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- Commencement (11-12-2015)

 

     I'm not quite sure what to say, other than I've been busier than expected and I'm about to get busier than ever- all for the better, however! Welcome to my website if you haven't been here before, and holy taledo- it's Winter already!

     I've honestly been quite busy sorting out my life since I graduated from SJSU. From family matters to employment to finances and bills . . . I'm still, well, sorting things out. I am not one to work superbly well under high stress, which is why I enjoy pacing out things over time rather than rushing and risking to bite more than I can chew.

    I am happy to be where I am though, and all of the love and support I've built over the years I know is a great blessing to me (to say the least). I still have my hobbies and media to keep me busy while I am "bootstrapping" myself up gear-wise, but I am happy to have a great foundation pretty much already established as soon as I am ready to agressively launch/market.

    You might be wondering, "Why photography Tony?" My response, as short as it is (and to avoid cliche), is that it brings me joy to help others (and it feels good to capture something timeless). I've done my fair share of creative expression on all sorts of formats, but photography I want to do well in. It's a bit of a release for me, and to help someone see what I see . . . it's such a cool process! I believe in experiences and in learning, and if I can help someone learn something new, I think I've done something well for the day. What makes me different from other photographers? I actually care quite a bit about all that goes into this business; from the clients to my associates and employees (colleagues?), I know for a fact how important love/passion is to driving good business . . . Maybe the topic will be another post for another time?

     I'll be updating this site as I can and shaping it to better suit both myself and the foundation I've established. I'm excited to present some updates- but timing really is everything. Good things never come easy, and the best lessons are often the ones you don't expect. 

 

     Stay well, my friends.

- Follow-Up (02-29-2016)

 

     I'm back! Hopefully this will be an update and catching-up session for us; I got caught up with my own love of video games, being around friends, and trying to support my family. I wasn't expecting to be 'distracted' for so long, but I'm glad things transpired how they did and that I'm back to being 'fully' on my grind. 

     I finally was able to secure more equipment with the help of another photographer friend of mine, so I'll be experimenting more with my new capabilities and seeing where all of that ends up taking me. I've also been able to scope out new areas to do photoshoots in around my area and further out in the South Bay, so I am happy to see where things are looking well/bright.

     How I'm feeling at the moment? A bit tired, but better than where I was with the last week that just passed; I had to deal with friends going through various medical issues, family heart-to-heart talks, and other issues that took my time away from what I really needed to do. It's not like I've fallen behind majorly, but I did have to take time away to recollect myself. The text below for this update is not directly aimed at anyone in particular, but to give all that follow my work a heads-up:

     

Two things I follow by:

1) If you legitimately have an issue with me, do not hide behind a screen or talk behind my back- I'm right here for you to say whatever it is you want to say. Come talk with me -especially if it's an issue you got between you and I- and even if we throw fists for whatever stupid reason, I'd rather keep issues closed than let things blow up . . . possibly getting people we both love hurt in the process. My point is, if you can't be honest and open with me, I'm not sure if you're worth my time; even if you yell and rage at me, at least I am getting the honesty and that I can appreciate. Otherwise, you lose my trust and I have no problem dropping you off the friends I look out for in general.

 

2) If apologies are all I see but nothing changes, you've obviously learned nothing and that . . . that I cannot accept. I trust that people can change and learn and grow and I will give plenty of chances for you to say something to do something . . . but I'm no fool after third (or even fourth) chances- my life is too short to spend it on people who refuse to change or cannot be honest with me; the people who look out for me and care for me deserve the bulk of my time, and that's where my energy will be spent hands down . . . no questions asked.

 

     Stay well, my friends.

- "Let Me Reintroduce Myself . . . " (09-22-2016)

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     Wow! I apologize for the lack of updates; things have changed so much in the past seven months- where do I even begin?

     Between new jobs, interviews, phonecalls, new connections, lost connections, and the typical life happenings . . . I am now currently working on-site at [X], formerly known as Google X! I never thought I'd get the opportunity to be surrounded by such creative people, but I'm happy to be where I am and moving forward with my professional career in a different direction outside of teaching.

     I think in regards to teaching . . . my heart and soul will always be involved in giving back in one way, shape, or form . . . but for the time being, I am content (which is often difficult for me to say the least). I still volunteer where I can, but in all honesty . . . this adult life of working all the time to earn and attain things (and or experiences) is kind of bland- I don't know . . . I like the atypical, I like the different, I like the offbeat . . . . I like routine as much as I like changing pace, but long-term wise . . . I know I have to keep on learning something new.

     In regards to photoshoots and my photography overall: I was able to shoot my first marriage and graduation, and I was able to purchase some new software to make sure my photography-editing process overall is still up-to-date. I have yet to get a decently new camera, but I'm working towards such and I'll be stoked if I can ever secure the package I've been wanting for quite some time!

     I'm always thankful for the friends and the opportunities I've been given, so I'll give you these words ringing through my head: People change . . . things change . . . and so that's why you have to appreciate the consistency. In an everchanging world, consistency is hard to find; if you're ever blessed with the opportunity for such, snatch it, keep it . . . hold onto it as hard as you can, because on the hardest of days, consistency eases your mind.

     

     Stay well, my friends.

- Changes (02-28-2017)
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     I'm not really good at this blogging thing, am I? Anyways, no apologies here: I've been busy with work at Google, new relationships, referrals, and too much more. Life's been good to be honest- although I know how quickly that can all change . . . that's why I never take anything for granted and I recognize the privileges I have with my circumstances and upbringing.
     I'll keep this short: I'm super excited to announce that Jack and Taylor will be joining The Ensemble Photography to make this collective of photographers and photographs definitely interesting. We'll be sharing experience, knowledge, talent, gear, etc. all while still working as independent photographers and also working together as appropriate, desired, or needed. I'll also be launching the social media pages for The Ensemble Photography soon- so stay tuned!
     In these strange times of political unrest and division, I just want to say that regardless of your views, I look for commonalities and believe that we can all co-exist and live in peace together. I don't care who you are as a client (unless my life or the life of others are in direct danger)- my job is to make sure both you and I get the best photos possible from our shoot(s) together. Book Taylor, Jack, and or I for your next shoot whatever the idea maybe- we're still looking to expand our portfolios . . . so let's discuss and work something out.
     Until next time . . .
     
     Stay well, my friends.

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