Category Archives: Photography

The gorgeous superheroes I’ve been capturing.

So delighted to share some of my newest work + getting to capture YOU in the coming months.

Some of the gorgeous superheroes I’ve been capturing lately:

Clare Barry who leads curiosity “walkshops” in London,
Helen de Michiel a documentary filmmaker here in the bay area +
the stunning Jasmine Guillory who will be coming out with her first novel in the fall.

My prices just went up! But you can get $100 off by booking now.

Live in the Bay Area? Or coming to the Bay area?

I have 5 more spots available for June! Or you can book for another date in the summer. Just be sure to hit reply and say yes! so I can invoice you + get you on my calendar.

Some of the gorgeous faces from the Portrait Party! Next one is July 16th.

The first Portrait Party was a huge success!

If you missed it last time, Portrait Party is a series of mini portrait sessions (30 minutes each) where I get to capture you in a fun + easy + fast way. You will come away with 10-15 high res images for your website/dating profile etc. that you can use however you wish. We are focusing on head shots this time around!

Saturday, July 16th in Berkeley, CA (will let you know exact location when you register)
I am juggling times around between 3pm and 7pm, so let me know your preference and we’ll get you squared away.

I found the perfect location for us in Berkeley + with a bit of sunshine the light will be magic.

Here is a link to register, or if you have questions just hit reply and ask! Price is $200 per person.
https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?c=cart&ejc=2&cl=74538&i=1492457

P.S. If you can’t make it this time around, just email me at [email protected] and I will put you on the list for the next date!

 

 

Magic hour beauty + a new workshop in October!

One of unexpected highlights of the retreat I lead with Laurie last week was the Magic Hour Photo Club. It was meant to be pretty low-key – I knew I’d want to be taking photographs at that hour and thought if anyone wanted to join me we could talk shop about geeky camera stuff. But nearly everyone arrived! and without any special lesson prepared I decided to share what I do best – demonstrate a typical portrait session.

This is where the fun began.

I asked someone to model and showed what I do to direct them – the silly things I say and do to get the person to laugh or to get something real + tender to come through.

For the person in the “hot seat” it was intense. Imagine 20 women with their cameras trained on you. So vulnerable. Except now imagine the most kind + generous paparazzi in the Universe. This paparazzi cheers and shouts things like, Look how beautiful she is! Look at the light coming through her hair! Oh my gosh, look at her smile! She’s glowing. And her eyes… Real. Authentic. An exuberant reflecting back of what we were seeing.

The effect this had on the subject was stunning. I watched each woman come alive. Rise up in the swell of support + genuine kindness. We saw each other with the kindest eyes. The eyes of mothers. The eyes of sisters. The eyes of friends.

I couldn’t help but feel like it was pure soul work we were doing together. Healing through art. Healing through love + connection. Healing through allowing others to see you. It was just some of the unexpected medicine of this retreat.

But the best part? The medicine didn’t end there.

The medicine was in the way we sat in a circle listening to each others’ writing and stories. It was everyone being in bathing suits in the pool together, even though many of us hadn’t put on a bikini in years. The medicine was in the way we painted on paper, watching the colors bleed together in a joyous brew. It happened when we danced and sweat during Nia class. It happened when we felt shy and sat down at a table full of new people to eat lunch. The medicine was in the beautiful food and the wine and the stories and the laughter. The medicine was in each of us, for each other.

If you see these photos + some part of your heart is whispering, I wish I could have been there! then please join us for our next retreat in October! We’ll be doing more portraits for sure. More details below.

Opening the Creative Channel: October 10th-12th, 2014 in the Bay Area

Opening the Creative Channel is a gathering of kindred spirits who will share stories, gorgeous food + creative exercises. We’ll write, we’ll pull out cameras and pens, we’ll put words to paper, play with color and even take a field trip, all in the service of opening the creative channel and waking up our intuition so we can hear the sound of our own music. Only 20 lucky peeps!

I’ll be collaborating with my dear friend and writing teacher, Laurie Wagner. Besides being a great teacher, Laurie is also a coach, author of 7 books, a mixed media artist and a mother of two. She is also one of the kindest + wisest people I know. It will be love at first sight, promise.

Here are the details:

When: October 10th- October 12th, 2014 Saturday and Sunday
[9:30]-4:30pm each day.
Bonus: Friday evening we’ll meet up in for an opening circle + tea + cookies

Where: Laurie Wagner’s gorgeous home in Alameda, CA (close to SF + Oakland) See photo above…Doesn’t it make you want to pull up a chair and a make a friend?

What: A gathering of kindred spirits for sharing stories, gorgeous food, and creative exercises.  We’ll write, we’ll pull out cameras and pens, we’ll put words on paper, play with color and take a field trip to a magical place, all in the service of awakening our intuition and our joy.

Easy Peasy: No previous experience or expertise required. We are not here to create brilliant art. This workshop is about opening ourselves to the creative channel that lives inside each of us, and which, when we tune into it, allows us to hear the sound of our own music, find our authentic words and ultimately be free to live with more creativity, intuition and joy. You just need to bring an open heart + a willingness to share.

Your guides: Andrea Scher + Laurie Wagner

Who: Only 20 lucky peeps! Register now!

Cost: $475 This includes Friday evening + all day Saturday and Sunday. Catered lunch is provided + all the coffee, tea + snacks your heart desires. Plus, 20 of the most lovely humans you just met!

Why: Because we’re so much more alive when we’re turned to the channel of our own intuitive magic. To connect with other women in a fun, cozy and creative environment.

Refund Policy: The bottom line is we want to play with YOU! If it turns out your plans change, please know that your ticket is non-refundable, but you can always transfer it to a friend.

Where to stay? Any hotel in SF, Oakland or Alameda will be great. We’re happy to send over some suggestions.

We promise: Deep connection, creative play + lots of laughter. We hope to have you!

 

To register for the weekend of October 10th – 12th, click the Register button below!

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et’s hang out in real life!

I’m beyond thrilled to announce a LIVE in-person workshop coming up in October!

Opening the Creative Channel is a gathering of kindred spirits who will share stories, gorgeous food + creative exercises. We’ll write, we’ll pull out cameras and pens, we’ll put words to paper, play with color and even take a field trip, all in the service of opening the creative channel and waking up our intuition so we can hear the sound of our own music. Only 20 lucky peeps!

I’ll be collaborating with my dear friend and writing teacher, Laurie Wagner. Besides being a great teacher, Laurie is also a coach, author of 7 books, a mixed media artist and a mother of two. She is also one of the kindest + wisest people I know. It will be love at first sight, promise.

Here are the details:

When: October 4th- October 6th, 2013 October 11th -13th  Saturday and Sunday
[9:30]-4:30pm each day.
Bonus: Friday evening we’ll meet up in for an opening circle + tea + cookies

Where: Laurie Wagner’s gorgeous home in Alameda, CA (close to SF + Oakland) See photo above…Doesn’t it make you want to pull up a chair and a make a friend?

What: A gathering of kindred spirits for sharing stories, gorgeous food, and creative exercises.  We’ll write, we’ll pull out cameras and pens, we’ll put words on paper, play with color and take a field trip to a magical place, all in the service of awakening our intuition and our joy.

Easy Peasy: No previous experience or expertise required. We are not here to create brilliant art. This workshop is about opening ourselves to the creative channel that lives inside each of us, and which, when we tune into it, allows us to hear the sound of our own music, find our authentic words and ultimately be free to live with more creativity, intuition and joy. You just need to bring an open heart + a willingness to share.

Your guides: Andrea Scher + Laurie Wagner

Who: Only 20 lucky peeps! Register now!

Cost: $450 This includes Friday evening + all day Saturday and Sunday. Catered lunch is provided + all the coffee, tea + snacks your heart desires. Plus, 20 of the most lovely humans you just met!

Why: Because we’re so much more alive when we’re turned to the channel of our own intuitive magic. To connect with other women in a fun, cozy and creative environment.

Refund Policy: The bottom line is we want to play with YOU! If it turns out your plans change, please know that your ticket is non-refundable, but you can always transfer it to a friend.

Where to stay? Any hotel in SF, Oakland or Alameda will be great. We’re happy to send over some suggestions.

We promise: Deep connection, creative play + lots of laughter. We hope to have you!

– See more at: http://www.superherolife.com/2013/03/lets-retreat-october-4th-6th-2013-2/#sthash.5yqkasMG.dpuf

et’s hang out in real life!

I’m beyond thrilled to announce a LIVE in-person workshop coming up in October!

Opening the Creative Channel is a gathering of kindred spirits who will share stories, gorgeous food + creative exercises. We’ll write, we’ll pull out cameras and pens, we’ll put words to paper, play with color and even take a field trip, all in the service of opening the creative channel and waking up our intuition so we can hear the sound of our own music. Only 20 lucky peeps!

I’ll be collaborating with my dear friend and writing teacher, Laurie Wagner. Besides being a great teacher, Laurie is also a coach, author of 7 books, a mixed media artist and a mother of two. She is also one of the kindest + wisest people I know. It will be love at first sight, promise.

Here are the details:

When: October 4th- October 6th, 2013 October 11th -13th  Saturday and Sunday
[9:30]-4:30pm each day.
Bonus: Friday evening we’ll meet up in for an opening circle + tea + cookies

Where: Laurie Wagner’s gorgeous home in Alameda, CA (close to SF + Oakland) See photo above…Doesn’t it make you want to pull up a chair and a make a friend?

What: A gathering of kindred spirits for sharing stories, gorgeous food, and creative exercises.  We’ll write, we’ll pull out cameras and pens, we’ll put words on paper, play with color and take a field trip to a magical place, all in the service of awakening our intuition and our joy.

Easy Peasy: No previous experience or expertise required. We are not here to create brilliant art. This workshop is about opening ourselves to the creative channel that lives inside each of us, and which, when we tune into it, allows us to hear the sound of our own music, find our authentic words and ultimately be free to live with more creativity, intuition and joy. You just need to bring an open heart + a willingness to share.

Your guides: Andrea Scher + Laurie Wagner

Who: Only 20 lucky peeps! Register now!

Cost: $450 This includes Friday evening + all day Saturday and Sunday. Catered lunch is provided + all the coffee, tea + snacks your heart desires. Plus, 20 of the most lovely humans you just met!

Why: Because we’re so much more alive when we’re turned to the channel of our own intuitive magic. To connect with other women in a fun, cozy and creative environment.

Refund Policy: The bottom line is we want to play with YOU! If it turns out your plans change, please know that your ticket is non-refundable, but you can always transfer it to a friend.

Where to stay? Any hotel in SF, Oakland or Alameda will be great. We’re happy to send over some suggestions.

We promise: Deep connection, creative play + lots of laughter. We hope to have you!

– See more at: http://www.superherolife.com/2013/03/lets-retreat-october-4th-6th-2013-2/#sthash.5yqkasMG.dpuf

 

Beauty matters. Color matters.

The amazing table. These people know how to cook.

The gorgeous Honey at the table.

Paper lanterns always makes it.

Rachel Cole, doing her six words

The color of radishes always blows me away.

Cheese, olives, beets, oh my.

The birthday wish over the most glorious pie.

One of the ways I consider myself lucky is that my friends love food. And they know how to cook it! They also know how to set a beautiful table.

This was a birthday celebration for our friend Kathryn in a magical garden in Oakland.  As I look over the photos today, I can see so clearly how beauty matters. How color makes a difference. How there is a unique kind of life force in everything on that table. And I love being able to capture it with my camera. Love being able to see where I’ve been so many days later. Love seeing the beauty in my life reflected back to me. It’s my very best gratitude practice.

 

P.S. The Collecting Color course starts again tomorrow, June 2nd! Please join us!

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Artist dates + How to find the fairy doors in Golden Gate Park

Fairy door in Golden Gate Park, SF

This is a fairy door.

Left by magical fairies in Golden Gate park. Don’t you love it?

I had been searching for it for months (unsuccessfully) when a friend told me a hilarious story. “I was changing Owen’s diaper in a little woodsy area near the Japanese Tea garden. You know, for privacy, right? When suddenly I looked up and I was surrounded by a team of Segues. They were all looking for a fairy door precisely in the grove where I had stopped. It was disturbing and surreal.”

She gave me the best instructions she could, Along the side of the Japanese tea garden, there is a fence, a path, a log, etc… but I was still confused when I went searching again last week. I had an artist date with my friend Danny Gregory who flew out for the Hockney show. After marveling at the paintings for hours, I proposed we get some air and search for the mythic fairy door. (I have a history of taking Danny weird places. Last time he was in SF I took him to the Pyschic Eye for a chakra healing)

Inside were wishes and bells, rocks + shells, love notes + acorns. Fairy stuff. Next time I will bring my kids + some glitter.

If you’d like to find the fairy door, here are some simple instructions:

  • -Head to Golden Gate and try to park near the Arboretum or the Japanese Tea Garden

  • -There is a paved pathway that lies between Stowe Lake and the Tea Garden.

  • -Walk up the paved pathway for about 100 feet (Stowe Lake will be on your left) until you see a big eucalyptus log (approximately 18 feet long) that is broken in two. It will be on the left side of the path.

  • -At the end of this log is the fairy door!

Paved pathway between Japanese Tea Garden + Stowe Lake, Golden Gate Park, SF

The eucalyptus log with the fairy door, Golden Gate Park

 

 

 

Family photo shoot by Blue Lily

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Thrilled with how the photos turned out from our Blue Lily photoshoot! Wendy + Tyler are a photographer duo who travel the world (while road-schooling their kids) taking photos. So inspired by their story + their talent! Thank you Wendy…

Adventures: Big Basin in Santa Cruz

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Nico, Big Basin, Santa Cruz, CA

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Impossibly big trees, Big Basin, Santa Cruz, CA

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Nico and Ben, Big Basin, Santa Cruz, CA

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Ben, Big Basin, Santa Cruz, CA

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Self-portrait, Big Basin, Santa Cruz, CA

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Cousins, Big Basin, Santa Cruz, CA

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Ben in his happy place, Big Basin, Santa Cruz, CA

August Adventures: Glide church + Dim Sum in Chinatown

The Glide gospel choir, SF

The Glide gospel choir, SF

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Blue slippers in Chinatown, SF

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Lanterns in Chinatown, SF

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Me, Ben and Nadie in a very big chair at the Clift hotel, SF

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Ben looking like a city dude, downtown SF

August Adventures: The dahlia garden in Golden Gate park

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Dahlia in Golden Gate park, San Francisco

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Dahlia in Golden Gate park, San Francisco

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Dahlia garden, SF

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Dahlia in Golden Gate park, San Francisco

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Dahlia in Golden Gate park, San Francisco

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through the bars

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Closeup grapefruit dahlia, SF

Superhero Photo tip: Welcome the clouds

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Superhero Summer Photo Tip #1

Right before I took the photos above, I shouted urgently to my friend, “Watch Nico! I have to get my camera!”

It had been bright and sunny all day – a gorgeous day by every measure – except that it was too bright to take a great photograph. The shadows were too harsh, too blinding. Too much middle-of-the-day sun. I regretted having lugged my big old camera  all the way to the beach.

But suddenly, the sun went behind the clouds! We love the clouds! and created a perfect diffuser for the sun. The shadows softened and the light became hazy and almost yellow. I snapped like crazy and Nico hammed it up for the camera. The sun returned shortly after, but I was delighted to get some beautiful shots in that dreamy light.

This summer, pay attention to when the sun goes behind the clouds. Instead of lamenting the cold, celebrate the light! and grab your camera.

More great photogaphy lessons in Superhero Photo!

Class begins next Monday, June 24th, 2013.