The Bride and Bloom Party

On Monday night, JD and I headed to Cooper Design Space in Los Angeles for Bride and Bloom Magazine’s 1st Anniversary Launch Party. We had a great time meeting up with old friends and making new ones…but I don’t have any pictures to show because my not-so-subtle hints at getting a new point&shoot camera haven’t worked. Hmmm, maybe I need to change my strategy.

MEMO
TO: Everyone willing to buy me lavish gifts
FROM: Yours truly
RE: My future Canon SD800

I’d really like a digital camera. 10,000 bonus cool points for the person who succeeds in making my wish come true! ;)



In lieu of not having a camera, I stole a few pictures from Drew’s blog. The entire evening was absolutely awesome…of course one couldn’t expect anything less from Jeannie Savage and Details Details, event coordinator extraordinaire! Jeannie and Carolyn Chen from The Special Day worked together planning the party for Carol Poon, B&B’s Editor-In-Chief. The evening’s guest of honor was Preston Bailey and the entire party was decked out in his signature style…like I said, it was pretty amazing. And to make things even sweeter, Good and Gracious catered the event, and Peter Papadapolous was spinning on the ones and twos!

Here's a sample of Preston's funky, cool designs...

Drew and me...

From L-R: Lester Ip (whose wife, Vivian, runs the fabulous Paper Girl), JD (whose name tag read: JD Star...how funny! I bet he didn't think it was marrying into my middle name!!) and Chuck (Drew's husband)

Drew, me and Jeannie

Me and Lauren HIllary, Orange County's fearless PUG leader (I stole this picture from her blog too!)



I am so honored to have been a small part of such a phenomenal bridal magazine. Bride and Bloom is an awesome resource, so if you haven’t checked it out already, do so today!

It's Better to Give...

We sat and laughed…and ate. Filet mignon, tiger prawns, sweet asparagus, lobster bisque, a vine-ripened tomato salad. The waves ebbed against the Hawaiian shore, as if rubbing elbows with someone rich and beautiful. One by one, the guests at my reception stood in the center of our Kahala Mandarin bungalow and delivered an impromptu speech, roasting JD and me on our wedding day. It was truly moving and unconventional…and everything I dreamed our wedding should be. As guests dried their eyes after each speech, and the dinner china was cleared, JD and I thanked our guests for joining us for our intimate destination wedding. Caught in the sheer gravitas of the moment, I cried uncontrollably. Everyone sitting around us had witnessed our relationship blossom into a marriage, and without them, we wouldn’t have been the couple standing before them pledging the rest of our lives to each other.

Just when I thought the evening couldn’t get any better, my amazing wedding photographer--David Jay--placed his laptop at the head of our grand table and displayed my wedding slideshow. The lights were dimmed as DJ’s work was displayed, and everyone was truly in awe of his talent and abilities. We simultaneously oohed and ahhed over each image and couldn’t believe how hard he worked to show us our wedding day from a photographic perspective. It was unbelievable.

Unbeknownst to me, David Jay was setting a standard I would soon emulate. As a wedding photographer, I prepare a wedding slideshow for my clients to show during their reception. While guests are eating dinner, JD and I are working on a slideshow to display later that evening. These slideshows have revolutionized the way my business has grown. During last Sunday’s wedding, the general manager of Yamashiro passed by the slideshow and asked to use the images for wedding publicity and an upcoming bridal show the restaurant is hosting. In addition to the images, I offered to provide 8x10 promo cards for their use. My good friend and talented photographer, Sara France designed promo templates for our online print lab, Pictage, and decided to share them with other photographers. They’re awesome resources to give to vendors because they’re specific to their needs and venue or business. I learned that giving back to industry peers yields ten-fold…not only is it better to give than to receive, vendors—much like anyone else—appreciate a gesture of kindness. I learned this little nugget of gold from [b]ecker…who learned it from watching his good friend Jim Kennedy (who runs a powerhouse photography business here in Orange County).

I’m blessed and amazed to see how willing so many photographers are to help each other. The foundation of my business is comprised of mortar from many other photography business cornerstones and I’m indebted to their knowledge. I hope this structure continues to feed off itself and challenge me to help others as much as I’ve been helped along the way. I’m so blessed to be surrounded by such an amazing group of people!!

**Here's a sample promo card I put together today...if you're a photographer and would like more information, contact the friendly people at Pictage and they'll hook you up!** :)

Joe Photo Fashion

I saw him from a distance, his blond hair shimmering in the sun. As he drew closer, there was no denying it was him. Dressed to the nines in a tailored black suit, a perfectly-knotted, orange silk tie, and a white dress shirt (complete with orange accent-stitching, and silver cuff links), he offered a radiant smile. The kind of smile that belongs on a Colgate commercial. I, on the other hand, returned a smile that looked like it belonged to the 4th grader who forgot how to spell ‘pig’ during a spelling bee.

We embraced as soon as we were close enough and exchanged pleasantries. Joe Photo has been a photographer I’ve admired for quite a long time. I’m not quite sure how we initially met—perhaps via [b]ecker, or at a party Rita hosted—but he’s always been genuine and truly kind. We were both at St. John’s to photograph weddings, so it gave us a few minutes to catch up and chat. I, however, couldn’t help but feel foolish standing next to him. Foolish and unfashionable.

Jessica Claire has referred to Joe to as the best-dressed straight man she’s ever met. And, really, I couldn’t agree more. In fact, that’s all I could think about as the sun shone down on his perfectly pressed suit. And his Colgate smile. I really try to put forth an effort looking professional and presentable while I photograph a wedding, but comfort does play a lethal role in choosing a proper outfit (I’m on my feet for 8-10 hours…how cute can one really look?!). I thought I found a middle ground…that is, of course, until I saw Joe. His outfit was so nice that I felt the urge to stick my hand out and say, Alms…alms…alms for the tacky-and-unfashionable-photographers-of-America…alms…

It wasn’t until I read his blog—and saw the following pictures he photographed for David August—that I felt there was still a modicum of vogue-hope left for me:


*You can click here to see his complete post and pictures*

Although this blog entry has been more jest than anything else—and slightly exaggerated…I mean, the sun wasn’t solely shining on his perfect suit…but the Colgate smile…that’s totally true—I really feel like he raised the bar for me. I’ve always dressed nicely to weddings, but I’m going to try to be a little more feminine and classy. I suppose that’s what makes Joe an industry leader…his unique ability to encourage change without saying a word.

Totally Feelin' Blu

So, I woke up to a pleasant surprise this morning….my face on the Blu Domain Blog!?!

Although I was reluctant and totally didn’t feel cool enough to be on their blog, I accepted the interview and had so much fun! A special thanks to Kailee and the amazing team at Blu…to be given a shout-out from such an awesome group of people was totally undeserved, but appreciated from the bottom of my heart.

If you want to read the article in its entirety, CLICK HERE!

Happy Friday!

Zack Arias and the One Light Workshop

I have a new cell phone. And the alarm choices are horrific at best. The least painful of them all sounds like a pelican being choked by a snake. Have I heard a pelican being choked by a snake? Well, no. But I’m quite sure my alarm sounds like its audio twin.

At 5:25am on Tuesday morning, the pelican choked wildly. I rolled out of bed and into the shower. Shortly thereafter, my good friend Trista and I made our way to San Diego for Zack Arias’ seminar, the One Light Workshop. I was quite excited to meet Zack because he’s so incredibly talented and his style is unique…and he’s completely down-to-earth. Upon seeing him, he struck me as the quintessential photojournalist of my imagination—an aged newsie cap worn backward, an indie rock t-shirt, and a five-inch beard. He’s the kind of guy that can travel the world with a backpack, a camera, and a detached flash.

When we arrived at Sara France’s home, Zack greeted me warmly and made me feel extraordinarily welcomed during our initial introduction. And just when I thought he couldn’t get better, his slight accent made him near perfection. I mean, how can you not like a guy who pronounces “umbrella” as uhmmbrella, and says things like, This here picture is so sharp I can shave!

The entire day was spent learning more about photography, off-camera flash usage, and thinking outside of the box. The seminar was amazing and I’d recommend it to anyone interested. And even if you’re not interested, you should go just to meet Zack. He’s genuine, professional, slightly self-deprecating, and just a plain good person…all the things that’d make you wanna be his friend.

Here are a few shots from the workshop…




Because there was only one light source, the class only had two opportunities to work with it. The rest of the time was spent watching Zack work his magic. I shot a lot using only available light and was amazed at how fabulous the Canon 5D and the 85mm, 1.8 lens sucked in the ambient light. This shot was taken at 9pm on a nearly black street. While Zack was working with flash, this is the image I produced...but I had to hold my breath and not move the slightest! (1.8, 1600, 1/20)

At the end of the night, the class broke into groups and had to figure everything out on our own in setting up a lighting situation. Our group was fortunate to work with Shannon again (a budding musical artist in Los Angeles), but I have to admit it was really hard making my pictures look as cool as Zack's!! :)


At around midnight or so, we decided to take a group picture...unbeknownst to us, Sara has a timer on her lawn sprinklers...set to midnight or so. Here's a series pictures taken from Melissa Jill's blog...
BEFORE

DURING (isn't Pepper Nix's face just hilarious?!?)

AFTER

Fashionably Joyful

I read an article about a man’s greatest joy. He described this joy in such a profound way that I had to read it three times over to make sure I gleaned what I should. I envied him. I envied his ability to make me read his words again and again, making me long for his ability to describe something so visibly.

His greatest joy? Seeing his words in print. His stories, his books and commentaries were the driving force in his life. When he picked up a book and saw words belonging to him, it made him feel alive. No, it made him feel invincible. For the first time in his life, he existed.

At first I thought his explanation was a brightly colored, imaginative narrative, but I think I tasted a little from the chalice from which he drank.

This afternoon, I walked into Barnes and Noble, I picked up the latest copy of Bride and Bloom Magazine. I nervously flipped through the pages until I found my voice. The proof of my existence.



There, on page 49 of the Summer 2007 edition, you’ll find me. I worked on an article for the magazine a while back and seeing it in print is the coolest emotion ever. For a minute, I wanted to turn to the elderly gentleman reading next to me and say, Hey, mister..yes, you…this is ME! I’d manically smile, and he’d respond by nodding his balding head, and turn back to his Walter Cronkite autobiography. But I did none of this. I just waited until I could show JD the magazine over dinner.




The 15-page article is a fashion write-up describing seven types of brides and various wedding accoutrements befitting of their personalities. I’m incredibly thankful for this experience and indebted to the people who helped along the way. A special thanks goes to Rita Hermes for allowing me to work along side her for this project and Carol Poon, Editor-in-Chief of Bride and Bloom, for allowing me to contribute to such an amazing magazine. From the bottom of my heart, thanks for allowing my words to take life.

Woohoo...that's my name! :)

WPPI Update

Whew. I'm tired. Things have been go-go-go since I arrived, but that's pretty much how WPPI goes every year, right?
Sunday night, after a full day of Shootsac-ing, a group of us headed over to Sara France, Lauren Hillary, and Anna Costa's "Super Swanky Soiree" at the Bellagio. The room was packed with people, but it was great meeting new people and catching up with old friends. Here's a picture of me with my very good friend and personal wedding photographer, David Jay

I didn't bring my own camera (can you believe I don't own a point-and-shoot camera?!?...hint, hint...my birthday's coming up soon!), so I snagged pictures from DJ's and Liana's blogs.
One of things I like best at WPPI is rooming with new people...Liana and I have been roomies for pretty much everywhere I've gone, but this year it was nice to meet Roseanna and Chanel...


Yesterday I helped out Liana with her WPPI presentation--which went super well!--then headed off to help Mike Colon for his tradeshow floor presentations, then ended my day helping Jessica with the Shootsac again. In the evening, Liana and I went to the Champagne Shootout to assist Mike with the shoot and because his model didn't show up, he had to use his new intern (and our roommate), Roseanna, to model for the demonstration. Liana and I ran back to our room to grab a few outfits for her to change into...and we also grabbed her bikini! :) At first Mike was shocked--literally--when she stepped onto the stage in her tiny two-piece, but things worked out totally well!

If Mike wins again this year, Liana and I decided to take all the credit! :D

After the Shootout, we went to the BluDomain party with Mike. The party was held at the Palms Hotel in the Bowling Suite and everyone had a great time! There was this cool photobooth at the party, so of course we had a little fun...


I'll try to post more, but I'm off again!

Viva Las Vegas

Well, I'm in Las Vegas for WPPI until Thursday...woohoo! My internet access is limited, but I'll be staying on top of it as much as possible.

Today I hit the ground running! Jessica Claire, [b]ecker, Marisa, Keats, and myself totally turned the Shootsac booth upside down. Jessica's bags were the hottest item on the conference room floor and the feedback was amazing...I mean, they're so cute, how could they NOT be getting rave reviews?!




Wish me luck while I'm out here...I'm not a gambler in any way, but there's this HUGE slot machine that I have to pass everyday in the Paris Hotel lobby that beckons me the way sirens used to lure drunken sailors out to sea. It sings to me and the thought of hitting one big win is enticing! :)

A Soolip Wedding 2007

I can't believe how happy I am today. And for more than just one thing...
Last Thursday I had a case--a horrible case--of food poisoning and it lasted pretty much until early this morning. I was desperately hoping my sickness would recede today because I was invited to showcase my work at A Soolip Wedding Bridal Event in Los Angeles at Social Hollywood. Angelica, owner of the wonderful Green Weddings, asked me to display my work at her booth and I was extremely fortunate to do so. I had the pleasure of meeting SO many fabulous vendors, colleagues, and prospective clients...it was a truly spectacular event! I took my camera along to document portions of my day and while I wish I was able to snapsnapsnap away, I was only able to sneak away for a few minutes at a time.

Here are a few of my favorites...
E! and the Style Network covered the event. Jessica, a stunning Style Network host, interviewed Angelica at our table...


Wanda Wen, owner and creative director of Soolip, went above and beyond carefully crafting the gorgeous event...here's the Soolip table


Yummm...the Vanilla Bake Shop put together a pretty spead of delicious cupcakes

As a key sponsor of the event, Los Angeles Wedding Magazine spread a little love...

The lovely ladies at Jo Malone had a beautiful set-up and set the entire room ablaze with intoxicating scents and fragrances

A classic and stunning table from BBJ Linen

I couldn't stop taking pictures of this table...I loved it! Laurel and Party designed it and the lovely Carissa from jl.designs.com, provided the floral arrangements

Probably the most breathtaking table of the event belonged to Asiel Design. Everything was over.the.top. Literally. Everything under a pink trellis was spectacular--the hanging flowers, the lanterns, the vines--and the AD crew was just as kind and warm as could be...


To see more images, CLICK HERE for a Soolip slideshow!

If you'd like to see other pictures of the event, be sure to check out Jules Bianchi's Blog. She was lucky enough to walk through the event as a spectator...who just so happens to be a wonderful photographer and good friend of Wanda's :) Her stuff is awesome, so check it out!
A special thanks to Angelica for the invitation, to the many new friends I made, and to the beautiful brides who took the time to get to know me better.

Ford Model and Ford Commercial

Just wanted to give a lil blog lovin' to Felipe...again. I photographed him a couple months ago as he was building a modeling portfolio. Just this past week, I discovered he was casted for a national Ford Automobile commercial slated to air during baseball season. He'll be portraying a catcher, so be on the lookout for his good looks...oops, I meant...keep an eye out for his good acting abilities ;)

God Bless His Cotton Socks

God bless his cotton socks!*

Yesterday myself and a few other photographers had the pleasure of being invited to Mike Colon’s house for an Apple APERTURE demo. Apple’s Product Marketing Manager, Martin Gisborne, set up a swanky presentation in Mike’s beautiful living room, giving a demo and fielding questions—as well as [b]ecker’s occasional eternal pledge of Apple allegiance outbursts :)

The presentation was wonderful, but sitting in a room with such a talented bunch of people was an extra blessing. While Martin thoroughly answered our questions and comments, Mike was busy popping popcorn—and even making a cup of hot cocoa for Jessica--as well as providing chips and salsa, CornNuts, and juicy fruit snacks for everyone. He was such a humble host and an awesome example to his guests. If you’d like to read a wonderful account of the day, check out Joe Photo’s Blog.

I’ll be updating my blog in regard to my Aperture experience…although I’m pretty stoked at how wonderful this software is going to make my life. It’ll improve my workflow and I’m sure it’s an added benefit to my clients’ experiences.

Special thanks to Mike, Martin, and everyone who attended the workshop…it’s wonderful to be challenged to constantly raise the bar.

*The title for this entry is a literal quote from Martin. He's English. There were times when we had to stop him and ask for a quick translation because he has a unique way of speaking, as well as peculiar idioms and phrases...and the Brits claim we ruined the English language?!? ;)

"Model" Turned Hobo

Coming home from Cabo and the Xtreme Seminar has been lovely, but I’m so tired from such a great time of learning and soakin’ up some rays...oops, I meant soakin’ up some knowledge. Yes, I meant knowledge. And knowledge makes me tired. Because it took me f.o.r.e.v.e.r. to get out of bed this morning, I went to church dressed like a chic hobo. Okay, maybe I wasn’t dressed chic—but the hobo part, that’s true. I rationalized my church wear because of the light rain, and convinced myself that God can forgive sins, even my fashion transgressions.

I visited Jessica’s Blog today and saw the pictures she took from the seminar of JD and me. For those of you who didn’t know, we were invited to the seminar to ‘model’. Now, we’re not models—nor do we ever, ever aspire to be—but we had such a great time being in front of the camera. Or should I say cameras? Being in front of 35 cameras simultaneously can be quite disconcerting, but everyone in the seminar was gracious and encouraging.

If I didn't say this before, then I'll say it here now: Thanks to Jessica and Liana for such an awesome seminar, thanks to Becker for always robbing my poker money (oh, yeah, and thanks for the new headshot, too!), thanks to the Florin's for just being fabulous, and thanks to all the fantastic photographers who made me fall more in love with photography.

Here are a few of Jessica’s blog favorites…
This is a candid shot she caught of me and JD, just outside of the villa kitchen