Hospitality Photography

Fuel Up!

Steak & Potatoes are good for you right? Well apparently that's what the fable says, steak and potatoes, steak and potatoes, load them up and carry on with your week now let that red meat settle in. In all honesty when is enough of steak and potatoes? This last assignment I had the opportunity created new Advertisements for Rodney's Bar and Grill in Santa Barbara, CA. Thankfully, I was close to sea so it gave me some time to have some freshness from our very own backyard. 

Ahi Tuna served at the Rodney's Grill in Santa Barbara, CA; ©Sosaphoto2016

Rodney's Bar and Grill; ©Sosaphoto2016. Front seating facing glorious beach views. 

Care to lead a hand or tentacle? Fresh octopus @ Rodneys' Bar & Grill; Santa Barbara, CA. 

Peach Pork chop @ Rodney's Bar & Grill; Santa Barbara, CA. ©Sosaphoto

In some cases I am fortunate enough to taste what I photograph because my food stylist has  created two sets. In this case Chef Ryan had made sure everything looked and tasted well enough for the camera and he made sure to put some Chicago love into these dishes. Chef Ryan is a very talented new and upcoming Chef originally from Chicago but was housed as a top Chef in Atlanta before landing himself and his fiancé in Santa Barbara, CA. 

Photogrpahed & Designed Rodney's Bar & Grill interiors and food items for 2016 Advertisement. 

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles

Where should I begin. It's been an all around adventurous year on this side. From LA to Cleveland, Chicago along the way and wrapping things up with a very blissful shoot in San Francisco. Of course, travel takes a wear on you. It's something to take granted because you only live young once. The best part about travel is meeting all the new faces. It's truly a journey when see the world moving right around you.

From an Ad Campaign in for Fess Parker Double Tree September in Santa Barbara, CA is one of a kind magical. 

My first S'more ever made! I think I've deserved the name "Chef Sosa!"

Everyone is on their own journey, each and everyday. Who really knows if their headed to the same places I'm going to. To find someone that's close to the same path as I am, can be a shot in the dark. What I've learned over time is to never be surprised! There's someone out there who could be your alter ego, just you wait. When I'm traveling I usually stick to my routine; a salad a day keeps the Giants at bay. However, trying something new does build our creative palette. Just like the time I was asked to create my own delicious S'MORE! Yes, I know. "Who hasn't made a S'more!" Mind you, I'm from Los Angeles, we only start fires during NBA Finals. 

Flying High in the sky. 

  I was privileged enough to photograph Fleet Week up in San Francisco, CA! A plane sure was waiting for me. This was near the finale encore! The sun sure was bringing in some magic that day. I was on a boat pushed so far out in the waters, that you could practically leap onto Alcatraz. 

Here are some of my favorites of the Blue Angels from that day!

Bill wasn't the happiest to see "The Rock". You win some, you lose some with a travel buddy. 

The best part about that day was probably be so close to Alcatraz. I don't believe I've ever been so close to Alcatraz. Other than the golden gate bridge; Alcatraz, better known as, "The Rock", is the 2nd iconic symbol I think of when I think of San Francisco. It has held some of the most dangerous criminals in all the west coast because it was known as the hardest prison to escape. A lot of iconic movies and images have been captured here throughout the decades. Nowadays, it's known as a tourist escape. One that day for Fleet Week, it was jam packed with viewers to see the Finale! 

The Finale of Fleet Week, United Airlines Boeing flying over Alcatraz. 

Buried Treasure

Some of you may know I traveled out East! That's a rare find for someone to travel East and not West. Never the less, I still do what I love and let my passion for photography guide my life sometimes. I would've never pictured myself to be a journeyman but that time has come. As a photographer, every image has a deeper meaning than most may think. 

An image truly says 1,000 words. 

When a photographers portrait is taken, some say their soul is captured as well. I try not to think of this image much; however, when the person taking it is no one. Then isn't it almost like fate caught me off guard? I recently got a GoPro and I forgot it was even running when it snapped this picture of me during my 37 hour journey.  After a week's time is when I noticed this image. It is the only image I have of me in my entire trip. 

                                                                                  Are you ready for the Summer Splash? 

Behind the Scenes (©Anibal Sosa) aka Poppa Sosa! 

In March, I embarked on a journey I never dreamed of. Traveling to Santa Barbara, for something more memorable than I can ever imagine. 

My clients have always been number 1 in my life; Fess Parker Double Tree, has been my best relationship in my life. After 4 years I've come a long way and helped their photography grow as a whole. My motto has always been "Never Stop Creating." 

This hands down has to be one of the funnest shoots I've had in my young career. The children that day were a blast to work with! It makes my life easier when the "talent" is very open to many ideas. I can easily say they let my imagination come to life.

 

 I myself have grown a lot with Fess Parker always by my side. From photographing events to producing, casting, retouching and styling. Just about everything for their updated room catalogs to new and upcoming Ad Campaigns. The one rule that has always fueled me is how much I can think out of the box and still find something amazing out of nothing. If you don't know by now after looking at all this Magic, my clients always come first. 

                            Santa Barbara will forever have a big place in my heart. Be back REAL soon. 

Pub Crawl

This past week I found out one of my images made it all the way to Publication! Crawling my way into the editorial world. Thanks to the Fess Parker, published my work as an Ad insert for one of their unique accommodations!

Lately in life I've noticed a lot of my friends & family can't go to the next step in life & travel because of pets being by their side. A pet is more than a responsibility, they're a best friend for most and they must be along for the adventure, anyway possible! Fess Parker Double Tree is one of the only dog friendly hotels in Santa Barbara. If your ever in the area and need a weekend trip, just don't forget your best friend. 

Published in Fido Magazine

This shoot was a ton of fun for me. Both dogs that I photographed were some of the most outgoing and personable dogs I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. What made this shoot fun was trying to keep the dogs calm, trying to get that scene that I pictured in my head to reality. 

Hera, enjoying the view. ©Sosaphoto2013

The dogs are allowed on all parts of the property; however, there are certain buildings that allow the dog visitors residence of course. I'm sure Hera (above) loved the view she had that day. It sure was difficult to get her attention when the beach was literally across the street and the pool was right behind her. I know, so many options, so little time. Don't worry I'm sure she loved her stay either way.

Scarlett for Delivery! ©Sosaphoto2013

Don't try this at home! We conquered the impossible that day by getting Scarlett(above) on the luggage cart and keeping her nice and calm. She really wanted to see how hard the job was; apparently easier than she thought because she didn't have to do any of the pushing. For me, this shoot brought a lot of patience. Animals are a lot like children, you need to be calm around them but yet somehow pull their attention without having them get too excited.