Sam Hassas has left this big blue planet

dhp_sf
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p.2 #1 · p.2 #1 · Sam Hassas has left this big blue planet

Man, what a punch to the gut when I learned about this. I worked with Sam a couple times having had the pleasure of his unique eye as a second for me a few years ago. I remember that he was going through or had just gone through his divorce at the time. He was quirky and a little off for sure, very charismatic... But never really knew the underlying darkness that was consuming him.

Oct 21, 2023 at 01:43 PM

shindig
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p.2 #2 · p.2 #2 · Sam Hassas has left this big blue planet

I second shot a wedding with Sam in San Francisco 10+ years ago. I felt like a kid under a Xmas tree - all the people in the wedding were so photogenic, camera candy. Hazy memory now, but I clearly remember a moment when all the bridesmaids were hanging out in this room and everyone (family, grandmas, etc) wanted access but it was off limits for most. Sam opens the door and calls my name and pulls me in, so I had to hang out and photograph the group. Great times you’d want to relive later. My wedding photography career wasn’t long lived but outside my own weddings I second-shot with few great wedding photographers (thanks to DWF mainly) which I’d recommend to anyone entering the industry.

Anyways, devastated by loss of this great talent. RIP, buddy.

Nov 16, 2023 at 09:52 PM

phlegmon
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p.2 #3 · p.2 #3 · Sam Hassas has left this big blue planet

I just learned today that Sam had passed away. I was absolutely stunned and had to do a web search to confirm.

What a tragic loss of talent! And I feel so badly for his boys.

I first learned of Sam through this site when I was looking for a photographer for our 2013 wedding.

During our initial consultation at his home in Milpitas, Sam made us feel at ease. He didn't try to oversell anything.

Sam was a pleasure to work with, and our engagement and wedding photos could not have turned out any better. The wedding was a blur, but I now have stunning photos to look back upon and to share with our kids.

However, our album was delayed. We found out later that he was going through a divorce and the toll showed in his demeanor.

We had him do a family photo shoot in Fall 2015 and he was still on top of his game. Still fun and lively.

We had another family photo shoot in Fall 2019 and Sam seemed very, very different. He shared with us that he had taken a 9-5 job. It seemed out of character for Sam, but I didn't want to pry.

I've thought of Sam from time to time over the years. He lived only a couple miles away and I have always wanted to call him out for a meal. With busy career, family life, and disruptions from the pandemic, I lost track of time but had hoped to have another photo session with Sam soon.

My wife commented that most of the nice photos on display in our house were captured by Sam.

It's a bit hard to process that a person who captured some of my biggest events is gone so soon.

Rest in peace, Sam.

Nov 20, 2023 at 12:59 AM

Pavel
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p.2 #4 · p.2 #4 · Sam Hassas has left this big blue planet

Dang, how I hate this news. I stopped doing weddings in 1988, except a few but Sam was an inspiring bit of fresh air. How time passes so quickly and how important people fade away is a sobering thought. Rest in Peace Sam, and prayers for your family.

Dec 07, 2023 at 10:50 PM

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