photography competition | muscat | tourism

The Ministry of Tourism is putting on a pretty neat photography competition. I need to get out and make so new images, and this is a great incentive to do so. Pack up your camera bag and get out there! More details here.

this is what an outdated blog looks like

I wish I could say I had a good excuse for not updating the blog, I don't. Lots of new stuff coming soon. ~ Inshallah

exposure |ikˈspō zh ər|

Made some sweet vector graphic symbols for one of my lectures. The designs aren't 100% original, but I still made them mine with changes. Can you decipher the symbols?

al said | the mystery

Al Said is the 3rd largest private yacht belonging to His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said, the Sultan of Oman. For a large yacht she is stunningly gorgeous, unlike her friends at the top of the list. Acording to websites who concern themselves with this topic, she is only eclipsed by 2nd place Dubi owned by the prime minister of the UAE, and fittingly named Eclipse owned by Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich. She can't compete with here size, but with speed, amenities, and beauty she packs a knock out punch. I've decided to self assign a project on this beautiful yacht; I don't know where it will got, but I do know more images will find there way here. Sorry for the logo banners, but I have to do it.

The mood and emotion I get from the first image is awesome, I hope you feel the same, enjoy. More details about Al Said (credt: superyachts.com):

Built | 2008
Length | 155m (508.53ft)
Builder | Lurssen Yachts
Naval Architect | Lurssen Yachts
Interior Designer | Redman Whiteley Dixon
Exterior Designer | Espen Oeino
Beam | 24m (78.74ft)
Draft | 5.20m (17.06ft)
Speed | 25 Knots
Guests | 70
Crew | 154

mcintosh first view (senior portraits) | balboa island portraits

It seems like yesterday I was photographing Miss McIntosh for her sweet 16!! Where does the time go. So happy to be photographing one of my favorite subjects at a beautiful location. I love California, too bad I don't have set plans for my next visit... Soon, inshallah soon.

news | portrait special

Darren DeSilva Photography has gone international!! Actually, I have moved overseas seeking adventure and a change of pace while lecturing photography at the Higher College of Technology in Muscat, Oman. Darren DeSilva Photography is still, and will be, active as much as it can be while I'm lecturing in Oman, and nothing really changes except that distance keeps me from booking my amazing clients at a moments notice.

I would like to thank my clients for their continued support over the years and I remain dedicated to providing you with the best photography services from any location in the world. Please keep referring me. My phone number has changed: (949) 298-4192 This new number will ring me anywhere I am, so give me a shout. My old number is still active if you forget and I'm holding onto it for the times I'm traveling in the US. All other contact information stays the same.

Working in the USA

Speaking of visiting the United States... I will be in Southern California for a short visit and I've put together a portrait special weekend:

Location Portrait Sitting and 5x7 Folio Portrait for $65, Book either Friday, August 5th or Saturday, August 6th
(additional fee for groups of 5 or more)

Friday, August 5th: Beach Location - Dana Point Beach where the jetty meets the bluffs.
Saturday, August 6th: Park Location - Laguna Niguel Regional Park at my secret location.

So why not book and get your Holiday Cards and annual portraits finished before the holidays are upon us and before your tan fades? I'm limiting time slots to only those with good light, so please email or call me to book your time as space is limited. If demand is great I'll open other days so please let me know even if the 5th and 6th don't work for your schedule.

Facebook

For more details and to get updates on my travels please visit and "like" my Facebook Fan Page. I hope to start including my Omani portrait work here and Facebook.

choc project | orange county children's photographer

I photographed Emma a while back and asked her mother for permission to post her portraits on my blog, finally I have found some time to dig back through my archives and pull these beauties back up. I am very happy to share with you my favorite project... My special voulenteer status has me at CHOC once a month and I typically get to photograph five children or young adults. I love what I do and enjoy every aspect of creating the albums which I present to the families. This project is self funded from my regular Darren DeSilva Photography profits, so hiring me helps support this project. More information can be found at this blog post.