When I first reviewed my photos on the screen at the back of my camera, I thought the shape in the bottom left corner was a palm tree, as palm trees have their way of sneaking into San Diegan photos. But no, it was the top of a guitar, which made the photo all the more interesting, I thought!

The award stage was terribly positioned in terms of photography. It was strongly back lit by the 6pm summer sun. We were on a Del Mar rooftop with no shade. This is when daytime flash comes into handy. Had I not used a flash, this image would've consisted entirely of shadow. I like the contrast of dark and light dresses, how the white dress disappears into the bright light, the strong presence of hands (I wish I'd not cut the left hand of the white dress woman off), the intensity of the embrace, and the slight awkwardness of the glass award sandwiched between the women.

I was at the City of Hope Wine and Food Festival, a fund raising event for a local hospital/medical institution. The woman on the left, a 7 year breast cancer survivor had just been named the new Ambassador of Hope. There were about 15 wineries represented, some offering food specialties. Tickets were $55, and guests cruised around the Del Mar Plaza rooftop with wine glass in hand, socializing and signing up for various silent auction items (silent auctions are So In right now!) such as spa packages and photo portrait sessions.