I have been feeling the creativity coming alive recently.  As an artist we have times of growth and times of rest.  I am now looking at photography with eyes of excitement again.  Yesterday I photographed a friend for his yoga website.  We had lighting set up in  the back with a white backdrop.  I couldn’t resist creating some new portraits of my babies on this set.  I had the lighting set up to show the texture and muscle definition of the yoga poses.  It was a real cool way to light a portrait of Aidan.  We wanted Lukas to participate but he was busy with a bottle and way too fussy!  I had little idea what I wanted to do with Aidan.  I just created from instinct and impulse.  We had so much fun!  Aidan is getting in on creating images.  He asks to see the images on the back of the camera in between him acting like a crazy monkey on set.  My dad used a polaroid SX-70 to take my pictures.  We had to shake it and wait; remember that?  Have fun with your little monkeys and take lots of pictures; they love it! 

     My grandfather turned 92 this April; WoW!  That’s a long life.  I actually call him Papa.  He is Sicillian and the name Papa is an Italian tradition in my family.  I love him lots; he spoiled me when I was a little boy.  I remember riding my bike to his house every Sunday to go to church  and breakfast with him.  I didn’t care about the church part; it was more about hanging with my Papa and of course pancakes.  My life hasn’t changed that much from the early days.  I still love to ride my bike every chance I get and I still love pancakes after a hard week of training.  This trip was about sharing Aidan and Lukas with Papa.  It’s amazing to me that they have a chance to know their great grandfather and great grandmother.  We also spent time with Martha; Papa’s second wife.  My Nanni (Italian thing again) passed away when I was five and Martha married my Papa a few years later.  She took over the grandma position in excellent fashion.  I have lots of great memories of all the sweet things she did for me.  Aidan and Lukas were in heaven at their home.  Lukas just began walking and wanted to grab everything that was breakable in the home.  I truly had my hands full with him.  Below are some snaps I took during our visit; including the self portrait of three generations of men.  I hesitated to visit for so long because I was “Too Busy”.  I missed out on good stuff.  I had a great time seeing him and will think twice before I use the “Too Busy” excuse.  It was so rewarding to take the time to visit family and create some once in a lifetime portraits of my loved ones.  We only have one life to live and I plan on living and thriving as opposed to surviving this life.  Remember how special your loved ones are and make a call, take a picture, give them a hug or call me and I’ll come take the pictures.  Our lives are so precious and we forget to squeeze every special moment out of it.  The good stuff is right in front of all of us; we just need to open our eyes, minds and hearts.  Life is not all about paying bills; it’s about the relationships and conversations we have.  Family portraits are a great way to plan a visit with family.  I have heard repeatedly from my portrait clients that they enjoyed spending time creating artistic images with their family.  They find that the experience is as valuable as the art we create together.  Love one another and have a great day; everyday!

The slideshow below is from a college senior portrait session.  Kelly is graduating from Cal State Fullerton this year.  We went to the Claremont Colleges near my studio.  She chose this spot since she hopes to do her graduate work at Claremont Graduate University.  We had so much fun creating these images.  Kelly’s friend Tanis became our stylist and photo assistant during the session.  It was so fun since all three of us were excited about creating amazing images.  We collaborated very well together and the results prove it.  I love senior portrait sessions; I can be as creative as I want to.  Kids today want to look cool as usual and have fun.  I take all my seniors on location; ideally something that fits their own personality.  They usually let me do my thing and even get into the process of creating with me.  If you know anyone graduating this year send them an e-mail to view this portrait session.  Many seniors do not know about photographers that work the way I do; they would appreciate the tip.  Many of them are tired of the studios that rush them out.  I prefer to work with each senior privately and create one of a kind images.

 I couldn’t help but take this picture of Aidan walking with his shorts falling.  He is completely present to what is important in life; having fun and his toys.  Let’s not sweat the little stuff.  Focus on what is really important and love one another.  Be excited about life as a child is; it’s a lot more fun their way.  Have a great day everyone.  Lot’s of love from the Negrete’s.

I have been riding my bike by these flowers for the last two weeks and I am blown away.  I think these rolling hills are perfect for an amazing family portrait.  If you have been looking for a casual portrait in the mountains or rolling hills; this is it.  I’ve seldom seen this in Southern California.  I wouldn’t expect the greenery to last for more than a few more weeks.  Check out the beauty in the video below and call my cell phone 909.938.3138 if you would like to schedule a portrait session with this amazing background.   

Urban Renewal Salon in Claremont held  a special Valentines event to show their clients some appreciation.   I set up a photo booth so the clients and staff could create their own Valentine portraits.  People get friendly with a little wine and a photo booth!  Clients had the opportunity to get mini-makeovers and take their own pics.  With some snacks and a live D.J. the night was a hit!  People didn’t want to leave. 

The girl d.j. was good; I love live spinning!  Plus she looks cool doing her thing. 

Last week I had a reminder of how beautiful life is.  I closed the studio on Monday last week to go snowboarding at Mt. Baldy with long time friend, Brian Haas.  It was a beautiful day with fresh powder on the ground and more coming down.  Brian and I were catching fresh tracks in the trees all morning; good times!  During one of our drops through a steep section of trees we encountered ice; and lots of it!  One minute was riding over some silly yellow rope (never mind what that was there for) and the next my board was sliding down on ice that was as slick as glass.  Long story short, I had led us into a unrideable section of rocks, ice and trees; oops!  Next thing I new I was climbing down ice covered rocks while holding onto frozen trees and bushes.  Eventually I found myself sitting on a rock with over an 80ft. drop littered with obstacles.  I had no plans of taking a rag doll ride down the hill so Brian located me and called the ski patrol.  While sitting precariously on a frozen rock I had plenty of time to think.  I sat there for almost two hours before they could get to me.  I was eventually belayed down by ski patrol.  The rescue was pretty exciting; being lowered down an icy hill as steep as the Cornice at Mammoth while avoiding bushes, rocks and trees!  Yes I am an adrenaline junkie; and I kind of enjoyed the experience.  I came out without a scratch; and only a sore butt!

The feelings that came over me after cheating death or at least lots of broken bones was amazing.  I was giddy!  Life became precious, wonderful, something to savor!  Work seemed so unimportant the next day.  I started making choices with a new perspective.  Work will always be there but what would you do today if you realized your time was limited?  I thought of Lance Armstrong and how inspired he must have been to win the Tour de France after cheating death.  I started to savor every moment that was given to me.  I was reminded of how beautiful my life is today!  I hope you are inspired to enjoy every moment of your life without having to hang from an icy rock for two hours.  Live your life as if today is your last day!  Every moment will occur to you as a gift!  Life is so sweet with the right perspective!

M.N. 

Welcome to my blog. Here you’ll find some information about my latest work, where I’ll be shooting next and just some general info about what I love to do most.