Every 12 to 18 months I select a couple of personal photography projects that inspire, stretch, and make me think outside the box.  For about 2 years I worked with Housing1000, a non-profit organization whose goal is help the chronically homeless by getting them off the streets and finding permanent housing.  You can read more about that in a previous post here.  

Also for 3 years I did a 365 project where you purposefully take a photo-a-day. Okay, so not all of the photos were done with purpose, some where taken just before midnight when I remembered I hadn't even picked up a camera that day.  But for the most part I managed to stay on track, take photos with my DSLR (occasionally my iPhone) and complete 3 years of a photo-a-day.  I made a video that shows 1000 of those photos in roughly 5 minutes:

This year I am working with Montalvo Arts Center a non-profit organization centered around their artist-in-residence program.  Montalvo is an expansive villa and formerly the residence of James Phelan, mayor of San Francisco 1862-1930.  Today the property includes 10 residences that houses select artists as they are surrounded by the local culture, nature and history of the property.  So far I have worked on 4 events for the center, each varied.  

My first was a private event for a silicon valley product launch called LFYT, a public cab-sharing service.  The event took place outdoors in their "Love Garden" venue.  It was a magical night filled with soft lighting, Mardi Gras-like atmosphere and lots and lots of free flowing food and beverages.

Montalvo "LYFT" Product LaunchMontalvo "LYFT" Product Launch

Next I took photos of the Montalvo Volunteer Dinner - and I got to enjoy a nice Pasta Pomodoro dinner, meet some wonderful people and make connections.  

Montalvo Volunteer DinnerMontalvo Arts Center Volunteer Dinner

My third event was the Valentine's Day dinner catered by Le Papillon.  The villa was the site of the lovely decorated villa. Guests sat down to an elegant dinner and many attended the special concert in the carriage house afterwards.

Montalvo Valentine's EventMontalvo Arts Center Valentine's Event

Montalvo Arts Center Dinner PreparationsMontalvo Arts Center Dinner Preparations

My latest event was for their Final Friday (last Friday of the month) which centered around the theme "Love." I had an amazing time meeting one of the artists, Elisheva Biernoff.  She is working on several paintings and I took many of the photos that she will use to create a romance novel painting.  I'll have more on that as it progresses.  It was such a delightful evening, and best of all Montalvo Arts Center Final Friday Art Parties is open to the public so put that on your calendars. Dinner, drinks and art, what could be better?

It was fun to see this sign they prepared when I arrived on the scene.  I'm going to see if I can keep it once the Final Friday Art Parties centered around their "Love" theme are complete.  It would be a nice souvenir.

What special projects do you have planned for this year?

Montalvo Arts Center Final Friday Art PartyMontalvo Arts Center Final Friday Art Party