My Grandmother's Paintings

Last Saturday after my soccer game, Marina and I drove up north to her home in Petaluma. We left San Francisco around 5:30 (after buying a rotisserie chicken, which we ate in the car) and entered Sonoma County as the hills were turning pink. 

We had pasta with baby zucchini for dinner, warm brownies and coconut bliss for dessert, and slept like rocks. We awoke to the sun coming in through the curtains in her studio/bedroom and lighting up the orchids. We read in bed until we were roused by our appetites. I began photographing her paintings while she made eggs benedict from the leftover chicken. 

Five hours later I was still photographing paintings. The woman is prolific. And every work of art comes with a story that enhances it. I created a website to showcase her talent and wanted to share some of her best pieces here. I hope you enjoy. All paintings are available to ship worldwide. 

Marsh with Egrets // Oil on canvas // 24" x 36" 

Dillon Beach in the Morning // Oil on canvas // 24" x 36"

Pelican Point, Tomales Bay (part of a diptych) // Oil on canvas // 24" x 36"

Red Phase, Estero // Oil on canvas // 30" x 40"

Mariah's Irises // Oil on canvas // 30" x 36"

To see more, visit marinaskybeebe.com

Molly in the Trees // Bay Area Fashion Photography

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Model and styling: Miss Molly // Location: Tilden Park, Berkeley

This girl is good. And we have so much fun. This shoot was a little more risqué than our previous one, but I think the images turned out really beautiful. I have always wanted to shoot in a eucalyptus grove, there is so much light compared to most forests, and it didn't disappoint. 

 

 

Good Friends and Fire in the Sky // Baker Beach

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A couple Sundays ago we had a long overdue get-together with old friends in the CIty. Time with these people feeds my soul like little else. And as day turned to night, we were treated to a truly spectacular October sunset. Afterwards we enjoyed Mexican food and margaritas at Tommy's on Geary.

Panoramic brilliance.  It was a prefect day.

Brother and Sister // East Bay Family Portrait Photographer

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There was so much love between these two and so many wonderful things in the short time we spent together. Three flies up, climbing fig trees and monkey bars. Mac n cheese with peas. Caterpillars and chrysalises. California fuchsia. A family walk around the neighborhood with perfect light. Sylvester the cat. Happy and active kids may be my favorite subjects. 

I'm still offering free family session though the end of October. Please spread the word or contact me if interested! 

Josh and Katie // Engagement

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I have known Josh since high school. Since he was the T.A. in my Chemistry class, which [after a few beers] he never fails to mention whenever we're together. I have only known Katie for just over a year, when she and Jen picked me at the Auburn bus stop on the morning of Sam and Christian's wedding. Considering our guys are in constant communication via group text message regarding fantasy football or the next big camping trip, I know I'll have a lot of time to get to know her and love her even more.

These photos were taken while camping on the banks of Blue Lake in the Tahoe National Forest over Labor Day Weekend. Four couples plus friends and dogs, two nights, multiple coolers, and a stand up paddle board. It was a good time. We got rained out Monday morning, complete with lightening, which added a little drama to the weekend.

Congratulations on your engagement, Josh and Katie! Looking forward to the wedding and I'm so glad that lately we've been able to get together more often.

Olga and Anna // Bay Area Family Photographer

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These two were so much fun.  

If you live in the Bay Area and are interested in scheduling a family session, please contact me. 

Jessica in Old Sacramento

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Jessica is one of my favorite people.

She's obviously stunningly beautiful. And she is kind and funny and she inspires me. We share a deep love for furry animals and beautiful clothes. And travel. Out of the six years we have known one another, two of those years we have lived in separate countries. I don't think any amount of time or distance apart will hurt our friendship, and that makes me feel pretty lucky. 

After the shoot we got root beer floats at a decade-old drive-inn and met this little guy. The next morning we bought donuts from Doughbots and mochi from Osaka Ya, and spent the afternoon window shopping. For dinner we went out for Mexican food, drank cadillac margaritas, and had flan for dessert. Indulgences galore. It fed my soul. 

I've been busy. I have three family sessions, a birthday party, and an engagement session to share, and two family sessions and a birthday to shoot in the next four days. And I'm back to playing soccer three days a week. It feels good. I decided I am going to continue offering free sessions through the end of October (while spots last!) and then I am going to raise my rates. 

Camping Mt. Diablo

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Two weekends ago we camped for a night at the top of Mt. Diablo. We took a pretty incredible summit hike and got to enjoy a spectacular sunset, but besides that the actual campsite was pretty mediocre.  I recommend going up there for a hike and a picnic. It you aren't camping there is a $10 vehicle fee and you have to leave before sunset because they close the gates. I am still enjoying the freedom of being able to pick and go. And it's always nice to get some elevation and the new perspective that comes with it. 

Red Dress // Sunset in the City

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Miss Molly can make me laugh like few can. We met while both working at Crossroads and something stuck. I always knew I needed more of her in my life. And she competes in Olympic weightlifting so she's a total badass, with a hot body to boot. She texted me the other day and told me that she had just bought the sexiest dress of all time. So we got her all dolled up and waited for the light to be right.

Probably the most fun I've ever had on a shoot. It is so exhilarating collaborating with another person to create something beautiful. And San Francisco did us right. The colors and the sky and the reflections were incredible. We are already dreaming up our next shoot: think vintage lace and flower crowns in an edible garden at sunset. 

Dead on the Creek 2013 // Sunday

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Sunday is a day for relaxation and long conversation. For taking a dip in the pond and staring up at the sky through the leaves on the trees. For getting a spot in that dinner line early. I feel so lucky to be connected to so many beautiful people from my hometown. And the people who come to this festival year after year have created the best kind of community. Community celebrating music and food and dance and art. And celebrating the life and lyrics of Jerry Garcia. 

More photos of the festival and more about Dead on the Creek.