San Francisco Headshots: Author Jane Sloane

       Jane is such an inspiration. She works at the Global Fund for Women (as Vice President for Programs), a non-profit that help women and girls across the globe with grants that support social change and women's human rights. We met with Jane in downtown San Francisco at her office, a sunny, vibrant space, full of people doing amazing work and loving it. Jane is about to publish a book about conflict resolution and the empowerment of individuals to make change, and we shot a video with her to promote it.  We also captured some headshots of her on set. We loved hearing all her stories about traveling the world, meeting incredible people (like Nelson Mandela!) and are excited to get our hands on a copy of her new book, which we'll be sure to let you know about when the video is published.

Author Jane Sloane. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; San Francisco Headshot Photography.

Author Jane Sloane. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; San Francisco Headshot Photography.

Author Jane Sloane. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; San Francisco Headshot Photography.

       Making a difference with our art is so important to us, and we feel privileged to work on such an wonderful project, and to collaborate with such a strong, wise, and playful leader.  Oh... and did we mention she hula-hooped for us?  Stay tuned for the video :)

xoxo,

Ariel + Sam

Monday: Finding Focus

    Spring is here. Well, at least in the Bay Area. The weather has been truly wonderful, calling for weekend camping trips and outdoor picnics. We just returned from a few days in the mountains at some luxurious hot springs with a group of dear friends. The weekend included long soaks, playing in the sun and gigantic, homemade gourmet dinners in the evening. 

       And like every year, the true symbol of spring has arrived. The plum tree in our backyard is in full bloom, leaving a scattering of light pink petals every-which-way. Totally gorgeous!

The plum tree in bloom in our backyard. © Bowerbird Photography 2013.

       Have a lovely Monday darlings!

xoxo,

Ariel + Sam

Sam's Beach Blanket Birthday

       Last weekend we celebrated Sam's 32nd birthday, with a picnic on the beach. It was a gorgeous day, filled with peach pie, kite flying and beautiful friends. We hope you enjoy these photos from our sunny day.

Birthday pie with carrot stick candles. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Sam's birthday picnic at Ocean Beach.

Jessica adding "flames" to the carrot stick candles. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Sam's birthday picnic at Ocean Beach.

Matt + Sam on the beach. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Sam's birthday picnic at Ocean Beach.

Picnic time. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Sam's birthday picnic at Ocean Beach.

Darling Kimberly. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Sam's birthday picnic at Ocean Beach.

Big hug! © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Sam's birthday picnic at Ocean Beach.

Sunisa and Matt. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Sam's birthday picnic at Ocean Beach.

Flying kites. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Sam's birthday picnic at Ocean Beach.

Alex helping with the kite. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Sam's birthday picnic at Ocean Beach.

The whole posse. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Sam's birthday picnic at Ocean Beach.

Liam loving his sandwich! © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Sam's birthday picnic at Ocean Beach.

Daniela chilling on the sand. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Sam's birthday picnic at Ocean Beach.

Maya enjoying lunch. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Sam's birthday picnic at Ocean Beach.

Jessica heading up the steps of the beach. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Sam's birthday picnic at Ocean Beach.

xoxo,

Ariel + Sam

San Francisco Engagement Photography Session: Natasia + Shawn

     Shawn proposed to Natasia on the beach at Kirby Cove, so it was a perfect choice to return to the sand and surf to take their engagement photos. Kirby Cove is a beautiful spot, just below the Golden Gate Bridge in the Marin Headlands, with lush ferns, pine trees, and a stellar view of the bridge and the Bay. Natasia + Shawn had a wonderful time reliving their proposal and playing in the waves.  

       On our way back to San Francisco, we stopped at the Palace of Fine Arts, and after a quick costume change, the couple emerged in formal attire, for a romantic, glamorous, "wow" look. We took photographs of them under the many columns and arches of SF's iconic landmark for a series of images suitable for a spread in Vogue.

Natasia's beautiful engagement ring. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Engagement Photography at Kirby Cove, Marin.

Playing in the ocean, just below the Golden Gate Bridge. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Engagement Photography at Kirby Cove, Marin.

A serious kiss, with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Engagement Photography at Kirby Cove, Marin.

Very glam! © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Engagement Photography at the Palace of Fine Arts, San Francisco.

Looking gorgeous. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Engagement Photography at the Palace of Fine Arts, San Francisco.

True love. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Engagement Photography at the Palace of Fine Arts, San Francisco.

       Congratulations Natasia + Shawn! We are so happy for you both :)

xoxo,

Ariel + Sam

Monday: Finding Focus

       Carpe diem.

      That is our focus this Monday. Last week was a roller coaster. There was so much to celebrate, but also so many tears.

       On Thursday our darling aunt Candie passed away after a three year battle with cancer. She was such an inspirational, warm and loving person. Her laugh was full of heart and very contagious. We were able to spend Wednesday with her and our cousins. We surrounded her with love and could tell that she felt our loving presence. We love you Candie.

     On Saturday Sam turned 32. We went to Ocean Beach with a beautiful group of friends for a picnic and kite flying. The sun was warm, we all wore sunglasses and ate peach and blueberry pie. We watched the sunset dip below the horizon and then headed home, for a huge Indian dinner (Sam's fave cuisine), cooked by my parents. Auntie Yam joined the feast and we sweated our way through homemade dals, curries and chutney. It was a perfect birthday.

      It is Monday and my dear friend Marika is flying home from Massachusetts. Her dad passed on Friday and we are all waiting for her with open arms. I want to give her the biggest, warmest hug.

       A week can bring so many joys and so many tears. Remember to tell your friends and family every day that you love them.

xoxo,

Ariel and Sam