Berkeley Graduation 2022

My best friend is a doctor! On May 15, 2022, my best friend Angela graduated from Berkeley’s School of Public Health & I was lucky to be able to attend. Here are a few photos from the momentous day:

The last time I visited Angela at Berkeley we shot photos at the Campanile (Sather Tower) - this was all pre-pandemic. I had no idea that the next time I’d be back taking photos there it would be the reception of her graduation, along with most of her family and friends!

Of course - all of Angela’s friends are incredibly sweet and even though I love to be behind the camera, I am thankful that people also push me to get in photos as well. This is my best friend after all, and I am so proud of her! Here is one of us together:

Finally, here is also a video montage of the trip/celebration! Most of the video footage and photos were taken by me, but I also included some video/pics from Angela and her other friends so we could have a capsule of this moment from everyone and not just my own perspective.

Bay Area Trip 2019

Berkeley / San Francisco / Oakland

I just got back last week from a 4-dayish trip the the Bay Area to visit my best friend. I was unfortunately taken with a cold the entire trip, which I wasn’t expecting. This meant we relaxed more, and there were a lot fewer photos than I expected, but I got to spend more quality down time with my best friend and she took good care of me.

Our first full day was spent eating good food, and driving around San Francisco with my friend’s neighbor who needed some photos for her Acupuncture practice, so we also had a mini photo session.

Heading into San Francisco.

Mission Dolores Park.

Delicious treats from Tarine Bakery.

Taking in the different art at the Clarion Alley.

Looking back at the city as darkness arrived.

The beautiful Golden Gate Bridge - my favorite complementary color combination of blue and orange were truly featured here.

Our second day we went out for more sight-seeing and food.

We went to Lombard Street, which was packed with visitors and requires you to walk up a lengthy hill no matter what direction you’re visiting from. It was a fun attraction to see with all of the commotion and folks excited to drive down the iconic spot.

A park nearby Lombard Street had some beautiful trees and arches.

Chinatown noodles after an action packed day.

Our 3rd Day we spent meeting up with an old friend for lunch, vintage shopping at Something to Sell About, and getting our relaxation on at Piedmont Springs.

Mochi, who was a guest at our place for a day.

After meeting up with our friend in Oakland for lunch.

My only attempt at taking a photo of the Super Blood Moon Lunar Eclipse that took place once night during my trip. I only had my 35mm lens with me, and spent most of the evening relaxing at a hot tub and sauna with my best friend.

On my last full day, we explored the Berkeley Campus, had lunch at Chez Panisse cafe, went to Amoeba Music, and visited our friend’s house for dinner and some catching up.

We decided to visit the Berkeley campus and there were so many different beautiful paths to look at there! The sun was out and offered the most beautiful lighting.

This little guy got close, then climbed right up onto my leg as I was taking the previous picture. I shook him off - and I’m guessing he’s the campus squirrel that everyone must feed by hand.

At the Campanile at the Berkeley campus.

View from the Campanile.

A few stunning black and white shots to close out this trip.

My only souvenir from this trip to myself was buying my favorite album on vinyl, Total Life Forever by Foals, from the iconic music store Amoeba Music. Foals also happened to release their first single “Exits” off of their next album on this very day, so I got to enjoy getting excited about that and discussing tour dates with my best friend as well on this final day of my trip.