2023 First Responders DinnerOrange County Business Council - 2023 First Responders Dinner was held at The Westin Anaheim Resort in Anaheim, California on September 12, 2023.

Pacific Symphony - Tchaikovsky Spectacular: A Concert of HopeCity of Hope, Orange County presents, Tchaikovsky Spectacular: A Concert of Hope performed by the Pacific Symphony with Carl St. Clair, conductor and Claire Huangci, piano at the Five Points Amphitheatre in Irvine, California on September 9, 2023.
 

Orange County Business Council 2023 Health Care ForumOrange County Business Council 2023 Health Care Forum, Orange County: Innovating Health Care at the Balboa Bay Resort, California on August 16, 2023.

Pacific Symphony - Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark Live in ConcertPacific Symphony - Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark Live in Concert at the FivePoints Amphitheatre in Irvine, California on August 13, 2023.
 

Pacific Symphony, Symphony in the Cities - OrangePacific Symphony, Symphony in the Cities - Orange, presented by the corporate sponsor, City of Hope - Orange County with Carl St. Clair - Conductor; Rich Capparela - Host; Charlotte Marckx - Violin; Olivia Marckx - Cello, was held in Chapman University: Aitken Arts Plaza, Orange, California on August 6, 2023.
 

Pacific Symphony Summerfest 2023Pacific Symphony Summerfest 2023, Presented by City of Hope Orange County, July 4 Spectacular: Music of the Beatles at the Fiveponts Amphitheatre in Irvine, California on July 4, 2023.
 

Pacific Symphony - Cathedrals of SoundPacific Symphony - Cathedrals of Sound with Carl St.Clair, conductor; Robert Istad, conductor, Pacific Chorale; Elissa Johnston, soprano; Christopher Maltman, baritone; David Ball, organ; performed in the Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall in Costa Mesa, California on June 15, 2023.
 

Pacific Symphony Pops - Renée Elise GoldsberryPacific Symphony Pops - Renée Elise Goldsberry with Enrico Lopez-Yañez, Conductor and special guest conductor, Christopher Trela at the Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall in Costa Mesa, California on June 10, 2023.
 

Pacific Symphony Pops - Renée Elise GoldsberryPacific Symphony Pops - Renée Elise Goldsberry with Enrico Lopez-Yañez, Conductor and special guest conductor, Christopher Trela at the Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall in Costa Mesa, California on June 10, 2023.

Pacific Symphony Pops - Renée Elise GoldsberryPacific Symphony Pops - Renée Elise Goldsberry with Enrico Lopez-Yañez, Conductor and special guest conductor, Michael Jabs at the Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall in Costa Mesa, California on June 9, 2023.
 

Pacific Symphony Pops - Renée Elise GoldsberryPacific Symphony Pops - Renée Elise Goldsberry with Enrico Lopez-Yañez, Conductor and special guest conductor, Michael Jabs at the Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall in Costa Mesa, California on June 9, 2023.

Pacific Symphony Donor Luncheon for Enrico Lopez-YañezPacific Symphony donor luncheon to intoduce the new Pops Series conductor, Enrico Lopez-Yañez was held at Knife Pleat in South Coast Plaza, Costa Mesa, California on June 8, 2023.
 

Pacific Symphony - Grieg Piano ConcertoPacific Symphony - "Grieg Piano Concerto" with Teddy Abrams, conductor and Louis Lorte, piano at the Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall in Costa Mesa, California on June 1, 2023.
 

Orange County School of the Arts Foundation Proudly Presents - Season Finale 2023Orange County School of the Arts Foundation Proudly Presents - Season Finale 2023 at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa, California on May 31, 2023.
 

United States Air Force Band of the Golden WestUnited States Air Force Band of the Golden West - A Special Performance Honoring General William Lyon at the Irvine Barclay Theatre in Irvine, California on May 22, 2023.

South Coast Plaza - 2nd Annual Asian Pacific Food FestIn honor of Asian Pacific American Hertiage Month in May, South Coast Plaza presented the 2nd Annual Asian Pacific Food Fest at South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa, California on May 18, 2023.

Pacific Symphony "Gershwin's Rhapsody - Concert, Party & Silent Film"Pacific Symphony "Gershwin's Rhapsody - Concert, Party & Silent Film" at the Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall in Costa Mesa, California on May 13, 2023.

Pictured: Deidre Pujols & Jill Dominguez

Mary's Path Changemakers Gala 2023Mary's Path Changemakers Gala at the Lost World in Anaheim, California on May 6, 2023.

Pictured: Symphony Music Director Carl St.Clair with his wife, Susan, Gala Co-Chair Jane Fujishige Yada (Irvine), Pacific Symphony President and CEO John Forsyte and his wife Michele, flanked by Blues Brothers lookalikes.

Pacific Symphony 2023 Gala - "A Night In Chicago"Pacific Symphony 2023 Gala -"A Night In Chicago" at the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort in Dana Point, California on April 29., 2023.
Pictured: Symphony Music Director Carl St.Clair with his wife, Susan, Gala Co-Chair Jane Fujishige Yada (Irvine), Pacific Symphony President and CEO John Forsyte and his wife Michele, flanked by Blues Brothers lookalikes.

See Blog Here

See Blog Here

Carl St.Clair, conductor
Kathleen Smith Belcher, stage director
Pacific Chorale — Robert Istad, Artistic Director
Rigoletto: Stephen Powell, baritone; Gilda: Alisa Jordheim, soprano; Duke of Mantua: Santiago Ballerini, tenor; Sparafucile: Peter Volpe, bass;
Maddalena: Alissa Anderson, contralto; Giovanna: Aria Minasian, mezzo soprano; Count Ceprano: Anthony Reed, bass; Countess Ceprano: Diana Farrell, soprano; Matteo Borsa: Nicholas Nestorak, tenor; Monterone: Franco Pomponi, baritone; Marullo: John Allen Nelson, baritone; Herald: Matthew Kellaway, baritone; Page: Ayanna Delk-Lewis; Supernumeraries: Devon Crowe, Ayanna Delk-Lewis, Juana Carrillo, Cesar Ballardo, Andi Dana,
Benjamin Cross, David Herrington, Aaron Leppke

Pacific Symphony Verdi's RigolettoPacific Symphony Verdi's Rigoletto performed in the Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall in Costa Mesa, California on April 20, 2023.

58th Annual Congressional Cup58th Annual Congressional Cup, hosted by Long Beach Yacht Club in Long Beach, California April 17 - 22, 2023.

Pictured: #27 Kyle Kirkwood crossing the finish line to win the 2023 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach.

2023 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach Winner#27 Kyle Kirkwood crossing the finish line to win the 2023 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach.
 

INW Living Ecology, Paul Finder, Division President, Business PortraitINW Living Ecology, Paul Finder, Division President, Business Portrait taken in Corona, California on April 12, 2023.

MenAlive "Rhinestone Cowboys, Boots, Hats, & Sass"MenAlive, Orange County Gay Men Chorus performed, "Rhinestone Cowboys, Boots, Hats, & Sass" in the Irvine Barclay Theatre in Irvine, California on April 8, 2023.
 

Pacific Symphony - Organ Superstar Anna LapwoodPacific Symphony Pedals & Pipes 2022-2023 Concert Series presents Organ Superstar Anna Lapwood in the Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall in Cosat Mesa, California on April 1, 2023.

Pacific Symphony and Farhang Foundation - Nowruz Concert 2023Pacific Symphony and Farhang Foundation present the Annual Nowruz Concert, "Unity for Freedom" at the Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall in Costa Mesa, California on March 26, 2023.
 

Pacific Symphony and Farhang Foundation - Nowruz Concert 2023Pacific Symphony and Farhang Foundation present the Annual Nowruz Concert, "Unity for Freedom" at the Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall in Costa Mesa, California on March 26, 2023.

Pacific Symphony - Tao Plays MozartThe Pacific Symphony concert, "Tao Plays Mozart" with conductor, Michael Nesterowicz and Conrad Tao on piano, was performed in the Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall in Costa Mesa, California on March 18, 2023.

Walt Disney Animation Concert & Guide Dogs for the BlindWalt Disney Animation: A Decade in Concert - rehearsal with Jacob Sustaita, conductor and Whitney Kaufman, narrator and singer and a visit by the trainers and dogs of Guide Dogs for the Blind in the Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall in Costa Mesa, California on March 17, 2023.

Pacific Symphony - Tao Plays MozartThe Pacific Symphony concert, "Tao Plays Mozart" with conductor, Michael Nesterowicz and Conrad Tao on piano, was performed in the Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall in Costa Mesa, California on March 16, 2023.
 

Pacific Symphony Pops - Kristin Chenoweth, Post Concert Meet & GreetPacific Symphony Pops - Kristin Chenoweth Post Concert Meet & Greet with Friends of Jean Moriarty, John & Michele Forsyte at the Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall in Costa Mesa, California on March 10, 2023.
 

Pacific Symphony Pops - Kristin ChenowethPacific Symphony Pops - Kristin Chenoweth at the Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall in Costa Mesa, California on March 11, 2023.
 

Pacific Symphony Pops - Kristin Chenoweth, Post Concert Meet & GreetPacific Symphony Pops - Kristin Chenoweth Post Concert Meet & Greet with Sharon & Tom Malloy, Scott & Leslie Seigel at the Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall in Costa Mesa, California on March 10, 2023.

Pacific Symphony Pops - Kristin ChenowethPacific Symphony Pops - Kristin Chenoweth at the Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall in Costa Mesa, California on March 10, 2023.
 

California School of the Arts - San Gabriel Valley, Gala 2023California School of the Arts - San Gabriel Valley, Gala 2023 was held at the Le Meridien Pasadena Arcadia Hotel in Archia California on March 4, 2023.
 

Orange County Business Council - 2023 Annual Dinner & Installation of the Board of DirectorsOrange County Business Council - 2023 Annual Dinner & Installation of the Board of Directors at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim, California on March 2, 2023.

Pacific Marine Mammal Center / Groundbreaking CeremonyPacific Marine Mammal Center, The Next Wave Groundbreaking Ceremony in Laguna Beach, California on March 1, 2023.
 

Pacific Symphony - Tchaikovsky & Strauss Post-Concert PartyPacific Symphony - Tchaikovsky & Strauss, post-concert party to celebrate the sponsors, Dr. Daniel Temiaka and Dr. Zeinab Dabbah of the world premiere of Joshua Tree: Scenes from the Mojave. Concerto for violin and orchestra, Dennis Kim, violin in the Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall in Costa Mesa, California on February 23, 2023.
 

Pacific Symphony - Tchaikovsky & StraussPacific Symphony - Tchaikovsky & Strauss, with the world premiere of Joshua Tree: Scenes from the Mojave. Concerto for violin and orchestra, Dennis Kim, violin in the Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall in Costa Mesa, California on February 23, 2023.
 

Philharmonic Society of Orange County and Orange County Museum of Art Present, Triumph Over Adversity Festival, Recital No. 1: MassPhilharmonic Society of Orange County and Orange County Museum of Art Present, Triumph Over Adversity Festival - Recital No. 1: Mass with Davóne Tines, bass-baritone and John Bitoy, piano at the Orange County Museum of Art, Costa Mesa, California on February 21, 2023.
 

Pacific Symphony - Valentine's Day with the Righteous BrothersPacific Symphony - Valentine's Day with the Righteous Brothers, Bill Medley and Bucky Heard, with conductor, Richard Kaufman and guest condutor, Evan Siegel at the Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall in Costa Mesa, California on February 10, 2023.
 

Pacific Symphony - Artist Luncheon with Bill MedleyPacific Symphony - Artist Luncheon with Bill Medley of the Righteous Brothers at the Capital Grille, South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa, California on February 9, 2023.

Pacific Symphony - Lunar New Year, Dinner and ConcertThe Pacific Symphony Lunar New Year Dinner was held in the Jewel Court at South Coast Plaza and Concert was performed at the Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall in Costa Mesa, California on January 28, 2023.
 

Pacific Symphony - Mahler 9The Pacific Symphony, conducted by Carl St. Clair performed Gustav Mahler Symphony No. 9 in the Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall in Costa Mesa, California on January 14, 2023.
 

Pacific Symphony "Holiday Organ Spectacular"Pacific Symphony "Holiday Organ Spectacular" performed in the the Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall in Costa Mesa, California on December 20, 2022. Featuring: Todd Wilson, organ; Barry Perkins, trumpet; Joshua Ranz, clarinet; Dennis Kim, violin; Meredith Crawford, viola; Warren Hagerty, cello.
 

Pacific Chorale "Tis The Season!"Pacific Chorale "Tis The Season!" performed at the Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall in Costa Mesa, California on December 19, 2022.

Pacific Chorale "Tis The Season!"Pacific Chorale "Tis The Season!" performed at the Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall in Costa Mesa, California on December 18, 2022.

RCOC Holiday Open HouseRCOC Holiday Open House with the University High School Eclipse performing Holiday Favorites and Festival Ballet Theatre performing excerpts from The Nutcracker at the Irvine Barclay Theatre in Irvine, California on December 9, 2022.
 

MenAlive - "Merry & Bright, Tinseltown"MenAlive - Orange County Gay Men's Chorus performed "Merry and Bright, Tinseltown"" at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts in La Mirada, California on Saturday, December 3, 2022.

The Pacific Symphony, Cafe Ludwig "Clara Schumann's Legacy"The Pacific Symphony, Cafe Ludwig "Clara Schumann's Legacy was performed at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Samueli Theater in Costa Mesa, California on November 6, 2022. Orli Shaham, piano and host; Dennis Kim, violin; Meredith Crawford, viola; Warren Hagerty, cello.
 

Pacific Symphony - John Williams: A 90th Birthday CelebrationPacific Symphony - John Williams: A 90th Birthday Celebration was performed at the Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall in Costa Mesa, California on November 4, 2022. Richard Kaufman, conductor; Yaya Zhang, choreographer; Berry Perkins, trumpet; Bernie Fields, harmonica; Cheryl Ku, dancer; Pacific Symphony

Lyric Opera of Orange County 2022 GalaThe Lyric Opera of Orange County held their 2022 Gala in the ballroom of The 1912 in Santa Ana, California on November 3, 2022.
 

Pacific Symphony “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” in ConcertPacific Symphony, with Justin Freer conductor" performed “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone in Concert" "Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall" "Costa Mesa", California "October 29, 2022"
 

Pacific Symphony, popUP PRELUDE PARTYPacific Symphony "popUP Prelude Party" with Enrico Lopez-Yañez, Conductor; Cody Fry, singer/songwriter/composer in the Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall in Costa Mesa, California on October 25, 2022.
 

Marine Mammal Gala 2022Pacific Marine Mammal Center Annual Marine Mammal Gala was held at the Festival of the Arts in Laguna Beach, California on October 23, 2022.
 

Pacific Chorale / Durufle' & HagenPacific Chorale - Opening Night Concert, Durufle' & Hagen performamed at the Renee & Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall in Costa Mesa, California on October 15, 2022.
 

Harvesters Fashion Show & Luncheon Celebration 2022Harvesters Fashion Show & Luncheon Celebration, in support of the Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County, was held at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa, California on October 11, 2022.
 

Orange County Museum of Art Grand Opening, Day 2Orange County Museum of Art Grand Opening, Day 2, Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa, California

Orange County Museum of Art Grand OpeningOrange County Museum of Art, Grand Opening, Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa, California
 

Orange County Museum of Art 2022Orange County Museum of Art, Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa, California

La Jolla Playhouse Innovation Night 2022La Jolla Playhouse Innovation Night Presented by PNC Bank on the plaza of the La Jolla Playhouse, La Jolla, California on October 3, 2022.
 

Orange County School of the Arts Foundation Proudly Presents the Season Premiere 2022Orange County School of the Arts Foundation Proudly Presents the Season Premiere 2022 at the Balboa Bay Resort in Newport Beach, California on October 1, 2022.
 

MenAlive at the Hollywood BowlMenAlive, Orange County Gay Men's Chorus, was the opening act for ABBA The Concert at the Hollywood Bowl, Hollywood, California on September 23, 2022.
 

Pacific Symphony Opening Night - Beethoven & BoleroPacific Symphony Opening Night - Beethoven & Bolero, Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, Costa Mesa, California, September 22, 2022. Conductor; Carl St.Clair, violin; Dennis Kim, cello; Warren Hagerty, piano; Orli Shaham, Sandbox Percussion, Pacific Symphony

Tchaikovsky SpectacularPacific Symphony's Summerfest 2022, Presented by City of Hope, Orange County, "Tchaikovsky Spectacular" at the Five Points Amphitheatre in Irvine, California on September 4, 2022.  

Pacific Symphony / Star Wars Empire Strikes BackPacific Symphony "Star Wars Empire Strikes Back", Five Points Amphitheatre, Irvine, California on August 20, 2022
 

Pacific Symphony / Warren HagertyPortrait of musician, Warren Hagerty before the performance of the Pacific Symphony "Star Wars Empire Strikes Back", Five Points Amphitheatre, Irvine, California on August 20, 2022

Pacific Symphony, "Symphony in the Cities" - IrvineThe Pacific Symphony, "Symphony in the Cities" series visited the Mike Ward Community Park at Woodbridge in Irvine, California on August 14, 2022.

City of Irvine Proclamation - Pacific Symphony Day , June 28, 2022The City of Irvine presented a proclamation to the Pacific Symphony proclalming June 28, 2022 Pacific Symphony Day at the Irvine City Hall in Irvine, California on August 9, 2022.
 

Pacific Symphony - Symphony in the Cities, Chapman University, Aiken Arts PlazaPacific Symphony - Symphony in the Cities, Chapman University, Aiken Arts Plaza, Orange, California on August 7, 2022.

Pacific Symphony and the Pacific Chorale will present a “Concert for Healing”Pacific Symphony and the Pacific Chorale will present a “Concert for Healing” on Weds., Aug. 3 from 6 – 7:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary of Geneva Presbyterian Church (24301 El Toro Road) in Laguna Woods. The Rev. Dr. Steven Marsh from Geneva and the Rev. Dr. Albany Lee from Irvine Taiwanese Presbyterian Church will offer words of comfort and hope. Music Director Carl St.Clair will conduct the Symphony and Chorale in a program that expresses resilience and remembrance.

MenAlive - OC Gay Men's Chorus / "I am America"MenAlive - OC Gay Men's Chorus performed "I am America" at the Irvine Barclay Theatre, Irvine, California on July 16, 2022.

Pacific Symphony - July 4th Spectacular: The Music of QueenPacific Symphony with conductor Albert-George Schram and Windborne Music performed the July 4th Spectacular: The Music of Queen at the FivePoint Amphitheatre in Irvine, California on July 4, 2022.
 

Pictured (LtoR): John E. Forsyte, Pacific Symphony, President & CEO; Gala Chairs - Pat McAuley, Joann Leatherby & Judy Whitmore and Pacific Symphony Music Director, Carl St. Clair.

Pacific Symphony 2022 Gala - "A Night in Old Hollywood"Pacific Symphony 2022 Gala - "A Night in Old Hollywood" was held at the Potocki Center for the Arts in Mission Viejo, California on June 18, 2022.

48th American Film Institute Life Achievement Award Tribute Gala to Julie AndrewsThe 48th American Film Institute Life Achievement Award Tribute Gala to Julie Andrews was held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California on June 9, 2022.

Blockbuster Broadway!Pacific Symphony 2021-22 Pops Series finale, "Blockburster Broadway!", Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, Costa Mesa California, California, June 4, 2022.

Blockbuster Broadway!Pacific Symphony 2021-22 Pops Series finale, "Blockburster Broadway!", Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, Costa Mesa California, California, June 4, 2022.

Orange County School of the Arts Season Finale 2022Orange County School of the Arts Season Finale 2022 was held at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa, California on May 28, 2022.

Harvesters 30th Anniversary KickoffHarvesters 30th Anniversary Kickoff was held at the Knife Pleat restaurant in South Coast Plaza, Costa Mesa, California on May26, 2022.

Pacific Symphony "Mozart & Salieri"Pacific Symphony, "Mozart& Salieri" Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, Costa Mesa, California on May 19, 2022.

Pacific Chorale Gala "A Celebration of the Voice" 2022

California School of the Arts- San Gabriel Valley Foundation Season Finale 2022California School of the Arts- San Gabriel Valley Foundation Season Finale 2022 took places at the Haugh Performing Arts Center on the Citrus College campus on May 1, 2022.
 

Luxury Real Estate Conference - Ritz CarltonLuxury Real Estate Conference was held at the Ritz Carlton in Laguna Niguel, California April 24- 27, 2022.

Orange County School of the Arts Foundation - "Night of a Million Dreams" Gala 2022Orange County School of the Arts Foundation - "Night of a Million Dreams" Gala 2022, Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort and Spa on April 23, 2022.

Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach 2022

Pacific Symphony - Verdi's Otello

Pacific Symphony - Verdi's OtelloPacific Symphony - Verdi's Otello, Opera in Four Acts, Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, Costa Mesa, California on April 7, 2022.
 

Pacific Symphony - Verdi's Otello, rehearsalPacific Symphony - Verdi's Otello, Opera in Four Acts, Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, Costa Mesa, California on April 6, 2022.

Rehearsal - Verdi's "Otello"Pacific Symphony, Carl St. Clair, Conductor, Robert Neu, stage director, Pacific Chorale, Robert Istad, artistic director, Southern California Children's Chorus, Lori Loftus, founding director present Verdi's "Otello"

MenAlive - Orange County Gay Men's ChorusAndrew Lippa’s "Unbreakable"
 

California School of the Arts - San Gabriel ValleyThe California School of the Arts - San Gabriel Valley Foundation inaugural fundraising event, "Puttin' on the Glitz" was held on the CSArts-SGV campus in Duarte, California on March 20, 2022.

The Langston Hughes Project - Ask Your Mama: Twelve Moods for JazzTerrence A Carson, narrator with the Ron McCurdy Quartet and the Pacific Synphony, Dave Spear conducting, orchestrators Dave Spear and Mike Barry.
 

Orange County Lantern Festival 2022Presented by the Pacific Symphony, South Coast Chinese Cultural Center and Irvine Chinese School

Pacific Symphony / Kathrine Jenkins 021222Welsh superstar mezzo-soprano, Katherine Jenkins performed with Albert-George Schram conducting the Pacific Symphony in the Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall in Costa Mesa, California on February 12, 2022.

Pacific Symphony Lunar New Year 2022The Concert was sponsored by Charlie and Ling Zhang and the Jade Society

The Barclay / Irvine Barclay TheatreTrio Barclay - Dennis Kim, violin; Johah Kim, cello; Sean Kennard, piano

Lyric Opera of Orange County - Return to the Opera Gala EventFeaturing Puccini's "Madame Butterfly"

FruitionDillon Amphitheater, Colorado
 

Transpac 2021Third Start
 

Pacific Symphony2021 Gala
 

Since 1981, when I began my career as a professional photographer, I have collaborated with hundreds of other experts in their fields to help make sure that my clients receive the very best finished products and services.

I first learned the importance of collaboration when I started my career as a wedding and portrait photographer.  I worked with many types of service providers and vendors at each of the 1,500+ weddings I photographed.  I would notice who seemed to be providing the caliber of service and experience that resonated with my clients.  How would these pros make the day special for our shared client?  What sort of job would they do?  Was the experience enjoyable, easy, and fun?  Did they deliver on their promise to the client?  Over time, I was able to know who I could trust to uphold the same standards as me and vice versa.  I guess you could say we had a shared vision for our clients.  Soon I was referring them and them me.  Working together never felt like work.  It was a pure delight and lots of fun.  

Most of all, our clients were happy and appreciated how much we cared about them and trusted that we would always deliver our very best.   Wedding couples typically had a choice about who they wanted to work with and referrals were then golden – just like they are today.  What we did not always know until the wedding day, was who the couple selected to create their wedding experience.  Needless to say, when this network of “A-Team” professionals showed up, the typical wedding stress was reduced for all of us.  We all knew it was going to be a great day working together.  Most of all, our collaboration allowed the couple’s wedding day dreams to come true! 

One of the service professionals I typically worked closely with on the wedding day was the videographer.  I was fortunate to find a videographer who was simply one of the best – he still is!  I’ll share the story with him another time.  Together, we “danced” with one another at hundreds of weddings.  He focused on the moving and verbal part of the coverage and I focused on the portraits and still images to tell the wedding story.  When we had to share working space at all the different locations in which we worked, we were both considerate of what the other needed for our respective parts of the wedding day coverage.  That respect and trust allowed each of us to deliver the very best finished product for our clients.

Today, as a commercial photographer, even though my camera has the capability to do both video and still images, if someone wants video on one of my projects, I will bring in an expert filmmaker – someone I know and trust to work alongside me on a project as a sub/independent contractor.

Mike Kirsch, founder and creative director at Cinematek Creative based here in Orange County is one of the pros I can recommend. He graduated from Chapman Film School, worked with MacGillivray Freeman Films, and many others as he built his career, before starting his own business several years ago.

Mike and I met because we have shared a client - the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa, California - and, for many years, worked together on many projects.

One the most memorable was when we created stills and a video side-by-side for the 2018 World Premiere of the ballet entitled “Isadora” starring prima ballerina, Natalia Osipova, with choreography by Vladimir Varnava.  Mike’s video was used as a TV spot and my stills were used in marketing and editorial stories all over the world.  When I think of artist collaboration, I feel like I’ve worked with some of the best and hope that you find successful ways to collaborate, too!

To see the video – HERE

To see the still images – HERE

Please let me know how we can start a relationship with you and collaborate together on your next commercial project!

Doug Gifford Photography

O: (949)362.3661

M: (949)292.6865

[email protected]

Doug Gifford - Your Video Call "Image Doctor" 2020

Like it or not, we have all become remote correspondents logging reports from the front lines - in our home offices. Just like the network news, some are better at it than others.

As a professional commercial portrait photographer for 39 years, I have built hundreds of sets and used hundreds of more natural light locations to create the environments to capture the perfect images or videos for each client.

Once the subject is “camera-ready” on set in front of the camera’s viewfinder, my well-trained eye can see what works and what doesn’t and quickly make the appropriate adjustments to the subject’s appearance, background, lights, camera, and with video - sound.

After being a part of many video calls of late, I found myself wanting to reach out to the people on the call and offer a few easy-to-make adjustments from what I could see in my “viewfinder” to help them enhance what their viewers were seeing. 

Since that wasn’t possible at the moment, here are some pro-tips I would have shared that you can try yourself to more accurately reflect your personal or business brand for your next video call.   

Appearance

For better or for worse on video calls, the people on the call with you will have lots of time to look at your appearance.  Remember to always do your basic personal grooming and dress simply as you would for work or play from head to toe.

• Groom/style your hair.
• Check your smile to prevent lipstick or food from being an on-camera surprise.
• A clean-shaven face or groomed facial hair is best.
• Apply make-up and/or a little face powder (keeps the shine down and works for men and women). 
• Clean your eyeglasses if you wear them.  If you are able to wear contacts, do.
• Consider a privacy screen if your eyeglasses reflect what’s on your computer screen.
• Wear clothing that matches the professional or casual look you want – from head to toe (prevents embarrassment should you need to stand up or move).
• Usually best to wear plain, solid, mid-tone colors.
• Avoid black, white, busy patterns, stripes, and too-bright plaids or colors. They make it hard on the webcams white balance.  
• Avoid finely patterned, or very narrow-striped clothing due to moire' patterns that look like they're vibrating or crawling.
• Avoid logos, unless it is your business logo.
• Simple jewelry or none at all is usually best.
• Avoid earrings that dangle or other accessories that make noise when you move.
• If you’d like referrals to brand/image consultants or hair, make-up, and clothing stylists, let me know.

Check your appearance using your camera one last time before you go “live.” 

Background

Everything that is in the background is a part of the story you are telling to your “viewers.”  The elements that comprise your background should be intentionally arranged to allow the focus to still be on you. 

• Make sure the background is uncluttered and professional and contributes to your story. Less is usually more.
• Check so that items on bookshelves or on the wall directly behind your head are not too distracting nor end up “growing” out of your head.
• Look for anything else in the room within the camera’s view that can make you look unprofessional - clutter, clothes, piles of boxes, food, or beverages.
• Virtual backgrounds are fun and… maybe not the best option for business calls - unless they support your brand or your video call message.
• If you are going to use a step-and-repeat background with your company logo on it, make sure it is a matte, not glossy, material because it will reflect the light shining on you and can be distracting.
• There are many options today for cloth and paper background screens that can be placed behind your chair - on a stand, against a wall, hung from a ceiling, or that can be folded up and easily stored.  Whatever you choose, simpler is usually better in terms of color, pattern, or textures.     

Sit in your chair and take a selfie or screenshot and see what others see to make sure your set is camera ready.  You can even ask a colleague, friend, or family member to share with you what they notice about your “set” and the story it might be telling them.  Adjust your background as appropriate from the feedback provided.

Lighting

The best quality of light to use is to face a large, soft, single-color light source.

• Ideally, use a continuous light source like a ring or small panel light on a stand.  Place your camera at eye level below the ring light or other light source.  These lights usually allow you to adjust the color temperature to match the other light sources in the room such as daylight (window light) or tungsten (lamp light) that you can use anywhere, any time of day.
• Without another light source during the day, you can sit in front of a large window that doesn’t directly face the sun.
• If you’re doing most of your video calls during the day (with window light as the main light or additional light source in the room), change the lights in any lamps in the room to daylight temperature bulbs to balance the color temperature or simply turn them off.
• If you are chatting at night or in a windowless room, you can create a soft big light source by sitting in front of a neutral-colored wall.  Simply point a light at the wall so that the light bounces back at you. Note:  The color on the wall will be the color that bounces back on your face. You can also point the light at a large whiteboard or piece of paper to create a soft light effect.

Lighting Dos:

• Only use one color temperature of the light as your light source – Daylight (natural) 5000k or Tungsten (artificial) 3000k.
• Position the main light source (ring light) just above the camera level.
  • If possible, put the main light as far away from you as you can, with a brighter setting, so it will fill the room with light.  Then, when you lean closer to the camera, the exposure change will be less noticeable.  
• The main light on the subject should be brighter than the background. 

Lighting Don’ts:

• Don’t have the main light source off to one side too high or too low because that will create distracting shadows on your face.
• Don’t have another light or light source, like a window, behind you or, especially, overhead.

Camera

Although the cameras in computers and phones are pretty good these days, a better choice is to get a separate webcam to look your best. Remember to position your camera at eye level.

Before you “go live:”

• Show your camera some love by cleaning it - especially the lens - with a soft cloth so your viewers have a clear view of you.
• Turn on the camera and test it.
• Make sure no one else is using the same WiFi for streaming during your webcast. Strong bandwidth is crucial to a good looking high res video image and sound.
• If there is a manual setting for exposure and white balance, choose that. Logitech has a free app for their webcams that provides this feature.
• If your camera is separate from your computer, be sure it is registered with your Zoom or other software before your first call.
• Sit up straight in your chair - a lumbar pillow can help, and be present. In other words, try not to move or fidget.
• If you choose to stand, practice standing still.  Moving is distracting.
• Adjust your camera position so it is at eye level
  • If the camera is on top of the monitor, adjust your chair height. 
  • If the camera is built-in to your laptop, adjust the height of the computer so that the camera is eye level.
    • Stacked books or boxes work great.
• Put your face just above the centerline of the screen so you don’t lose focus.
• Because the camera has a wide wide-angle lens, it will distort your face if you:
  • Sit too close to the screen (so show some of your shoulders and upper body).
  • Look down or up at the lens.
  • Move to one side of the camera or the other.

Once you are on the call:

• Maintain good eye contact.
  • Look directly into the camera as much as you can.
  • Resist looking at yourself on the screen.
  • Have a pleasant, engaging look.

• Keep everything you need for the call right in front of you.

Sound

Although the microphone in your computer or in your separate webcam is typically good, for the best results, get a desktop microphone or lapel mic.

Before the call:

• Turn on the microphone. 
  • Clip-on the lapel mic.
  • Test it to see if it is working. 
  • Set the sound levels.
    • If there will be scripted laughter or singing, setting a slightly lower sound will help avoid distortion or clipping. 
• Avoid using a desk fan that blows across the mic.
• Let everyone in your home or office know when you are going to be on a call. 
• Request others who might be nearby to refrain from making loud noises or entering your video call space. 
• Consider placing a sign or Post-It note that says “Hot Set” or “Do Not Enter – On a Video Call."

Once you are on the call:

• Sit close enough to the computer for the microphone to pick-up your voice.
• Mute the microphone when listening.
• Use headphones or earbuds to hear the sound better.

15-Minute Complimentary Video Call & Feedback

If you want an assist, please send an email to [email protected] with “Close-up” in the subject line to schedule an appointment. Please include some options regarding the days and times that work best for the “Image Doctor” to pay you a virtual visit and I will do what I can to accommodate your schedule or offer alternatives.  I will give you feedback “on the fly” on a video call about what’s working well or what you might want to adapt or adjust to look better on video.  It would be great to see you! 

The AFI AWARDS celebrate the year's most outstanding achievements in the art of the moving image — with 10 films and 10 television programs deemed culturally and artistically significant. The only people in the room are AFI VIPs and the producers, directors, and talent from those top 10 movies and TV shows.

Pictured below from the movie "Once Upon A Time In... Hollywood" - Brad Pitt, Margaret Qualley and Leonardo DiCaprio.

Meet my very talented and experienced production team (L to R): Digital Tech - John Rinek, Producer - Jon Heglund, Photographer - Doug Gifford, 2nd photo assistant - Jon K. Nelson and 1st photo assistant - Keith Sherins. 
 

Wind Ensemble in ConcertThe Saddleback College Department of Music presented the Wind Ensemble in Concert in the McKinney Theatre, Mission Viejo, California on October 4, 2019.

Pictured below: Avenue of the Arts Hotel executives Paul Sanford, CEO and asset manager for Wincome Hospitality, and Nicholas Price, general manager, joined Pacific Symphony President John E. Forsyte