YEAR IN REVIEW | 2009

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2009 was definitely hard for a lot of people; with the recession, an all time low with unemployment and an ongoing war. For me, I noticed that weddings didn't really slow down. They may have not as been as elaborate or grandeur but that's really not the point. I think in this year of struggle, weddings brought people together and really showed how money does not buy you happiness or love. And I was fortunate enough to capture those moments.

In 2009, I traveled all over shooting weddings on both coasts. I met a ton of great people and built a ton of great relationships. For that, I am very thankful.

I was also fortunate enough to photograph two very important fundraisers. One being a fundraiser to help find a cure for type two diabetes and the other was helping students who had incredibly challenging upbringings get full ride scholarships to college.

Some of the most fun I had this year was teaching 4th and 5th graders about photography. I plan on teaching more classes in the next year to kids and adults.

Here's to 2010. I hope it brings more peace to the world and prosperity to people everywhere.

My theme for my 2010 resolutions: Maintain. Create. Discover.

Photo resolutions:

I am taking on a project called 52 Weeks of Photography. This will involve a different themed photo assignment and I will post it on my blog every Thursday. I really want to challenge myself to be even more creative and skillful with my camera.

I would like to shoot over 30 weddings this year.

Come up with a wedding package where all proceeds go to the Lance Armstrong Foundation.

Personal:

Not let little things get to me. I say this every year but I need reminding and practice.

Stay present.

Continue my running and run even more--goal to run EVERY single day or meet a 35 mile per week goal.

Keep on top of my finances.

TRAVEL. Even though it is very expensive I feel like we are all explorers and it allows us to grow, understand and discover.

Above is a slideshow of some my weddings and engagements over the past year. I really want to thank all my awesome clients who have helped me have such a great year! It was an honor to be a part of your day and I am grateful for your business.

Happy New Year!

You can also view the slideshow full screen here.

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Wedding Portrait and Event Photographer Daniel Stark

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December Snow | Portland Oregon

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It's so fun when get snow here in Portland. We don't get it much and when we do the city practically shuts down. Before the snow turned into slush and rain I made my way out to snap a few shots.

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Wedding, Portrait and Event Photographer Daniel Stark

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Christmas on the Coast | Yachats, Oregon

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It was awesome to wake up to sunshine and the ocean crashing on Christmas. Here are a few shots of us hanging on the beach.

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Wedding, Event and Portrait Photographer Daniel Stark

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Photography Class | Friendly House Community Center, Portland, Or.

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I have been teaching photography classes to 4th and 5th graders at Friendly House Community Center in Portland, Or. I really wanted my students to walk away from this class knowing about how a camera works, how to compose a shot, and how to correctly expose a photograph.

The classes run 6-8 weeks long and at the end we have a big presentation where their photos are displayed. This year I decided to put together a slideshow to display their work and interview the kids about the class.

Above are some of the portraits they took of each other and below is the little slideshow/movie of my students. I filmed the interviews with my Canon 5d MarkII and edited the film in Final Cut Pro.

You can also view it HERE in HD
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Wedding Portrait and Event Photographer Daniel Stark

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Lindsey Johnson | Mill Valley, CA

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Lindsey is an amazing writer who just finished her novel. I met up with her in Mill Valley, California to do headshots for her upcoming writing endeavors. She is super fun and talented and I can't wait to read her work!

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Wedding, Portrait and Event Photographer Daniel Stark

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Amanda + Cory | Foreign Cinema, San Francisco, CA

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"Today is your day. You're off to great places! You're off and away!" Quote taking from the famous Dr. Seuss book, Oh the Places You'll GO! This was the theme of the night since the story was read during Amanda and Cory's ceremony. And it couldn't be more true for this couple; they are two traveling souls and perfect for each other.

I first met Amanda and Cory at Janene and Mark's wedding and after Amanda saw their photos, she called me up and tells me she's getting married and wants exactly what I did for Janene and Mark. And of course, I was completely thrilled to be their photographer! Especially when they mentioned it was going to be in San Francisco!

The first three hours of the day were spent hitting up all the hot spots around the city! We caught the sunset at the Marin headlands where they practiced their first dance (see the sequence below).

During the reception the had a beautiful slideshow which left us all crying. They also had had photo booth and you know I couldn't resist. :)

There are so many great shots so make sure to check out their slideshow! Click HERE or view it at the bottom of the post.

Raise your glasses to Amanda and Cory! Cheers!

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Wedding Portrait and Event Photographer Daniel Stark

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Dancing Sequence:

My Crazy Family | San Francisco, CA

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"Tutto sona pazzi!" - a rough translation of "we're all crazy!" in Italian. I am not even sure if that is written correctly but that's how it sounds when we frequently toast to that especially after a couple of drinks.

I look forward to these gatherings every year and never take them for granted. I feel totally lucky to be a part of Lindsay's family, I love them all so much. It's a family where you can be rolling on the floor laughing and the next minute crying and everyone hugging eachother. It's really amazing.

The week was filled with turkey, a crazy soccer game that I am still recovering from, wine tasting, friends, family and loud singing (view the video below for the full experience).

I did squeeze in some work too. I photographed a beautiful wedding in the city (more to come with that soon) and did some head shots for an author.


Here are just a few shots from our trip. Check back soon for more!
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Portland Oregon, San Francisco, California Wedding Photographer Daniel Stark

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Us singing Girls Just Wanna Have Fun




Our soccer team - Jeff and I totally kicked some ass! We're making this a tradition.




Jeff is an incredible painter and it's always a pleasure to go to his studio and see his latest work. It totally leaves me speechless. Check out his work at www.jeffreybeauchamp.com



Uncle Roy trying to be Ansel Adams



Lindsay's brother Tore found his perfect match, Hillary. She has an infectious laugh.



Emma, Linds and Sven pulling out the bird



A miniature Mozart



My best bud, Kit



I am drunk Jesse



The stunning Linds and Kushi



That's the way we like--the ladies in the kitchen :) Just kidding (Karma)



Taking 5 from cooking we need a hug!



I love this house



Wine tasting in Sonoma at Nicholson Ranch where we got married



Linds



Karma





Good night.