LA VIDA LOCA

RZA and Jeff Staple

2012-02-01T02:39:00.000-08:00

Sneak Peak of last weeks assignment with the RZA and Jeff Staple.

Heart Valentines Day Sneak Peak

2012-01-24T17:55:00.000-08:00

Sneak peak of todays shoot for Heart Boutique. Shot by Vanessa Lopez.
I cant wait to share the shoot.
It came out so cute.

Inspiration

2012-01-21T13:11:00.000-08:00

Some where in Potrero Hill

Gucci Gucci

2012-01-20T18:53:00.000-08:00

Sneak peak of yesterdays shoot with the MISS CREW ladies!

Tribute

2012-01-17T01:11:00.000-08:00

Yosemite

2012-01-15T11:59:00.000-08:00

Complex: Art and Design

2012-01-10T14:37:00.000-08:00

My work was featured on complex.com today in the Art+Design section. To check out my images and get a little back story on some of the photos please check out the link HERE.

New Promo Zines

2012-01-09T14:37:00.000-08:00

I love art books especially photo books and zines so for the new year I decided to create a promotional zine of some of my favorite portraits to send out to potential clients. My first issue is a mini 20 page zine printed on a lovely felt paper with stitched seams. I loved the process of creating these little books so I know ill be creating more soon.

On the cover CPLUS

January 2012

2012-01-03T23:58:00.000-08:00

First project of the New Year! I am working with the lovely Miss Crew Fam on their latest Nail Calendar. Each month we will bring to you a great new manicure complimented by designer accessories. To download the January centerfold, please click HERE.

Nothing but HEART

2011-12-29T00:00:00.000-08:00

My sister Vanessa opened her online store! Yeah buddy! Heart Boutique is now online and I couldn't be more proud of her. She's been working on the site for a few months so its amazing to see it come into fruition. We worked together to create the holiday look book for the site. It was dfinately a family affair. My Aunt Isabel, owner of Belleza Salon did the hair and our grade school friend Monica did the makeup. Please check out the site HERE. Or if you are in Sacramento, visit her store on 19th and Capitol. Go Heart!

Phoenix

2011-12-22T11:34:00.000-08:00

Dream

2011-12-21T12:51:00.000-08:00

From the Archive

2011-12-07T20:57:00.000-08:00

J. Pinder

2011-12-05T20:57:00.001-08:00

Papi

2011-11-30T02:13:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago I got up at dawn and took a little trip with my dad as he delivered pet food on his weekly route. I don't spend much time with my dad so I figured it would be a fun idea to come along one day. He suggested I come along on a Monday because it's his most scenic route. Turns out it is also his longest. He starts at 6am and finishes up at 8pm. My dad is a real people person and he loves animals so he doesn't mind the long days because he enjoys what he does.
We spent most of the ride talking about music (to my surprise he likes Wesin and Yandel) and national parks (one of his routes is not far from the grand canyon.) While we talked I managed to snap a few photos. I wasn't sure how my dad would react to me photographing him so I didn't shoot as much as I would have liked but I'll definitely be going back. I don't think he minded the camera and I really enjoyed hanging out with him.

Instagraming

2011-11-28T02:13:00.000-08:00

I've joined the Instagram club! Ahhh, yeah. Follow me at Snapshotlopes
That's pretty much my screen name for everything. Twitter, Instant Messanger, email and now... instagram. Shot out to Trevor Traynor for hooking me up with his old iphone.

Alyssa

2011-11-23T23:43:00.001-08:00

Sneak Peek of Todays shoot for Heart Boutique

2011-11-20T18:02:00.000-08:00

Dia de los Muertos

2011-11-05T19:21:00.000-07:00

This year for dia de los muertos, we created an altar to celebrate and remember the lives of our loved ones.

My Friend, My Muse. Nosa

2011-10-18T20:46:00.000-07:00

Water and Earth

2011-10-07T16:31:00.000-07:00

Girls Got Kicks in Sacramento!

2011-10-06T15:10:00.000-07:00

The Girls Got Kicks Book tour will stop in Sacramento at my lovely sister Vanessa's boutique, HEART!

If you are in town, please stop by. Would love to see you!

We're coming to SF

2011-09-28T12:59:00.000-07:00

SF homies, hope to see you here.

I got 99 problems but my kicks aint one

2011-09-21T18:26:00.000-07:00

What I loved most about working on the book, GIRLS GOT KICKS, was getting to meet and photograph some really amazing women. Below are some sample pages of these great gals and their shoes.

If you'd like to pick up you own copy, you can get one HERE

Girls Got Kicks

2011-09-21T17:33:00.000-07:00

I am back from a week spent on the east coast celebrating the release of the first ever photo book dedicated to Girls with a passion for Sneakers. Lori Lobenstine, founder of the site Female Sneaker Fiend, and I have been quietly working on this project for the last 2+ years so its amazing to see the project come into fruition. Below are some images from the book tour events. To see additional images and get more info about the tour please check out the site, Girls Got Kicks HERE.

Lori and I with New York cities own, Bobbito Garcia. Photo by Trevor Traynor

Don't sleep on the ladies. Photo by Rashawn Austin

Girls Got Kicks: Boston

2011-09-17T16:53:00.000-07:00

The Girls Got Kicks book tour hits Boston's very own Bodega. Hope to see you there!

Girls Got Kicks NYC!

2011-09-12T22:21:00.000-07:00

"Arguably the birthplace of sneaker culture, New York City is certainly home to the most sneaker fiends represented in Girls Got Kicks! From the photobooth and double dutch at the classic FSF barbecue, to the largest FSF street team in the world, to sneaker-inspired artists including Claw, Vashtie, Toofly, Married to the Mob, Fetti, Pinkeye, JenOne, and more...

Come get your book signed, meet the author and photographer, chill to good music, and check out the latest at Goliath, New York's only female-owned sneaker boutique!" - GirlsGotKicks.com

Black Star

2011-08-31T23:20:00.000-07:00

Everything is Everything

2011-08-30T23:56:00.000-07:00

The incomparable, Miss Lauryn Hill. Rock the Bells 2011. SF

Rock the Bells Assisting

2011-08-30T18:19:00.000-07:00

I spent this Saturday at Rock the Bells with Trevor Traynor, assisting him as he shot back stage portraits of the performers. Here he is shooting a shot of Joe Budden getting a hair cut before he goes on stage. Joe was really nice and got a kick out of the set up.

Tattoo

2011-08-24T22:59:00.000-07:00

I came across a painting the other day that was based on a photo I shot of my sister for Mama Clothing's Mi Vida Loca campaign.

I reach out to the artist to see how he found the work and it turns out the artist is none other than Miami Ink tattoo artist Luke Wessman. Cool! Luke was nice enough to email back and told me that he had used the painting as a reference for a tattoo he created for one of his clients. Below is the photo the painting is based on along with a shot of the guy who will forever have my sister tattooed on his stomach. :)

Leah

2011-08-16T20:09:00.001-07:00

Trevor

2011-08-15T17:30:00.001-07:00

Tierra & Agua Zine

2011-08-12T09:00:00.000-07:00

The zines Trevor and I created sold out at our opening last week at Pictopia. In case you missed it, please check out the video.

The Adirondacks

2011-08-09T19:47:00.000-07:00

Berlin: C.O.P. Guide to Etiquette

2011-08-08T15:33:00.000-07:00

I'm participating in a group show put on by the lovely ladies of C.O.P. magazine.
If you are in Berlin, please stop by and snap some photos for me. :)

Hell Yeah!

2011-08-07T09:00:00.000-07:00

I shot a fashion story for the Australian magazine, HELL YEAH. The shoot, produced by the lovely ladies of M.I.S.S. Crew, Gabriella Davi 'Khorasanee and Liz Baca, was a blast to work on.

In Case You Missed the show.

2011-08-02T08:43:00.000-07:00

Here's a sneak peak of one of the walls from the Tierra & Agua show that runs until the end of Sept at PICTOPIA

Tierra Y Agua

2011-08-01T15:40:00.000-07:00

Michael Rapaport

2011-07-28T19:57:00.001-07:00

Frame of Mind.

2011-07-26T20:55:00.000-07:00

Amanda Lopez from John Coyne on Vimeo.

My friend, the photographer and director John Coyne, is working on a series of interviews with various artists. I was fortunate enough to be included in his series. To learn a little more about me and my work, please check out the video. Thanks John.

All that Glitters

2011-07-21T08:38:00.000-07:00

To see the complete collection of photos I shot, please visit the
La Chanelphile HERE

Pueblo

2011-07-18T19:04:00.000-07:00

Todays Shoot with Michael Rapaport

2011-07-14T21:07:00.001-07:00

shot with the 4x5.

Estella

2011-07-12T23:48:00.000-07:00

Todays Inspiration

2011-07-10T22:37:00.000-07:00

I went to a workshop today at Looking Glass Photo in Berkeley taught by the photographer Jenny Sampson. Her portraits of skaters are so beautiful. You can check them out HERE
In case you haven't noticed from my last couple of entries, I am really interested in the wet plate collodion tintype process. I have been really inspired by photographers who are currently working with this medium and am in the beginning stages of creating a new body of work using tintypes. Hopefully by the end of the summer Ill have some images to show you.

Photo by Jenny Sampson

Part One: From Her Eyes

2011-07-07T22:41:00.000-07:00

Mara Hruby

make up by the one and only, Miss Jenni Tay.

Mara Hruby

2011-07-07T22:10:00.000-07:00

Behind the Scenes at todays shoot with Mara Hruby.

2011-07-02T19:38:00.000-07:00

Such a pleasure working with the talented Mara Hruby. More photos coming soon. In the mean time, please check out her music HERE. She's amazing.

Todays Inspiration

2011-06-29T19:29:00.000-07:00

The Solider photographs of Ellen Susan. Completely breath taking.
Check out the complete series HERE

Todays Inspiration: Collodion Tin Types of Modern Day Cowboys.

2011-06-23T19:09:00.000-07:00

Most of what I share on my blog is personal work; photos from my archive, images from projects I am currently working on or snapshots of moments shared with friends. I take pictures because there is something inside of me that needs to do it. I can't explain it. "It" just is. Some days however are easier than others to produce work. Sometimes I need to push my self a little to create. What I find helps me to move past those more challenging days is the inspiration I get from seeing other artist work. I am lucky because I am surrounded by creative people. It's their energy that keeps me motivated. Soooo I've decided to not just dedicate this blog to my own work but to share the work of people who inspire me.
FIRST UP.

Lee Bob

2011-06-23T01:18:00.000-07:00

From the Archive: Raka Dun

2011-06-20T17:32:00.001-07:00

The Gorge, New Mexico

2011-06-17T19:57:00.000-07:00

The Great Sand Dunes, Colorado

2011-06-17T19:55:00.000-07:00

Santa Fe

2011-06-13T14:46:00.000-07:00

I am home bound after a week of taking photos in New Mexico.
On our way to the air port today I stopped to photograph the sign at
the Thunder Bird Inn. More photos coming soon...

Instagram by Trevor Traynor

Grillade

2011-06-06T00:03:00.000-07:00

StudLife

2011-06-05T17:15:00.000-07:00

SNR

2011-06-04T00:27:00.000-07:00

Late last year I got the opportunity to create an artist news stand box for the SNR and went to town covering the box with photos from a series I worked on a few years ago about low riders in San Francisco. Recently i discovered that the box has finally been put out into the world.
If you ever find yourself in Roseville waiting for a bus near the corner of Painted Desert and Woodcreek Oaks Blvd, you just might catch a glimpse of my creation :)

Upcoming: London Town

2011-06-01T16:52:00.000-07:00

FILM POR VIDA.

Pedal Hard

2011-05-31T17:08:00.000-07:00

Chief Oriba

2011-05-28T15:06:00.000-07:00

Agua

2011-05-27T16:25:00.001-07:00

Thelma and Louise, South Carolina

2011-05-24T19:27:00.000-07:00

St. Augustine, Florida

2011-05-24T19:17:00.000-07:00

Viva.

Bryce Canyon, Utah

2011-05-02T18:29:00.000-07:00

A Pictures Worth a Thousand Words.

2011-05-02T17:48:00.000-07:00

Some of my photos were featured on the 7000word site along side some of todays most talented image makers. Click the link HERE to see the work. Be ready to be inspired.

Holy Stitch

2011-04-28T00:11:00.000-07:00

Rehearsal

2011-04-28T00:01:00.000-07:00

With Grillade and Big KRIT.

2nd Annual Peter Man BBQ, Austin TX

2011-04-27T23:57:00.000-07:00

C Plus

2011-04-26T00:25:00.000-07:00

The homie C Plus just released his new album, ALL C.I.T.Y.
I was lucky enough to get to work with him and create the images for his new project.
You can pick up a copy of HERE. He is definitely an artist to watch.

SXSW Part 2

2011-03-29T21:42:00.000-07:00

Big K.R.I.T., Grillade, Wall Paper, Tanya Morgan, Raka Dun of Los Rakas, and Dom Kennedy

SXSW

2011-03-24T22:22:00.000-07:00

Man...where do I begin. SXSW was awesome. I went once before a few years ago but forgot how wild, crazy, fun, exciting and tiring the festival can be. If you've never been, i HIGHLY recommend it. If you are a musician, it's practically a must that you be there. It seemed like every musician you could think of was there doing there thing. It was crazy.

So this year my dear friend Trevor Traynor and I covered the festival together and shot mini video interviews with some of our favorite artists. (More details on that a little later.)
We had a general idea of who we wanted to see but with no set itinerary we kind of just went with the flow. And lucky things seemed to work out perfectly.

We ran into Yelawolf, Immortal Technique and Roach Giggz on 6th street.

We checked out the Freddie Gibbs show at Peckerheads. He was backed by the homies, The Park. There was also a special apperance by Chuck Inglish of the Cool Kids. Nice

We managed to get into the Stokes shows but were a little to far from the stage so I was only able to get a shot of Julian singing from the TV in the VIP Lounge.

Next we headed over to La Zona Rosa to see Wiz Khalifa and B.O.B. We had photo passes which usually means we can shoot from the pit for the first 3 songs but at this particular event you had to have a special badge to shoot from the pit. WTF. Anyway..... so i shot from the crowd.

And we ended the night at the Dirty Dog to see Yelawolf.

T & A

2011-03-24T20:59:00.000-07:00

This is the logo for the colabo 'zine that photographer Trevor Traynor and I are creating. I'm so excited to finish it so we can share it with the homies. It's going to be ILL.

The logo was created by the talented San Fran sign painter, Mr. Ken Davis. Thanks Ken. I love it.

Trevor

2011-03-24T14:34:00.000-07:00

Some where in Texas

The Air Force

2011-03-14T20:06:00.000-07:00

In a past life I was a U.S. Air Force photographer. I learned so much and met some really honorable people while working at Travis Air Force Base. I also gained a new found appreciation and respect for the men and women who serve our country. Air Power!

Crankset

2011-03-14T09:18:00.000-07:00

An awesome event for a great cause. Hope to see

you there San Francisco.

Lisette

2011-03-05T14:28:00.000-08:00

Spanglish Arte

2011-03-03T15:39:00.000-08:00

Chambelan

2011-02-27T19:54:00.001-08:00

The Reed Pages

2011-02-23T20:19:00.000-08:00

The new issue of the Reed pages just hit the stands. I'm thrilled because I have a few images in the magazine. This issue has stories and images by some really talented artist like, Jonathan Mannion, Mr. Cartoon, The 13th Witness, Futura, and Eryka Badu just to name a few. See the rest of the stories and pick up your copy of the 1st issue HERE

Bambu

2011-02-21T12:27:00.000-08:00

C Plus BTS

2011-02-20T18:51:00.000-08:00

Last week I got the opportunity to work with the homie C Plus and shoot some photos for his upcoming album, All C.I.T.Y. The project comes out April 19th! As always, it was a pleasure working with Plus and his crew. Photos by Shaka Hayes

Bam

2011-02-15T22:43:00.000-08:00

2011-01-29T01:42:00.000-08:00

Some of my images are in this weeks edition of the San Francisco based news paper, El Tecolote. What a pleasant surprise to find out that the story, which i originally thought would be a short blurb, is a double page feature. Shot out to Kelly Mendez for writing the piece. Thanks chica. I really appreciate it.

AKIA

2011-01-18T23:09:00.000-08:00

From The Archive: Los Rakas

2011-01-10T23:13:00.000-08:00

Sunday Afternoon

2011-01-08T14:52:00.000-08:00

From the Archive: Deluv in SF

2011-01-06T21:27:00.000-08:00

First shoot of the Year

2011-01-02T21:50:00.000-08:00

True Love in Nueva York.

2010-12-27T18:52:00.000-08:00

Maritza and Roshaun are a beautiful couple. They have the kind of relationship that people dream about.

And its because of them, that i believe in love. I've been friends with them for a few years now so I was thrilled when they asked me to take their wedding photos. Below are a few images from their special day. Thanks Mitz and Ro for letting me be apart of it. Que viva el amor.

M.I.S.S. x MAMA

2010-12-21T16:40:00.000-08:00

The new Issue of Sneaker Freaker just hit the stands and

I have a few images in the special NYC edition. Pick up

your copy HERE to see the great shoe colab between ADIDAS x M.I.S.S. x MAMA

Heart

2010-12-18T11:02:00.000-08:00

The fabulous photographer Trevor Traynor and I shot a video for my sister Vanessa's store. For all your holiday shopping, please stop by. I promise you'll fall in love with this store. Don't believe me... check out all the press the stores been getting. HERE and HERE and HERE :)
Special thank you to Keelay and Zaire for letting us use their music for the video!

HEART clothing Boutique from Trevor Traynor on Vimeo.

Siaira

2010-12-12T17:09:00.001-08:00

Getta Clue x Official Hats x C Plus

2010-11-25T11:46:00.000-08:00

What a pleasant surprise. The homie MC, C Plus, let me know about this window display currently up at the Getta Clue downtown store. The photos were shot as part of the Official Hat Brand look book a few months ago and are currently being displayed for the holidays. Niiiiice.

Upcoming: Amate & The Bridge is Over

2010-11-25T11:30:00.000-08:00

I am particiapting in a couple great shows in the coming week.

This Saturday in SF at the Lopo Gallery come check out the Bridge is Over Show. The show, curated by the hard working, Ken Harman, brings together some really great artist from the greater East Bay area. I will be showing more images from the caliLOVE series which was created entirely in Oakland. I got a sneak peak at the show on Tuesday when i dropped off my art work and was blown way by all of the amazing art work. Especially Keba Konte's pieces. Come see them for yourself. The show opens at 6pm.

December 3rd at Intersection for the Arts, the incredibly talented poet, Leticia Hernandez, asked me to share some images as part of her annual event: Women Painting Stories. I am really looking forward to hearing her poem about the Mission which was inspired by visuals from the muralist Juana Alicia, the photographer Michelle Gutierrez and myself. If your free Dec 3rd, please stop by. It's going to be an amazing event.

*Thank you Leticia and Ken for including my images on the flyer.

Zuzuka Poderosa

2010-11-14T20:52:00.000-08:00

2010-11-13T18:13:00.000-08:00

Behind the scenes at the Miss Crew Shoe shoot for Sneaker Freaker
magazine. Be on the look out for next months issue.

Guerrero Gallery

2010-11-11T22:28:00.000-08:00

I met Andres Guerrero a few years ago at an art show where he was showing some work with the 7th Letter crew. Though I don't remember the name of the gallery, I do remember I was really impressed with his painting style and the composition of his work. Fast forward a few years later and Andres became part owner and curator at the White Wall Gallery and put me in my first big group show called WELL HUNG with some of the bay areas best female artist. Andres and I stayed friends through out the years and I am happy to report that he has embarked on a new artistic venture. Today he is the owner of a new art space, Guerrero Gallery and I couldn't be happier for him.

About a month ago Andres called and asked if I would shoot some photos of him for story that the San Francisco Arts Quarterly was writing on him. Of course I said yes. Thanks Andres for thinking of me. Click HERE to read the interview and check out the rest of the magazine.

Viva Las Vegas

2010-11-11T17:07:00.000-08:00