the sea ranch

The Sea Ranch is a little oceanside community about 3 hours north of San Francisco.  It's known for its distinctive architecture - low, angular homes out of silvery/grey wood. Lots of vacation rentals. Spent a beautiful couple of days here with some great friends, checking out Point Arena Lighthouse (warning: that link makes a fun noise), the guy who makes tiles in a little shop outside of Gualala, yoga at the rec center, dinner at the Sea Ranch Lodge, and, of course, losing money in the nickel slots at a casino (?!?). With all that, not much time for pictures, but below are a few from the trip.


Driving comments for future reference: The trip there was exactly three hours; 101 then cutting over to Valley Ford Road before Santa Rosa, then driving up Highway 1 through Jenner and beyond. Really spectacular drive. For the way home which took about a half an hour longer, we went East on Annapolis Road right out of Sea Ranch - very wind-y and one way at some points but another gorgeous drive. This connected to Skaggs Spring Road, then Dry Creek Road, then you're in Healdsburg! 101 all the way home after that.


Pretty ocean vistas:

The Sea Ranch Lodge: 

Our Place:

Point Arena Lighthouse:

You know I love me some birds. Pelicans: 

collaboration

Last month, I posted photos I took for my friend Jen V who launched her skincare and makeup business. This weekend she hired me again to take pictures of two make up looks for her website and portfolio. The first being a natural/casual look, the second being a "smokey eye." It was so much fun! I love how these pictures turned out and hope that this is the beginning of lots of collaboration in the future. How great to be able to partner with a talented makeup artist for portrait sessions.

the rose show

Yesterday, the Golden Gate Rose Society held its Annual Rose Show in Golden Gate Park. I went picturing rows upon rows of huge bouquets or who knows, maybe whole rose bushes? I was pretty sure I'd seen an Orchid Show in a movie once (Adaptation?) which believe may have colored my expectations: Hothousey. Lush. Fragrant.

Well, here's a peek at the GGRS's event:

After walking thorough a bit, however, I was really amazed at the beauty and variety. Also, thought about the behind the scenes DRAMA. These were all cut roses. Imagine the the tension of having to select one rose for submission that has to be perfect exactly ON SATURDAY JUNE 15th. Following are more pics from the event. I did no color adjusting to any of these.

My vote for Randomest Category:

Sweet little roses, "miniflora":

Pretty black-tipped roses:

I thought the duct tape was a nice touch. Also my second favorite category, which is hard to read online: "Any Other Rose"

More miniflora:

The Queen and her King:

 The grand finale:

mission

I know. This is becoming the Lensbaby Spark Blog... Or the Mission Blog. Anyway, out and about again in the Mission.  First of all, I'm kind of obsessed with the building that will be the new Alamo Drafthouse and the adjacent Giant Value building which is also going to be updated to condos. Cool interior shots of the theater here.  Some pictures from today below. It was a little too bright when I was out for getting a picture of the tall New Mission sign.

See? Too bright.

Also nearby, more 99 cent theme... 

 And this near Bruno's...

I have also been going back to the Mission Hotel to work on focus with the Spark. Hotel originally posted here, with some out of focus-ness that was giving me heartburn.

And in color:

And some more walking around scenes...

portrait session - Jen V

So a friend of mine did that thing you always think of doing: she quit her day job to follow her real passion and start her own business. Jen left management consulting behind, got educated and certified in skin and beauty treatments, and is now open for business. I was super happy when she asked me to take some pictures for her social media presence - twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, etc. etc. The pictures below were taken in and near her Presidio Heights treatment room. Since then, I had a makeup consultation/lesson with her and it was invaluable! I learned so much and she is so knowledgeable and passionate about skin and beauty. If you need a facial treatment or a makeup session, look Jen up!

(415) 503-9017
http://www.jvskinandbeauty.com