With thanks, here we go

With the content of this website catching up with the layout design, I guess it is time for me to put down my cameras and start punching away at the keyboard to launch the blog.

It is kind of ironic that I had planned to put the blog out into the virtual world today, and as luck would have it 7X7.com decided to run a picture that I had taken last year as their Photo of the Day.

The photo itself is straight-forward. A quick editorial capture, nothing fancy. But it represents a unique and extraordinary moment in the life of our neighborhood, in the lives of everyone who experienced this unexpected towering fountain on what was the hottest day of the year to that point. It was one of those "I gotcha" captures that takes on a life of its own once it is sent out into the world for all to see. The selection of this pic is somewhat doubly ironic, since another photo taken on the same occasion, that of a smiling SF fireman emerging from the geyser, ended up in print and on the National Geographic website. Goes to show that you never know when opportunity will burst forth like a hydrant exploding on a beautiful spring day.

So it is here that I would like to express my deepest gratitude to some folk, who have helped and/or inspired me to get to this point of taking the leap of faith, of deciding to follow my bliss, of venturing into a new and uncharted career pursuit. First, to David Perry and Alfredo Casuso: David, Mr. PR San Francisco, for having responded to the pic of the fireman by encouraging me to turn professional with the photography, for allowing me to develop my craft on the job with a whole host of interesting clients and events, and for his longstanding -- and I mean long! -- friendship. Alfredo, one of the most talented visual designers I know, for creating a killer business card and super website, but even more so for his patience, sensitivity, support, and generous kindness.

And then there are the two most important guys in my life. My partner, Jeff, who has stood by me every step of the way, enduring this whole-hearted obsession of mine, listening to me talk endlessly about photography, pushing me to grab this chance and make as much of it as I can, carrying my darned heavy camera bag on all of our trips because of my bummed back, and giving me the brutally honest criticism of my work, talent, and areas in need of development. And to my little buddy Murph: he has suffered through me taking as many pictures of him as any dog owner can, making every picture look great cuz he is so darned cute and photogenic, giving me an irresistible reason to step away from the computer to go on walks at all hours of the day and night, and for sitting by me, keeping me company and guarding our fort while I pour over image after image.

And, finally, my recently deceased mom. For her unquenchable love for art and story telling. Her deep belief that creativity and artistic expression should be fostered wherever possible. Her tireless commitment to helping others and community service. Her boundless desire to travel, to explore, to experience other cultures, other languages, other ways of seeing the world than she did. And for her hope that all of her sons would live healthy, fulfilling lives in pursuit of whatever brought us happiness.