Postcards Published by SF Arts Commission

      Last summer, the San Francisco Arts Commission asked me to photograph a music performance of the 100% College Prep Club in Hunters Point at Mendell Plaza. The club offers after-school tutoring to youth in the neighborhood, with the goal of getting them into college. 

       It was a great to receive a package of postcards with my photos on them earlier this week, printed by the San Francisco Arts Commission. It's always wonderful to team up with partners to support such wonderful causes :)

 © Bowerbird Photography 2013.
 © Bowerbird Photography 2013.

       Happy Friday and have a lovely weekend everyone!

xoxo,

Ariel (+ Sam)

The Merry Holidays

        The holiday season is packed with family, friends and travel, so we thought it would be appropriate to cram in one big blog spot with photos from the season. Our holidays started in Seattle, visiting Sam's family and celebrating the Grand Suver's 70th wedding anniversary! Isn't that just amazing?! We ended up throwing them a party, with handmade decorations and a feast of homemade goodness that kept us cooking in the kitchen for over two days. 

       Although we visit Seattle annually, our trips are usually too busy for much playtime in the city, but this time we sneaked away for a nostalgic romp around our old college campus, ate at our fave pho restaurant on the Ave., drank too much coffee in Ballard and saw friends. And yes -- it was wet and rainy the whole time! Classic Seattle!

       On Xmas Eve, we flew back to San Francisco, arriving just in time for lasagna with family and our friend's Marika + Jess, who were visiting from MA. Jess hadn't been to our home before, so a hot pink wall photo was very much in order :)

       New Year's Eve, we kept it pretty chill, eating a pork roast that Dad made, and hung out with friends in Mom + Dad's living room. We'll admit, we watched a travel documentary and went to bed just after midnight. 

     For the first day of the year, the weather was stunning and we hiked with Auntie Yam and Mom + Dad in Tilden Park. There's no better way to celebrate the new year than by spending the day in nature!

The Grand Suvers celebrating 70 years together! © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Family Photography, Seattle.

The Grand Suvers celebrating 70 years together! © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Family Photography, Seattle.

70 years! © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Family Photography, Seattle.

70 years! © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Family Photography, Seattle.

Our sweet nephew Eli, drawing with Auntie Ariel. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Family Photography, Seattle.
Our sweet nephew Eli, drawing with Auntie Ariel. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Family Photography, Seattle.
Suzzallo library. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Travel Photography, Seattle.

Suzzallo library. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Travel Photography, Seattle.

Suzzallo library. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Travel Photography, Seattle.

Suzzallo library. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Travel Photography, Seattle.

A trip down memory lane, walking around UW campus in the rain. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Travel Photography, Seattle.

A trip down memory lane, walking around UW campus in the rain. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Travel Photography, Seattle.

Suzzallo library. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Travel Photography, Seattle.
Suzzallo library. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Travel Photography, Seattle.
Rain in Seattle. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Travel Photography, Seattle.

Rain in Seattle. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Travel Photography, Seattle.

One of our favorite spots on campus, The Quad. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Travel Photography, Seattle.

One of our favorite spots on campus, The Quad. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Travel Photography, Seattle.

© Bowerbird Photography 2013; Travel Photography, Seattle.

© Bowerbird Photography 2013; Travel Photography, Seattle.

Art on the UW campus. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Travel Photography, Seattle.

Art on the UW campus. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Travel Photography, Seattle.

© Bowerbird Photography 2013; Travel Photography, Seattle.
© Bowerbird Photography 2013; Travel Photography, Seattle.
Wave bench on UW campus. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Travel Photography, Seattle.

Wave bench on UW campus. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Travel Photography, Seattle.

Gasworks Park. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Travel Photography, Seattle.

Gasworks Park. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Travel Photography, Seattle.

Ballard. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Travel Photography, Seattle.

Ballard. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Travel Photography, Seattle.

Coffee break in Ballard. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Travel Photography, Seattle.

Coffee break in Ballard. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Travel Photography, Seattle.

Christmas eve in San Francisco. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Food Photography, San Francisco.

Christmas eve in San Francisco. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Food Photography, San Francisco.

Jess on Christmas eve in San Francisco. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Family Photography, San Francisco.

Jess on Christmas eve in San Francisco. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Family Photography, San Francisco.

An improvised fireplace for Christmas Eve in San Francisco. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Family Photography, San Francisco.

An improvised fireplace for Christmas Eve in San Francisco. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Family Photography, San Francisco.

Christmas Eve in San Francisco. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Family Photography, San Francisco.

Christmas Eve in San Francisco. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Family Photography, San Francisco.

Marika + Jess on Christmas Eve in San Francisco. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Food Photography, San Francisco.

Marika + Jess on Christmas Eve in San Francisco. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Food Photography, San Francisco.

Cheers on New Year's Eve!! © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Family Photography, San Francisco.

Cheers on New Year's Eve!! © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Family Photography, San Francisco.

New Year's Eve in San Francisco. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Family Photography, San Francisco.

New Year's Eve in San Francisco. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Family Photography, San Francisco.

Dad + Mom made an amazing feast for New Year's Eve! © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Food Photography, San Francisco.

Dad + Mom made an amazing feast for New Year's Eve! © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Food Photography, San Francisco.

© Bowerbird Photography 2013; Family Photography, San Francisco.
© Bowerbird Photography 2013; Family Photography, San Francisco.
Steve on New Year's Eve. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Family Photography, San Francisco.

Steve on New Year's Eve. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Family Photography, San Francisco.

Hugo!! © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Family Photography, San Francisco.

Hugo!! © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Family Photography, San Francisco.

© Bowerbird Photography 2013; Family Photography, San Francisco.

© Bowerbird Photography 2013; Family Photography, San Francisco.

Mom directs us to a bright new year! © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Family Photography, San Francisco.

Mom directs us to a bright new year! © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Family Photography, San Francisco.

New Year's Day coffee in Berkeley with Auntie Yam. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Family Photography, Berkeley.

New Year's Day coffee in Berkeley with Auntie Yam. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Family Photography, Berkeley.

Dad on a hike in Tilden Park on New Year's Day. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Family Photography, Berkeley.

Dad on a hike in Tilden Park on New Year's Day. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Family Photography, Berkeley.

Mom on a hike in Tilden Park on New Year's Day. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Family Photography, Berkeley.

Mom on a hike in Tilden Park on New Year's Day. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Family Photography, Berkeley.

Tilden Park - New Year's Day hike. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Nature Photography, Berkeley.

Tilden Park - New Year's Day hike. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Nature Photography, Berkeley.

       A very happy, joyful and fabulous 2013 to you all!

xoxo,

Ariel + Sam

Seattle Couple's Photography: Mel + Gus

© Bowerbird Photography 2012; Couple's Photography in Seattle.

© Bowerbird Photography 2012; Couple's Photography in Seattle.

The Art of The Perfect Date

     Four and half years ago, Mel and Gus embarked on a spectacular love voyage, witnessed in this photo taken on their wedding day.  Gus mans the oars, maneuvering through the lily pads, as Mel looks back and waves.  It's a photo that tells a hundred beautiful stories.  Everyone who sees the photograph wants to learn more, and invariably asks, "Where are they going?"  That is a very good question.

       For these inquisitive fans, we are pleased to give a news update!  After spending a day taking photos with them last Sunday in Seattle, we are happy to announce that, among other accomplishments, they have, in our opinion, mastered the Art of the Perfect Date.  They packed so much fun and romance in our hop-around-town photo session that we just have to share some sneak peek images from the lovely outing.

       First, the day started at their favorite weekend breakfast spot, the Volunteer Park Cafe, which was festively festooned with boughs of fir for the holiday. It seems that every Seattleite either took their turn as a barista in their youth, skipped that step and bought an espresso machine for their home kitchen, or both. This hometown couple also knows a well-roasted bean like a bee knows its blossoms. They are more than mere connoisseurs; they understand the romantic alchemy contained in the Northwest's antidote for rainy days.  The beverage bends time itself.  Hours are not counted in minutes, but are slowly decanted with periodic sips from steaming cups of hot brew.  Shared moments last twice as long.  After whiling away the time with warm mug in hand, their paws are perfectly primed for a long period of romantic hand-holding.  And so, we follow these java-fueled lovers onto the next stage of their date. 

       We trekked over to the Mt. Baker neighborhood to visit… their new home!  That's more great news to report, and an incredible way to usher in the new year.  When we asked what their extra bedroom was for, they simultaneously smiled and said, "nursery!"  We took a few photos around the home.  One of our faves was a portrait of them gazing in the window after Mel traced a heart on the steamed glass with her finger.  What a perfect family nest :)

       Okay, it's about that time.  Cue the romantic movie montage!  #1 - The Cute-Walk: Mel + Gus take a lover's stroll along the water's edge at Lake Washington. #2 - Shared Interests: they read travel books together to remember their romantic trip to Italy at the legendary Elliott Bay Bookstore. #3 - The Soundtrack: they browse through some LPs and joke about album covers as the music soars.  #4 - The Ice Cream Parlor:  the couple shares two scoops on a waffle cone at Mollie Moon's, and Gus manages to get a little on his nose.  Ice cream dates are the cutest!

Sunday morning coffee at the Volunteer Park Cafe. © Bowerbird Photography 2012; Couple's Photography in Seattle.
Sunday morning coffee at the Volunteer Park Cafe. © Bowerbird Photography 2012; Couple's Photography in Seattle.
Love over coffee and tea. © Bowerbird Photography 2012; Couple's Photography in Seattle.

Love over coffee and tea. © Bowerbird Photography 2012; Couple's Photography in Seattle.

Edible delights at the cafe.© Bowerbird Photography 2012; Couple's Photography in Seattle.
Edible delights at the cafe.© Bowerbird Photography 2012; Couple's Photography in Seattle.
© Bowerbird Photography 2012; Couple's Photography in Seattle.
© Bowerbird Photography 2012; Couple's Photography in Seattle.
© Bowerbird Photography 2012; Couple's Photography in Seattle.
© Bowerbird Photography 2012; Couple's Photography in Seattle.
Peeking in the window of their new beautiful home! © Bowerbird Photography 2012; Couple's Photography in Seattle.

Peeking in the window of their new beautiful home! © Bowerbird Photography 2012; Couple's Photography in Seattle.

A tender moment by Lake Washington. © Bowerbird Photography 2012; Couple's Photography in Seattle.

A tender moment by Lake Washington. © Bowerbird Photography 2012; Couple's Photography in Seattle.

Love birds! © Bowerbird Photography 2012; Couple's Photography in Seattle.

Love birds! © Bowerbird Photography 2012; Couple's Photography in Seattle.

© Bowerbird Photography 2012; Couple's Photography in Seattle.

© Bowerbird Photography 2012; Couple's Photography in Seattle.

© Bowerbird Photography 2012; Couple's Photography in Seattle.
© Bowerbird Photography 2012; Couple's Photography in Seattle.
It's getting steamy in the stacks! © Bowerbird Photography 2012; Couple's Photography in Seattle.
It's getting steamy in the stacks! © Bowerbird Photography 2012; Couple's Photography in Seattle.
A stop at the Elliot Bay Books. © Bowerbird Photography 2012; Couple's Photography in Seattle.

A stop at the Elliot Bay Books. © Bowerbird Photography 2012; Couple's Photography in Seattle.

Music shop fun. © Bowerbird Photography 2012; Couple's Photography in Seattle.

Music shop fun. © Bowerbird Photography 2012; Couple's Photography in Seattle.

© Bowerbird Photography 2012; Couple's Photography in Seattle.
© Bowerbird Photography 2012; Couple's Photography in Seattle.
© Bowerbird Photography 2012; Couple's Photography in Seattle.
© Bowerbird Photography 2012; Couple's Photography in Seattle.
It's never too cold out for ice cream! © Bowerbird Photography 2012; Couple's Photography in Seattle.

It's never too cold out for ice cream! © Bowerbird Photography 2012; Couple's Photography in Seattle.

       Oh, and you might ask, "where is this wonderful couple off to now?"  One perfect date after another.

       Best wishes to Mel and Gus on their new home, and to many more wonderful adventures together!

xoxo,

Sam + Ariel

Albany Newborn Photography: Baby Cate

     A few months ago, we took maternity photos with Lex + Grant at the beach. And then around Thanksgiving, the most adorable baby girl was born, Catherine Leigh. We went to go visit the new family of three in their beautiful home in Albany and of course, took photos of their most precious baby girl! We held her in our arms, and could feel our hearts melting as our eyes connected. Welcome to the world, sweet baby Cate!

What a doll! © Bowerbird Photography 2012; Newborn Photography in Albany.

What a doll! © Bowerbird Photography 2012; Newborn Photography in Albany.

Mama love! © Bowerbird Photography 2012; Newborn Photography in Albany.
Mama love! © Bowerbird Photography 2012; Newborn Photography in Albany.
Big yawn! © Bowerbird Photography 2012; Newborn Photography in Albany.
Big yawn! © Bowerbird Photography 2012; Newborn Photography in Albany.
Cate has such big beautiful eyes! © Bowerbird Photography 2012; Newborn Photography in Albany.
Cate has such big beautiful eyes! © Bowerbird Photography 2012; Newborn Photography in Albany.
Tiny baby hands! © Bowerbird Photography 2012; Newborn Photography in Albany.

Tiny baby hands! © Bowerbird Photography 2012; Newborn Photography in Albany.

Pro hand munching! © Bowerbird Photography 2012; Newborn Photography in Albany.
Pro hand munching! © Bowerbird Photography 2012; Newborn Photography in Albany.
Such a happy family! © Bowerbird Photography 2012; Newborn Photography in Albany.
Such a happy family! © Bowerbird Photography 2012; Newborn Photography in Albany.

       So -- when can we babysit!?

xoxo,

Ariel + Sam

Larkspur Theater Wedding: Eileen + Jed

       Now deep in winter, it's the perfect time to remember the sunny autumn we had in Northern California. The season was full of weddings, since so many brides know that the weather is always a dream, making their wedding look like they come out of the movies. Speaking of the cinema, we wanted to share photographs from one of the recent weddings we documented this September at the Lark Theater, in Larkspur. It was wonderfully creative and fabulous, with true moments of Hollywood glamour. Guests were given Playbill programs inspired by the movie, Vertigo, and took their seats in the darkened theater to watch a surprise wedding trailer, starring the heartthrobs, Eileen + Jed. Jed played the country bumpkin from Marin and Eileen wowed the audience as a sophisticated city slicker from San Francisco. They stared across the Golden Gate Bridge pining for each other.  As all good movies have a happy ending, so does this romance, and when the trailer ended, and the lights went up, we all watched the gorgeous bride walk down the theater aisle and into the arms of her groom. 

Beautiful polka dot green wedding shoes. © Bowerbird Photography 2012; Wedding Photography at Larkspur, Marin.

Beautiful polka dot green wedding shoes. © Bowerbird Photography 2012; Wedding Photography at Larkspur, Marin.

The bride, Eileen, getting her makeup done. © Bowerbird Photography 2012; Wedding Photography at Larkspur, Marin.
The bride, Eileen, getting her makeup done. © Bowerbird Photography 2012; Wedding Photography at Larkspur, Marin.
The gents got custom bow ties from the groom. Now they just have to figure out how to tie them. © Bowerbird Photography 2012; Wedding Photography at Larkspur, Marin.

The gents got custom bow ties from the groom. Now they just have to figure out how to tie them. © Bowerbird Photography 2012; Wedding Photography at Larkspur, Marin.

An impeccably groomed groom. © Bowerbird Photography 2012; Wedding Photography at Larkspur, Marin.

An impeccably groomed groom. © Bowerbird Photography 2012; Wedding Photography at Larkspur, Marin.

The bride arrives at the theater with her entourage of ladies in teal. © Bowerbird Photography 2012; Wedding Photography at Larkspur, Marin.

The bride arrives at the theater with her entourage of ladies in teal. © Bowerbird Photography 2012; Wedding Photography at Larkspur, Marin.

The groom and his gents walk to the theater. © Bowerbird Photography 2012; Wedding Photography at Larkspur, Marin.

The groom and his gents walk to the theater. © Bowerbird Photography 2012; Wedding Photography at Larkspur, Marin.

A playbill wedding program. © Bowerbird Photography 2012; Wedding Photography at Larkspur, Marin.

A playbill wedding program. © Bowerbird Photography 2012; Wedding Photography at Larkspur, Marin.

The guests arrive at the Lark Theater, where the ceremony was held. © Bowerbird Photography 2012; Wedding Photography at Larkspur, Marin.

The guests arrive at the Lark Theater, where the ceremony was held. © Bowerbird Photography 2012; Wedding Photography at Larkspur, Marin.

The ceremony starts in the Lark Theater, with a surprise movie trailer. © Bowerbird Photography 2012; Wedding Photography at Larkspur, Marin.

The ceremony starts in the Lark Theater, with a surprise movie trailer. © Bowerbird Photography 2012; Wedding Photography at Larkspur, Marin.

The wedding party lined the Lark Theater stage for the main feature, the wedding ceremony. © Bowerbird Photography 2012; Wedding Photography at Larkspur, Marin.
The wedding party lined the Lark Theater stage for the main feature, the wedding ceremony. © Bowerbird Photography 2012; Wedding Photography at Larkspur, Marin.
They are married! © Bowerbird Photography 2012; Wedding Photography at Larkspur, Marin.
They are married! © Bowerbird Photography 2012; Wedding Photography at Larkspur, Marin.
This wedding party is ready to party! © Bowerbird Photography 2012; Wedding Photography at Larkspur, Marin.
This wedding party is ready to party! © Bowerbird Photography 2012; Wedding Photography at Larkspur, Marin.
Sealed with a kiss. © Bowerbird Photography 2012; Wedding Photography at Larkspur, Marin.
Sealed with a kiss. © Bowerbird Photography 2012; Wedding Photography at Larkspur, Marin.

       We will post a second set of images soon, with photos from the reception and their super fun dance party!

xoxo,

Ariel + Sam