Lately, I’ve been trying to understand the modern society – how it works, what moves it etc. All of that thinking, of course, could not happen without comparing it to the older times. It is fascinating that the modern technology completely changed people’s perception of things. Personally, I do enjoy our new little toys such as iPads and iPhones – I think they’re awesome. However, ever since the industrial revolution the world has never been the same. It is certainly good and bad. We cannot argue that the amount of jobs created by the industry and the ease of access to many things, including food and transportation isn’t a good thing. The world, all of a sudden, became small. We can easily access any part of it, and with today’s global economy business opportunities seem endless. On the other hand, a lot of the things that we see and buy often times became very standardized. For example, the bread we buy at the store is always the same size to fit our toasters – that’s the standard. The whole industry is set up that way, to produce just a couple of things at a fast pace, to sell more. I think all of that kills creativity and human spirit. Once we’re put in the box, we’re required not to think, not to be different, not to create – just buy what’s on the shelve. I know that back in the days you would come buy some bread from a local bakery. You would come in and they would know what bread you like, and while you’re waiting for a great, hand made loaf,  you would chat about the health of your family, find out how the owner is doing and talk a bit about what’s going on around. The world was much slower, people took their time to connect and the business was much more personal, and less “pure profit” oriented. I really hope we can get back to those times and enjoy the people we do business with. Just something to think about…

And this photo shoot, Yana  and I wanted to create something, sweet and different. The initial idea was to have a “lazy morning at the artist’s studio” shoot. A few things had to be changed, but overall we ended up pretty happy about it. Stephanie and Alosha did great as our models. Take a look…

So, today we are posting some of the photos from a photoshoot with Alina Kamilchu. She is an extremely talented and gifted singer as well as a song writer. And it is our great privilege to introduce her to you. You can visit her website here , and like her facebook page here. Even though, she is only starting her career, we are convinced of a wonderful and successful future that is ahead of her. There aren’t too many people who are young, yet are equally talented, wise with their decisions and are dedicated followers of Christ. We wish you, Alina, all the best in your career as a musician, and hope you will keep being very inspiring and fresh, as you always are. You can hear her sing, here on youtube

Ali kindly agreed to participate in this little interview, so check it out:

1.  What is your name? When and where were you born?
Ali K, born in Sacramento Cali 1990

2.  When did you start to learn music? (How old were you?)
At 5 yrs old I began to play violin and still play it on occasion.

3. Is your family musical?
Very much so. My dad would put me to sleep with the sound of a nylon string guitar just about every night and growing up. The house was constantly filled with some sort of sound of music.

4.Who writes your songs?
Myself :]

5.What genre/style of music do you consider your work to be?
Christian/Acoustic/Folk

6. Who do you sound like and what musicians or bands influenced your music?
People say they can see how I was influenced by Brooke Fraser while listening to my songs.
Some of my other influences would be Jon Foreman, Coldplay,Future of Forestry, anything really that speaks to the soul and heart.

7.When and where do you usually play music?
Churches,coffee shops,festivals, weddings .. you name it. Also
I love playing outside in nature. gives me room to breathe and create new songs.

8.What makes a performance/song good? How do you judge a performance/song?
CONFIDENCE, I believe that is what is missing in performers or singers.
I Judge songs by the melody making sure it collides with the lyrics.
and the MESSAGE, I want to know what’s on the singer’s heart.
the audience will connect through your message.

9. What are your musical goals a few years down the road?
Lord willing, I would love to perform with other well-known artists whom I can learn from and worship God with.
& record a full band album.

10. What do you like to do in your spare time?
Read,cook,write& spend quality time with family and friends.

This is Caitlin. you probably recognize her from our past portrait shoot with her. If i would have to describe Caitlin in 3 words it would probably be….Fun.Smart.Beautiful… But, there is just way more words to describe her :)  what an awesome person she is!!

She is also one of the graduates from Fresno State, this year, Congrats to you Caitlin!!!

Well, here we are – catching up on our blog posts. We love our kids, but this is actually the best part of our day to work, when they are asleep:). Its quiet and still in the house – surely we can concentrate on doing something productive.

So, let us introduce to you Shannon and Lily. They are definitely one-of-a-kind coupe – really fun to be around. Lily, in fact, has been my friend ever since high school, and I always remember her as a fun, life-loving person.

This beautiful and warm day reminded me of the summer. Can’t wait for it to come – I’m so tired of freezing all the time. Anyways, there is something very beautiful about the almond blossom, check it out:

Below are the photographs from Valentines Day inspired photo shoot with Mike and Natasha. Both of them are great people who were not afraid to open up, and show their feelings in front of a camera. Mike is a lead singer of a local band called the Thomas Confession – very talented people. Its been a very pleasant weather lately here in Fresno, so we had a blast creating this unforgettable, romantic and passionate experience for these two.

Check it out and let us know what you think… :)