Friday, August 28, 2009
Sunset State Beach
Ah, a very fun time camping with friends in Santa Cruz! This is my second time this month staying near SC. Just 2 weeks ago I got back from Aptos at an AMAZING beach house on the water with my fiancee and her family. I have really been super blessed. Camping with friends was no exception. I was only able to stay overnight and had to leave early in the morning so Val and I were dying to just run down to the beach. We stopped on our way home and I took a couple shots by the water. Looking forward to doing it again next summer!
Monday, August 24, 2009
Monterey Bay Engagement Photography
I was doing a little looking around and wanted to do a quick look back at the beginning of the year when I did a shoot with my long time friends Amber and Brent. Valerie (my amazing fiancee and assistant) and I had such a great time hanging around in Monterey and being able to do this shoot with them! Did I mention they were two naturals in front of the camera? Absolutely rocked this shoot!
Many of you have, but here is the slideshow for those of you who may have never seen it:
Many of you have, but here is the slideshow for those of you who may have never seen it:
Amber & Brent from Brandon Aguiar on Vimeo.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Santa Cruz
Just got done with a great shoot yesterday in Santa Cruz at the Boardwalk. My buddy, Scot, and I have been meaning to get out and shoot with each other and finally were able to. The conditions were killer with just a slight overcast with occasional sun. We caught some rain driving through the bay area so on our way up we were a little worried but super stoked to see Santa Cruz was beautiful. Such a great day of shooting.
You models did great managing the cold, the wind and that sand blowing all over!
You models did great managing the cold, the wind and that sand blowing all over!
Sunday, May 17, 2009
RFKC - Royal Family Kids Camp
About a month and a half ago Val and I were on the couch watching Tyra Banks (fyi, I do not usually watch her, I swear!). Her and Rosie O'Donnell were working with kids in the foster system and it totally blew me away. The show lasted about an hour and I was glued to the TV and ended up watching the whole thing. Much respect to both these ladies for opening my eyes to a world of kids that are all around me.
After the show I told Val how much I wanted to work with foster kids and kept wondering how to get involved. Little did I know that God in His awesomeness would bring something our way about 2 days later. I get a call from my mom telling me a girl who works with her was wondering if Valerie and I would be interested in being counselors for a week with an organization known as Royal Family Kids Camp. I am still in awe at how amazing God is at putting these opportunities in front of us sometimes. Nobody except Valerie knew I had even mentioned wanting to do this.
Royal Family Kids Camp is an organization that has camps nationally (and some overseas) that give abused and neglected children in the foster care system a week they will never forget. It really is all about the kids and I cannot even describe how excited I am to build relationships with these kids the week we have together. Unfortunately state law prohibits any contact with these kids after the camp. You can not bring a camera, have any pictures of the kids, exchange addresses, emails, etc. As you can imagine I was super bummed to find out I would not be able to bring my camera. What it made me realize is that I need to leave a lasting impression on these kids the one week we have together. Many of these kids have grown up with adults who simply do not care. Many of these kids have been neglected, sexually abused, told they are worthless and will never amount to anything. While I can't change what has happened in their past I hope God will provide me with the wisdom and strength to show these kids they are truly loved and can accomplish anything they set their minds to. While I am sure this will be a life changing experience for them, I know that this one, very short week will change me as a person forever.
While I would love to go to Africa, South America, and other countries to help poverty-stricken children (it is a goal one day) - I have realized there are also kids who, for all I know, are down the street from me equally in need.
We have taken the first day of training and are leaving in June for a week to be a light to these kids. Pray that God will use both Valerie and I in lasting ways that we may never know.
After the show I told Val how much I wanted to work with foster kids and kept wondering how to get involved. Little did I know that God in His awesomeness would bring something our way about 2 days later. I get a call from my mom telling me a girl who works with her was wondering if Valerie and I would be interested in being counselors for a week with an organization known as Royal Family Kids Camp. I am still in awe at how amazing God is at putting these opportunities in front of us sometimes. Nobody except Valerie knew I had even mentioned wanting to do this.
Royal Family Kids Camp is an organization that has camps nationally (and some overseas) that give abused and neglected children in the foster care system a week they will never forget. It really is all about the kids and I cannot even describe how excited I am to build relationships with these kids the week we have together. Unfortunately state law prohibits any contact with these kids after the camp. You can not bring a camera, have any pictures of the kids, exchange addresses, emails, etc. As you can imagine I was super bummed to find out I would not be able to bring my camera. What it made me realize is that I need to leave a lasting impression on these kids the one week we have together. Many of these kids have grown up with adults who simply do not care. Many of these kids have been neglected, sexually abused, told they are worthless and will never amount to anything. While I can't change what has happened in their past I hope God will provide me with the wisdom and strength to show these kids they are truly loved and can accomplish anything they set their minds to. While I am sure this will be a life changing experience for them, I know that this one, very short week will change me as a person forever.
While I would love to go to Africa, South America, and other countries to help poverty-stricken children (it is a goal one day) - I have realized there are also kids who, for all I know, are down the street from me equally in need.
We have taken the first day of training and are leaving in June for a week to be a light to these kids. Pray that God will use both Valerie and I in lasting ways that we may never know.
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Sunday, February 1, 2009
Heavy What?
About 2 weeks ago I happened to be walking around Save-Mart and looking at the magazines as usual. Looking through the car section I came across a magazine I had never heard of or seen before. A quick glance through the pages and I was amazed, motivated, and inspired instantly.
It's called " Heavy Hitters "
So - what is it about? The magazine is about every day people going against the masses and choosing to be entrepreneurs and start their own businesses. What? No guaranteed paycheck? No job security? That's right.
As well, the magazine is based upon showcasing some of these guys amazing cars. If you know me the magazine was an instant favorite.
Beyond the material possessions is where you really start to learn and understand the magazines true purpose: to motivate and inspire. These guys are every day people (one I read tonight was even homeless at one point in his life) starting businesses that blossom into super successful businesses which provide them financial freedom. They share how they started, what they do, and why it's so important to go full throttle for what ever it is you want in life. Be your own boss! You have dreams and aspirations - GO DO THEM. Don't let anyone tell you you can't achieve what you want to achieve in life. Erase negativity, be ethical, give to others, be true to you, and surround yourself with the right people. I truly believe unlimited success can happen to anyone who desires it bad enough. Don't talk, take action! The people who talk just keep talking until they decide to DO, and the ones who DO are the ones who SUCCEED. I am sure the road to success is not easy - you may stumble (others would call it failure), but with every stumble needs to be a learning experience and motivation to TRY AGAIN. I can only imagine it takes hard work and uncertain risks, but with hard work and risk comes great reward. Do you think the likes of photographers such as Mike Colon and David Jay ; jean designer Michael Ball (owner of Rock & Republic ), or Calvin Klein got where they are today by sitting on the fence? NO. They are successful today because of their relentless pursuit and burning desire to go after their dreams and never give up!
But most of all - trust that God will take you in life where you ultimately desire to be.
Visit the Heavy Hitters Myspace and I highly recommend you check out the magazine for their amazing stories and beautiful cars.
It's called " Heavy Hitters "
So - what is it about? The magazine is about every day people going against the masses and choosing to be entrepreneurs and start their own businesses. What? No guaranteed paycheck? No job security? That's right.
As well, the magazine is based upon showcasing some of these guys amazing cars. If you know me the magazine was an instant favorite.
Beyond the material possessions is where you really start to learn and understand the magazines true purpose: to motivate and inspire. These guys are every day people (one I read tonight was even homeless at one point in his life) starting businesses that blossom into super successful businesses which provide them financial freedom. They share how they started, what they do, and why it's so important to go full throttle for what ever it is you want in life. Be your own boss! You have dreams and aspirations - GO DO THEM. Don't let anyone tell you you can't achieve what you want to achieve in life. Erase negativity, be ethical, give to others, be true to you, and surround yourself with the right people. I truly believe unlimited success can happen to anyone who desires it bad enough. Don't talk, take action! The people who talk just keep talking until they decide to DO, and the ones who DO are the ones who SUCCEED. I am sure the road to success is not easy - you may stumble (others would call it failure), but with every stumble needs to be a learning experience and motivation to TRY AGAIN. I can only imagine it takes hard work and uncertain risks, but with hard work and risk comes great reward. Do you think the likes of photographers such as Mike Colon and David Jay ; jean designer Michael Ball (owner of Rock & Republic ), or Calvin Klein got where they are today by sitting on the fence? NO. They are successful today because of their relentless pursuit and burning desire to go after their dreams and never give up!
But most of all - trust that God will take you in life where you ultimately desire to be.
Visit the Heavy Hitters Myspace and I highly recommend you check out the magazine for their amazing stories and beautiful cars.
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Friday, January 30, 2009
Wedding Reception Venue Hunt
For those who don't know, I am engaged! It's old news and I am so late at blogging about it, I apologize. Time for a short version:
I proposed the week before Christmas in San Francisco at the new Union Square Ice Skating Rink
I swear, I was so beyond nervous. I think most guys can relate to the actual day of having to propose. If you would have asked me any day before 'The Big Day' I would have told you it will be a piece of cake. My nerves were not even getting to me because of having to ask her, but just me psyching myself out that somehow she already knew or would find out before I actually knelt down and popped the question. On top of that I had never been ice skating - talk about nerve-racking! Would I even be able to stand up or make it a foot away from the platform? Long, stressful nights thinking about all the "what if's". Out of everything, my greatest fear of all was opening the little box and seeing no ring inside. Let me just say that my greatest fear came true..
Fourty-five minutes before we even hit the ice rink I was fumbling around with the box in my pocket and thinking of a million and one ways to lead into the big question. During that time is when I must have knocked the ring out of its position, leaving it sitting freely in the box.
As soon as we got on to the ice I did a little small talk, knelt down, popped the question and opened the box -- no ring! I felt my heart skip a beat. Luckily Valerie saw it drop to the ice.
That little hitch wasn't quite as I planned it, but still well worth all the planning and coordinating to get everyone and everything just right. It was amazing to have both of our families there in the city which we love.
--
Now that I've explained the engagement I can get to tonight. We've been planning and looking for reception venues...
I proposed the week before Christmas in San Francisco at the new Union Square Ice Skating Rink
I swear, I was so beyond nervous. I think most guys can relate to the actual day of having to propose. If you would have asked me any day before 'The Big Day' I would have told you it will be a piece of cake. My nerves were not even getting to me because of having to ask her, but just me psyching myself out that somehow she already knew or would find out before I actually knelt down and popped the question. On top of that I had never been ice skating - talk about nerve-racking! Would I even be able to stand up or make it a foot away from the platform? Long, stressful nights thinking about all the "what if's". Out of everything, my greatest fear of all was opening the little box and seeing no ring inside. Let me just say that my greatest fear came true..
Fourty-five minutes before we even hit the ice rink I was fumbling around with the box in my pocket and thinking of a million and one ways to lead into the big question. During that time is when I must have knocked the ring out of its position, leaving it sitting freely in the box.
As soon as we got on to the ice I did a little small talk, knelt down, popped the question and opened the box -- no ring! I felt my heart skip a beat. Luckily Valerie saw it drop to the ice.
That little hitch wasn't quite as I planned it, but still well worth all the planning and coordinating to get everyone and everything just right. It was amazing to have both of our families there in the city which we love.
--
Now that I've explained the engagement I can get to tonight. We've been planning and looking for reception venues...
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Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Motivation..
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