The 2012 Model is Released. . .

The Gardella Company is proud to introduce the 2012 model... Many of our customers will be happy to know that we have made some very interesting changes to the "new" model.  This is the first of its kind to roll off the production line and we are eager to receive feedback from the general population....

(Unlike his sisters, Marcello is not as eager to pose in front of the camera and would rather sleep the photo shoot away.  Fine with this photographer...  We hope you enjoy the pics...)

Marcello is not happy that the Giants are losing today!

When Work Isn't Work. . .

Last weekend I had the special honor of accompanying fellow photographer Liz Wertz on a wedding day shoot.  As always, Liz's talent shined throughout the day and together we had a great time shooting.  What I find most enjoyable about wedding photography is that it isn't work at all.  When you are in your element, and doing what you love, the work seems to disappear and the fun seems to surface... Thanks Liz, for a great day!  I hope you all enjoy some of the pics below...

Five Years and Counting . . .

Today, we celebrated Genevieve's 5th birthday....  As usual, Gev put in multiple requests for the party... In the end, she decided on a "mini" party.  For those of you who don't know, our family has creative ways of devising "theme" parties.  The "mini" party consists of mini hamburgers, mini hot dogs in dough, mini pickles, mini vegetables with dip, mini ice cream cones, mini pieces of cake... I think you get it.  The only thing that was not requested to be "mini" was the gifts!  Of course, the grandma's and grandpa's were more than happy to meet that request.  In the end, the party was a big hit with everyone and the time spent with family will be forever remembered.  Here is a sample of our special day:

The Birthday Girl working the camera!

Grandma reviews "Happy Birthday" with Marcello.

Grace sports the party crowns. (Another theme party!)

 

Grandpa cooks the mini burgers.

 

Cake Time!

Finally, a horse I don't have to clean up after!

Luci decides to make sure the goggles are working properly.

Victory!  A Charlie and Lola movie!

A boy is a boy is a boy...

On September 9th 2011, my life took a turn in a direction I never thought possible... Do you ever get that?  Life's just moving along in a lovely direction at a comfortable speed and then, WHAM!  A complete turn around.  Well, the change of direction that I experienced is one that I welcome with open arms and an open heart.  You see, on Friday at 5:26pm my wife gave birth to a baby boy...  Many of you are thinking, "Yeah, so what?  I mean, that's nice and all, but so many people have baby boys."  What many of you don't know, is that we also have FOUR daughters.  I consider myself an expert in the science of girls.  I think in pink and  purple, I dream of horses and castles, and even know some ballet jargon.  For the past eight years I have perfected the art of understanding the nature of the feminine brain.  I have learned certain secrets that most men would pay millions for.  And with my wife pregnant with our fifth child, I was certain  the book deal would be sealed with the birth of a fifth girl.  Not only that, but I was certain that Sainthood would be in my future! When it came time to push, my wife showed me the true power of a woman and delivered a 9 lb. baby.  Looking in between the doctors arms to see the sex, I was having trouble deciphering exactly what I was looking at.  And then it happened.  A golden arch blew up into the air, like "old faithful".  It was then that I knew...    Although I will have to change the content of the book, and my expertise in women has been tainted, I am happy to announce that we have a beautiful baby boy!   And so, without further ado, I present to all of you, Marcello.....

The Hearts of Champions. . .

There are many things that define a champion... the will to win, the drive to succeed, the desire to be the best...  But to me, the true champion is the one who goes out day after day giving all they have, to better the lives of those around them.  I have had the privilege of meeting many champions in my life, but none compare to the ones working to enhance the lives of the individuals volunteering and riding at Camp Care. That's right, I'm talking about horses.  Animals who dedicate their lives to help rehabilitate the lives of the volunteers and riders who work with them.  I would like to invite you to view the following video.  It is a video to promote our charity, Camp Care Inc.  Camp Care provides therapeutic horseback riding for children and adults with disabilities.  On September 23, 2011, Camp Care will host its annual fundraiser, the Galloping Gala.  Our goal is to raise money to finish building an indoor riding arena.  This project will allow the riders to receive lessons all year long.  Click here if you would like to buy a ticket and dance the night away with us!  If you are not able to attend the gala, and would like to make a donation to help our cause, click here.   Here's the link for the video:  http://vimeo.com/28684217

A Fresh Perspective for Creatives. . .

Fellow photographer Chase Jarvis posted this on his blog a short while ago.  I found it entertaining and informative.  I hope you like it...  (If you have a chance, check out some of Chase's other Live show interviews... I think you'll like them.)