Daniel Cruz Photographer

Here’s a little update on the new directions I’ve been working on. A few weeks ago my friend Edmund Prieto and I were testing some light at a docking station.  Here’s a shot of my girlfriend Sarina who is always willing to help me if I have no other models! Thanks Sarina for all of your help.

Last week was the start of my photo onslaught, starting with Joanna. Edmund Prieto and I were lucky enough to test some lighting on my new friend Joanna! We first started behind Lowe’s, but then decided to switch it up and move to a super sketchy location not too far away. This house was the result of a fire a few months back, which was left abandoned for some time. Equipped only with a single flash light, we ventured in the dark toward this house with Joanna and our friend Christopher to help. Of course when I got there it was only right for me to have forgotten a couple of lighting equipment pieces in the car parked far off! So there I was, walking in pitch black with just a cell phone light, back to the car. This is definitely what it takes to pull off some photos. Dedication. And that’s exactly what I murmured to myself every step of the way to and from the car “Dedication…dedication…dedication!”. Thank you Joanna for being such an awesome and funny model!

A few days later Edmund and I also went to Las Vegas in search of something new and to visit some family. Naturally it was super hot there, but I had a super good time none the less. Here’s some shots of Edmund on a street in old LV. Forgive him for holding a Canon. :]

True ninja with the hat and shoes to match! ;]

Last Thursday my friend Edmund Prieto hosted a get together for photographers at his house. The day was filled with learning, laughing, over-competitive volleyball, and barbecuing among others. To help explain the day a little better, Edmund gave me permission to use some of his photos from his house. Be sure to check out his perception of the day by clicking on his emboldened name.

The day started off when we set up a photo booth in Edmund’s house to record everyone who was there. Although everyone present in these photos had to pose quick, keep in mind that their poses show a bit of their true character. Good or bad, please judge them! :] Edmund and my girl Sarina are too thug. Bethany Murphy was doin’ work on the hamburgers I might add.

Morgan Taylor and Edmund Prieto. Super heroes…I think.

Jennifer Tuttle and Kristin Booth in a conference call. Too busy these days. 

Jennifer Tuttle and Desiree Horsley-Shuey posing prom-style for the win (top left). Tim Rodriguez showing Jessica Pressley showcasing one another (middle).

Sara Carter and Jocelyn Kamura getting hyphy.

Stacey Nicole and Tyler LaMothe winnin’ with the crowns!Jessica and Jake Mariano keepin’ it too real.Jessica Mariano and Rita Light.

I had so much fun doing the egg-toss challenge and watching everyone get hyped up. Here we are lined up just before the tossing began. Little did they know, they would all be defeated!The concentration.The fail.A fail closeup.And the winners! I was partnered with my new friend Jocelyn Kamura, and let me tell you, this girl has SKILL. I really thought that one of us would make a mistake early in the game, but to my surprise we  tossed until all of the other couples dropped their egg.  A big thank you to [b] school for donating a couple of shirts and a free membership. Represent.Another big thank you to ShootSac for donating a bag to be raffled off! I know this seems sketchy but I won the raffle as well. I’ll tell you this though: never in my life have I won a raffle, big or small. I was completely shocked to have won this awesome bag. It really makes photography a lot easier so buy one! That’s soda.

After a few hours of fun at Edmund’s house we proceeded to Lucerne Valley to photograph Christin and Johnny; and what a beautiful marriage they have! Thank you so much for donating your time Christin and Johnny. In addition, thank you to O.C Prop Girl for styling and supplying all of the props used.Inception.

Another big thank you to Kaycee Marie for doing such a great job on the model’s hair and makeup!

One point I made for this day was to photograph different people in addition to Johnny and Christin. I feel that you can interpret a photograph and day differently when different people are being used in the same way.

Kaycee Marie: the stylist.

The male model present: Antonio I must say that his car was a pretty good prop!My friend Christopher, or Lil’ June, was also present for the shoot so I wanted to document him as well. He’s a really laid back person who is really talented at rapping and drama games! I’ve known him for just a short time, but I already have mad respect for him. I was definitely digging his tattoos and the skin tones that black people produce. Love them.Here is everyone that attended at the closing of Thursday! Dirt on our pants, we came back with wonderful images. I encourage you to check out each photographers pictures from this day by clicking on their emboldened names.