HEAVYBIT DEVGUILD | SAN FRANCISCO PHOTOGRAPHER | DOGPATCH WINEWORKS

willy johnson November 21, 2019

Some great event photography of the mighty Heavybit crew down in San Francisco’s Dogpatch neighborhood.

KONG SUMMIT 2019 | SAN FRANCISCO EVENT PHOTOGRAPHER | HILTON SAN FRANCISCO UNION SQUARE

willy johnson October 15, 2019

Kong Summit 2019 at the Hilton in San Francisco’s Union Square. What a fun conference and cool company. Check out my event photography from the two-day event below.

HEAVYBIT DEVGUILD | SAN FRANCISCO PHOTOGRAPHER | FOLSOM STREET FOUNDRY EVENT

willy johnson September 4, 2019

Heavybit hosted another dynamic event with their Devguild on all things related to product marketing with experts of the field at the Folsom Street Foundry in San Francisco.

TREVOR PROJECT FUNDRAISER | SAN FRANCISCO PHOTOGRAPHER | TWITTER HQ EVENT

willy johnson July 25, 2019

Make It Mariko organized the event production of this colorful Trevor Project fundraiser at Twitter HQ in San Francisco for the cause of LGBTQ youth suicide prevention. World renown drag performer Honey Mahogany emceed the event and awesome performances were held by Golden Gate Men’s Choir, Jessica Childress, and DJ Philip Grasso.

PCMA LEAP | SAN FRANCISCO PHOTOGRAPHER | THE CHAPEL EVENT

willy johnson July 14, 2019

PCMA’s hosted a day of learning at the super hip venue space of The Chapel in San Francisco’s Mission District. The inspiration and spirit was provided by Grammy nominated Ciaran Gribbin of Rock and Roll Team Building, violinist Kai Kight and speaker Donny Nefuss. Next door at Curio sustenance of food and drink were supplied. This special environment and thoughtful edutainment set the stage for a day of laid-back networking and music making.

APP GROWTH SUMMIT 2018 | SAN FRANCISCO EVENT | MISSION BAY CONFERENCE CENTER

willy johnson May 18, 2019

App Growth Summit is an international conference with experts from the app and mobile world educating professionals about the latest industry trends and marketing strategies. Here’s some shots from the San Francisco conference.

ATLASSIAN | SAN FRANCISCO TEAM BUILDING | ORACLE PARK EVENT

willy johnson April 1, 2019

Atlassian had an epic team building event with a scavenger hunt throughout the Fisherman’s Wharf and North Beach neighborhoods of San Francisco. After all of the shenanigans were over with the hunt, we headed to the ballpark where the San Francisco Giants mascot, Louie the Seal, greeted us with spirit. DJ Trevor Williams rocked the party with tunes and his super capable turntablism. Everyone was served classic ballpark fare from hot dogs to peanuts and washed away the day with their beverage of choice chilling on the ballpark seats overlooking the beautiful Bay high above on the Virgin America Club Level.

HEAVYBIT DEVGUILD | SAN FRANCISCO PHOTOGRAPHER | FOLSOM STREET FOUNDRY EVENT

willy johnson March 14, 2019

Heavybit hosted another great event with their Devguild on all things related to product management with experts of the field at the Folsom Street Foundry in San Francisco.

MOBILE GROWTH SUMMIT 2019 | SAN FRANCISCO PHOTOGRAPHER | PARK CENTRAL HOTEL CONFERENCE

willy johnson February 25, 2019

A two-day conference with experts and professionals from the mobile world discussing the latest industry trends. Events took place at Park Central hotel, Le Colonial, Halcyon SF, and MaSo in San Francisco.

KRISTIN'S BASH | SAN FRANCISCO PHOTOGRAPHER | 111 MINNA GALLERY BIRTHDAY PARTY

willy johnson February 9, 2019

80s inspired birthday party at 111 Minna Gallery in downtown San Francisco. The epic conceptual and cityscape artwork of San Francisco of Emily Fromm helped frame the scene and the band, deejay, cool decor and awesome party goers took care of the rest. A Robert Palmer dancer, Stay Puft Marshmellow Man, Madonna and giant cellphones also make appearances at this epic rager. This birthday girl knows how to rock.

PCMA BAMIES AWARDS GALA 2018 | SAN FRANCISCO PHOTOGRAPHER | PALACE HOTEL EVENT

willy johnson December 17, 2018

Event photography of PCMA’s Bay Area Meeting Industry Excellence Awards Gala, celebrating leaders in the hospitality industry at San Francisco’s Palace Hotel.

COLORBLOQ LAUNCH PARTY | SAN FRANCISCO PHOTOGRAPHER | COLORBLOQ EVENT

willy johnson October 2, 2018

Come for this cute couple’s elopement in San Francisco City Hall; stay for their kisses, dance moves and the moped they rented.

LEROY JONES FILM SCREENING | SAN FRANCISCO PHOTOGRAPHER | AFRICAN AMERICAN ART & CULTURE COMPLEX EVENT

willy johnson July 15, 2018

What a treat to photograph the festivities surrounding the film screening of ‘A Man and His Trumpet’, a documentary about one of the best trumpeter’s to ever come out of New Orleans, Leroy Jones. Filmmaker and musician Cameron Washington presented his film in the Western Addition. After the showing, over a dozen brass band musicians coalesced outside the venue and did a musical procession through the city streets to the party site in Hayes Valley. It was lovely to witness a piece of New Orleans culture on the streets of San Francisco. Numerous San Franciscans came out of their homes to see what the commotion was about and many passerby organically joined in on the parade; of course they all had smiles on.

Leroy Jones was the leader of the Fairview Baptist Church Marching Band, which eventually turned into the Hurricane Brass Band, which was extremely influential to later generation New Orleans brass bands, including the Rebirth Brass Band. Through the documentary I found out that he opened and played with Harry Connick, Jr. for many years, which for me was amazing, since as an extremely little shit Connick’s album ‘Blue Light, Red Light’ was the first jazz album I ever had and listened to constantly. Leroy was lead Trumpet on that album, and can still hear those powerful, yet smooth musical phrases he blessed us with in my mind. Thought it too dorky to mention when I had the opportunity to chat with him, but talked to him about how my first Second Line had me smiling and crying at the same time, and he expressed that he was happy that I got to experience that. On a later convo with him and Cameron, Leroy thought the party seemed like a Spike Lee film, but I added I thought it was more like a David Lynch film, but positive and upbeat. We had a good laugh. There were a lot of colorful and eclectic characters at this party ya’ll!

Leroy plays all over the world, and you can find him playing in New Orleans at many different venues, including regularly with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band at Preservation Hall. He is the coolest and sweetest. Check this national treasure out!!

HOLIDAY PARTY | SAN FRANCISCO PHOTOGRAPHER | THE SPEAKEASY EVENT

willy johnson March 10, 2018

Some of that good ol' event photography from a San Francisco party at a North Beach speakeasy.

MOBILE GROWTH SUMMIT 2018 | SAN FRANCISCO PHOTOGRAPHER | PARK CENTRAL HOTEL CONFERENCE

willy johnson February 12, 2018

Mobile Growth Summit 2018 at the Park Central Hotel in San Francisco.

CALIFORNIA NURSES ASSOCIATION CONVENTION 2017 | SAN FRANCISCO PHOTOGRAPHER | MARRIOT MARQUIS CONFERENCE

willy johnson October 11, 2017

CNA/NNOC Convention was held at the San Francisco Marquis Marriott for the 100,000 member strong union and association of Registered Nurses in September of 2017. These nurses are the real deal and today at the frontline of standing up for what is right and just in American society. Delegates deliberated over healthcare rights, patient advocacy, environmental justice, immigration rights and collective bargaining rights. Guests and speakers of this convention included California Lt. Governor Gavin Newsom, Senator Bernie Sanders, Jane Sanders, Eve Ensler, Van Jones, and Nina Turner. Check it out!

PAGER DUTY LAUNCH PARTY | SAN FRANCISCO PHOTOGRAPHER | 620 JONES EVENT

willy johnson April 25, 2017

Event photos from a Pager Duty product launch party at San Francisco's 620 Jones.

Featured

May 18, 2023

ALON & DAVE | SAN FRANCISCO PHOTOGRAPHER | SAN FRANCISCO CITY HALL WEDDING

May 18, 2023

Alon & Dave’s beautiful love came together at a wedding in San Francisco’s majestic city hall. They even brought probably one of the coolest dogs ever in their chihuahua named Henry. In the middle of the ceremony some bureaucrat interrupted them and their County Clerk commissioner because they had their dog, that individual even called the sheriffs to intervene. It was pretty wild, and we all had a pretty good laugh about it. At any rate, the vibes were upbeat and we went out to Point Lobos and Sutro Baths for some portrait fun after the deed was done. Had an absolute blast with these dudes (and dog). Check out our adventure and the awesome photos we made together below.

May 18, 2023

May 8, 2023

HEAVYBIT DEVGUILD | DOGPATCH STUDIOS | SAN FRANCISCO EVENT

May 8, 2023

Heavybit DevGuild and experts in the open source community doing there thing at an all-day event in San Francisco’s Dogpatch Studios.

May 8, 2023

Apr 14, 2023

ERIC + KATIE | SAN FRANCISCO PHOTOGRAPHER | SAUSALITO COUPLES SHOOT

Apr 14, 2023

Eric and Katie reached out to help commemorate an elopement during their visit to Sausalito. This couple was so easy going and fun to be around and never flinched whenever I gave them silly things to do as we adventured from the Golden Gate Market, down Bridgeway through downtown and ending in the Sausalito Yacht Harbor. Loved the range of romantic, silly and fun photos that we were able to capture together. A total blast was had. Enjoy!

Apr 14, 2023

Mar 27, 2023

KONG SUMMIT 2022 | PALACE HOTEL | SAN FRANCISCO EVENT

Mar 27, 2023

Kong Summit 2022 in San Francisco’s Palace Hotel was a dynamic affair filled with lots of energetic presentations, fun, food and music. Kong are definitely pros at throwing events and everything just clicks with the trains all running on time. Always a pleasure working with these folks. Check out some awesome event photography below.

Mar 27, 2023

Mar 8, 2023

AGS LA | MARINA DEL REY MARRIOTT | LOS ANGELES EVENT PHOTOGRAPHY

Mar 8, 2023

AGS Los Angeles took place down in Venice Beach at the Marina Del Rey Marriott during one of this year’s most epic storms in California history. It snowed in the Los Angeles foothills and mountains and all the speakers and attendees got 360 degree views of the city and were able to watch as cascading storms brought rain, hail and beautiful light. The most glorious aspect of the day was being witness to a multitude of rainbows and one that lasted for almost an hour. Good spirits abounded and lots of good networking

Mar 8, 2023

Feb 24, 2023

HEAVYBIT PORTAITS I | SAN FRANCISCO PHOTOGRAPHER | SAN FRANCISCO PORTRAITS

Feb 24, 2023

Heavybit has always been a treat to work with, but germane to this post is that they care about aesthetic and have great taste. That goes along with them wanting awesome portrait work for their speakers of the numerous events that they throw. I pride myself with making people feel comfortable and special when I have them in front of my camera. Here’s a series of portraits I’ve taken for them over the years highlighting that.

Feb 24, 2023

Feb 3, 2023

CTAD 2022 | HILTON UNION SQUARE | SAN FRANCISCO CONFERENCE

Feb 3, 2023

The Clinical Trials on Alzheimer's Disease conference (CTAD) brings together international expertise on the latest techniques in fighting against Alzheimer’s. My Granny was afflicted, so it felt right to help contribute my talents in event photography to the cause in my small way. The 2022 CTAD conference took place in San Francisco’s Hilton Union Square and hosted hundreds of speakers and attendees. Lots of great presentations on the latest therapeutic trials were revealed and an attentive and friendly crowd was there to soak it all in. On one of the days they hosted a party with dim sum and jazz quartet for everybody to enjoy and relax to. Check it out.

Feb 3, 2023

Jan 19, 2023

JENNIE & JOSH | ALAMEDA COUNTY CLERK-RECORDERS OFFICE | OAKLAND WEDDING

Jan 19, 2023

Jennie & Josh eloped in Oakland city hall. They lucked out with a solid officiant that had a wonderful presence and dropped some nice wisdom about relationships. Who doesn’t need that!? The two mom’s flew out to take part in their special day as well and were giddy with how they had both lucked out. After the ceremony we went on a little adventure for portraits around Lake Merritt, Grand Lake Theatre and ending up things Sequoia Bayview Trail in Joaquin Miller Park. I got to see the couple’s awesome dance moves, eagerness to have fun and their burgeoning love.

Jan 19, 2023

Nov 15, 2022

ALEX & JOEY | CLIFT HOTEL | SAN FRANCISCO WEDDING

Nov 15, 2022

Alex and Joey got married The Clift Royale Senestra Hotel in San Francisco. It was a sweet natured affair with lots of fun. It is always beautiful to be surrounded by that loving energy. Their ceremony took place on the top floor. Awesome portraits were had out on the balcony overlooking a vast expanse of San Francisco, with a little fog coming in from the west. My wife was a champ in being there to pick us up after the ceremony, so we didn’t have to mess around with an uber/lyft, in going for a quick and efficient portrait session at Huntington Park, atop Nob Hill. Later the reception was back at the hotel. A touching reel of the couple as kids played for the party, and I’m not going to lie to you - I shed a tear. Their deejay was spinning vinyl and had impeccable taste and kept the grooves and the people going. It was really a treat to get to document their special day.

Nov 15, 2022

Nov 10, 2022

AGS MASTERMINDS | ROSE ROOM | VENICE BEACH EVENT PHOTOGRAPHY

Nov 10, 2022

Did research to get the best breakfast burrito in Venice Beach where the AGS Masterminds Los Angeles event was taking place. $28 later it turns out AGS in the Rose Room had three types of breakfast burritos to choose from. Oy! My luck improved from there though and I ended up getting some great shots telling the story, and having a fun time while I was at it. Capturing all the people, places and things in this event photography. Once everything wrapped up, my man, Koren, the videographer and I hit up the boardwalk for 15 minutes or so to document that interesting scene. Stay to the end for those. Enjoy!

Nov 10, 2022

DEBBIE'S SWEET 60 | SAN FRANCISCO PHOTOGRAPHER | CITY HALL BIRTHDAY

willy johnson March 3, 2017

Sweet D's celebration of her birth with friends and family at San Francisco's City Hall. A lovely affair - check out some photos of the big event below.

MOBILE GROWTH SUMMIT 2016 | SAN FRANCISCO PHOTOGRAPHER | MISSION BAY CONFERENCE CENTER EVENT

willy johnson January 26, 2017

Mobile Growth Summit 2016 at the Mission Bay Conference Center in San Francisco.

CUBA! BOOK LAUNCH PARTY | SAN FRANCISCO PHOTOGRAPHER | DOGPATCH STUDIOS EVENT

willy johnson October 22, 2016

Awesome time documenting the San Francisco book launch of 'Cuba! Recipes and Stories from the Cuban Kitchen' by photographer extraordinairies, Dan Goldberg and Andrea Kuhn down in San Francisco's Dogpatch neighborhood. Hope you enjoy the photos and here is a link to the book if you're interested in a wonderful rendition of slices of cuban life, culture and food - https://www.amazon.com/Cuba-Recipes-Stories-Cuban-Kitchen/dp/1607749866 - Photos of the evening below.