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405 to 55 to 5 to Main + a right park at La Veta structure, 4th level.  Now I wait for team.  Justin, Ron the Photographer + Annie Van Dyke makeup.  All assembled, we head to Kim’s office.  Meet our liason, Jan.  Wait for the word to get into Kim’s office.  A few few laughs as Kim enters + makeup starts, equipment goes up.  Our time is limited, have to be efficient.

The goal is to shoot Kim in 3 locations.  First at her desk, very executive looking.  And with Kim, it’s not difficult to capture professional.  Done.  We head to the grand view on the edge of the construction site, CHOC Children’s new wing, a glorious project.  We have to sign waivers? ….oh great!  We’re handed new attire.  Hard hat, orange vest + clear goggles.  You know, I feel like Bono, being on stage performing like a rock star in perfect sync….  SNAP!  Out of the daydream, a beam floats through the sky, workers move through the background.  Kim shoots fantastic.  Jan helps w/ direction… get the shot.  Got the shot.  Cool.  Time to head to the hospital, the new intensive care unit.  Time ticks.  Need 1 more shot.

6th floor.  Kim w/ nurses in action.  Going well but within a few clicks we’re hit with sad news and we exit with heavy hearts.  As we head back to Kim’s office, I see one more opportunity to capture an image.  We turn at the signal, we light, we pose, we shoot, we’re done.  After equipment is packed and the hugs are given, we retrace out steps, back to the studio.

Gala? Huh? Already?  Great, this means I get to dress up in a jacket and slacks, oh boy.  No one will recognize me!  No jeans, no t-shirt?  Call me Incognito Hodson.

The arrival at the Island.  We set foot on red carpet and as we enter through a tree-lined forrest, we’re surrounded by white… very cool.  As we make our way to find Ron The Photographer, we head toward the ballroom.  Hey Ron, thanks for joining us.  Great guy, great photog.  I had Ron shooting ballroom + guest candids, needed Justin shooting the guests upon entry in the forest, and I was to shoot media pix for magazines.  It seems nowadays the mags are sending writers and not photogs, so guys like us have to pick up the load.  Certainly makes the event more exciting.

The ballroom is absolutely beautiful.  Had to be one of the most spectacular dressed rooms I have ever photographed.  Four seasons in one room in one night.  Cool.  As the guests arrive, Justin snaps them on the red carpet.  Then they head to reception.  The chatter becomes a buzz, then a roar, as the room fills.  6:50 the flood gates open + the transition takes place.  One room empties and another fills.  The main event has begun.  270 guests.  WOW.  Good stuff.

The arrival: Shady Canyon, beautiful day.  A black Benz arrives shortly after we do and the window rolls down. Two coffees outstretch in our direction.  How cool is that?  Morning, Shana.   We’re shooting for her company, Interior Vision, today.

Opening the door, we’re greeted by some waggly tails and get a tour of the home.  Very cool.  Owner is a writer.  Books are all over the house.  I think I’ll come back to visit… Ha!

Shana, you first.  I want to shoot the portrait while the light is good.  I think the entrance is perfect.  With a talented, kind + attractive woman like her, this shot should go smooth.  Relax, don’t even worry about the camera in your face.  We laugh, breath, click away.  Done.

Off to the sitting room, the living room, + the dining room.  A couple fun detail shots + the movie room, then pack gear while Justin says goodbye to the dogs.  Hugs all around, now back to the studio to download…

Check out Shana Woodyard and Interior Vision at shanavision.com

Logan. College, Baker, 405, to 2nd street, left at PCH + a right, only to follow the road to the end.  One of the best seats on the bay in Long Beach.  Channel to the left + harbor to the right, the view is warm + soothing.  We arrive. “Is art here”?  I’ll get him.  Around the corner we’re greeted with a smile and go to the patio to see the great blaze.  McKenna’s  re-installed the firepit.  Cool.  We’ve come to shoot some friends having fun on the McKenna’s patio.

We find sundown, move tables, and set gear.  The vantage point is key. Contemplate removing banners in the background but didn’t have any zip ties to replace.  We look around.  Meet our sources of good times.  We have a Kevin, Mariana, Patty, + John.  Nice folks.  With cocktails in hand we have them sit around the heat,  the sun is going down, and the clicks start clicking.  Hey move your head this way,  hey you, that way.  Looking good.  Sip my Joe while others indulge in colored spirits.  Click, click.  The light lessens and the spectrum arrives as time goes by.  The laughs get louder + jokes start.  Then comes darkness.  The clicking ends.   We say our goodbys + head back to CM.

http://mckennasonthebay.com/

73, Macarthur, PCH and a left.  A beautiful day in Laguna Beach,  Hush awaits our cameras.  At first sight, no one.  Empty except the clanking of pots and pans from the kitchen–a true sign you’re in a rstr.  Then the smell overtakes you.  Nice.  Chef Ronnie here?  I’ll get him. Ronnie, Bob + this is Justin.  Danny around?  Not yet.  What are we shooting?  How many plates?  Usual questions.  We set up in the bar.  First we shoot the food, then the interiors.  Danny arrives looking slick as usual.  First plates arrives. Beautiful.  Then the next, next + the next.  I get a great feeling when things are going as planned and the food works, you know what I mean?  It needs to work. Its all about proportion.

In walks the vision of Hush.  Tall, thin with a warm smile. Shana is responsible for the new look of Hush.  We walk + talk shop.  Pick our spots + set lights.  The changes are subtle + delicate.  Takes a sec to see what they are, but you know they are there.  The floor is fantastic.  The private bar booth, intimate + voyeuristic.  I like.  The dining room has good ambiance.  Patio is large and lets the ocean breeze fill the nostrils.  A breath of fresh air is always good w/ a Hush.  And a trip to see the sun’s beam radiate through the glass to highlight the spirit world.  I hear, “Hey Bob, can do some head shots?”  Oh great.  Change  gears + shoot some heads.  When the customers start to arrive, it means WRAP!  Check out Hush + say hello to Danny, Chef Ronnie, Emily.  Heck, say hello to everyone.

http://www.hushrestaurant.com/

Baker, Adams, turn at beach, u-turn and avoid construction into the lot.  Park.  Enter kitchen thru the back.  Greeted by Chef Derrick and checked out our spot.  Cool.  Grab gear.  Set up.  Ready in 10, Chef.  We are here to shoot 15 plates + a table set up in 2 hours.  Start the clock………bam, bam 2 plates down.  You know this food looks fantastic.  I met Derrick last week + we had a great hour getting to know each other.  His family is very diverse.  You can see it in his style.  3rd + 4th plates arrive.  Color + shape help me.  Interesting shooting.  Like clockwork we snap away, all the while wondering how we are going to finalize the big group shot.

At Flight, its great, you can sit with a group of friends and sample tons of dishes while enjoying everyones company.  Or, you can order a plate for yourself + pig out in solitude….. selfish!  5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15 STOP! already geeez.  OK we’re done?  Cool.  We reset.  Maggie is our arranger of the table.  We need to shoot a foto thats says Social Lounge,  Here it is.  When u go, say Hello to Chef Derrick.  Tell him I sent U.  Oh and on weekends Flight becomes a colorful club with lots of action.  You know what I mean.  Wink.

http://flightoc.com/

405, 605, 91 east + off here, then a right turn there and we’re at Cerritos Performing Arts.  What an exciting evening.  Here to shoot George Benson.  But first, the cocktail party + dinner for the VIP’s.   So Laurie sent me an email reminding me this is older clientele and there’s a the dress code.  Like I need a dress code?  Heck, all I wear is jeans + tees!  Just kiddin’ Laurie.  Did I mention I’ve known her for 100 years?  Now I love this… I get to be dressed up AND watch my P’s +Q’s.  Bring it on.  Don’t worry, I brought ducktape as well (to watch my mouth).

The room is dressed smashing with a large screen for a b/w movie.  The guests start arriving.  Click, Click.  Everyone dolled up for a night at the theatre.  Remember, I’m watching not only the guests but my P’s +Q’s.  Now, Laurie and I approach a table w/ a guest and her husband.  I ask, “May I take your foto?”  This gal blurts off….. “Hey Martha come sit your ASS down next to me”  Cool.  Laughing.  With dinner complete we head to the green room to see where we’re going to to meet + shoot Mr. George Benson.  Bass player is jamming in rehersal.  I click, what’s up?  He looks around smooth like.  Shoes are resting on a crate marked in a pink ‘Benson’.  Click,  I hear… let’s go, it’s starting.  We get to watch some of the show.  Great stuff.  8:00.  Now it’s 10:00 and guests arrive back at the green room for their 10 sec’s of fame w/ George.  Before his oncore George charged in + changed his sweat-drenched dress shirt.  I’m telling you this man was grooving.  I check the lighting.  I hear the music start up again and for his encore he sings none other than “On Broadway”.  Fantastic end to a beautiful evening.  Great venue.  If you haven’t been yet, you need to go.

http://www.cerritoscenter.com/

Good News, NO rain!  relief.  I need to get to Hush to shoot the redesign of their private booth + patio seating.  Phone rings… Hello, hey Justin what’s up?  Cool if I don’t help out tonight?  Have some politics to take care of.  No worries.  The arrival: 5:00 p.m. Monday night.  Hey Danny. looking good.  Where’s Shana?  Oh, she can’t make it tonight.  A double oh great.  By myself.  Like I know how the drapes should hang! You don’t want me fondling your drapes.  You know what I mean…  Can i get this candle lit?  Dang bar table won’t let me back up for a straight-on perspective.  How about an angle, I ask myself.  Cool, looks quaint, cozy + private.  Light from the wine cellar peeps in, the ambiant window light dims.

Better hurry–the outside is fading early.  The sweat starts crying.  Tear down the set + move to patio.  Danny says he has to drop off his son, but will be back.  Now completely solo…  triple OH great!  I ask,”whats your framepoint?”  ”Shootin’ down looks cool.”  I set a light. Not enough.  Holy crap the sun is already setting.  Move it Hodson!  Grab light two.  Nice.  A warm scene. Now if only I can  find the perfect vantage.  How about here, no here.. here?  The sun light falls.  Palms change to silhouette and the color purples.  What a great patio.  There is a chill in the air.  The light fades to black as I pack + head home to family.

http://www.hushrestaurant.com/

Chef Art that is, Gonzales. 405 to Studebaker to 2nd street. A left, a right, a left, another right. Arrive. We’re escorted to the private room + we have the room to ourselves. Cool. We set up to shoot but first we need to get upstairs to shoot the view. This view, I’m told, will be filled with a bunch of little colorful boats by 10:30. Well it’s 10:30 and the harbor is filled with a bunch of colorless, training sail boats, criss-crossing. It looks like the 55 freeway at rush hour. We shake our heads again. It’s hard to believe that in the harbor, even in Long Beach, the skies are are brown. What are we doing to this planet?

11:00 back in the ‘private room’. We laugh. This private room is now filling up with a group of people. Some guy in a suit hangs the American flag over an art piece on the wall. Overhear they need a photographer. What are we… chopped liver? The food starts arriving out of the kitchen. Art’s creating the goods. Click, click.

We learn that meeting is a LeTip gathering. Knowing nothing about this organization as we shoot, we listen. This guy running the meeting is an idiot! We’re laughin’ out loud at the ridiculous things he is having the “adults” say and do. If I remember correctly, someone asked Who do we call? And out of my loud mouth came… GHOSTBUSTERS. Oooops. As i see it they are in MY space. LeTip this!

More food arrives + more food + more food. I think we shot 10 plates. We shot one item called a tomahawk. And I swear to you, if you like beef, and a lot of it, this is for you. If not, well you could always use it to knock out a friend or neighbor. Hey i have a better idea… LeTip… Hmmm…

http://www.mckennasonthebay.com/

Having a 2½-month-old makes it a little difficult to meet w/ friends for a nice dinner. That is.. a dinner out at one of the coolest restaurants in town, The Crow Bar. Having photographed the CB, I wanted to share the food w/ friends John + Rosie, my beautiful wife Gina, and of course daughter Isabella. Now to start… you have to plan feeding so dinner is somewhat uninterrupted–meaning she sleeps and smiles all throughout dinner. Well–it worked out perfectly. We had a nice feed + poop before, heck we even shared it with the valet, what nice guys, and the rest of the night was spent smiling.

I love so much about this place, from the hand-written menu by chef Scott on the hanging mirror to the cool black and white artwork, to the open kitchen–like a window into Scott’s thinking. And the food….OMG! The smells from the plates as they pass your table will drive you mad. Watching the faces of my friends + patrons makes me smile. Have you ever taken people to a great place and it sucked the night you were there? I have many times, but The Crow Bar was perfect. And kid friendly, too (suggest going early, though, it does get fun later). Thanks for a wonderful evening with good friends.

http://www.crowbarcdm.com/