If you have ever driven through Suisun on Highway 12 you most likely have seen Dennis. He has become a local icon/celebrity/destination. He is a sign spinner and he knows how to get peoples attention!! When my wife and I moved to Suisun about 3 years ago we got to experience Dennis’ talents on the corner of Highway 12 and Sunset Ave. Over these past years we have seen him work for several local businesses and watch him come out of his shell a little more each day. Now you will see him full on dancing on the corner!! He works the sign too, but he puts on a show! Splits, high kicks, waving, blowing kisses and everything in between.
About 2 months ago my wife decided to make a fan page for him on facebook (Click here) mostly as an innocent way to show support for a person who we didn’t even know. Within 2 weeks the site exploded!! Going from 30+ to over 1000 in a matter of days! Friends we telling friends and it became Solano county’s viral site. It got press from local websites like Suisun City Patch, and has even influenced some satire sites ( you know you have made it when people are doing satire!!). Well local wasnt good enough, we wanted to share our phenomenon with more than Solano County. My wife got in touch with Kristin Marshall from KCRA in Sacramento and told her about Dennis. The story was pitched and was given a green light! Now with almost 1700 fans Dennis’ story has been shared with all of Northern California!!
In all of these events we have got to know Dennis pretty well. He originally was thinking of going to the Academy of Art in San Francisco to pursue a career in film, but he has now decided to go down south to be in the middle of the industry in LA to study. Last week I did a portrait session with Dennis and had a blast! Getting to know him more and helping him get some photos to share with his ever growing fan base. Not only has Dennis gained local fame but he has proven to be a great motivator. A scholarship is in the works for Dennis and it is going to be the first one given out by the Solano Arts & Music Foundation, a non-profit organization being developed by my wife to help out students in Solano County follow their creative dreams!
Good luck Dennis in all your endeavors!! If you would like more information on the Solano Arts & Music Foundation please visit the Facebook page HERE
I had an absolute BLAST with Suzie and Danny!! They are a great couple and it was one of those sessions I didnt want to end. Luckily their wedding is in a month so it wont be long before I get to work with them again. I decided to shoot in Downtown Martinez, mostly out of convenience for the couple but also because I have never shot a session there and I wanted to see what kind of stuff I could get! I love new places and new challenges.
Enjoy the photos!
I met Taylor last year at a wedding in Healdsburg, and on top of being a total sweetheart she is quite a talented musician. At the reception she serenaded the bride and groom and over time I have learned she writes music and plays the guitar as well. She definitely needed some new photos to show off her personality and her love of music. For some time we tried to set up a shoot but it kept getting delayed but we finally got together and I got some great images of her!
Enjoy!
