HAPPY THANKSGIVING PEOPLE!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! and more...

I am so extremely thankful to be doing something that I love. I am so thankful for my family, friends, and Jesus. I am thankful for life, simply put. More Thanksgiving stuff later...but I want to catch you up with last week. This will give you time to reflect on what you're thankful for... :)

I recently photographed the Monterey Peninsula's Chamber of Commerce 4th Annual Charity Event called "Peninsula's Got Talent" hosted at the Monterey Hyatt. This was such a great event, and raised a great amount of money for a variety of charities. Some of the organizations involved were Big Brothers Big Sisters, YMCA, Boys and Girls Club, SPCA, Rising International/The Action Council, Carmel Youth Center, American Cancer Society, and Meals on Wheels, just to name a few. Each organization was to "provide" their own talent performer for this Talent Show and the winner brought the booty to the charity organization.

There were some incredible raffle prizes from the Pebble Beach Company to Ventana Vineyards to Bernardus Lodge and more, with delicious wine to be savored, and great conversations to be enjoyed, in addition to some terrific talent showcased on the stage. The red carpet was rolled out, softboxes lit up, and young & old talent busting at the seams, with the limousines capping off the elegant edge of the show. The coolest part was the fact that it was all for charity. Cool beans.

Here are a few images from the night.




Behold the winners! In third place, the lovely Jessica Aubuchon. Second place was Ben Bang. And First place belongs to Mia Bernardino who has an incredible passion! All performers were great, and I'm stoked to have been a sponsor for this event. Definately a great time for a great cause. Congratulations to the winners!! On my home page (www.mikesteelman.com)you can find a temporary link to this event hosted online by my partnered photo lab Pictage. This link will only be there for another week, then you'll have to go to www.pictage.com/398166.

I'm off for the big Turkey Day, but will be back in the studio on Monday. I encourage you to take a few moments of reflection and think about what you are, or should be, thankful for. My list doesn't stop! From the minor little things like having a shower and hot water to having a dependable car, to the wife and kiddo to an awesome God...We have so much to be grateful for. A lot of it though, depends on our perspective. What's yours?

Have a wonderful day!

Catching up

Hi everyone! It definitely has been proven that I am a terrible blogger...ha! But, that just means that I've been busy busy shooting, editing, uploading, marketing, meeting new wonderful friends, and putting together some outrageously great packages and albums!

A lot has happened in the last month, so I won't try to "catch up" and cram it all in one post. But, to just name a few, here goes. Last month I went down to Pictage's Partner Conference in Los Angeles, and had a wonderful time expanding my knowledge in my photographic career. I got to meet up with old friends and make some new ones. To all those I met, it was a true honor! I got to learn from some phenomenal photographers while down there, including David Jay, Bob Davis, Robert T. Williams, the incredibly humble Dane Sanders, of course Mike Colon, The Holritz', Chris Humphreys, awesome Davide Greene, Jefferson Todd, the infamous Sara France, and more! I've been blessed with the opportunities to meet, hang, eat, and in some fashion or another share life with each of these photographers. What an incredible time to be in the industry indeed. I've never met such genuine people in any career that are as authentic as these. Keep it up y'all! You make me proud to be a photographer.

Of course, I would love to go on and on about how each person (over the last year specifically) has blessed me and helped make not only a better photographer, but also a better person, but that would take forever! Come on, I have a hard enough time blogging as it is! :) But seriously, thank you to everyone who has helped make this business of mine such a success. I only hope and pray that I can be a blessing to the next person to come my way! I love to continually be growing, and love to share that growth with others. The time of cut throat business mindedness is done...at least in my business. Thank God.

I photographed one of the most incredible couples ever, Ashley and Andy. They're getting married next June, and I am absolutely stoked for them! Two of the nicest people you'll ever meet, and what a blast to hang out with. I am so fortunate to be doing what I do, because I get to make new friends all the time! You can totally tell these two are in love...which just makes my job so cool! We began shooting right out in front of my studio, and down to the wharf and beach. What a day! Here are some of their engagement images. Wow!!!











The chamber of commerce here in Monterey is hosting a fantastic showcase next week, and I've been invited to share my work there, so I've been busy preparing for that. Can't wait to network more with the local wonderful Monterey people. Yesterday I shot a retirement/family session for the Martinellis. Trish retired from the Army, and has faithfully served with dedication and pride, and has my utmost respect. Thanks Trish!

The studio office is such a retreat! Oh my gosh. I love coming to work. I love pouring myself into what I do. I'm then able to shoot with passion and freedom, and have fun with you as my clients! Man, I dig it. :) The large canvases have all come in finally, and the finishing touches are always being made to make this place something else. Of course, it's been done for quite some time, but is always in refinement I think, sort of like me.

Well, there's a very brief synopsis of just a couple things that have been going on. With the holidays upon us, you can imagine how many people want to do family photos and the like. I have a few more openings available if you haven't yet booked a photographer, so give me a call and I'll be happy to hook you up!

I'm still alive!

Hi all... Although I haven't posted in the last month, I wanted you to know that I am still alive, and am working on some incredible things for MSP! I look forward to posting on a more continual basis, and sharing with you some fantastic images! Thank so so very much for your patience...I'll be back! :)

Pictage Partner Conference 2007 LA

Here's the latest ScriPic...whatcha think?

Hey everyone, hope you're doing great! It has been beautiful weather here in Monterey, and I am quick to remember not to take it for granted. Today I spent time with my son Judah Kai, and took him to get his second ever hair cut. He did pretty good, considering he's only 16 months old. And so did I, given that my wife wasn't there to help distract him and such! :) We shared a Costco hotdog (or two), ate some raisins (did I spell that right?), and had a blast hanging out. I absolutely love it when he snuggles up to me randomly and give me a big "Daddy Love" hug while he rests his precious little red head on my shoulder. Man, that's the good stuff!

As many of you know, we, on a personal note, moved homes and are now countrified on 11 acres! We are yet to have TV, let alone internet access, so life has been challenging (particularly when it comes time to blogging and emailing!) but we are surviving. :) Judah has space to roam without worrying about cars and the like - although 2 days ago we had to keep him close because of a new mountain lion coming down to say hi - and we have peace and quiet, kinda. After all, our boy is 16 months old!

I'm off tomorrow down to Los Angeles until the end of the week for what will be an exciting time of networking and growing in my profession. My partnered online photo lab Pictage conducts a great conference twice annualy, and this is the one on the west coast. I'm excited to catch up with old friends, and the opportunity to make new ones!

As far as the studio goes, all is coming together greatly, and we are super stoked & about ready to have y'all over! Just waiting on a few large canvas prints and a seriously cool stainless steel piece that will catch your eye. Definately a cool place to hang and feel special, and a great relaxing environment to view your images while sipping on a fantastically delicious cappuccino!

Our new studio phone number is up and running at 800-925-1639. You can always shout out to us about anything you might come up with regarding suggestions or new and fresh ideas for your photos...or your favorite locations! That's always been part of our DNA here at Mike Steelman Photographers - to listen to what our clients desire and have in mind, and to provide an experience that is custom suited to each person. And of course, to blow your mind doing it! We are filling up our dates for Family Holiday Photos, so give us a call today to book your date! God Bless, and see you soon!

Florida still

Although a later post than I wanted, I am proud to say that we made it across the country! We've been here in Florida (settling our friends' stuff & visiting others) since last Saturday. We had a blast driving the 3010 miles across this great country, with only one regret: I wish we had more time to travel and sightsee! Let alone take pictures. Our friends moved to a great beach town called Delray Beach, and is prime location for another satellite office for MSP - already in the works. :) With settling in comes the infamous issues of getting the internet setup and so forth, so I am finally able to blog. Now the catch - limited time. As I write, I am actually visiting long time friends in Clermont, another great upscale town about 3 hours north of Delray Beach. Some of the many friends we have up here have actually been past clients of mine, and it's a blast to be able to see the again and share time together. Praise God for our relationships and friendships!

On a sadder note, while driving through Texas on the trip, I discovered that a friend of mine (that I met at Mike Colon's Photography workshop last February) passed away. His name is Jose Gonzales, and was a great addition to our group. Our prayers and thoughts are with his family as they go through this hard time. Please keep them lifted up in your prayers. Here's a picture of Jose shooting besides Mike Colon.

In refelection, I can't help but to thank God for the relationships I have in my life, and how precious they are to me. All of you that I have met and shared some time of fellowship with, I am extremely grateful for you in my life. To thise I havent met yet, I really look forward to sharing life together! With trying to maintian a successful business and home life, and doing the daily grind, it's a good thing to step back once in a while and really look at your life from a different perspective. God has given us so much freedom, and sometimes we neglect the more important things. My hope and prayer is that we all are knocked back a little where we see the value in life and in each other. It's too easy to get caught up in "living" that we take a lot for granted, don't ya think? After all is said and done, and all else fails, it's all about relationships. Friendships. Making a difference in someone's life. Loving others, and expressing the love of God in that.Things that last. Everything else is just, well... stuff. Take a moment today to reflect on the stuff of life, and the gifts you have. God Bless.

To the Sunshine State Again...

We have been going full speed for 4 weeks now...ending with a driving trip across the country to help out our friends in their move. The original plan was to stuff my motorcycle in the back of the truck and ride it home (One of my Life To-Do's), but our friends have too much stuff and there is no more room. I'm super bummed, but excited nontheless to be able to help them out. My wife will be going with me for some road company and adult time. The kiddo is with Grandma and Grandpa up in Oregon for two weeks - ca you believe it? This is a test of our hearts I guess, as we won't be with our little guy for such a long time. Still, it will be good for us. We leave tomorrow morning in a caravan of sorts for Boca Raton, Florida and plan on a few days of fun! :) I'm hoping to find cafe's with internet so I can update the blog with photos along the way. We'll see!
Otherwise, the new office studio is coming along greatly, and I can't wait for the little reception next month. Y'all are invited for a cappucino or your favorite drink and snacks. More info to follow. Have a great weekend, what's left of it!

SPIRIT WEST COAST!!

Hi all, we're here LIVE on the last night at SWC in Monterey, CA. What a tremendous time, as always! Some 20,000 people attending various christian concerts throughout the day. What a great time. Too bad we haven't had time to see any concerts in full due to our photo booth setup. Lots of great people visiting the booth though, and loving the photos! It's such a blessing to be able to minister to others through our work, and share all that's been happening in our lives. Much thanks to Trish, Kristi, and Dawn (the left handed girls!) for all their help manning (or womanning) the booth for us! More later, but I wanted to say hi to y'all. :)

This whole week is all about MOVING. Don't know if you like it, but I hate moving! I love the idea of something fresh and new, and all that comes with that. But when it comes down to it, I still have to go through all the junk, box it, and move it. Then unpack it once I find it. D'ya know what I'm talking about? Well, anyways, I probably won't post again for a few days again, as I'll be submerged in cardboard.

Yesterday I had a family group session in Carmel. The Ward family - oh what a blessing! You have to meet them. Say hello to quadruplets! We started at the mission, and then went to the beach at the end of Ocean Ave. One of my favorite areas - you get the tourism, yet the charm of an old city. The Wards are longtime family friends, and a blast to run across the beach with. Thanks guys for a great day!
Also, another cool thing, I have a great Renewal Of the Vows this Friday with the Billingtons - congratulations on 16 years! I think that's so excellent. I can't wait.

MENTAL VACATION

Okay, not so much a vacation, but more like a moment of relaxation. I found this pic on my computer of a moment I had while visiting my other love/home (Hawaii). I am in the process of packing, painting, moving, editing, uploading, photographing, and parenting extra kids (neice) these next two weeks, and then jump right into Spirit West Coast the following week. So this picture was a great way to reflect, and to take a mental breather. BTW, I've found a wonderful new studio located in the heart of downtown Monterey, and can't wait to see how it all works out! I haven't forgotten to finish posting the past (ie. Florida and more), but will get to it within the next few weeks. The more I get done, it seems the more there is to do - Praise God, no doubt. Hope y'all are great! Take a moment to chill...

FRESH AND NEW - CHECK IT OUT!

Hey peoples, I said it already, but I'll say it again: THE SITE IS UP! And I am stoked! Please go and visit here today, drop me a line and let me know what you think. Other than that, I'm up here in beautiful and HOT! Idaho, enjoying a little time off and shooting some pleasure shots. It's supposed to be 105 degrees today - ouch! Normally it's about 88 or so, which isn't too bad. The only thing is I wish I had my motorcycle! The Boise area is like my second home (or third, or fourth considering Monterey, Maui, and Orlando! hehe). And of course, it's always a great thing to see family and friends that you haven't seen for some time. That's what life is really about - relationships. And there's one relationship above all - that with God. He is so gracious and giving. Be grateful today! Take a moment or even 10 seconds to reflect on the life you have, and all the little things we take for granted. Appreciation. Wow. :) On that note, let me just give a little thanks to my wife Gina publicly. She has been so patient with me and is such a great wife and mother, I can't really even find the words to describe the joy I have in my heart! She's also quite the developing photographer - I'm so proud!! She'll probably kick my butt for posting this, but here's a general pic of my bride. Raw yet refined, on a cloudy day of portraiture work. To those married, thank God for your spouse! To the unmarrieds, praise God for the place you're in now!
Oh yeah - the contact page on the new site is good to go. So contact me. Have a great day!

CONTACT INFO (temp)

Oh yeah, if you want to get a hold of me, please CALL 831-320-9478 or email me temporarily at libertized@msn.com as I am still setting up the email system with the new site. This will only need to be done for the 2 days, so no worries. THANKS.

okay people, I just transferred DNS name servers, and it takes "up 72 hours to propigate the servers". (Eh?) What that means is that at any given time over the next 2+ days, www.mikesteelman.com is going to be FULLY FUNCTIONAL! Yes, it is true. As faithful bloggies, you get the "soft opening" of the website, as I will do a Grand Opening in the coming weeks. So, what I'm really trying to say is this - check back frequently to experience the fresh new site! I'm really proud of it. Of course as time goes by, it'll only get better as I add more pictures to the galleries, etc. Right now I chose a handful of wedding clients to share with you, but there's so much more. Don't rush through the site though...Be sure to take a few moments, relax, and then let me know what you think. Hope everyone is having a wonderful Tuesday! ENJOY.

MONDAY SO THEY SAY

Okay, so I received an email saying that my new website will be up on Monday sometime. I really hope so because the anticipation is killin me! Plus, I really am eager to share it with you all. In the meantime, how about a completely off the wall subject- SPAM. No, not the stupid emails you get, but the delicious, well balanced diet of canned meat (I think). There are some pretty cool websites completely devoted to the love of spam. For now, how about a cool picture of some spam misubi. I probably spelled it wrong, but it tastes the same nonetheless. In Hawaii, this stuff runs rampant! If you don't like it, something is wrong with you and you are exiled from the islands. Kind of. Start with some classic sticky rice - no Uncle Bens non stick rice here baby! Add a deliciously delicate slice of your favorite SPAM meat, and finish it off with a nice refreshing piece of seaweed to hold it together. The wonderful juices from the fried piece of SPAM gently melts into the sticky rice, giving it it's signature all around flavor. I'm telling ya, it's time. Maybe there will be future articles about the famous canned treasure. Who knows. Let me know about your experiences with our favorite delicatessen. ENJOY!

WAIT...a funny word.

Still waiting! Come on baby, let's get this site going!