PhotoBomb Wrap Up – By: Molly Lautamo
Photography by: Crystal Birns Photography
Sometimes it seems like anyone can be a photographer in this age of smartphones, photo-editing apps, and fancy Instagram filters. But then you see the work of someone with that creative eye – a true artist who’s been behind the lens for years – endlessly practicing, experimenting, and honing their craft. August’s event, Photo Bomb, celebrated these talented individuals and their work at the Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History (MAH).
170+ guests filled the MAH and spilled out into the courtyard, catching up with friends over cold beer from Uncommon Brewers and filling up on amazing appetizers.
The night featured six speakers, ranging from a daring marine life photographer to the owner of a photo booth business run out of an old VW bus.
The night’s lineup included:
David Dennis of David Dennis Photos
Yvonne Falk of Santa Cruz Waves
Shmuel Thaler of the Santa Cruz Sentinel
Aimee Pool of Aimee Pool Photography
Giancarlo Thomae of Thomae Photography
Anthony Alcala of The Booth Bus
Not to leave anyone out, other local photographers, including Angela Aurelio, Alex Kiuchi, Sean McLean, and Dave Alexaner, had the chance to show their work at tables set up around the MAH, and all Santa Cruz photographers were invited to attend the night’s event free of charge
The night was full of inspirational and entertaining stories such as Thomae’s account of that one time (of many) he was out in his kayak and found himself surrounded by great whites. “I heard someone say, ‘There’s a shark behind you!’” Thomae recounts, “so of course I whip out my camera and start taking photos.” Of course.
Local comedian DNA put the crowd in stitches with some good ol’ tourist bashing and can’t-go-wrong (at least here in Santa Cruz) Donald Trump jokes. Local musician Jeanne Baldzikowski closed the night by glueing everyone to their seats with her beautiful voice, lively guitar, and magnetic 
stage presence – she could also have a career in stand-up! Check out her original compositions and innovative remakes on SoundCloud.
Throughout the evening, cameras clicked and iPhones glowed around the space as 
attendees tried to meet the night’s goal of being the most photographed event in Santa Cruz history. Chip of the Downtown Association described the scene perfectly: “This is an event you should not pick your nose at.”
We’re still gathering photos from community members so are not sure yet if we made it into the local history books – if you took photos of the event, please post them to Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook with the hashtag #EventSCPhotoBomb!
Check out the writeup of this event in the Santa Cruz Sentinel by Jondi Gumz: Event Santa Cruz showcases Santa Cruz photographers
Don’t forget to get your tickets to our next event – Crafted in Santa Cruz
