts so easily...


Nathan was so excited. I guess I can't blame him...



The ceremony was very elegant and touching. There was a funny moment when the minister/elder mixed up Tayler & Nathan's names. A great comic relief moment. The funniest part is that he was Nathan's dad!! :)


Ahh...My two wonderful assistants. I love working with these ladies. Sarah on the left and Marina on the right. They make the job so much more enjoyable. Thanks ladies...


A little prayer...





Congrats! Now for some more pictures and then off to party!




Manly men...





I love this shot. It's so cinematic...









And everybody scream!!...


A great shot after a great evening. Thanks to Tayler & Nathan for letting us be part of such an amazing night with some friendly and terrific people. All the best guys.
-Santiago Valencia

Tayler & Nathan Miles - September 5, 2009