Big changes on Photographer's Row (Denver Union Station redux)

For your next evening passeggiata in LoDo, walk from the Oxford Hotel on 17th St. & Wazee, towards Union Station.

Then go inside and take a look around. Then head over to the Sailboat Bridge (more officially called the Millennium Bridge, but hey it looks like a sailboat). Cross over and stroll through Commons Park. At any point during this tour, you're bound to see photographer after photographer clicking away pictures of their clients in a joyous embrace.

This is Photographer's Row. We like to graze around here.

And for good reason. These locales offer some pretty amazing backgrounds for weddings and e-sessions. Union Station hearkens back to the heyday of train travel, Commons Park is surrounded by brand-new bridges and high-rises, and the view of LoDo's skyline from anywhere on this route is unparalleled.

Back in 2008, when I was a little pup photographer with a fancy new Canon DSLR, I naturally gravitated towards Photographer's Row. Proof below, from my very first engagement session::



Notice the LightRail parking lot, the open access to the train platforms. That was then...


...this is now (courtesy of DUSPA)::


Not ideal for photo shoots, no sir! But hey gang, it's okay. The city is completely rebuilding this wide swath of land into a gargantuan transportation hub. This is a huge overhaul. Check out these compelling renderings of what-will-be, from Denver Union Station's website::

(Train Hall, with Union Station at right)


(looking south on 17th St, towards Union Station)


This looks super-exciting! Lightrail, buses and commuter will congregate here. The Train Hall's canopy is designed to preserve unobstructed views of Union Station and downtown. It also reminds me of DIA's trademark white canopy top (will Denver just be The City of White Canopies in the-not-too-distant future?).

Public spaces and gardens, elevated train tracks, wow. Union Station will morph into a 21st-century wonder of engineering and transport. Our future children will grow up with memories of its sleek, eclectic angles. And I'm gonna be the first kid on my block to shoot an engagement session here.

I just have to wait... until spring 2014.

Happy Merry Easter

I've missed you (Denver Botanic Gardens in the spring)

WARNING: major flower overload below. From the Denver Botanic Gardens, in the sharp sparkle of spring.

"I said no close-ups!"

And exhale. I'm going back for more! Who's with me?

Inspiration

I'm not usually one for re-inforced inspiration (I've learned that I'm more of a fan of Nike's motto "Just Do It"), but this compilation of Will Smith's dedication to craft and action gets me every time.

Every single time!



Energized yet? Go get it. Me, I'm off to a birthday party. Sushi-ramaaaaaa!! What's your favorite sashimi? Mine is tako. I love to love it, and I love that everybody hates it.

Shoes (and more shoes)

You know it, you love it. Each and every way.


From Mariarosa & Paul's wedding in City Park

From Hilary & Tom's wedding at St. Thomas More

From David & Shannon's wedding at Cherokee Ranch / Tweet Kimball's Castle

From Dana & Micah's epic wedding at The Manor House

From Matt & Leslie's wedding at the Oxford Hotel (my very first)

From Stephen & Teresa's wedding at the Boathouse in Wash Park

From Stephanie & Nick's wedding in Bozeman, Montana

Taken by Stephanie Brauer, one of my favorite colleagues in the state! Thanks for the behind-the-scenes.


+ Email Chris for wedding photography bookings and inquiries. 2011 is filling up, and 2012 is only a year away.
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Rockies vs. Dodgers (baseball is back)

One of the more vivid memories of my childhood back in East L.A. (say it with the Cheech & Chong accent, go on) was watching my dad jump up and down in joyous excitement as Kirk Gibson of the LA Dodgers ran from plate to plate during his historic home run against the Oakland A's in the 1988 World Series. With a broken arm, even.

The names of those Dodgers stuck around for a long long time.

Kirk Gibson.

Steve Sax.

Tommy Lasorda.

Fernando Valenzuela (which I'll never forget because my dad's name is Valente)

I'd always hear my dad say, "Tonight, Valenzeula's going to peetch!" in his Mexican accent. (Even in 2011, he still says "Dah-yers").

So baseball has been intricately woven into my life. I even played for two years! Check it, yo::

(the legendary shortstop Chris Enzaldo, 1987-88 Toronto Blue Jays of L.A. Little League)

I think I hit the ball a couple times.

Then I discovered ice cream and got fat. We moved to Denver when I was 10, so my juvenile loyalty to the Dodgers waned and gave rise to a new team. Of a new sport, actually. The DENVER BRONCOS. Denver didn't get a national baseball team until 1993; and since then, I guess I'm now all about the Rockies.

The season started last week, and my old team the Dodgers wasted no time flying in to play my new team, the Rockies. Some scenes::

Rockies win! Let's keep it that way. Wanna hit up a Rockies game / photo safari at Coors Field this summer? Look me up!