Miss MSDC 2012: Brianna Lynn DeGuzman

Here is a look back at the first event shoot for deeReed Photography for 2012... it definitely started the year off right. I covered the MSDC 2012 Gala and Coronation at the Hanalei  /Crowne Plaza Hotel located in Mission Valley, California.  It was the first time I had heard of the Malasiquianians of San Diego County which I learned alot about from my first meeting with the DeGuzmans.  

The guest of honor, Brianna Lynn DeGuzman, was radiant and such a wonderful person to shoot.  She truly enjoyed the evening - from her crown, dazzling gowns, accessories (if you can even call them that... sash, sceptre, etc) and all the way to her sparkly pink TOMS.  Her smile was a beaming ear to ear all night.  It was not a surprise that she was down to earth though because she was surrounded by a great group of family and friends.  Her parents and brothers were very proud of her.  

It was a busy night with a line up speakers, performances and rituals that I must say it was a mini wedding almost... She will do very well on her official BIG day.  I wish her all the best! 

Banzai Pipeline

A trip to the island of Oahu in Hawaii is not complete without a visit to the famous North Shore.  Growing up in San Diego, CA and frequenting the beaches, I once had dreams of being a cool surfer chick...i.e. Malia Jones. But I never graduated from the boogies to get a chance to even once pop up on a wonderfully waxed board...  even though I had it on my "things to do before 30" list.  So here I was on my first trip to this island, staying in Waikiki and determined to drive up about an hour to fulfill my "must see" wish list.  


I was too excited navigating to Banzai Pipeline- this was home to many surfers because of the legendary waves of 20 feet AND most times MORE!!! I was picturing a beach town with trendy and cute shops, pedestrians with their tans and boards in tow and "shaka" attitude just oozing out of every corner.  It was not what I expected... Ehukai Beach was very understated (small) and we were, as one kama'aina said, in the country-side.  AND the biggest disappointment of all is that it is May and the tubular waves happen in the winter months only.  Don't get me wrong it was still very beautiful and picturesque... The water was sparkling, the sky very blue, and the sand so soft that my feet would sink as I walked on the beach.  BUT I wanted to see my waves =(  and maybe some hot surfer boys!!!


What I walked away with was great, too.  I took the moment to wet my feet... take in the saltiness of the water and enjoy the calmness of the flat waves.  Not many people there... only some other tourists with their obviously virgin untanned skin - watching me taking pictures of the elements.  I was in heaven at the beach/park because I love cloud formations, I am always at awe with trees and very at home near the water.  It was an experience. I was very much inspired.  Maybe I can still try to learn how to surf and definitely come back to see the waves.  Aloha!

Chula Vista Lawncare at deeReed home studio

I am very excited to announce that the back space to La Casa de Reed is now ready for photo shoots thanks to Chula Vista Lawncare doing a great job.  

Believe it or not but the brick wall is a very pleasing backdrop for portraits matched with great natural outdoor lighting.  Not to mention the awesome columns, green grass and the terra cotta colored pavers stones all mixing in together for a great composition... the combinations of positioning and framing are endless.

We are still in the curing period for the grass so about a week and half more to go then I can pose someone for some test shoots on it.  I can't hardly wait!  More pics to follow... in the meantime we are still setting up other parts of the home studio.  keep posted! 

Perfect Day of Health & Fitness

The buzz of pre-race excitement was all over the house early this morning.  My husband Daniel participated in the 25 mile bike ride at the CYCLE EASTLAKE event.  My sons and I participated in the YMCA Healthy Kids Day - Family Run/Walk.  It was all at the Otay Ranch Mall so there's nothing better than fitness and shopping all in the same bundle.  After a week of gloomy, rainy weather it was good to be out and about in the good old sunny San Diego weather.  We had a great time, saw some great people and got our fitness on.  See below for my highlights.

  

Participant T-Shirt for Cycle Eastlake 2012

Participant, Daniel, and his stylish son at the Starting Line 

         
Here is Daniel after completing his ride.  Looking fabulous like he did not even break a sweat!  Congrats, Vanilla Dan!

I wanted to feature another 25 mile ride participant, Jorge Lee, which he completed using an elliptical bike called ElliptiGo.  I have never seen one of these before and for someone who doesn't know how to ride a bike I was intrigued.  He's been riding this for a year now... I've got to say he looked good on it and it made me want to try one out.  Congrats to him, too!

 The event was emceed and DJ'd by this cool young guy named DJ OMEGA.  Thanks for the great beats and flashing me a smile.  Peace!

On the other side of the mall, where the Family Run/Walk started.  

A very excited participant, Levi, and his grandpa, Fernando, are waiting for the countdown to begin.  Hooray for all the fun in the sun.

DonNakia

It seems every couple these days have a "couple name"...

Isn't it just wonderful that two people meet, they share fabulous experiences together then learn they love each other? What a bonus to know that their names put together also make a great couple name... Donna & Nakia = DonNakia (of course that's what I made up for them)

Donna is a San Diego babe and Nakia is originally from North Carolina but they travelled from South Carolina.  They came to town for the business and  a little bit of pleasure that I got the chance to shoot them at a local park in Chula Vista, CA.  These pictures just exude great vibes from the greenery, the smiles and Nakia's sunshine bright yellow sweater  - which he claimed was picked out by Donna.  

I had such a fun time rolling around the grass with these two.  It was such a relaxed, comfortable, fun (funny) and short photo shoot.  Everything a photographer can ask for.