I Thought You Are a Film Star - Los Angeles Travel Photographer

Upon arrival at the Long Island Farm, we were greeted by a well-outfitted gentleman, in his British accent.  His name is John, a friend of the farm owners Glenda and Neil.  He's helping with the guests.  He also, on a frequent basis, gives presentation about Falkland Islands' life, culture and history.  

After a short conversation, he asked "what do you do for a living?"  Before I had the chance to answer, he apologized.  I explained that's how we Americans would ask too and we quickly went on to the programs ahead.  

Time slipped by fast and after tea and sheep and horses, it's time to say good-bye.  The last thing that John said to me was "I thought you are a film star".  It took me a while to realize what he said, after translating from British to American English.  I guess, in a way, we all are the star in a movie called "My Life".:-)

In this image, Paul, the son of Glenda and Neil, was shearing the sheep which are set wild during the year and only came back (with the help of the dog, I'm sure) for shearing.  He made it seem so easy and it feels so poetic to me.  Oh, by the way, Paul is also a sergeant in the army.  It reminds me the old days when people were not as specialized and were a lot more dexterous.     

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Happy Children's Day - Los Angeles Travel Photographer

Today marks the Universal Children's Day in many countries.  May we hold our children's hands, nurture, protect, guide and build them as they feel their way around in this world; and also take the opportunity to let go when the time arrives.  And yes, there is such time in every child's life.  If you are ever in doubt, refer to P.J. O'Rourke's methodology:   

“You know your children are growing up when they stop asking you where they came from and refuse to tell you where they're going.” 

Have a happy Children's Day to all the parents out there!  Remember, as John W. Whitehead puts it, “Children are the living messages we send to a time we will not see.”  Until that day, remain a child until you can't pretend anymore.

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Smile, It's the Best Makeup - Los Angeles Transformational Beauty Photographer

On one of the expeditions in the Antarctica trip, a group of girls asked me to make a photograph for them with the beautiful glacier as the background.

I immediately went into portrait photographer mode and the next thing I heard myself say surprised (or rather, impressed) even the most critical me - "Smile, it's the best makeup!"

I've long believed in being authentic in what I do and this "incident" is further proof for that.   It was not preconceived, so it must have come from what I truly believe.  You think a trip to Cagliari, Sardegna, witnessing the religious procession of Festa di Sant'Efisio might have put the thought into my head? 

They say "a picture is worth a thousand words".  I'm going to show you two thousands words.  I hope you see the point clearly demonstrated by them.  These were made on the first day of Festa di Sant'Efisio, where thousands of people from villages and towns of the whole island were in the procession, dressed in traditional costumes.

A. With a smile:

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B. With no smile:

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Now, do you or do you not agree, smile is the best makeup?