Blue Angels

I got to do something a little different when I got off the boat from shooting America's Cup races - the Blue Angels were in town for Fleet Week, flying past all of the SF landmarks.  

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

Protest march in Oakland

The family and friends of Alan Blueford, who was killed in May by a police officer, 
marched to City Hall in Oakland to demand the police finish their investigation
 into his death and provide some results.    

Lemony Snicket author Daniel Handler

I'm allowed to have favorites right?  This portrait shoot with Daniel Handler, a San Francisco resident most known for writing the Lemony Snicket series of books, was definitely one of my favorites.  I had a ton of fun messing around at his place, and he in all of his benevolence forgave me for rearranging all of the furniture in his living room.  I'm pretty sure by the end of the shoot I had threatened to come trick-or-treating at his place dressed as a little girl...not sure where things got off track there.  At least I didn't follow through...

Loved the story by Regan McMahon. 

 

Sit/lie law in Berkeley

Back to Sunnydale

America's Cup World Series

I had my first experience with the America's Cup World Series in San Francisco.  I know nothing of the world of crazy high speed sailboat racing, and was totally unprepared for how fast these guys go.  I got to spend some time out on the boats shooting the actual races, and also shooting the Team Oracle taking their new 72-foot catamaran out for a test run (sadly it was totaled in a crash yesterday).  I also got to spend some time with Oracle skipper Jimmy Spithill, who is a really good guy and phenomenal sailor.  I had a ton of fun with all of this, and managed to always stay in the boat, although it was extremely difficult at times.  I also had the (apparently) unique experience of being hit by a catamaran in the race, twice.  The America's Cup guy driving the boat I was on said it had only happened to him once in his career, then twice in one day.  Pretty sure that means I'm lucky?  Although if I was on a smaller boat, I don't think I'd be saying the same thing....

This is what it looks like seconds before a 45-ft catamaran rams into you

The Oracle 72-ft catamaran on a test run

Hanging out with Jimmy Spithill.  This guy's in ridiculous shape.

Having some fun with motorcycles....

Kansas couple visits Golden Gate Bridge

What a sweet story this was - San Francisco columnist Chuck Nevius was looking for a column idea for the Golden Gate Bridge 75th anniversary, and came across a Kansas couple who built a replica of the bridge on their property.  He wrote a column, and after it was published some generous individuals in SF chipped in to fly the couple out to see the bridge in person.  She had never been on a plane before, taken a cab ride, or seen the Golden Gate.  He saw the bridge once as he was being shipped out ages ago, and it stuck with him.  I got to hang out with them as they toured SF, and finally, got a boat ride to see the Golden Gate up close.  The city fell in love with this couple while they were here, and they became minor celebrities. 

First ever cab ride

Larry Richardson told his wife Barbara he'd give her a kiss as soon as they came into view of the Golden Gate bridge in person, and he made good on that promise

On top of Coit Tower

Golden Gate Bridge 75th Anniversary

Roller derby girls

Gymnastics Olympic trials

Now you will see how behind on blogging I really am...not only are the Olympic trials long over, but the actual Olympics have come and gone as well.  Oops.  I got to shoot the US Women's team trials in San Jose, which was pretty sweet.  This was the last day, where they competed, then learned at the end who would be on the Olympic team.  It all seemed to be over much too quickly.  They had a ceremony after the competition where they also brought out the newly-named men's team.