About Me

Hey Zak here!  You have just landed on my blog.  A place where I will share recent photos, personal experiences, and possibly a little humor.  If you would like to know a bit more about me click on "About" below.  So sit back look around and feel free to leave a comment. :)

April 26, 2009 // Information / Me
Just wondering what gets your heart pumping, your mind excited, and your emotions flowing?  For me it's music and one song in particular.  I am currently training for my first half marathon in 23 years...crazy right?  When I was a kid I always ran.  It was always something I loved.  I would run 10K's, Cross Country, and even half marathons...well technically one half marathon, but as I got older I got just a wee bit lazy.  I put on a few pounds and always thought it would be too much work to get back to my fighting weight.  At one point I weighed almost 250 lbs...yikes did I just write that?  Well a few years ago I said enough is enough and started the long road back to getting healthy.  Slowly I lost some weight and gained a little knowledge about healthy eating and a sound exercise plan.  I now feel like I'm fit enough to run a half marathon again. Yay!

So back to my original thought.  What gets you motivated in life?  Whether it's motivation for work, play, or something in between I want to know, and unfortunately you can't say your kids, family, etc...because that motivates everyone.  Is it a song, a book, a poem...you get the gist.  

The song that motivates me and makes my skin tingle, my mind lock focus, and makes me feel like I could do anything, is up for grabs!  Just comment below with what motivates you and the first 5 people to comment will win my song via iTunes.  Don't be discouraged if you are not one of the first 5 people who comment.  I still want to hear your thoughts and everyone who comments will be entered into a drawing for a $10 iTunes card.  You have until midnight Wednesday April 29th to comment, because on Thursday I'll reveal my song and pick a winner for the iTunes card.

So what motivates you?

And since blog posts without photos are not cool, here is why I'm so fast.  Seriously, headbands do make you faster right?
headbandsmakeyoufast.jpg

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Sophy:

Well, I'd have to say that music is my motivation also. And, like you Zac, I used to be a runner also. I used to run almost everyday listening to Metalica, Justice For All album. I need to download that album and start running again. I really miss it.

(04.26.09 @ 07:56 PM)
Sylvia Borgo:

Music for me as well. I, however, am a lousy runner. I don't know why I'm such a wimp when it comes to running. Now, bike riding . . . I looooove bike riding. When I do hop on the treadmill I like to listen to Brit (as in British, not Britanny) Rock. Where did I put my walkman . . . LOL!

(04.26.09 @ 08:23 PM)
greta, smitten:

i was just telling amber the other day, i'm still flabbergasted that you were once overweight! i'm so amazed at your getting your health back on track, that's what i'm working on too!! you're an inspiration!

gotta say ditto on the music. i can be feeling like crap, having the worst day, headache, about to fall asleep at the wheel, whatever... and i put on queen's rock montreal (live) and it makes the world right again. can't wait to see what your song is... hahahahaha :) with that headband i'm guessing... let's get physical???

(04.26.09 @ 09:11 PM)
Freida:

1st off... way rad photo... Jacob and I had a full on chat about it... plus your weight... who knew?? That's amazing, I would have never guessed. 2nd... good for you and the half marathon... that's wonderful! 3rd... to answer your question... any Prince song that comes on the radio... while I'm working on my stained glass... that just gets me amped up and going!

Very funny... I am far from being a runner... BUT, I will be turning 30 in October... and I thought... hmmm... I'm not getting any younger... maybe that would be my gift to myself... to train and complete a half marathon. It's in the beginning stage of my thought process... but this is the one I was looking at:

http://www.kozenterprises.com/Running/halfdf84.htm

(04.27.09 @ 04:04 AM)
Rachael Earl:

Aerodynamic headband you got there. I have to have music to work out! Oldies are the best!

(04.27.09 @ 01:07 PM)
Chris :

I have to tell you, that headband is what gets me pumped :) Actually I dont have a specific song. Anything loud and obnoxious does the work for me often times. Typically something that I wouldnt put on when the girls are in the truck with me.

(04.27.09 @ 05:31 PM)
Chelo:

Music, definitely. But also children- their energy and love, motivates me a great deal :)

(04.27.09 @ 05:40 PM)
Jaime H.:

I never would have guessed, Zak -- I thought you were always a health nut! :) And I write this as I'm eating a brownie ... shame on me! Hmmm....music, to me, is life. I don't think I could function...or breathe...without it. It gets into my soul, gives me the strength and courage I need to fight for what is right in this world ... to fight for what I want ... and motivates me beyond anything else in this world (my kids aside, of course). It's so indescribable what it does to me, for me. I have music for every mood --- play piano when I'm stressed, jam on my guitar when I've had a rough day, pop in a good album ... anything loud that has a good beat, and I am pumped! Oh, and I totally dig the headband ... and your crazy hair! Yay for you, and good luck in training for your half-marathon!!!

(04.27.09 @ 06:30 PM)
Sarah:

HMMMM......What motivates me???? Regret is one. Whenever I think I don't want to do something I think about whether or not I will regret not at least trying. If the answere is Yes I would regret at least not trying then off I go. I can never think of a good enough excuse to have any regrets. Being outdoors always make me happy and motivates me. The feel of tired muscles makes me happy and motivates me. The music is just a bonus to make things more enjoyable. Wow that was a mouthfull. Hope you can make sense of it.

(04.27.09 @ 08:18 PM)
ohana photographers - david & kimi:

let's get physical! physical! i wanna get physical...oh dear lord. what motivates me hmmm...probably seeing you in that headband ;) but, honestly talking and seeing people more successful than me is very motivating.
high fives to you my friend on getting on the health track. me and the wifey need to stop being such workaholics and get back on the health train. so, honestly zak my friend, you you are getting me motivated!

(04.27.09 @ 08:54 PM)
Jamie Burnett:

OMG I just about spit out my water... that headband makes you look 80's fabulous! What motivates me... Not much these days, so send me some good mojo... cause I need some good healthy motivation to get in shape. Good luck in your marathon, and I love that I can see you with your point and shoot in the monitor reflection! .

(04.28.09 @ 07:31 PM)
shawnreeder:

That's a great story Zak. Thanks for sharing. I get motivated by being in nature with friends!

(05.09.09 @ 03:35 PM)
February 12, 2009 // Me
Just wanted to drop a little video on the blog. Everyone is headed to Vegas for WPPI, but alas I will be not making it. :(  I really wanted to make it this year...things just didn't fall into place.  Oh well I hear next year is gonna rock!  Part of why I'm posting this video is to give myself a little nudge to get out there and actually meet more photographers in person.  This will serve as a little reminder to leave the computer, grab the camera and meet some friends.  It can be really easy to put things off and not find the time to get together with people.  Especially with the way that the internet connects us 24/7.  So I say let's get together!  


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Jaime H.:

Ah, bummer dude! I hope to go someday...sooner than later. :) I second on the getting out there...facetime is seriously deteriorating!!! Your last line reminded me of the Parent Trap (original)! Yeah, yeah yeah! Ok...I'm done now. lol :) Cheers!

(02.12.09 @ 11:30 PM)
Amy:

I am with you, it did not work out for this year, but next year I am going to be able to attend. All good things take time I suppose.

(02.13.09 @ 06:48 AM)
Rachael Earl:

We should form an exclusive club for people who aren't going-LOL! I'm right there with you-the kids are too small to leave, and taking them defeats the purpose, I think!

(02.13.09 @ 08:07 AM)
jamie burnett:

Yea... I'm not going either... Kids... work... I'll just look at all their pictures! ;)

(02.13.09 @ 10:04 AM)
greta, smitten:

i may not be going to wppi, but i'm an officer in the "sad souls not attending wppi" group!! now that's a consolation prize!

(02.14.09 @ 05:42 AM)
February 8, 2009 // Me

I'm baaack!  Sorry for the delay in blogness.  Last weekend we were surprised with a nice water leak in our wall.  Exciting stuff...I know.  Well after we cut a few large holes in our drywall we found it.  And by we I mean me and Jennifer's dad.  So now that the pipe is fixed I can get back to business as usual and that means havin' fun. :)  So this morning I was in Old Town Temecula for a session and noticed quite a few puddles and thought the kids would enjoy them...boy was I right! :)
Feb 8 2009 B.jpg
Feb 8 2009.jpg

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Kelly:

These are super cute Zak! Makes me want rain boots for the boys!

(02.08.09 @ 11:29 PM)
Deb Thompson:

Love the boots!!! Love puddle photos :)

(02.09.09 @ 04:33 AM)
Amy:

What adorable kiddos. I love those slickers, I wonder if they come in adult sizes :-)

(02.09.09 @ 07:02 AM)
Sylvia Borgo:

The smiles say it all!

(02.09.09 @ 09:48 AM)
ohana photographers - david & kimi:

dude puddles rule!!!! awesome fun!! lucky kids!

(02.09.09 @ 02:18 PM)
Lori Anderson:

I must agree, nice taste in shoes, especially those beautiful cows. Us SoCal folks don't get much of the wet stuff, do we? I really like the reflection in that second photo.

(02.09.09 @ 08:22 PM)
Jaime H.:

I totally love the first and last...ok, all of them! lol Now my girls want rain boots and puddles, so I can take pictures of them splashing around!! And it looks like rain tomorrow! :)

(02.09.09 @ 11:47 PM)
West Park - Andy:

The Boots Rule!! This looks like so much fun!!

(02.10.09 @ 09:36 PM)
greta, smitten:

adorable, adorable, adorable!! let's keep the puddles outside from now on, k?! :)

(02.11.09 @ 07:10 AM)
Rachael Earl:

So so so so so cute! I'm pretty sure Abbie asks for those very same kitty rainboots ever time we're in Target!

(02.11.09 @ 07:50 AM)
Michelle :

It looks like they had a BLAST! You're such a fun dad!!!

(02.12.09 @ 01:13 PM)
Amanda Suanne:

ahhh so adorable. I loved jumping in puddles when I was a kid :)

(02.13.09 @ 09:05 PM)
January 26, 2009 // Me
A few weeks ago I met up with a sweet and fun photographer in Oceanside for some promo photos of...you guessed it...me!  And perhaps this post may blur the lines between self serving and public knowledge, in the end I'm okay with that. :)  So without further ado...
Jan 26 2009.jpg
Thanks Kelly for an awesome session!
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Amy:

Kelly did an amazing job, you look like a rockstar Zak :-D

(01.26.09 @ 02:04 PM)
Rachael Earl:

Great job, Kelly! Oh, and great job to you, too, Zak! I especially like the whole top row!

(01.26.09 @ 02:13 PM)
Jaime H.:

Awesome job Kelly!!! And you definitely look like a rockstar!!! Rad shots!

(01.26.09 @ 02:30 PM)
Susanne Pedro:

Wow! I wonder if the people walking behind you on the boardwalk were trying to figure out which celebrity you were so they could ask for your autograph :)

Very cool!

(01.26.09 @ 03:21 PM)
chelo:

Dude! these are awesome... it look so warm and beautiful! argh!

(01.26.09 @ 06:00 PM)
ohana photographers - david & kimi:

looks awesome zak! sd in january baby!

(01.26.09 @ 07:51 PM)
Sylvia Borgo:

Great shots Kelly! Zak, you're a natural!

(01.28.09 @ 06:03 PM)
Valerie SchoolingValerie Schooling:

These are sooooo neat! She did a great job! :-)

(01.29.09 @ 07:53 PM)
Jamie Burnett:

Great shots! I thought it was a GQ model at first! :)

(02.03.09 @ 09:05 AM)
Tony:

What a great job! You look very nice in the photos. You look like a famous actor. Keep up the good work!

(02.04.09 @ 05:29 PM)
Leah Simmers:

I love the fun friendly feel these have!

(03.02.09 @ 09:52 PM)
January 8, 2009 // Information / Me
So I'm trying to start off the new year in some sort of organized fashion...yeah right...two kids + home office = not a chance.  I am however giving it my all...I guess you could say that this is my new years resolution.  "I'm going to try to stay organized!"  

My first issue is what to do with all the cords and plugs and devices that come with our "wireless world."  My answer: I don't know!  I am overwhelmed if you have any suggestions please let me know.


IMG_7188.jpg
P.S. This isn't the half of it.  I have another huge box in the garage.  This is just what is on my desk. 

Zak
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Jaime H.:

Oh my! That looks like me too!!! Of course, my "home office" is shared with a "toy room"! Yikes! You're off to a good start with the twisty ties! :) I am about to get a roll-around storage unit to organize the cordage that came with my "wireless" world! :)

(01.08.09 @ 08:39 PM)
Sylvia Borgo:

Okay, I'm impressed that your cords all have the tie-thingy around them - you're half way there! How about one of those tie/sock organizers for a drawer or a colorful box that can sit on your desk? Drive down to SD and we can spend a day at The Container Store. HEAVEN!

(01.09.09 @ 08:55 PM)
Zak Schwank:

That's a good idea...next time I'm in San Diego I'll hit up The Container Store and then slip into the Apple store. :)

(01.10.09 @ 08:22 AM)
Amy:

I feel your pain. I have been hiding mine in a pretty black and white fabric bag, but every time I need one I just dump them on the floor and hunt until I find it. I need to take Rachel's advice and buy some of those 3M organizers.

(01.12.09 @ 08:43 AM)
Zak Schwank:

Thanks for the links Rachael! I have the charging valet...which I love, but need something for the cords. That Built NY bag looks cool...I'll have to check it out. Headed to Home Depot for some of those 3M thingies! :)

(01.12.09 @ 02:51 PM)
ohana photographers -david & kimi:

dude that looks like us! only less organized! much luck on the organizing if you find a way keep us all posted:)

(01.15.09 @ 02:18 PM)
Jill Higgins:

Ha - when you figure it out please let me know! :)

(01.19.09 @ 05:27 AM)
greta, smitten photography:

i feel your pain! my "office" is also a living room/kitchen!! aughhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!! i "get organized" about once a year, but it lasts only about 3 weeks :( i got some of those decorative fabric-covered baskets and i put my cords in one of the medium sized ones. of course it also contains some safety pins, a couple dog treats, several cd-r's, a deck of cards, a seashell, 3 credit cards..... yeah ok..... not the best solution. to me, any basket = junk basket. sigh.

(01.22.09 @ 08:20 PM)
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