Results tagged “temecula” from Zak Schwank Photo

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?

12 Comments Add a Comment Send To Friend

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)

Earth Day 2009

April 21, 2009 // Information

So what are you going to do for Earth Day? Not quite sure myself, but I do know I'll be outside. It's been beautiful here the last few days. I hate to brag, but So Cal is the place to be! Last weekend I had some time to roam alone, Jennifer had our children, so I headed to Fallbrook to just relax and soak in the awesomeness. Oh and if you thought kids were fast try photographing a bee. It was actually fun just watching it fly from flower to flower.

Part of the reason for this post is to encourage you to get out and shoot...especially tomorrow. Earlier this week I found a project called Earth Mosaic. Basically get out tomorrow and photograph our world. Upload your photo tomorrow, so we all can define our world. You can also join their facebook group here. So I hope you all get out there tomorrow and enjoy the day!

Zak

6 Comments Add a Comment Send To Friend

Valerie Schooling:

Neat! Happy Earth Day! I'm checking out that site now! :-)

(04.22.09 @ 09:41 AM)

Sylvia Borgo:

Great idea Zak! Happy Earth Day to you!

(04.22.09 @ 01:11 PM)

greta, smitten:

the flowers are just beautiful - stop bragging WOULD YA?!?! i didn't even realize it was earth day tomorrow when lark and i went to chik-fil-a earlier today. there was some trash on the ground, so we were talking about litter (because it is one of my huge ginormous pet peeeeeeeeeeeeves!!!!!!) and after we talked, she saw some trash and asked me if she could pick it up and throw it away "to make our earf pretty". i was so proud of her. phoenix did the same thing at about her age. so that's what i did for earth day and it felt pretty great :)

(04.22.09 @ 08:07 PM)

ohana photographers - david & kimi:

yay earth!!! awesome pics too zak attack!

(04.23.09 @ 10:23 PM)

Jamie Burnett:

Happy Earth Day! Love the pretty flowers! It was a gorgeous day in Alabama... I took the little guys to the park. Hope you enjoyed the day with your adorable crew!

(04.25.09 @ 08:34 AM)

Becka Knight (Studio222 Photography):

Happy Earth Day Zak!

(04.25.09 @ 06:39 PM)

Twinsies!

April 19, 2009 // Portraits

Had a blast chasing these two around Old Town Temecula. The last time I photographed these guys they weren't quite as fast, but all fair because I've gotten faster too. It's all my treadmill time. :) Enjoy!

Zak

7 Comments Add a Comment Send To Friend

Rachael Earl:

Oh my goodness-they are so adorable! My favorite is the one on the bottom left! So cute!

(04.19.09 @ 11:50 PM)

greta, smitten:

way to go zak!!! these lil dudes are sooooooooo CUTE!!! i love how you captured them just being themselves! it's tough to keep up with twins and i know cause my twin nieces are about this age, and guess who's their official photographer... :)

(04.20.09 @ 08:19 AM)

Jaime H.:

Oh, wow! They are sooo cute! I really, really love the bottom left image -- awesomeness!!!

(04.20.09 @ 07:40 PM)

Susan:

Awesome as always Zak - just that darn wind. Poor Luke with his "Donald Trump" hair.

(04.21.09 @ 05:48 PM)

Sylvia Borgo:

Awesome! I love the last 2!

(04.22.09 @ 01:10 PM)

Jamie Burnett:

They are adorable... and they look like they are pretty fast.. Hope you wore your running shoes! :)

(04.25.09 @ 08:36 AM)

Lori Anderson:

Twins?! We're used to shooting toddlers, but we've never photographed twins. You must have been exhausted after that session. Great work! Love the bottom two.

(05.22.09 @ 03:43 PM)

Just Take Those Old Records Off The Shelf...

April 17, 2009 // Just for fun

So I'm a bit behind in my blogginess...but I must forge on and get back into the groove. I had a planned session in San Diego this morning, but the military called and my client had to postpone. I guess that is all part of the military life and something we civilians probably don't understand. Speaking of the military I was accepted to Operation: Love ReUnited. Which is a non profit organization that helps military families document their families prior to a deployment. I'm really excited to be a part of this, and look forward to meeting some awesome military families in the future.

Just in case you are wondering this is my son, Jack. He loves his guitar underwear...as you can tell. :)
April 17 2009.jpg

I'm almost positive that everyone needs some guitar underwear. ;)
Zak

16 Comments Add a Comment Send To Friend

Rachael Earl:

LOL-those are adorable! And now that song is running through my head...

(04.17.09 @ 09:50 AM)

lynn:

Adorable! :)

(04.17.09 @ 09:50 AM)

Jennifer:

Itty bitty size 2 boxer briefs with guitars = too cute.

(04.17.09 @ 10:05 AM)

Amy:

Okay, these are too darn cute!

(04.17.09 @ 12:26 PM)

Braeden Rogers:

Hilarious :) Love the "Making a pizza video as well". You have got one awesome family man.

(04.17.09 @ 08:41 PM)

ohana photographers - david & kimi:

lol pure awesomeness!!!

(04.18.09 @ 05:18 PM)

Jeannie:

Too cute! I think we need to get some guitar underwear, too.

(04.19.09 @ 01:32 PM)

Jamie Burnett:

We have that same rug! PB Kids! Jack has great taste and super cute curls!

(04.19.09 @ 06:26 PM)

Jaime H.:

Oh my gosh -- totally love this!

(04.19.09 @ 10:37 PM)

Jaime H.:

And...hit enter before I was done. lol I'm such a bad client....phoooooey! I'm so totally thrilled that you are doing Operation Love Reunited!!! That is awesome Zak! Oh, and btw -- the military wants to apologize for calling -- if they had known just how rad a dude you are, they would've found someone else to cover the shifts!

(04.19.09 @ 10:41 PM)

greta, smitten:

omg, these are just TOO MUCH!!!!! jack is freaking adorable! congrats on love reunited, that's so awesome!

(04.20.09 @ 08:21 AM)

Sylvia Borgo:

Oooh! I have to get over to Gymboree to buy those underwear for my boys! Adorable!!!

(04.22.09 @ 01:09 PM)

Roz Mitchell:

LOL, I absolutely love these. What a great idea for a session!

(04.26.09 @ 04:53 PM)

Roz Mitchell:

Oh, and congrats on being accepted to OpLove! It's really a wonderful organization! Perhaps we'll meet someday at a big event!

(04.26.09 @ 04:54 PM)

Annie Warren:

OMG.... he is just adorable! This series is brilliant, and something you (and he) will treasure in years to come. Now I want some guitar underpants! I could really use a little bounce in my step! (I'm singin' THAT song while I type this BTW...)

(04.29.09 @ 07:37 PM)

Amy:

Hi Zak -- just wanted to thank you for mentioning Operation Love ReUnited here. I checked it out and thought it looked wonderful. I told a photographer friend in Boston about it and he just got listed. Thanks so much for sharing the love!

(05.11.09 @ 10:24 PM)

Pizza...It's What's For Dinner!

March 27, 2009 // Just for fun

Most families have a nightly routine consisting of brushing teeth, reading, and perhaps a soft song as your child goes to bed, and while we do those things, we also make pizza. Did he just say make pizza? Yes! I adore the evening with my family probably more than any part of the day, and this video is one reason why. Enjoy!

Pizza! It's What's For Dinner from Zak Schwank on Vimeo.

15 Comments Add a Comment Send To Friend

Freida:

Oh My Heavens... that is the sweetest video ever!!! The video put to that music... just Wonderful!!! What a priceless moment you captured!!!

(03.28.09 @ 05:46 AM)

Amy:

I honestly laughed out loud, especially when you hit the 6' and 10" pizza credits.

(03.28.09 @ 08:11 AM)

Kelly:

Haha that was so cute!! What a fun way to end the night with your kids!

(03.28.09 @ 08:04 PM)

ohana photographers:

your family is just too cute!

(03.28.09 @ 08:33 PM)

Rachael Earl:

TOO CUTE! My girls' favorite time of the day is when their daddy plays on the bed with them!!! Mostly they get tossed around and they absolutely love it!

(03.29.09 @ 02:14 PM)

greta, smitten:

THAT WAS THE CUTEST THING EVER!!!!!!!! i grinned too long, my cheeks hurt! i swear emily's smile could light up any room!! the music was perfecto!

(03.29.09 @ 09:11 PM)

Jamie Burnett:

That is adorable and oh so much fun!

P.S. Can I have Jack? He is sooo darn cute. OK... I'll just have them both! :)

(04.01.09 @ 05:24 AM)

Becka Knight (Studio222 Photogrpahy):

Oh my gosh. That is the funniest and cutest thing I've ever seen. I'll have to remember that for when we have kids. I love that you can see them cracking up the entire time. :)

(04.01.09 @ 01:03 PM)

Sylvia Borgo:

Adorable! So, so adorable! You know, Zak, your kids will remember this for the rest of their lives. They'll remember how much fun you had with them and how much fun they had with you. Bravisimo!

(04.01.09 @ 08:42 PM)

Lynn & Andy:

Andy & I are sitting here cracking up! That was so awesome and sweet! :)

(04.04.09 @ 10:07 PM)

Valerie Schooling:

This is SOOOOO cute! My daddy used to do that with me when I was little too!!!

(04.08.09 @ 08:38 AM)

Colleen:

WAY cute!

(04.08.09 @ 04:00 PM)

chelo:

OMG. Too cute too cute too cute for words!

(04.11.09 @ 07:01 PM)

Jeannie:

Ahaha! That's great. Your kids are so happy!

(04.11.09 @ 10:47 PM)

april:

So very cute!!!!

(04.21.09 @ 09:40 PM)

The Parker Family At Harveston

March 13, 2009 // Portraits

I recently met up with The Parker Family at Harveston Lake in Temecula and I forget how much fun this little park is. We were a little worried that Mathew might make a mad dash for the water and leave the rest of us wondering why we chose the lake in the first place, but we made it around the lake dry as a bone. :) Thanks Mathew! The Parker's are such an adorable family and I truly feel blessed that they allow me to document their childrens lives. Thanks guys!

A little FYI: I usually shoot exclusively with the 70-200mm, but lately I've been lovin' the images from my 50mm, so this session was shot totally with my 50mm. Okay back to your regularly scheduled programming.

14 Comments Add a Comment Send To Friend

Jaime H.:

Wow! I'm shocked that you only used a 50mm!!!! How cool! I've shot with just my 60mm macro before -- I love that thing! These are great Zak! Such a beautiful family! And kudos to all for staying dry! :)

(03.13.09 @ 06:41 PM)

Rachael Earl:

Super cute-love the lifestyle feel to them! I might be biased having 2 girls, but little girls are the cuuuutest!!!

(03.13.09 @ 11:49 PM)

greta, smitten:

such a cute family! LOVE the collage thingy. i love switching up my go to lens every now and then, it's like a new perspective. great job!!

(03.14.09 @ 07:52 AM)

Zak Schwank:

Thank you ladies! They are such a cute family. I hope ya'll have a great weekend! :)

(03.14.09 @ 08:15 AM)

Jamie Burnett:

Adorable family! They look so happy, you really captured them!

(03.14.09 @ 03:04 PM)

pamela telgenhoff:

I love this family shoot!

(03.15.09 @ 08:45 PM)

Sylvia Borgo:

that first family picture is PRICELESS! What a great looking family. Those kiddos have smiles that light up the whole world!

(03.15.09 @ 10:27 PM)

ohana photographers - david & kimi:

beautiful family! great session zak!! love the kids playing holding hands!

(03.16.09 @ 01:10 PM)

Colleen:

Wow! these are uh-mazing!! I haven't stopped by in awhile because I know each time I do, I find some reason to need to have another shoot with ya!! haha Spectacular shots here Zak! :)

(03.16.09 @ 06:14 PM)

Lisette Price:

What a super cute family and fun session! Great job Zak!

(03.18.09 @ 06:12 AM)

Matt Antonino:

Great stuff Zak! Love the layout of the images too. Fun to look at, great work!

(03.18.09 @ 08:53 AM)

Roz Mitchell:

Love these! What a sweet looking family!

(03.22.09 @ 05:47 PM)

jules:

Love love LOVE the family picture at the top!

(03.25.09 @ 09:21 PM)

Mara (Wedding Cabaret):

Adorable pics!!

(04.06.09 @ 09:00 AM)

Just One For Now

February 28, 2009 // Portraits

Just got home from a fun session at Harveston Lake and thought I would drop a quick little one on Z Blog...get it Z Blog?? Okay it's hot and I'm not thinking right, but bear with me. Hope everyone is having an awesome weekend. :)

8 Comments Add a Comment Send To Friend

Jaime H.:

Aww, she is soooooooo darn cute! :) I can't wait to see more Zak!!! Great shot! I hope you're having an awesome weekend too!!!!

(02.28.09 @ 06:18 PM)

greta, smitten:

z blog, yes!! she's a cutie pie!

(03.02.09 @ 10:51 AM)

Sylvia Borgo:

HA! Slapping knee! Good one - Z Blog! Love this shot, Zak!

(03.02.09 @ 02:06 PM)

ohana photographers -david & kimi:

awwww.....look at that smile! too cute z dog!

(03.03.09 @ 04:13 PM)

Rachael Earl:

She's darling-post up some more! :)

(03.03.09 @ 11:04 PM)

Pamela Telgenhoff:

TOO CUTE!!!

(03.07.09 @ 05:05 AM)

greta, smitten:

where in the world is zak schwank???????

(03.09.09 @ 09:27 PM)

Matt Antonino:

Beautiful beautiful! Such a cutie - love the crop!

(03.18.09 @ 08:54 AM)

Looking for fun, cute, kids and families.

February 22, 2009 // Information

I am looking for several families to take part in a cool little something I'm cooking up. If you are interested or know anyone who may be interested contact me here. In the subject line put "cool project" and I'll send you all the info. :)

2 Comments Add a Comment Send To Friend

Melanie Downes:

I will put my daughter up to it! Maybe my husband too...he has great colorful tattoos....awesome in photos!

(02.23.09 @ 08:25 AM)

Rachael Earl:

Well, we're fun and cute, but not in your area-darn it!

(02.24.09 @ 11:02 AM)