We had another stellar weekend for weddings last weekend. Rain was threatening early in the morning but it cleared and revealed a beautiful and crisp day. The ceremony was held at Leffingwell Point in Cambria. There was a whale show right after the ceremony. California Gray Whales were breaching right off the point. The reception was held at Las Cambritas in the East Village of Cambria.The surprise gift of the reception was when Diane gave Tim a traditional hula dance for her new husband. It was beautiful and smooth. Like she had been doing it her whole life. Time was overwhelmed. It was quite a moment. It was a great time and I felt honored to be there. Thanks guys, you’re awesome! ~ JD

Well designed interiors fascinate me. It’s proof that someone with vision and aesthetic experience is able to calm the soul with materials and color. Kim and Leslie Eady of Cambria Shores Inn have just renovated the best dog-friendly motel on Moonstone Beach. Nick over at Grow Nursery crafted the landscaping, and Brooks Lawrence of Brooks Lawrence Design hand-crafted the tables and head boards in every room. As fate would have it, our paths crossed and I was asked to do an image essay on the establishment for the upcoming web site makeover and other marketing material. What you see here is just a sampling of my favorites.

I helped out my friend Cecily Parish with this one. A cloudy day with a mellow vibe. The band was rockin’ and we had a load of fun.

What if you could buy a piece of Harmony? This is the Central Coast! Rolling ocean front hills. Whales, dolphins, otters, the clean horizon. The Central Coast is full of surprises.

A natural model. Nice light. The images say the rest. The Central Coast is full of surprises.

The Central Coast is full of surprises. Yesterday afternoon Lance, Howard and Joe were on their cycles going around. I grabbed my flash and pretended I was shooting for X-Games. I don’t mind a little dirt in the eye, and a good thing too. Dust was everywhere and the wind was howlin’ so I had to be sure to stay upwind from the action. Thanks guys, ~ JD

The isolation and deserted feel of these images are perplex compared to the context of our image of schools. Normally crowded and used and clanging with the chatter of children and their guidance, this series reveals a sense of sadness and progress.

Self portraits are tuff. I have a hard time getting a composition I like since I can’t see through the lens. I try not to take myself too seriously. This shoot came about because I had a job reschedule at the last minute. I was all set up so I thought I would take advantage of the situation and shoot some images with my new 50mm 1.4. It came on a recommendation from Ricky Mia and I love it. This lens rocks and I look forward to using it every chance I get. Take care, ~ JD

This is my neighbor Alan S. Doctor. He served in the Army during the Korean War. Because this is September Eleventh Alan went down to the Vet’s Hall to be a part of the memorial ceremony. He represents the U.S. Army’s branch of the military during all the local observance of national memorials. I had asked him to stop by on his way in order to get a few shots of him in his uniform. Later, during the ceremony, while I was in a meeting down the street, I could hear him playing Taps. Thanks for your service Alan.

I had the honor of photographing Kevin Albert Lee as he captured the Moonstone Beach sunset this evening. I had been shooting a project for the Cambria Shores Inn which is across the street from where Mr. Lee had set up. It was a rare opportunity and I am grateful. Thanks again Mr. Lee.