San Francisco Daze with Damian

Damian Vega fell in love with acting in high school. Thirty years later, he spends his days at his airline job and his evenings preparing for this play or that commercial. A San Francisco-born fanantic, he needed updated photos of his dashing "George Clooney" mane.

I thought playing tourist would be not only be picturesque but a fun way to spend the day shooting. We visited ruins, stepped over taped off sandy beaches and I kept watch while he changed from outfit to outfit in the middle of a beautiful park overlooking the Golden Gate. I thought we were ending the day at the Legion of Honor, among hoards of tourist and elegantly dressed prom princesses, but Damian had one last stop in mind; He took me to his favorite margarita joint, Tommy's.

A humble little haunt that sits across from the catholic school he grew up in. This 52-year-old bar serves the finest tequila... and one deadly bottle. "The only place I know that will serve you tequila for free!" Proprietor Julio Bermejo boasted. His habenero infused tequila was so hot, we had to make sure it didn't touch our lips and dropped it into our mouths from a straw one, drop, at, a, time. Needless to say, I got through 2 juicy drops and was satisfied to go back to my delicious margarita.

I took a few shots, photos, that is, while Vega chatted en español with Elmy the beautiful 80-something owner about their many travels. Oh yes, did I mention that Damian has traveled to every corner of the planet?! Makes for good conversation and one of the best shoots I have had the privilege to take part in.