Stevenot Photography

Alberta, Canada

2011-09-27T23:05:00.000-07:00

I just returned home from a very successful hunting trip to Alberta, Canada. Fall is fast on it's way there color is every where the sky the trees and the grass.

Color the Skies

2011-09-06T10:33:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again, summer is winding down and the Balloons go up over Ripon. This year I thought I was going to have a tough time photographing this event. I have shot it for three years now every year the same shots or so I thought. This year it became more about the people and the charity than the event for me. It's funny how life does that to you just when you think you are about burnt out on something it re-sparks your interest. At the pilots briefing on Saturday I listened to a little man so full of life that had beaten back cancer with the help of Children's hospital his flair and excitement for life made me realize how important this event was. I also ran into someone who I had meet earlier this year and had a great conversation with him and his wife and listened to their story about how their nice had sought out treatment at Children's hospital of California and how much it had done for their family. Now I'm kind of a big softie and hearing their story made me really want to do more for the event. As a photographer all I can do is try my best to tell a story and inspire others. I think next year I will be trying to get my hands in a little more to raise more money for this great charity.

Project in Time (PIT)

2011-07-12T15:43:00.000-07:00

People that know me, know that I am Native Californian, Northern Sierra Mewuk. Every year my family and some close family friends work together with the forest service to put on a PIT Project. Unlike many other PIT projects that focus on archeology or other areas. This PIT project puts people in a place to understand the original people of California and how they lived. Together we teach people how to make everyday tools, instruments, and not only what our people ate but how its made ie. cooking in baskets. This year we took on a few larger projects we built an Umacha (Traditional Mewuk home or dwelling built of cedar poles, grape vines and cedar bark) and a Chucka (Like a grain silo it was used to store about 400lbs of Acorns. Built with Pine Poles, Grape Vines, Cedar Bows, and Worm Wood.) If you have a chance and would like to view these they are at Boards Crossing below Dorington up hwy 4 in California. The campground was established about 10 years ago after a mudslide wiped out the old campground across the river. When they surveyed for the new campground they found a Mewuk village site that has now been dated to 2,000 years old. If you visit this place please respect it don't go looking for artifacts just enjoy where it as the people before you did. We are now planning on working on a Hunga an assembly house that equates to our church where we will bring the Dance and songs of our people back to the village.

Umacha Buliding supervised by Fred Vasques, Carson Bates, and Austin Stevenot

Chucka (the green thing in the middle of everyone) Building Supervised by Carson Bates,

Austin Stevenot, and Fred Vasques.

At the Ranch

2011-06-06T11:42:00.000-07:00

I had the opportunity to Photograph Nicole & Garrin last weekend the venue lent its self to some great photo ops.

Trucks and Dogs Senior Portrait.

2010-12-07T16:22:00.000-08:00

I had a great time with Austin's Senior Portrait shoot. Great place and good people.

Rice Harvest

2010-10-03T20:39:00.000-07:00

I took a trip up to Colusa in Northern California to help work on some Duck blinds for this coming season. Not only did I do that but the rice harvest was in full swing. The clouds were steaming in as a Low pressure system was moving in to add depth to the sky. We were working on several different ranches so I never got a chance to set up a shot Just shoot out the window from the truck.

Color the Skies 2010

2010-09-08T15:28:00.000-07:00

I got the privilege again this year to be one of the photographers asked to photograph the Color the Skies event in Ripon California a fundraiser for Children's Hospital of Central California. What a Fun colorful event.

Love in their eyes.

2010-05-16T00:29:00.000-07:00

I got to shoot Nataila and Zach's wedding tonight. After looking through their pictures I noticed one thing. Every time they are looking at each other, there is an overwhelming sense of love. These two were made for each other the ying and yang thing. They are truly awesome.

Rockin on the River.

2010-04-10T23:55:00.001-07:00

The Tale of two crazy kids. I have to say that I loved Kendra and Adam once I heard their story. Childhood friends that fell in love, that is the story you see in the movies. The energy and love that they project shines on everyone around them. I truly had a great time shooting their wedding.

Great day for a shoot.

2010-03-30T22:17:00.000-07:00

Today I did some more senior pictures this time for Hannah. She was a great subject I had a place in mind but she suggested we use her aunts house. I'm glad I went with her suggestion. The bad part I did not see most of the cool stuff until our way out. Here are a few pictures.

Just a Sunday Evening.

2010-03-28T22:06:00.001-07:00

I got the chance to photograph Jemma. She is a very ambitious young lady. She has already started beauty school and will finish around the same time as her High school graduation. I had a great time with her.

Up, Up, and Away!

2010-03-08T09:36:00.001-08:00

Last night I had the honor of shooting Natalia & Zach's engagement photos. It was a blast one of Zach's friends flew in a Classic Piper Cub into a private air stip. Not only did I get to take some fun pictures but I also got to see one of my favorite air craft up close.

Death Valley

2010-03-02T21:48:00.001-08:00

I recently got to take a trip to Death Valley. When I left I knew there would be weather but nothing like I experienced. Upon entering the park we were greeted by a low lying fog that hid our initial view of the park from the West entrance. As we descended into the first valley I realized this was not fog, but we were driving in the clouds. Upon talking with a ranger we got to see a semi rare thing Rain in Death Valley a lot of it. Enough that there were washouts on the road and rock slides on the passes.

One rock slide crossed the road blowing out a jeeps tires in front of us. Our small Jetta made it through with out incident even though it bottomed out. I took a few snapshots while I was there and wanted to share them. Oh, and we missed the wild flowers by a week or two. The rangers were saying that this will be one of the best years in the last 60 years. Due to all the late rain fall.

Durby Girls

2010-02-25T11:27:00.000-08:00

My older sister who tended to be the more athletic of three kids. Recently joined a start up Roller derby team in Sonora The High Country Hell Cats. I was there along with several others for their "Maiden Voyage" their first bout. It was high energy smash and bash on wheels. If you have never seen a roller derby bout I highly recommend it.

Out and About

2010-02-09T22:05:00.000-08:00

It has been a while since I last posted something on this blog. My wife and I are getting a new place ready to live and got a new puppy. I was out working on a article for a magazine the other day. I decided to make a stop on my way home. At a local wildlife refuge. I snapped a few quick shots, and I wanted to share.

Let it Snow

2009-12-07T13:10:00.000-08:00

I took advantage of the low snow level and ran out to a friends ranch today we were at about 500ft elevation and there was about 3" of snow on the ground. This is not a very common occurrence around here. So here are a few pictures I think the cows were hungry they keep running to the truck.

Double Time

2009-11-09T22:43:00.000-08:00

On Saturday I took on two weddings. If not for the help of my buddy Thomas, there is no way this would have been possible. I started off on one side of Downtown and ended up on the other. It was a photographic marathon. I had a great time with both parties. Congratulations to the brides and grooms of the weekend.

On My Way Home

2009-10-30T20:55:00.000-07:00

Today on my way home from a shoot I stopped in to see if there were any ducks around. Instead I was greeted by a glassed over lake. With reflections everywhere.

Apple Sauce with Grandma

2009-10-29T20:23:00.001-07:00

Today I took a little break from editing photos and went over to my grandmothers house. Every fall someone being me, goes up to Sierra Glen apples in Twain Hart and picks up a case of King David apples for my grandmother. This case of apples has in the past turned its self into apple sauce. But this year I figured I should learn how to make this family apple sauce myself. So I took my camera, a little time and spent it with my grandmother.

Fire in the Sky.

2009-10-26T21:45:00.000-07:00

I went out tonight with the intention of getting some pictures of geese, but instead was treated to one of the most brilliant sunsets I have seen in a long time. Unfortunately I did not have the lens on my camera I wanted. I had my telephoto on instead of my wide angle but it turned out ok.

Splash of Gold

2009-10-20T21:10:00.000-07:00

Today I shot Paul and Maybelle's engagement pictures the leaves here are starting to change. They wanted to shoot on a frisbee golf course since that is where he proposed. I had a great time these two are amazing I can only wish everyone had this kind of love for each other.

Salute

2009-10-14T22:03:00.000-07:00

For those that don't know I am a Eagle Scout. I loved being in the Boy Scouts. So as a way to give back to a organization that gave so much to me, I am shooting Eagle scout photos free of charge. This is a sample from today.

In Awe

2009-10-11T20:00:00.000-07:00

This weekend I shot my first wedding in Yosemite. Guest came from as far as Nebraska and Hawaii. Growing up in Modesto about two and a half hours from Yosemite, I went quite a bit as a kid. I guess I kind of take it for granted. But hearing everyones reaction while staying in Yosemite valley has re-sparked something in me. I can truly say I appreciate Yosemite for all of its glory.

Yosemite lent all of its beauty to make this wedding one of the best I have ever attended.

Roasted Corn and Chicken Quesadilla

2009-10-06T16:37:00.000-07:00

Todays recipe Roasted Corn and Chicken Quesdilla.

Taylor Senior Portrait Session

2009-10-05T22:13:00.000-07:00

Today I shot Taylor. I shot in the studio for an hour. Then ran out to a location I have been dyeing to shot at for a while now. I think I got some good stuff.

Halloween is Coming.

2009-09-29T19:59:00.000-07:00

Today I made and shot Candy Ice Cream Sandwiches. It was a bit more challenging than I thought. Initially I thought I would just make them. Put a pitcher of red juice with dry ice, spread some candy around and shoot. Did you know that when you put dry ice in liquid it boils and throws liquid all over. Lets just say I made a mess. Then there was trying to control the flow of smoke to envelope the plate. I had a good time, and leaned a lot. I think it came out ok.

Fishing Pole to a Wedding?

2009-09-19T23:13:00.000-07:00

Cameras Check, Lenses Check, Batteries Check, Fishing Pole... What. Today I got to shoot at a local country club. I loved it all sorts of opportunities even with the sun at High Noon. My groom is a fisherman, and to be able to show that was awesome. I had a great time Hot weather and all. These are just the few I ran through that stood out to me.

Braised Sausage

2009-09-16T17:34:00.000-07:00

Got a whole new batch of recipes to cook and shoot. I started with the Braised Italian sausage over polenta. It was really good.

Discover Love

2009-09-04T22:36:00.000-07:00

I got the to meet my new couple Danae and Cole. Tonight in Discovery Bay to do their Engagement Session. They are Awesome. They said they were shy but I don't believe it. I cannot wait until their wedding in June.

Last Minute Location

2009-08-27T00:26:00.001-07:00

We had planned to take the pictures at their friends house but things did not work out. So when I pulled up they asked if I had another location we could use. I thought for a second and had them follow me. We ended up near some corn fields that gave great color to the photos.

Senior Shoot

2009-08-27T00:11:00.000-07:00

This was my most recent senior shoot. A referral got me this great senior she was a blast to work with someone that is truly happy. I think it was harder to get her to stop smiling.

Running for the School board.

2009-08-26T18:08:00.000-07:00

I got to shoot this family mom is running for the School board and wanted some family shots. We had a good time promises of Ice cream if we behaved, wait that was the kids. I ended up with no Ice cream but I did manage to get some good shots.

I've been really busy.

2009-08-26T18:03:00.001-07:00

I want to post something from everything I've been up to lately, but its just way to much. So I am going to post just a few photos from each session. Enjoy. This is from a family shot last night. The dog was one of the best dogs I have ever been around, he loved the camera and wanted to be in every picture. Amaya was a little china doll she was being a little shy with me but cute as a button.

Engagement session Gone Fun.

2009-08-10T20:24:00.000-07:00

I had the pleasure of shooting Christy & Jim's engagement photos. These two are meant for each other, the chemistry between them comes through, they truly in Love. I can't wait for their wedding in Yosemite this fall.

Megan & Michael

2009-07-30T23:15:00.000-07:00

A fun shoot in the early morning.

Turkey Sliders

2009-07-28T13:27:00.001-07:00

KC & Jon Engagement

2009-07-27T18:14:00.000-07:00

Veggie Pasta

2009-07-21T17:11:00.001-07:00

This is the most recent recipe. It's a pasta salad simple tastes great.

Almond Chicken Lettuce Cup

2009-07-14T17:33:00.000-07:00

The latest recipe I got to shoot. It tastes great too.

Peach Tart

2009-07-07T16:40:00.000-07:00

So I have been fighting with these rustic tarts all day long. The first two I made I did not like the way I left the top so open. So I made two more. Using a little food trick I basted the top of the crust with butter milk to give them a shine. Well with strobe photography it was a little too much so after moving the tarts and lights around for about three hours this is what I got.

A Prom Date

2009-07-05T23:53:00.000-07:00

I took my camera to my Auntie Jennifer's wedding. She was marring her high school sweet heart and prom date 47 years later. At first I was asked not to. As everyone was to enjoy them selves. So I left my camera in the hotel, got to the wedding and got grief from the rest of my family. So I was sent back to retrieve it. I subdued myself, as there was a friend from her work who volunteered to shoot the wedding before I could. I let him take his shots and then I stole my Aunt and soon to be Uncle for my shots. I did what I could as I was catching up with people that were at my recent wedding and did not get to speak with them. The rest of the photos are on my website.

True Love

2009-07-02T22:30:00.000-07:00

I got the pleasure of meeting John and Christina. They are a great couple the first thing you notice when you are in their presence is the love between them. The looks they give each other even the scalding looks are looks of love. John restores Classic cars for a living, so he brought a current project to the shoot. I had a great time and can't wait for their wedding.

Grilled Chicken Salad

2009-06-30T21:51:00.001-07:00

This was this weeks recipe that I had to shoot. It is a Grilled Chicken Salad with dried plumbs it is surprisingly good.

Food Photography

2009-06-23T21:51:00.001-07:00

I was working on this for a client. First time shooting food with my new strobes this will take some getting used to. I now have a lot of Power!

Senior Portrait Special

2009-06-09T22:07:00.000-07:00

Senior Shoot

2009-05-23T16:19:00.000-07:00

Last night I got the pleasure of shooting Marisa. She was great to work with. I never once had to ask her to smile, she did it naturally. I did ask her not to smile but she would just giggle. It was a good time.

Magazine Shoot

2009-05-15T10:22:00.000-07:00

So about a week before I left before my wedding I did another shoot for a diesel magazine. These are just a few of the images I submitted for the publication last night. The day I shoot these it was windy, and stormy skies were blowing through.

Family Pictures

2009-04-23T22:22:00.001-07:00

Went out the other day and did some last minute family pictures. They turned out ok to me great to my client, which is all that matters. I wanted a different location, but I did the best with what I had. I love working with family's kids are so moody one will smile and the other won't look at you makes for a great challenge.

Great Baby

2009-03-26T13:03:00.000-07:00

I had the pleasure of meeting Brayden and his mother yesterday for a great little shoot in a local park. One of the easiest babies I have shot yet once he got accustomed to the camera he would smile every time he would hear the shutter click. I think we all had a great time.

Little Angels

2009-03-13T22:22:00.000-07:00

Today I got the pleasure of photographing two great little girls, Rio and Brooklyn. Rio just learned to walk and Brooklyn was not having a good day so it made this shoot a little challenging. But it was nothing a few cookies and a sippy cup could not handle. I took my time and had fun with the kids to get some good shots.

2009-03-13T09:41:00.000-07:00

Can anyone answer this question without the aid of Google or other search engines where is this quote is from. (Year/and where it was used.)

Here's to the crazy ones.

The misfits. The rebels.

The troublemakers. The round

pegs in square holes - the

ones who see things differently.

They're not fond of rules and

they have no respect for

the status quo. You can prasie

them, disagree with them,

glorify or vilify them.

About the only thing that you

can't do is ignore them.

Because they change things.

2009-03-05T22:05:00.000-08:00

I recently bought and started to read Annie Leiboitz's book At Work. I think this is a must read for any aspring photographer. Something from this book stuck me, and is something I used to live by, is you can't make a picture without your camera, it was not in those words but along those lines. So from now on I will not leave my house without a camera. I went fishing with a friend today, nothing to talk about but I did snap a few pictures the day was worth the trip.

2009-02-09T20:27:00.000-08:00

My baby ran in the Surf City marthon last weekend and while she did that I walked around the beach and on the pier and took some pictures.

Took a Drive

2009-01-29T20:24:00.001-08:00

I did a corporate shoot today and after I had nothing to do, so my buddy and I went out in search of something to shoot. I found a cow! Boring day I know.

2009-01-22T00:27:00.000-08:00

I have not updated this blog since I started it. I'm thinking it would be good to do this on a regular basis. My grandfather kept a journal all his life, and when he passed away we found boxes of journals that he wrote in. Since October when I started this I have had two shoots that I think I will mention, one was the wedding the photos above are from. Danny and Francine, they were awsome they inspired me with the love they had for each other, they had fun, and just plain out enjoyed their day. The other was for a diesel magazine that I will not mention until the article runs, but the shoot was fun, the guy who owned the truck was cool willing to do what ever we asked of him, I will post some of these pictures later down the road.

2008-10-29T00:48:00.000-07:00

Now that I have my blog going I guess I should post something. Today I shot a senior he was a great guy to work with, he told me that he did not care too much about having his picture take, and that he would have been happy with his school ID picture in the yearbook. To all you seniors out there, these pictures are not just for you, this is how your mom and dad will remember their babies for years too come, it will give your grandparents something to take to their 3:00 Dinner and brag to their friends. So when you go to get your pictures done keep that in mind, and just have fun.