Cindi de Channes Photography: Because you are my Dear One

Fonda & Chris ~ June 25, 2011

2011-08-31T10:55:00.000-07:00

Fonda photographed weddings with me "in the old days". The old days were when we shot film. We were introduced through her mom who taught me how to use a baby sling. Fonda was the baby in Hawaii that Sachi held in her first sling, that was later introduced to the mainstream through Dr Sears and others. Since we last worked together, Fonda's mother passed away, she went to Japan with Chris, and went to Rhode Island School of Design. It was so wonderful to hear that she was back and getting married and that she wanted me to share in that day as her photographer.

Fonda and Chris were married in Chris's family's home in Guerneville. Fonda's sister Tiana made the veil by hand, and walked Fonda down the aisle, and Chris's aunt performed the ceremony. It was an intimate and love-filled day under the redwoods.

As I drove away from Fonda's wedding I saw an airplane painting a heart in the sky. It was lovely synchronicity.

Happy Family, Happy Newborn in Petaluma

2011-08-31T09:48:00.000-07:00

Welcome Cassidy, Little Brother

2011-08-10T18:55:00.000-07:00

Solomon's little brother Cassidy is here! I would have stayed all day to hold him, a hot summer day and barely clothed baby. He is cuddly and beautiful, and a little quirky...and rounds out the family to a foursome. Congratulatios Mike and Rachel!

Natalie & Jeff - June Wedding in Marshall, California

2011-08-05T11:57:00.000-07:00

Kiva loans to photographers and more - Thank you Ashley & Jason!

2011-08-04T18:25:00.000-07:00

Ashley and Jason will be married on Saturday at the Sonoma Mission Inn. On their behalf I have made the following loans with a portion of their wedding deposit:

Rabih Jamil Kareem - Cattle - Iraq

Janvier - Photography - Rwanda

Seraphine - General Store - Rwanda

Merilyn Roble - Pigs - Philippines

Zahriya Abdallah - Clothing Sales - Jordan

Benkadi I Group - Farming - Mali

Yousra - Photography - Lebanon

Jessica & Michael, Marin Wedding

2011-07-28T16:37:00.000-07:00

Nancy & Stuart in Inverness

2011-07-28T12:41:00.000-07:00

Nancy and Stuart were married on an amazing day, in an amazing place on Mt Vision in Inverness, West Marin. The views down to Tomales Bay and up upon Mt Vision were gorgeous. The home, the landscaping, the surrounding nature, and the weather were all wonderful. A little Point Reyes fog made the light perfect, and I thought to myself, 'If I were getting married I would choose this place and this day.'

Love on the Streets of Palo Alto - Yuka & Marcos

2011-07-04T19:42:00.000-07:00

100 Kiva Loans Made!

2011-06-17T14:18:00.000-07:00

These latest Kiva loans mark Cindi de Channes Photography's 97th, 98th, 99th and 100th loan! Thank you to Jessica and Pete, to be married this summer on Bolinas Ridge in Olema, for their contribution toward the following Kiva loans. Jessica and Pete began their relationship in Peru so it seemed fitting to make loans in honor of this. They also have an interest in supporting women in business in Bolivia.

Sara Noemi… Personal Student Loan, Peru

Efracia Grocery Store, Peru

Unión Lealtad Group Retail, Bolivia

Dora Wilma Clothing Sales, Bolivia

(Almost) Big Sister Onya

2011-06-13T13:05:00.000-07:00

Miechaela is in the final stretch now - awaiting her second child's birth. Sweet Onya will be a loving big sister, and mom and dad are already seasoned pros. There is so much love in this family and I find them so much fun to photograph. Here they are on a beautiful late spring (practically summer!) day in Petaluma, California. And even a ladybug or two.

April 30, 2011 ~ Crystal and Danny

2011-06-11T08:21:00.000-07:00

Remember Crystal and Danny? See their fall engagement photos here. Their wedding day arrived in the springtime, at Foxtail Golf Course in Rohnert Park. Crystal was stunning. Danny was as ever buoyant and playful. It was a beautiful day.

I am not sure we knew how lucky Crystal and Danny were to have a sunny and beautiful spring wedding, that weeks of rain would follow and even June brides would be moved under a tent. The weather was perfect and the gathering was all loving, close family and friends. A lovely, lovely wedding.

News that came with their return from a honeymoon...a baby is now on the way! Congratulations on a big big year!

Sabrina, High School Senior

2011-05-18T22:43:00.000-07:00

Sabrina impressed me as a highly sensorial person. Her softness and quiet awareness through her senses were apparent in her interactions with her horse. I enjoyed the wordless exchanges and peacefulness of this portrait session, in the beautiful creek-side open space of Lucas Valley in Marin County. Sabrina's whole family shares these traits and the love and connection when they are all together is beautiful.

Happy 1st Anniversary Bradie & Steve

2011-05-15T11:11:00.000-07:00

May 15, 2010

Legion of Honor

San Francisco, CA

Observing Nature

2011-05-13T11:37:00.000-07:00

We are nearing the end of the school year, and for Teacher Appreciation Week the kids sang to their teacher, Ms Eichert, a song of thank you, and gave a gift to her. I was fighting back tears. Liza teaches with a huge reverence for nature, and both my children have been so lucky to have her influence. I love these photos because I can see how every child in her class carries a reverence of his or her own.

The Mary Collins School charter emphasizes an integrative approach around these two main hubs: environmental education and visual and performing arts. This class just performed the play Rumpus in the Rainforest where they learned the value of the Amazon to our world through song and drama. Here in these photos they were sketching their observations of a local ecosystem - part of a regular "walking field trip" throughout the year where the kids observe the changes in this watershed land near the school.

Kiva Loans, with thanks to Natalie and Jeff

2011-05-10T23:49:00.000-07:00

Dilbarkhan Begmatova Cattle, Kyrgyzstan	Amena Hossain Group Photography, Afghanistan
Hakika Group Beauty Salon, Tanzania	Jeremiah Aganda Otieno Photography, Kenya
Pandukht Grigoryan Livestock, Armenia

Thank you Natalie and Jeff for your contribution to these loans. I look forward to your June wedding, right around the bend!

Solly in Marin

2011-05-09T20:43:00.000-07:00

Solly is a beautiful child. He entered the world with ease and delighted his parents to the point they said "Isn't this supposed to be harder?" I am sure this is in part a testimonial to their parenting, but I appreciate their humble wonder about the new one on his way. "Are we about to experience what other parents talk about?" I'd say chances are good.

Solly shares a birthday with my grandmother who would have turned 100 this year. Solomon will be two. I couldn't ask for a more lovely child to inherit the July 24 birthday than Solomon.

Jessica & Michael at Play in San Francisco

2011-04-29T11:25:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I want to think I do things all so differently from other photographers. And the Palace of Fine Arts seems so over-done. But, as the rain came and we scurried to find a sheltered outdoor spot in San Francisco, the Palace of Fine Arts with its giant dome sounded reasonable. (As it turned out, its height let rain enter sideways and it was a veritable wind tunnel!) I was humbled, though: by the revelation that so many photographers can't be wrong. The beauty and inspiration of the Palace of Fine Arts is incredible. And there I was, being a typical photographer, but on a unique day, with a unique couple, as a unique artist. And I will happily go back again.

When the wind and rain really did drive us away, we headed to North Beach, to Bocce Cafe, where Jessica and Michael went for dinner to celebrate on the day of their engagement.

We Wear Many Hats

2011-04-21T19:47:00.000-07:00

The Mad Hatter's Ball on April 2nd was a sold-out, jubilant Auction, Dinner and Dance benefiting Mentor Me Petaluma. Proceeds from portraits went toward the cause.

Rebuilding Day, April 9, 2011

2011-04-15T14:56:00.000-07:00

On April 9, 2011 Rebuilding Together Petaluma had approximately 450 volunteers out in force rehabilitating homes in need of repair. This particular project on Post St was not the typical modest home of RT clients. Instead, this magnificent 1888 historic home was chosen because its homeowner, Ron Walters, has been a dedicated volunteer to Petaluma causes and community for all his life, and now in his senior years, he is due his reward. It was a beautiful and inspiring day. Below is Jane Hamilton, Executive Director of Rebuilding Together Petaluma.

Michael Schoeman, Landscaper at One World Garden

Mike Hecker, MH Bookkeeping and Consulting

Mary Dooley, Architect at MAD Achitecture

Sisters Lexi Radomile & Lea Oberlander of Sorella Hair and Fashion in Petaluma

Alan Ginsberg, Business Coach from The Entrepreneur's Source

Rich Carrol of Empire Floors

General Contractor, Daniel Ronchelli

Massage Therapist, Nancy Vayhinger (left) and Michelle Neilsen of Budget Blinds (right)

Chiropractor Kathy O'Connor

House Captain, Handyman Craig Riddle

Tara Smith, Farmer

2011-04-08T06:00:00.000-07:00

Tara Smith, Farmer

Tara Firma Farms, Petaluma, California

Adam Mali at Nick's Cove, Best Chef in Marin!

2011-03-30T19:46:00.000-07:00

The Bohemian's readers' poll 'Best of the North Bay 2011' is out - Chef Adam Mali of Nick's Cove (Marshall, CA) wins Best Chef in Marin! Here Adam prepares lamb dishes for our photo shoot for the American Lamb Board in February 2011 in the indoor and outdoor kitchens at Nick's Cove.

A few of the non-lamb offerings at Nick's Cove follow. Missing is a picture of oysters, one of the favorites as you overlook Tomales Bay. More Adam Mali and Nick's Cove photos here.

Jaeca & Matt - Featured in Style Me Pretty

2011-03-21T12:32:00.000-07:00

Photos from Jaeca and Matt's Carneros Inn wedding are featured on Style Me Pretty. The video shows Matt receiving an album of boudoir photos of Jaeca taken by Cindi de Channes Photography...received the day of his wedding (at 0:57). View here.

http://www.stylemepretty.com/2011/03/18/rainy-napa-valley-wedding-from-iq-video/

With many thanks to Yuka and Marcos, Kiva loans...

2011-02-23T16:50:00.000-08:00

Cindi de Channes Photography makes $200 in Kiva loans with every deposit on wedding photography received. The following loans are made with thanks to Yuka and Marcos, to be married Sept 3rd!

Maria Delfina Sauceda Salgado
Personal Products Sales, Honduras

Remedios Tadeo's Group
Livestock, Philippines

Lun Leang
Motorcycle Transport, Cambodia

La Fuente De Bendicion Group
Fish Selling, Dominican Republic

Vicenta Del Socorro Pichardo Brand
Retail, Nicaragua

Arly Gayamo
General Store, Philippines

Sofia Davila Group
Knitting, Bolivia

Betty Judith Dominguez Manga
Beauty Salon, Colombia

Happy Valentines Day!

2011-02-13T20:02:00.000-08:00

Wishing everyone love, love and more love...Photos from the "The Kissing Booth" at La Dolce Vita Wine Lounge in Petaluma CA for Valentines Day 2011.

Kiva Loans, with thanks to Jessica and Michael!

2011-02-09T15:00:00.000-08:00

With thanks to Jessica and Michael (to be wed May 28th) we have made the following Kiva loans to entrepreneurs from Uganda, El Salvador, Cambodia, Paraguay & Lebanon, to help fund their businesses in a medical clinic, clothing sales, sewing, bookstore, and computers (whose dream it is to open a photography studio!)

Herbart Mwesigwa
Medical Clinic, Uganda

Maria Nelis
Clothing Sales, El Salvador

Hem Pheap
Sewing, Cambodia

Virginia Gómez
Bookstore, Paraguay

Ali
Computers, Lebanon

The Kissing Booth is back!

2011-02-06T10:49:00.000-08:00

The KISSING BOOTH at La Dolce Vita Wine Lounge, Petaluma

Cindi de Channes Photography

Friday, February 11^th

6pm-10pm

Photo Booth/Kissing Booth (for everyone)

· Complimentary Chocolate Truffles

· One Dozen Roses – Single rose for each of the first 12 photo booth participants

· Romantic movies

La Dolce Vita Wine Lounge and 151 Petaluma Blvd S. Ste. 117 (Theater Square, downtown Petaluma)

Historically Significant

2011-01-24T08:48:00.000-08:00

And on this site on January 9, 2011, again, nothing happened...and everything happened. Cody practiced his new walking, listened to a wind chime and felt the great love of his parents showered all over him.

Kiva Loans, thanks to Geneva and Jacob

2011-01-17T20:27:00.000-08:00

Geneva and Jacob chose agricultural loans, honoring Jacob's family history as dairy farmers. Funded by their deposit on wedding photography we chose the following recipients:

Samer Thultheen
Dairy, Palestine

Nuraddin Osmanov
Dairy, Azerbaijan

Aijamal Kylychbek Kyzy's Group
Livestock, Kyrgyzstan

Geneva & Jacob will be married at Nick's Cove in Marshall, California this summer.

You can follow the success of the loans made by Cindi de Channes Photography on my Kiva Lender Page. To date, since May 2009, with the help of my wedding clients, we've made 78 loans totaling $2,425.00

Heather & Ekine, November 20, 2010

2011-01-17T19:56:00.000-08:00

Heather and Ekine are a beautiful pair. Heather grew up in the Napa Valley. Ekine's roots are in Nigeria. This was an amazing wedding at the Golden Gate Club in the Presidio of San Francisco on November 20, 2010. The Rodde and Akuiyibo families came together with such vibrancy and love. They are two families that certainly know how to party, and know how to love. And it is a lovely coincidence that the photos are ready to post on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

I was introduced to Heather and Ekine by Sophia and Julian, who were referred to me by Jacqueline and Jordan...and I have immense gratitude for this trust in referrals. It is always nice to have an engagement shoot to begin our relationship, so walking in on their wedding day we were at ease and friendly from our little bit of history together.

Thank you also to Gregory Hayes for his contributions, as he photographed alongside me.

Colors

2011-01-07T04:00:00.000-08:00

Yellow

Blue

Red

Green

Black

Orange

Christmas Highlights

2011-01-01T23:30:00.000-08:00

Every Christmas Eve we gather with friends at the Wheelers' home in Woodacre. I am still considered one of the kids, but really the "adults" should be promoted now to "grandparents". Although it is true not all have grandkids yet...and whispers this year revealed several wishes for them. Every year there is homemade egg nog (from back yard chicken eggs), home made brews (mead, ales, ciders, even whiskey this year), a gift game (white elephant yet we refuse to call it that) and a Christmas carol jam. It helps to have a couple of rock stars in the mix. And every year Tona and David give and give and give, of their home, of their harvest, of their cooking, of their hearts...and then send us home with too many gifts. Every year there is a new baby or a new marriage or new engagement or new pregnancy, and always there are new friends welcomed. My kids talk about their excitement for Christmas Eve at the Wheelers more than Christmas morning after Santa's delivery.

Merry Christmas

2010-12-24T10:08:00.000-08:00

My favorite Christmas Season tradition is the VOENA ("Voices of Eve 'n Angels") Children's Choir holiday concert. Kudos to the children and director Annabelle Marie for an amazing show.

Engagement Photos - Crystal & Danny

2010-12-20T19:48:00.000-08:00

Danny is a football coach at Rancho Cotate high school in Rohnert Park, so we began our engagement photo shoot on the field. Yeah, he did tackle her and pulled out some sport moves, but these are my favorites, contrasting the aggressive sport of this field with tenderness for his fiancée, Crystal.

This one, below, is for their 50th wedding anniversary on April 30, 2061.

From high school to college, naturally. We moved on to Sonoma State University campus. It was Thanksgiving weekend, and we saw several other photographers and families out and about. What a beautiful day it was for photos!

Winter Kids

2010-12-17T19:06:00.000-08:00

If you can't see by the photos...I'll let you know we had so much fun. Mom Elaine had the winning bid at her daughter's school auction, and she wanted pictures of her kids. Much like my kids, they were reluctant to hug, but were willing "for grandma", had that familiar awkwardness of pre-teens, and it took a little prodding to get to the true smiles. It was also very cold and mom insisted the jackets come off! So to keep them warm and smiling, we had a fashion shoot on the stairs at St Vincent's.

The Boy with a Stick

2010-12-15T21:54:00.000-08:00

Cooper likes sticks, and isn't a fan of fake smiles. I'm not either. He really doesn't see the point of looking into the camera and smiling. And I think he is right - when you are completely present in the moment, there is no point to it. So I followed Cooper in his delight of the world (and sticks) and just love the resulting photos.

The response from parents Staci and John: "All I can say is WOW!! They turned out amazing...We can't thank you enough. You have an incredible eye."

Dogs!

2010-12-12T23:25:00.000-08:00

Victorian Costumes for VOENA Children's Choir - Backstage Portraits

2010-12-11T03:17:00.000-08:00

VOENA is a professional children's choir open to all children without audition, in Benicia, Napa and Petaluma, California. These photos are from backstage before their annual Victorian holiday concert on December 4, 2010.

VOENA professional children's choir backstage portraits

Rainy Day Wedding at Carneros Inn - Jaeca & Matt

2010-11-29T14:36:00.000-08:00

Kiva loans, with thanks to Crystal & Danny

2010-11-24T18:28:00.000-08:00

Thank you Crystal and Danny for your asking me to be your photographer, and for your part in helping the following entrepreneurs (furniture making, photography, bicycle repair, poultry, and more...from all around the world.) I can't wait to share in your wedding day in April!

Juliet Gabriel
Retail, Philippines

Odonchimeg Yadamjav
Computers, Mongolia

Maritza
Internet Cafe, Peru

Rosas De Villa Ingenio Group
Furniture Making, Bolivia

Gustavo Alexander Campos
Bicycle Repair, El Salvador

Veronica Del Carmen
Poultry, El Salvador

Mohammad Aref Ahmad Jan
Photography, Afghanistan

Mihir in San Francisco

2010-11-16T20:22:00.000-08:00

Helen & Phil - October 16, 2010

2010-11-15T02:15:00.000-08:00

How lovely for me to photograph a San Geronimo wedding, in the town of my childhood. I was giddy over a drive in a golf cart to the familiar valley scene and Lagunitas School in view. It is Helen and Phil's town too. The wedding was held at the San Geronimo Golf Course.

Phil plays with New Monsoon...and friends, Hot Buttered Rum, started the celebration off. Needless to say, is was a good party.

Greer & Peter, and a Veterans Day Farewell

2010-11-11T05:28:00.000-08:00

Today is Veterans Day. It is also the day Peter Bradley begins his service in the US Army, and parts from his new wife Greer, headed to Iraq. Greer and Peter had meant to marry some time next year, but this army appointment sparked rapid planning of the wedding of Greer and Peter in Petaluma.

Peter began his military career as a member of the British Army. After 15 years in America and a feeling of incomplete service he enlisted with the U.S. Army Air Force. He services helicopters.

The purple heart and bronze star and WWII homecoming for Greer's grandfather in 1945.

Superior Court of Sonoma County Judge Wong officiated the ceremony.

There were many tears for Greer throughout the day, with mixed emotions of joy and pain. I'm sure today is a very hard day for her. I am wishing Peter a safe journey, and strength...and a safe return to his waiting young wife. And a long and beautiful life together thereafter, with many, many Veterans Day celebrations to come.

Dani & Dylan - October 9, 2010

2010-11-08T11:40:00.000-08:00

Yay Danielle and Dylan! A bridal party of twenty is a testament to the community you two have nurtured. Surrounded by so many friends and family, with loving words, Dani and Dylan began their marriage at the Sequoia Retreat Center in Ben Lomond, California. The peaceful redwood forest and a party-loving bunch made for a perfect mix of ceremony and celebration.

Nick's Cove: School Fundraiser & Butchering a Goat

2010-11-05T03:20:00.000-07:00

Mom's Night Out and Chef Demo at Nick's Cove in Marshall, California was all about pumpkin...and a goat. This was a fundraiser for Mary Collins School at Cherry Valley Elementary (along with the generous contributions of a week's worth of diners). A few of us started with a walk down the pier to the Boat Shack.

After the required Tomales Bay appetizer of oysters, Chef Adam Mali prepared:
Roasted Cream of Pumpkin Soup with bacon & jalapeno
Maine Lobster, Roasted Pumpkin and Goat Cheese Angnolotti
...and Pumpkin Bread Pudding for dessert.
Each dish was paired with wine. The food (and wine) was fantastic.

An unexpected treat was the weekly butchering of a goat! Adam Mali is now teaching a (very popular) class in butchering meat. With a special invitation into the kitchen I received the coveted one-on-one education. For me it was captivating to see the familiar animal parts (from the meat counter at the market) in the context of what was clearly a living animal, in the recognizable form of four legs, and a front and back...and organs & bones in their place.

Chef Adam impressed me greatly, with a passion for knowing food with always deepening respect. We are lucky to have Nick's Cove, a gem along Highway 1 overlooking Tomales Bay and Point Reyes National Seashore, with cottages to rent and a fabulous restaurant. Nick's Cove is open daily from 11-9 and if you want to book your own private chef's demo contact Jaimee Froelich!

Halloween Night

2010-10-31T22:59:00.000-07:00

Happy, Happy Halloween!

2010-10-31T08:56:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween

2010-10-29T03:51:00.000-07:00

This Could Be Yours!

2010-10-22T11:31:00.000-07:00

Cherry Jubilee, tomorrow night! Come to Hermann Sons' Hall to bid on this mosaic piece by Liza Eichert's 2nd and 3rd graders! (About 4 feet wide).

Lori & Chris Wed on the Russian River

2010-10-20T15:27:00.000-07:00

With the threat of a September rain, Lori was nervous about her wedding day on the Russian River. But as is the case with indecisive weather, the resulting light can be the most ideal conditions for photography. And this day was one of those magical end-of-the rainbow kind.

I've probably seen Guerneville more often from a canoe on the river than from the road, and my assistant, Gregory Hayes is a local, familiar with the town's point of view. Here in the narrow strip between river and road, we discovered the woods hidden from both vantage points. It was a wood nymph's secret wedding, and under the tall trees I could imagine we were the size of fairies in this secret hideaway forest.

Gideon Bendile in my living room!

2010-10-18T20:04:00.000-07:00

Gideon Bendile provides that beautiful African call at the beginning of "The Lion King", and also performs on stage with my daughter and the rest of VOENA, Voices of Eve 'n Angels. He came over last night to modify and teach us lyrics to a traditional South African song for the children's winter concert. And it was a delightful visit!

Gideon is looking to do workshops at Bay Area schools. If you know a school that may be interested please contact me. He lives in West Marin.

A Little Summer for the Fall

2010-10-15T08:46:00.000-07:00

10-10-10 Work Parties

2010-10-11T03:55:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, people at 7347 events in 188 countries got to work - volunteer efforts to care for their local communities, encouraged by 350.org, an international campaign to address the climate crisis. Transition West Marin promoted 15 work parties in West Marin. Here are three of them that I visited (while my dad, TWM activist Bernie Stephan, and others, photographed other sites) Point Reyes National Seashore - invasive species removal at Abbott's Lagoon; Inverness Garden Club - Plant Park; and Inverness Valley Inn - conversion from tennis courts to community garden).

Andrea & Logan - Engagement Photos

2010-10-03T19:57:00.000-07:00

Heather & Ekine - Engagement Photos

2010-09-30T08:53:00.000-07:00

3 and 1/2 Weeks

2010-09-29T08:20:00.000-07:00

Getting to know Mom, and Dad...

...and big brother, the Newfoundland