peter.amend

Emily

2012-01-26T01:58:00.000-08:00

I've known Emily for over twenty years. Emily is awesome.

Cari + Jason

2011-11-14T21:52:00.001-08:00

Cari and Jason met at a concert. Cari was in the crowed enjoying the songs, and Jason was on stage singing them. The connection between the two was immediate then, and it’s still very obvious now.

Cari + Jason from Scinema Productions on Vimeo.

At Scinema we think it's silly to have to hire two different companies to take care of your photo and video needs. We love to give you a complete media package, telling your story in a way that allows the still photos and video to be stre

Randi June style

2011-11-09T00:58:00.000-08:00

I love collaboration with local talent & stylists. Here are a few snaps from the Randi June fashion event. You guys were all great!

sometimes the camera turns on you.

2011-10-06T23:34:00.000-07:00

This time it's the photographer who's engaged!!! During a snorkeling adventure on Tortuga Island in Costa Rica - she told me 'YES I WILL!', in front of a group of our friends. If you want to see the story for yourself - check out the short flick at the end of the post.

I have to show you picture proof, otherwise you may never believe me that I'm going to marry the most beautiful girl in the world. As a photographer you spend so much time documenting the lives of others - but it's so fun when you have a reason for the camera to turn on you! And in this case we were able to be behind AND in front of the camera. The self-timer feature is SO underrated.

I'm the luckiest boy in the world.

10 days in Costa Rica from Joel Adam Russell on Vimeo.

Don + Karen, Denver Sweethearts

2011-10-05T00:35:00.000-07:00

Don & Karen are Denver sweethearts. Even better - they're a part of my family. Wrap your mind around this gorgeous Colorado couple.

Everything is awesome-er in Texas.

2011-09-26T17:03:00.000-07:00

Congratulations, Matt & Rachel!

Eric + Michelle, Dynamic Duo

2011-04-25T19:50:00.000-07:00

Eric & Michelle met on Ski Patrol, and of course it was fitting that they were married at a beautiful mountain resort in Oakhurst, just south of Yosemite National Park.

Congratulations to the McGees, and here's to many more years of telemark turns, singletrack, epic summits, and cliff jumping!

Daniel + Julie

2011-04-18T01:59:00.000-07:00

Daniel spied a pretty redhead on the dance floor during Christas wedding, took her on a few dates, fell in love, and last week married her.

This is entirely important, as for years Daniel has been one of my closest friends, climbing partner, cycling buddy, roomate, and in general one of the best guys that I know.

Here's to a friendship that's gotten both of us through some rough times. Cheers to Daniel & Julie Torres! I love you both incredibly.

P.S. my feet are still defrosting from wading in the Kings for an hour

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Puerta Vallarta - Jasmine & Corry, Dreams Resort

2011-03-28T01:11:00.000-07:00

I can't stick around to write much because there's still sand in my hair and I need aloe vera on my sunburn.

Corry & Jasmines Mexico wedding at the 'Dreams Resort' was stellar. Simply phenomenal. I've never stayed at an 'all-inclusive' resort before so shooting at the Dreams for a few days felt like just that - a dream. Honestly I couldn't have asked for better food, service, company, and great clients to work with.

Life on the mexican beach definitely is lived a slower pace, and my only regrets are not being able to stay for more than four days.

As someone commented on Jasmine & Corrys Engagement photos - 'Corry and Jasmine have set the bar way high for the rest of the young lovers in the Milky Way Galaxy!'

Congrats, amigos.

Hope in Haiti

2011-03-20T21:45:00.000-07:00

It's taken me quite some time to muster up the mental stamina to finally blog these images of my time in Haiti. I'm swept over with a tidal wave of emotion even browsing through the pictures. I know that if I start writing, I'll never finish this post so i'm going to let these photos speak for themselves and tell the story that I hope they can. A story of hope, faith through loss, and joy through tribulation. I've honestly never seen as much emotion through the eyes of a subject that i've photographed as I did in Haiti, and
I returned from the caribbean with an intense desire to live and love the way that the Haitians showed me was possible. Neither economic collapse, country-leveling earthquake, viral outbreak, loss of home, or loss of lives could quench the Haitian spirit.

I'd love to tell you more about Haiti, our time there, and how you can help. There's so many places around the world that are going through incredible crisis, but if you feel called to donate to Haiti - know that your money is being distributed wisely through the Dezman Fleury Foundation. We spent quite a bit of time in at the orphanage in Leogane, an hour from Port au Prince - and there's an incredible need to provide the children with food, safe housing, education, and necessary supplies to survive.

and i'll leave you with an image of my favorite little orphan girls who just sparkled with hope and joy

Music is huge in my life, and hearing the kids singing in Creole was precious. I threw together a quick clip of some music so you could hear.

Untitled from peter amend on Vimeo.

Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right

2011-01-11T02:26:00.000-08:00

I don't often get into New Years resolutions, but after spending time in Haiti last July - I vowed to wipe the dust off my passport more frequently. That being said, this is my last blog before hopping on a plane bound for the South Pacific. New Zealand has been calling my name, and this time more loudly than ever.

So here's to a year of travel, inspiration, creativity, passion, love, beauty, and friendships. Here's to chasing after spontaneous dreams, lifetime desires, and priceless memories. Here's to a year filled with New Zealand, Puerta Vallarta, Texas, Yosemite, New York, Italy, Switzerland, France. Here's to more adventure than we'd ever dreamed was possible. Here's to real life. A life worth living.

Thanks again to the clients who made last year a wonderful success, and as I continue to work with you more, I'm looking forward to being constantly inspired, eternally motivated, and passionately dedicated to the art and joy of photography. I believe photography is a highly intimate form of creative substance that relies on relationships and emotional ties with clients, and without that strong bond - it's a stale meaningless art.

I guess the start of the new year is as good a time as any to post some random photos taken throughout the year that never really fit into a blog. Here's a few snaps, just for fun.

Catch you on the flipside!

Love God, love others

-Peter Amend, Amend Photo

(by the way, feel free to 'like' the new photo facebook!)

2010-11-21T22:44:00.000-08:00

Daniel & Julie are pretty cute.

groggy eyed, sleeping outside, slumbering west of the great divide

2010-11-10T02:01:00.000-08:00

joel russell moved here from texas. he's a stellar individual, killer musician, exquisite barista, and great friend.

joel has never gone camping, or explored the sequoias for that matter. This is not good. we adventured to a top secret spot, bouldered, cooked camp food, built a fire, and switched campsites three times until we were happy. it was then good.

2010-11-07T20:52:00.000-08:00

today a tower in cinder blocks fell on top of me as i was trying to get the shot i wanted.

didn't end up getting it. but got a few others.

Jas & Corry, bam-a-nam.

2010-11-02T21:39:00.000-07:00

All you need to know is that on a Saturday it rained really really hard in Seattle, Jasmine & Corry are the hottest engaged couple in the northwest, and the coffee, food, microbrews, and music in Washington will be missed severely by my belly and ears.

Next photos you'll see of these kids will be of them getting married on the beach in Puerta Vallarta. Parrrrtay.

Thomas + Rachael

2010-10-22T01:01:00.000-07:00

I hardly ever get to relax at a wedding. Tonight was fun enjoying one for the first time without having to be tied to the camera for the whole day. Although I had a blast watching (the great) Megan Welker do all the work, I couldn't help bust out some lights for a little fun.

A diamond ring, in Mineral King

2010-09-27T02:00:00.000-07:00

What better place for a geologist to get married than a glacial basin just west of the Great Divide?

I was so excited to photograph Jason and Leslies destination wedding - in a subalpine valley on the southern edge of Sequoia National Park. The location was perfect - as Jason a geologist, and Leslie who spent countless trips in the summer, both have a great passion for adventure in the great outdoors.

...and if you look closely you'll see mama and her baby bear!

to be updated on the list to receive notifications about print purchase for this event, please send your email address to: AmendPhoto@gmail.com

Your head might blow up if you see this

2010-08-02T01:51:00.000-07:00

Otis

2010-07-26T00:52:00.000-07:00

Otis was born, then he was photographed. Otis is a climber. Just like his parents.

unplug your tv this summer

2010-06-04T02:46:00.000-07:00

i will scream if i overhear one more person say that there is 'nothing to do in the valley'.

here's to prove you wrong, and hopefully inspire your inner mountaineer.

a huge thank you to anyone in my life that i've shared an adventure with.

Your righteousness is like the great mountains; Your judgments are a great deep; O LORD, You preserve man and beast. Psalms 36:6

Polo Loco

2010-05-27T22:30:00.000-07:00

You missed an intense game of bike polo tonight. If you're in Visalia, head downtown thursday nights for some action. If you don't want to play, come watch us fall over our handlebars and run into each other.

Garden Girls

2010-05-27T01:40:00.000-07:00

Three generations of beautiful women, at the family house, on mothers day.

Cari & Jason

2010-05-12T22:14:00.001-07:00

I don't use words, i take pictures.

Cari and Jason will rock your roll.

Congratulations to the newly engaged couple!

Senioritis

2010-04-21T14:51:00.000-07:00

Looking back into the archive of senior photos, i found a batch of favorites from some friends of mine, Jenn and Chelsea. Gorgeous girls with even more beautiful hearts.

Orange Peel

2010-02-26T01:11:00.000-08:00

When a phenomenal couple like Krist & Christa get engaged, everyone needs to know.

Everyone raise your glass to toast these beautiful folks.

2010-02-02T20:12:00.000-08:00

I'm obsessed with the Canon 5D MkII video capabilities, but I've sadly neglected to spend much time with that feature. I'm really excited about making a few short films!

Here's a short clip from New Years Day - Snowshoe trip with some super awesome friends.

New Years Day snowshoe race from peter amend on Vimeo.

Also, if you're a Sufjan Stevens fan, you might enjoy this short webcam clip of Jerrod Turner and I, attempting a cover of 'For the Widows in Paradise'.

Romanced Records

2010-02-01T21:36:00.000-08:00

Visalia based promoter and friend Aaron Gomes has been TEARING UP Visalia, with the killer bands he's been bringing in to play, under his 'Sound N Vision' promotions company.

Fridays show under the 'Romanced Records' label included Colorado based Aaron Strumple, Kip Fox, the Whiskey and the Devil Chaplain, and Travis Aiklen. It's always awesome to watch great friends play great music.

Mineral King with Marlin and Jill

2009-12-08T00:22:00.000-08:00

I suppose it's fitting that a couple as beautiful as Marlin and Jill would grace the amazing sub-alpine Mineral King valley for a short while, as we shot some engagement photos late into the afternoon.

We started hiking around and shooting at the 'golden hour', as the sun started to drop through the trees and disappear off the peaks of the high sierras. If you haven't been to Mineral King, it's WELL WORTH the 2.5 hour drive from Visalia, up a windy road that takes you into the heart of the Sequoia National Park - if not just for the amazing pie served at the 'Silver City' resort (my favorite being the nectarine/berry pie!)

It was a special location for the couple, as both are in love with the outdoors. Marlin especially, who spends a large portion of his free time mountaineering, ice climbing, volunteering on the 'Sequoia Mountain Rescue' team, and summiting large peaks internationally.

I really love shooting engagement photos - fresh love is in the air, there's a casual spirit, the stress of wedding planning hasn't quite hit yet, and especially with friends like these, it's just a LOT OF FUN!

It doesn't make sense that I blogged their engagement session after their wedding photos...but...deal with it.

Marlin. Jill. Eye Candy.

2009-11-12T23:28:00.000-08:00

Marlin and Jills wedding in Wonder Valley.

There are simply no words.

Westside Pirates Norcal Sea Men Slingers Extravaganza

2009-11-11T00:20:00.000-08:00

if you've ever wanted to see a few nauseous first time abalone divers, look no further.

Puking saltwater in the ocean and getting used to free diving to depths not normally experienced by this noggin was an experience like no other.

But fresh caught and cooked abalone... mhmmm... there's nothing like it. Especially when the only way to posses it is to have either caught it legally, (or illegally, as some do, and are consequently jailed for) or purchase it on the black market. It was an amazing feeling to have eaten an amount of food which, if purchased, would have cost a few thousand bucks at a fancy resturant. Man, we DEVOURED that abaloneous goodness!

Super good times were had off the Sonoma County coastline a month back, when Daniel, Tom, and I drove up the 99 to see what free diving for abalone was all about. A few gas tanks and energy drinks later we were enjoying the evening mist of the Norcal coast. I wish I would have been able to shoot more, but for the lack of an underwater housing unit for my SLR and the probability of dropping my camera off the side of the kayak - well, you see what I mean.

Generations of beauty

2009-11-10T19:50:00.000-08:00

This year we celebrated my Nanas 80th birthday, and my GREAT Nana Goodells 100th birthday, which happened shortly before her passing

She leaves our family an amazing legacy of Christs love, and her life is a completely inspiring testimony of a life filled with compassion, joy, and adventure.

I was fortunate to snap a few photographs of her 100th birthday party, and if you're skeptical - YES, she was alive for just over a century! Unbelievable! I hope to have inherited the same genes.

even though you'll never believe my Nana is 80 years young, here she is the day of her party!

My cousin jack always steals the show with a rambunctious personality and it's so fun to see him

2009-11-03T13:28:00.001-08:00

still getting caught up from a crazy summer. so many epic adventures! here's a few more from Seattle that I haven't had time to post yet.

it was SO fun visiting with Jesse, Rachel, and their kids.

my cousin kelsey just HAD to show us all up, with her 'walking on water' abilities.

and of course daniel 'one ups' kelsey, walking on the water with ONE hand

baptism, fatigue, leaving on a jet plane

2009-09-28T01:48:00.000-07:00

At Radiant Church today we baptized a few members, and before I hit the sack I've got to post this image I particularly liked of Dan coming out of the water.

Working on a house is quite fatiguing, and will soon enough be the end of me. Ugggh. I've got to start getting some sleep.

This week one of my best buddies is leaving the country for a few months to spend time in the Czech Republic, and another is getting married. Prayers and best wishes, LJ, and Chris & Kathleen!

a thousand miles and counting

2009-09-08T21:13:00.000-07:00

The pacific northwest has welcomed my visit with plenty of sun, awesome friends, and expected adventures. Yesterday we had a stellar mountain bike ride in Newport Oregon, that went 2 hours and 10 miles longer than expected. Today I'm staying with some awesome friends who recently moved to Seattle, with high hopes of spectacular adventures to include kayaking, climbing, cycling, bouldering, slacklining, beach combing, and relaaaxingg as hard as i possibly can. Today we hit the beach, and had a super time running around with the kids and shooting some photos.

2009-08-18T00:56:00.000-07:00

Epic vacation, with amazing friends. I love this shot of myself in Tahoe poking up from underwater, pulled from Daniels camera. Times like this really inspire me to pick up an underwater housing unit for my SLR.

Hmmmm....

2009-07-03T03:16:00.000-07:00

After a super busy start of the summer, i'm starting to finally get to all the photos that have been stacking up over the weeks! I realize blogging is NOT my strong point and i need all the encouragement i can get to keep posting on a regular basis!

Stacy and Matt were married on a hot May evening, and it was great getting to shoot their wedding after spending time getting to know them during the engagement photos and wedding planning!

It's with much sadness that i would like to convey my sympathy for the family of Nick Moreno, father of the Groom. I heard about his passing yesterday on a flight back from utah, and rushed back to get some photos to the family for a memorial service.

2009-05-02T23:28:00.000-07:00

Jesse and Grace Purves are such a rockin couple. A day full of grins, sassy smiles, and laughter, I can say this is the most fun i've ever had shooting a close friends wedding. I could go on, but the pictures speak for themselves. A beautiful couple with amazing hearts. I love you guys!

2009 Amgen Tour of California

2009-02-26T00:56:00.000-08:00

The 2009 tour of california rolled through Visalia, and being a cyclist myself, how could i NOT be there to shoot the event! Our shop was a major sponsor for the tour, so VIP access took me onto the start line to capture images of the peloton grouping up to kick off the race. Major names like Lance Armstrong, Floyd Landis, Tom Boonen, Dave Zabriskie, (and final tour winner) Levi Leipheimer!

Matt & Stacy

2009-01-26T23:55:00.000-08:00

Matt, Stacy, and I were fortunate to not fall in the river as we scrambled around on wet mossy rocks to shoot their engagement photos. It's awesome to see young couples in love, and i'm stoked to shoot their wedding in May.

Lake Light

2009-01-23T12:09:00.001-08:00

It's sad to see Kaweah Lake all dried up, considering that it's a huge source of the valleys agricultural irrigation, but lucky for us it turned out to be a great place to shoot Betsy and Joe for their engagement! Soon they'll be getting married at Leal Vineyards in Hollister, in the Barrel Room. It was tons of fun chasing around their boisterous boxer around, and we ended up with some fun images. It's hard to believe these tall trees are usually under water. Congrats on your engagement Betsy and Joe!

2009-01-23T10:52:00.000-08:00

A little behind in posting, so i thought i'd catch with some engagement photos of Amanda and Stephen. Genuine people, and the most photogenic couple i've ever shot. The poor dog was shivering like crazy after traipsing around in the tall wet grass, and Nicholas wasn't excited about the cold foggy day either!

Stephen & Amanda

2009-01-22T23:13:00.000-08:00

Stephen and Amanda had a spontaneous wedding monday, and thankfully our schedules aligned so i was able to shoot them! Such a photogenic couple, and always a pleasure to shoot close friends!

hot cocoa, ladybugs, campfires.

2008-11-03T21:57:00.000-08:00

The ladybugs are out in droves - unlike anything i'd seen before. There were thousands of these cute bugs all over rocks and logs, down near the creek running through the belknap campground where we stayed in camp nelson. A few of us were able to get away for a few days, for a refreshing and chilly camping weekend. Lots of campfire conversation and music was made, as well as the most best dark chocolate smores and coal-cooked quesadillas you've ever consumed.

Mt. Whitney Mountaineers Route - Success!

2008-10-29T12:54:00.000-07:00

We made it! Four of us reached the summit on Mount Whitney (elevation 14,505ft - highest peak in the continental US) via the mountaineers route, an off-trail requiring many third class scrambles and super sketchy ascents up rough granite, scree fields, and snow filled gullies. It was an endurance test; changing weather, lack of oxygen, and rough terrain to traverse. It doesn't come as a suprise that only a third of climbers summit. Such a rewarding experience! A post-summit nights rest at iceberg lake tested the ratings of our sleeping bags and cold weather gear, and we hiked back to the whitney portal the following morning. Here are a few photos to tease you, and entice you to make the same trek up the great mountain!

Justin and Lindsay

2008-09-17T22:39:00.001-07:00

it's always a pleasure to shoot for close friends, and Justin and Lindsays wedding was no exception. It was a beautiful warm outdoor June ceremony, with some crazy original ideas to shake things up - like the 'decorate your own cupcake' instead of traditional cake, and In & Out Burger catering the event. Tons of great friends and family kept the dance floor hot until it was time to go, i even tossed the camera and got my groove on for a short while!

Congratulations Justin and Lindsay, be blessed in your marriage!

2008-09-17T22:39:00.000-07:00

jimmy needham

2008-07-29T00:23:00.000-07:00

2008-03-17T23:29:00.000-07:00

Another weekend of racing blew by quickly with the Exeter time trial and Visalia Crit, back to back. It was a pleasure doing tech support for Team Vanderkitten, and had the chance to shoot some photos when i wasn't repairing shifters or bandaging bloody elbows. Couldn't have been a better day to race, despite a few intermittent rain showers and gusts of wind. Props to the VK girls for sticking it out in a tough race, despite a few rough crashes and some bad calls by the officials.

testing 123

2008-03-10T16:20:00.000-07:00

this is just a test post - my first here on blogspot! i thought this would be a great place to showcase some of my favorite photographs and also network and meet with other people who are into the same art form!

lets kick this off with a self portrait from a few years ago