@Vegas (03/07-03/11)
Location: Nevada [Vegas Lifestyle Photographer]
I’m not a gambler, but I’ve got an allowance and hope to multiply it a million times in Vegas!
Okay, where can a bunch of photographers from all over the world hold the largest photography conference and trade show? Why in Vegas, of course! Again, I don’t usually gamble, but I don’t mind dropping a coin or two into the slot machine with high hopes. And, that’s “high roller” hopes!
NOTE: I’ll be out of the studio/state from March 7-11; so I will not be able to return phone calls and have limited access to my email. But, if you have booking inquiries, please feel free to use the contact form on my EMAIL ME page and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.
TRUE STORY
On our first Vegas trip together, I was growing bored sitting around while Romie was playing on the slot machine. I just wanted to hit the club and dance already! So, he gave me a quarter to, well, silence me. Hmph! But, I had the last laugh … With that single quarter — not even belonging to me — I managed to turn it into $88! HOLLA!!! No, not high roller, but 100% profit! *sticks tongue out*
Image(s): I collect magnets from every city I visit. (My fridge is almost completely covered.) Oh, and BTW, please don’t hate on the lack of manicure. It’s on my to-do list!
@Facebook & Your Clients
Location: Worldwide [International Lifestyle Photographer]
I’M ALL ABOUT THE FACE — FACEBOOK, THAT IS!
Facebook.com is another social media outlet that almost everyone I know, or have met online, uses on a daily basis. Actually, I think some people camp out on that URL 24/7, it’s easy with fancy smartphones nowadays. Yes, I admit I am connected via my BlackBerry, too. *blush* In September, it will be my second year in the book; had you asked me two years ago why I prefer Facebook, and Twitter, I probably wouldn’t have had a good answer for you — but, now I know.
I get friend requests from potential and existing clients which makes me all gooey inside that they’d want to hang out with me beyond my blogsite. (Think the Pilsbury Doughboy and his belly.) At first, I was hesitant to browse their page because I didn’t want them to think that I was a stalker or something. Later, I realized that’s exactly what they want. They have invited me into their world to get to know them and their loved ones better so when we meet for their session I’m already familiar with their personality and everyone’s names. (I called someone by the wrong name once.) Classic, Bunn! This same idea also works for me as their photographer … Just by being everyday-Bunn on Facebook, Twitter, and my blog, they have already come to know me and my goofy ways. They know that I’m a klutz so are mindful that I just might trip and fall. (Err, I will trip and fall.)
Also, I found this informative article: “10 Privacy Settings Every Facebook User Should Know.” Currently, I have over 1200+ names on my friends list some of whom I know, but others I don’t. Personally, there are some items that I just don’t want every single person to have access to, and that’s where creating different lists of friends come in handy (read the article for more info…); eg., I have lists for Clients, Inquiries, Family, Photographers, Co-workers, Classmates, Weirdoes, etc. So, some people have all access and others do not. Make your list(s) now and save confusion!
Okay, I can go on and on about this, but I’ll stop here so your eyes don’t glaze with info-overload. If you have any questions about using Facebook or Twitter, then just drop it in the comment box!
P.S. No, I don’t really have a list for Weirdoes, but maybe I should. haha!
Image(s): A screenshot of my Facebook profile page as of 03/01/10.
@Outdoing Myself
Location: Worldwide [International Lifestyle Photographer]
I AM NO WRITER, BUT I WRITE.
There are others who are way better at writing than me. But, that’s okay because I don’t want to be better than them. I just want to be better than me. You see, I used to spend day and night, night and day, browsing through other photographers’ blogs/websites awestruck at their artistry … I thought they were so good, way better than me. I wanted to be just like them.
But, one day I decided that I would not allow others to be better than me. The only person who can outdo me is me. I put so much value on other people’s work that I forgot about mine. In turn, I made my own self worthless. I left comments after comments on other people’s blogsites, but I forgot about mine. I poured all my love on other people’s photographs that I forgot about mine.
When I finally let that habit go I suddenly noticed a change in how I shoot. It was almost overnight that my portfolio had changed and others started to notice it, too. Inquiries began to pour in. Then, just like that I became valuable … All it took was for me to realize my own self worth.
(To my fellow aspirers, continue to be inspired by others, but know that you are just as good.)
I don’t know what the future holds for me, I don’t even see the end of the road. I don’t want to. Because I never want this journey to end. I’ve seen and experienced so much in a few short years and I want more. There is so much out there yet to see. If my little journey inspire you in any way, then I am more blessed than ever. Sure, you may not be where you want to be right now, however, that doesn’t mean you should stop dreaming. Dreaming has gotten me through many bad times, so I will never stop dreaming. But, if you find yourself discouraged, then I invite you to walk with me to find your passion again. Beside me … Never behind me. I’m no better than you. No one is. Always remember that and don’t let anybody tell you any different.
Image(s): My last sunset in Bali at a resort viewtop. A dream come true to see this in person!
@V-Day: He Proposed
Location: Worldwide [International Lifestyle Photographer]
HE’S NOT GOING TO DO WHAT I THINK HE’S GOING TO DO … IS HE???
So, despite my job of romancing couples during their engagement session or wedding day, I do not have a romantic bone in my body. Like, none. It’s sad, really, because come my own wedding anniversary I never have anything planned. Like, none. Romie will read this post and nod his head in complete agreement as if he’s his own bobblehead that can’t stay still. Gee, thanks?!
Luckily for me, Romie has enough romance in him for the both of us.
I’m typing this while listening to our wedding song “I Do” on my playlist. (What timing, iTunes!)
He wouldn’t stop fidgeting, just pacing back and forth at the airport. Oi, it was driving me bonkers! We were about to board a flight to San Francisco to spend Valentine’s Day weekend with Romie’s relatives whom I’ve never met, but soon will. Yeah, our very first V-day together during our eight-month courtship and this was the plan. Oh, I forget to mention that his 72yo fragile mother was traveling with us, too. It’s not your common denominator on such a day, but that was the plan.
I had just fallen asleep after trying to entertain myself with all the available magazines, including the in-flight issue. There wasn’t much to do with his mom sleeping beside me and he across the aisle snoring. Then, the pilot made another round on the intercom with flight info. But, it wasn’t his usual list of time and weather condition … He was sending a special message to all the ladies on board, including his mom, a Happy Valentine’s Day and then he had a question for his girlfriend named Panome. Wait. Someone else has the same first name as I do?! No way. Weird. Thanks for the uniquity, Mom.
I opened my eyes to see who this other me could be. Just then I noticed Romie at the front of the cabin walking towards me. In mid-stride, his shaking hand reached into his pants pocket. Wait. He’s not going to do what I think he’s going to do, is he? Yes. He knelt on one knee by my seat and opened a little black box. “Will you marry me?”
Long story short…
Later, I asked Romie what he would’ve done had I said no. “I had a life jacket for you in that case.” Gee, thanks?! Luckily, there was no need for the life jacket. We had our wedding on June 22, 2002.
Image(s): I envisioned a different shot in my head, but after countless outtakes via self-timer (ack!) this is the best we’re going to get. Yes, that wall really is purple — err, make that mauve. Don’t hate.
@Feet Happy (Why I Like It)
Location: Worldwide [International Lifestyle Photographer]
YES, FEET HAPPY. NO, I DIDN’T GET IT TWISTED.
I like shooting feet. I just do. Albeit, I find my own feet quite unattractive. I have a too-high arch and some really stubby toes; the second one is longer than my big toe. Like, “Shallow Hal”-feet. Thanks for the complex, Mauricio.
Other people’s feet makes me happy. Feet Happy. Happy Feet. Whichever. I’m cool with either. When I’m nervous on a photo shoot — which happens, like, all the time — the first thing I do is look down … towards my clients’ feet. I’ll start there then work my way up until I’m seeing eye to [lens] eye with them. Then, it’s ON! This formula has helped me produce some pretty fun photos.
(And, when I get stumped, I go right back to the feet again. It keeps me grounded. Yes, bad joke.)
P.S. I fly out from Manila to Jakarta/Bali today. Aww, yeah! This trip has been a long-time wish … Wishes/Dreams do come true. Go after yours with happy feet!
Image(s): Old & New
@CRAVEportland Interview
Location: Worldwide [International Lifestyle Photographer]
WAIT. YOU WANT TO INTERVIEW ME? ARE YOU SURE???
“Bunn Salarzon is a lifestyle photographer—with emphasis on ‘life.’ She puts her heart into photography, and through each photo she takes, she brings out the most captivating moments, emotions, and personalities of each of her subjects. Bunn courageously booted corporate worklife to the curb and embraced her own life and her own dreams. She is an inspiration to all aspiring female entrepreneurs out there!”
This is what style/blogger Cecilia Doan wrote … She made me look so cool. But, when she asked me about setting up an interview, I surely thought she had a bad case of mistaken identity. Like, bad. Eh, you do realize that I’m not cool in person as I look on my website, right? Like, not cool. She laughed off my lame attempt at modesty because I’m sure she heard the shriek of excitement in my tone, even via email. In my valley girl persona: OH.EM.GEE. No, I don’t usually spell this out, but I felt this was most fitting to somewhat express what went inside my head at that moment.
Mai Tran (CRAVEportland owner) & Cecilia: Thank You!!! You ladies make my heart flutter.
P.S. The photo that Cecilia mentioned in the article is this image of “Mother & Child.”
READ: “Interview With Lifestyle Photographer, Bunn Salarzon”
@Bali (01/27-02/15)
Location: Bali [International Photographer]
I’ll be shooting a few sessions in Bali — BALI!?! I’ve died and gone to heaven.
NOTE: I’ll be out of the studio/country from Jan. 27 to Feb. 15; so I will not be able to return phone calls and have limited access to my email. But, if you have booking inquiries, please feel free to use the contact form on my EMAIL ME page and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.
P.S. I’ll actually be in Manila, Philippines, first before heading to Bali, Indonesia, for my shoots. Oh, I still cannot believe that I’ll be in Bali! I’m staring at my eticket yet thinks someone should pinch me to make sure I’m not dreaming! Bali has been on my vacation destinations list for a long time. This is seriously a dream come true. (P.S.S. Feel free to read up on my first trip to the Philippines.)
UPDATE: I’m still in Manila; travel plans have extended to Feb. 17 return date.
Image(s): Before wedding season picks up, I’ve been shooting adorable subjects like Baby Z. Dude, how cute is she?!! Get this, she’s a VERY good baby, too! She didn’t cry once … Like, not kidding. (I want one just like her, please. Be sure to include the ultra-long lashes and colorful knit hat!)
@Making The List
Location: Worldwide [International Lifestyle Photographer]
I’M MAKING A LIST. CHECKING IT TWICE. HERE WE GO AGAIN…
I confess. I’m not a fan of making a New Year’s resolution. I’ve done it in my teen years because, well, it was the smart thing to do. I did try to convince myself that I was smart, hence making lists that never went any further than tacked to my bedroom wall next to my NKOTB poster. Hello, Jonathan! Then, as days grew into weeks, weeks grew into months, months into a year, that list got replaced with a newer New Year’s resolution list. Of 25 items on the older list it then became 50 … then, 100 … 200. You get the picture. Each new year came around and I had newfound smarts — to do a better job than last year. But, the year always ended the same. TOTAL FAILURE.
Basically what I’m trying to say is, making a list never done me much good because I would just fuggedaboutit. Yeah, not so smart. When I think back on why they failed, I concluded that my lists were complete nonsense. I mean, I had a one-in-a-million chance of being Mrs. Jonathan Knight. That was #1 on all lists. Yeah, the things that meant something to me as a teen were pretty dumb. I didn’t know what I wanted or who I was, so I wrote down things just to write down things. Anything. Again, not so smart.
Fast forward to today and I find myself making yet another list. But, this time it’s different. Sure, we all say that every year. Really, it’s different this time around for me. Truth. I know what I want … I know who I am. And, I’m not ashamed to make it public — minus marrying an NKOTB. Sorry, Jonathan, but I’m already married. You had your chance! Anyway, Internet, I am tacking THE LIST without fear or embarrassment of whose eyes will come to see it. But, more importantly, it’s for my own eyes to see every single day. A cyber-reminder, if you will. And, if I fail at one or two item(s) then it won’t be a total failure … Because I really tried.
THE LIST: Why 12 items? Twelve months in a year, perhaps? Here it is, in no specific order…
I left out some items because they just go without saying, like spending more time with my family. I quit my day job over a year ago for the purpose of not only pursuing my dreams (photography), but to spend a lot more time with my husband and loved ones (close friends and family). Luckily, this is something that I get to do every single day, with no restrictions. No boss. No alarm clock.
Image(s): I think it only makes sense to post a photo of the new New Kids On The Block. However, I’d be remiss if I didn’t include one of my favorite songs from the old New Kids On The Block. So, as the song title goes, I’m taking this newest New Year’s resolution list “Step By Step.” Ooh, baby!
[In hindsight, "Bunn Knight" just doesn't sound right. Everything happens for a reason ... Truth. BTW, if Jonathan and I did marry I would quickly need to divorce him based on Selective Coloring!]
@Stealing Mangoes & Wrinkles
Location: O’ahu [Hawaii Wedding Photographer]
ALOHA!!! I’m back from Ha-vie-ee!
I find it funny that at a glance the blog title almost looks to read “Steel Magnolias.” But, the story I’m about to share has nothing to do with Julia Roberts. It’s even better, because you can eat it. I’m talking green mangoes. Aww, yeah.
In a previous post, I mentioned about the Green Mango Bandits of O’ahu. That I’m one of them. My husband Romie is, too. My mom is three. All in the family we became fugitives circling the island with a bag full of green mangoes and with a car chasing us because of it. Huh???
You see, I have this insatiable craving for crunchy and sour green mangoes that stems from my Laotian upbringing. We slice up these bad boys and dip them in a spicy sauce. My jaws tighten as I think about the tartness. I don’t know how else to describe this. It’s like a vampire’s uncontrollable thirst for fresh blood. Okay, not so much alike. Blood is not even my beverage of choice. Basically, we will do whatever it takes to get our greedy hands on the most sour and the most crunchiest green mango we can find. Which brings us back to the story of the Green Mango Bandits.
In April of 2004, my husband was driving a rental Neon, that would later be known as the “getaway car,” with myself in shotgun and my mom in the backseat. All eyes were on any tree housing green mangoes. We found one. It’s perfect — It’s in someone’s yard. D’oh! But, being a woman, I can justify anything if I really want it. And, I really wanted those mangoes. Like, badly. The tree’s branches cascaded over the fence and beyond the sidewalk. Public domain. Aww, yeah.
I picked by the armful then I tossed them into the car, into my mother’s lap. It seemed enough, but it wasn’t enough for a mango-hungry vampire … So, I went back for more. Just as I had my fill, I heard a scream. It was the owner of the mango tree from whence those mangoes came. Cripes! Then, I heard another scream. It was Romie and my mom. “Get in the car, Bunn!”
It all happened so quickly, like something out of “The Fast and The Furious,” only with uglier cars. Romie merged onto the H1 highway thinking we were safe. But, he was so wrong. We weren’t safe. The owner of the mango tree was right behind us! Huh??? Like, seriously?! We’re on an island … How far can we really go? We’ll come full circle in two hours. Duh!
Romie was able to shake the crazy haole off our tail. But, needless to say, the highway chase had us a little worried. Perhaps we were overly confident from the successful green mango mission in Maui the year before. But, what just happened here??? Did we break an agricultural law or something? No, it couldn’t be. Wait. Maybe? Not much time was spent wondering because Romie and my mom made me toss out the stone-cold evidence. But, but— “Throw them away, Bunn!”
I felt like a child forced to give up her favorite toy to her little sister. Only I’d never see it again, none of the nine mangoes that I held tightly in my grasp. But, like a big kid I did what I was told. *sniff*
Image(s): I don’t take enough photos of my husband because he always request me to remove his wrinkles. I tell him that I like him just the way he is. But, if he really wants those wrinkles gone then it’s going to cost him double. That’s 18 green mangoes. (And, remember the dipping sauce!) Except, we found no green mangoes this time. Instead, we found Kisses with macadamia nuts! YUM!
@Hawaii (01/07-01/11)
Location: O’ahu [Hawaii Wedding Photographer]
I’ll be shooting my first destination wedding of the year — in Hawaii! ALOHA!!!
NOTE: I’ll be out of the studio/town from January 7-11; so I will not be able to return phone calls and have limited access to my email. But, if you have booking inquiries, please feel free to use the contact form on my EMAIL ME page and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can. I promise!
P.S. In O’ahu, I am known as one of the three Green Mango Bandits. If you haven’t heard the story, then I’ll return with a full write-up. You may be interested to know that the other two culprits happen to be my husband, Romie, and my mom! Yes, we’ve been running from the law ever since. So, you best keep watch your mango trees because … We like ‘em green. We like ‘em crunchy. And, my family loves to eat the most sour ones with Lao-style spicy dipping sauce. *drool*
Image(s): These green mangoes were handpicked when I was in the Philippines last May. And, nope, I did not steal these! They came from this tree, shown below, belonging to my sister-in-law. P.S.S. See that kid in the tree? We paid him 50 pesos, that’s $1 USD, to climb up 14FT for us.
@Life & Love
Location: Beaverton [Oregon Family Photographer]
NO, THE STORK IS NOT LOST.
I finally sat down and watched “Julie & Julia” a film biography of the late Julia Child, who was an American chef, author and TV personality. Her image and voice could be recognized even by those who don’t cook, like me. I didn’t think that I would enjoy this movie as much, but I did.
I related to Julia Child, the person not the famous chef, better than I could have imagined. Although, I don’t cook, I discovered that Julia and I share something else in common: infertility. The privileged title of being a mother still eludes me after seven years. So, the scene (spoil alert!) where Julia reads a letter from her pregnant, younger sister struck a chord with me … too hard. *sigh* If there wasn’t another person in the room watching the movie too, I’d have been crying. Unfortunately, I know how Julia felt, to be so overjoy for others, but with a heart-wrenching twist because you are crying on the inside. And, you don’t want others to know how much you hurt.
It seems lately that every time I login to Facebook, there are news of someone pregnant. I login quite a few times on a daily basis, too. But, Julia did not let infertility keep her from achieving so much success in life … and in love. Her husband was one of the reasons why she lived so happily. My own husband is asleep on the couch right now across from me as I type this from my desk. He’s snoring unusually loud, a sure sign of a hard night at work in this blistering cold weather. Even in his deep slumber, I can see what a wonderful father he would make someday.
I’m coming to terms that the stork may never find our doorstep. But, I don’t think he’s even lost. This part of my life is a chapter in my own book that may never be written. Just pages filled with question marks without definite answers. However, I am not totally unlucky in this area. As part of being a photographer, I’m invited into the lives of so many families. The children have come to recognize me, the person behind the huge camera who they see every three months or year. I sometimes get awesome smiles when they see me, even hugs! Or, sometimes they’ll just run away.
So, it seems the story of my life is still being written. And I hold the pen.
Image(s): This photo totally depicts a recent Anytime session I had. Yeah, she was a-running!
@Remembering Lola
Location: Vancouver [Washington Portraits Photographer]
IT’S THE LITTLE THINGS THAT COUNTS.
I didn’t really have anything ready for post today. I woke up this morning and fell immediately in to my usual routine of checking emails. Then, my husband called out from behind me, “Look at the birthday girl!” I turned around to see my mother-in-law all dressed in her cute red vest with matching hat and gloves. She looked younger than her age of 81. Wait … Today’s her birthday — she’s 82 now!
It was almost lunch time so the whole family, including my SIL who we snatched up along the way, packed up in our little sedan and headed off to Joe’s Crab Shack to finally try their steam pots. Boy, I’m so glad that I didn’t wear white because I left the restaurant with the entire menu on my lap. The “Let’s Get Crackin’” bib provided by the restaurant wasn’t much help. All that seafood (crab, clams, mussels, etc.) had no chance of survival around me!
Our waitress made my MIL, who we often times call Lola (meaning “grandma” in Tagalog), a “Princess Lola” hat made from paper towel. Then, another waitress joined in to sing the birthday song to our birthday girl. I watched Lola’s face, in between stuffing my face with seafood galore, and caught glimpses of her big smiles. She was just smiling non-stop. I remember wishing that I had a camcorder or my big DSLR on me to capture this moment. But, all I had was my BlackBerry.
After our big lunch, we crawled our way back to the car to head home. My husband wished his mom another happy birthday then asked if she had fun. She said, with a big ol’ smile, “I’m happy.”
Those two words alone stuck on me the entire ride home. I tried to distract myself by rambling about everything and anything. Secretly, I was fighting back tears … I was happy, too. Tears of Joy. For some reason, those two words reminded me that Lola is now 82 years old, and it’s been nine years since she lost her husband. Her first love, her first everything since the tender age of 19. Together, they had a total of nine children, with my husband being the youngest.
I cannot imagine life without him. When I go to sleep, he is there. When I wake up, he is there. When I look at Lola, I imagine what she must still be going through after losing her best friend. Despite her dementia, I am sure she misses seeing her husband’s face when she goes to sleep and when she wakes up. Of course, she still has her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren … Us.
One of the many reasons why I quit my day job was to pursue my dreams, which I’ve been loving every single day since. But, it was also to spend more time with my family. I don’t know how much longer Lola will be with us, but I want to not forget today and that’s why I’m writing this down now … with tears of joy … because I’m happy.
@Family Time. Mine.
Location: Vancouver [Washington Family Photographer]
THIS IS HOW I ENDED MY BUSY WEEKEND…
For the past few days, I’ve been focusing so much on other people — yeah, in the literal sense. So, I took a few moments of my own to focus on the people whom I love and who loves me in return. Okay, maybe sometimes I’m not their most favorite person. haha!
I usually spend an hour or so with clients, but I only spent 22 minutes with my 3yo niece and husband for their “mini session” (right before my husband had to leave for work). However, I was not at all disappointed with how their photos turned out. Nope, not one bit. Although, it seems that the stork has lost its way to our doorstep, my husband and I fill that void with the laughter — and the tears! — that this darling child gives us when she’s near. We’ve since stopped counting the days until the stork finds us to now counting the days we get to spend with this little blessing.
Guest Photographer: Derrick Bautista
P.S. That last photo cracks us all up. Um, hoodie or scarf? Pick one, child!
@Sushi & Starbucks
Location: Portland [Oregon Commercial Photographer]
THIS IS WHAT I CRAVE BEFORE OR AFTER SHOOTING A WEDDING … S-U-S-H-I-!!!
I don’t really know how it got started, but I know it has now become a tradition. Before or after a wedding, I’ll find myself at a sushi bar. So, just a heads-up to anyone assisting me with a wedding, you better like sushi or else. But, no worries because we can hit up a Starbucks afterward. haha!
Okay, maybe that’s not a very good combination after all. Eeks! (Sorry about that, Ms. M!)
(Yeah, you can say I’m a food-junkie. No, my hips don’t lie. I live to eat, not eat to live!)
NOTE: All images were taken in available light at Qube Lounge (Bar and Sushi Restaurant).
Guest Photographer: Derrick Bautista
P.S. Happy Hour: Everyday, 4-6PM; Sun-Mon, 4PM to Close
@My First Publication!
Location: Portland [Oregon Fashion Photographer]
WHAT? I GOT THE COVER?!!
I hate to admit this, but I am so unbelievably hard on myself. I don’t know why I do it, I just do. Although, I tell myself to dust it off my shoulder, it doesn’t go away. My shirt stained with guilt. And, so it sits there mocking me like the cash pile in those GEICO commercials. I always feel like … somebody’s watching me.
When the publisher of SKORCH, the #1 magazine for plus-size fashion, contacted me to shoot for them I was surprised and kind of confused. Like, huh? But, I’m a lifestyle photographer who shoots real weddings and portraits. What do I know about fashion photography let alone fashion? I should be starring in “What Not to Wear.” Really. But, I was too excited for the opportunity to cheat myself out of it. And, not to mention the publisher, Jessica Kane, is so sweet! She had me convinced. Bunn, you got this. You can do this! No problem.
Jessica, we have a P.R.O.B.L.E.M.
What ever could have gone wrong on the day of the shoot, went wrong. But, nothing ever go as planned, right??? I can usually try to make the best of my shoots, shift when the wind changes. But, it was my first official fashion shoot so there was a lot of pressure. Of course, 99% of it came from me alone. Go figure. So, after we wrapped up, I dragged my heavy feet [and head] home, feeling completely defeated. I went home and laid my head down in the crook of my arms, covering myself from the harsh reality — of total failure. (That was on Sept. 12.)
On the eve of October, I got an email from Jessica. She said 13 of my images are being used for the October issue. Like, huh? WHAT??? No way! Really??? I think I overdosed on Coca-cola or something because I don’t think I read her email correctly. One? Three? Thirteen? Yes, thirteen! HOLLA!!! I thought I reached the sky when I finally could see straight again. I’m getting published? My first publication, ever!!! Woot! Woot!
Oh, but there’s more … Tonight, I checked my Facebook account and noticed someone had tagged a photo of me. A photo of me? I clicked on the link to follow what it could be. Then, right there on my laptop monitor in front of my bowl of rice porridge, staring right back at me was … My model. My photo. We got the cover? OMG. WE GOT THE COVER!!!
Cover Model: Jamieya Sicotte
Style & Hair: Thuy Pham
Makeup: MUA by MySa
Location: Qube Lounge
P.S. Get your free copy of the October 2009 issue today!
@Germany (06/30-07/14)
Location: Berlin [Germany Wedding Photographer]
I’ll be shooting my first-ever destination wedding and it’ll be in Berlin, Germany! HOLLA!!!
NOTE: I’ll be out of the studio/country from June 30 to July 14; so I will not be able to return phone calls and have limited access to my email. But, if you have booking inquiries, please feel free to use the contact form on my EMAIL ME page and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.
Image(s): New & Return Clients. (1 beautiful bride. 2 awesome couples. 3 adorable newborns.)
@Home (USA)
Location: Philippines [International Lifestyle Photographer]
DISCLAIMER:
This may not be a true representation of this country, but it is here as seen through my lens.
The Philippines. I’ve seen images of this country here and there, in magazines, on TV, etc. But, to see it with your own naked eyes is a totally different story. I don’t even know how I feel about my 14-day trip to this country; I can’t really explain it. Am I happy? Am I sad? Am I enlightened? I just don’t know. But, here is what I do know:
In the USA, I live in my air-conditioned home and drive around in a nice SUV. I drive to Starbucks whenever I please, drop $10 at nearly every visit, or sometimes two visits in one day, as if it’s chump change. And, it was to me, as always. But, $10 (or ₱500) is a whole lot more on the other side of the world. It means providing a nice hot meal to an entire family of six or more members, and even clean water, too.
I watched as a young boy, no older than 7yo, mount a pile of garbage looking for his next meal (in the middle of the night) as I rode by. I saw an entire family of six huddled over a tiny pot while traffic moved past them as they continued to “live” in the middle of a two-way street. And, I saw children playing in dirty brown water just inches away from a mass of garbage that nearly covers this man-made river. I’ve seen so much in 14 days to last me a lifetime. Sadly, I barely broke the surface.
Despite their less fortunate living conditions, my new cousins and aunties/uncles never once complained. They ensured that I remained on vacation by preparing my daily meals, cleaning afterward, doing my laundry by hand, etc. I was never allowed to pick up a dirty water glass because I was “on vacation.” I’ve never felt so useless in my entire life. At the same time, I’ve never felt so cared for and loved. Usually, one can tell when one is being smooched, but that was clearly not the case with my new family. They observed me as much as I did them. I ask myself, What do I have to complain about? I have it pretty damn easy in the USA. My bad days will never compare to what my family in PI face every single day. Again, what do I have to complain about living the American dream? Nothing. And neither do you.
NOTE: All shots were taken with my Canon 5D and [old] 50mm f/1.8 lens and formatted by Poladroid.net. (And, 90% was shot behind car windows.)
@Philippines (04/24-05/13)
Location: Philippines [International Lifestyle Photographer]
Finally, I get to put a stamp on my passport! Woot! Woot!
NOTE: I’ll be out of the studio/country from April 24 to May 13; so I will not be able to return phone calls and have limited access to my email. But, if you have booking inquiries, please feel free to use the contact form on my EMAIL ME page and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.
P.S. I will have a full write-up about my trip to the Philippines — my first trip overseas, actually! — so, check back soon! I can’t wait to share what Mr. Canon 5D and 50mm f/1.8 lens captures!
UPDATE (10/04/09): Mr. Canon 50mm f/1.8 died today. *pout*
Image(s): New & Return Clients. (All in the month of April alone! Wowzer!!!)
@Photography (Why I Love It)
Location: Portland [Oregon Newborn Photographer]
I WAS RECENTLY ASKED: WHY PHOTOGRAPHY?
I am so in love with photography that I dream it; I wake up because I want to do something photography-related. I guess that’s why I have insomnia most nights! I have loved photography since a child, even more so when I discovered my uncle’s old Canon SLR lying around the house just collecting dust. Apparently, no one knew how to use it so the money spent on that camera was a bit remorseful. But, I bought some film and made great use of that camera on my own!
My love affair with photography sizzled down when my family told me it was a waste of time and that I would never make any “real” money in that foolish profession. I should be a business major instead. So, I went about with school then one job after the next since it was “the right thing to do.” But, I was never happy, and I was completely lost as to who I really was or destined to be. Two years ago, I finally managed to get myself a Canon Rebel XTi; all $1300 later, I started my photography business with it. I shot whoever wanted to spare me their time and reimbursed them with my best efforts. I got better with more and more practice. Now, I’m happier than I’ve ever been. Yes, I still have a lot more to learn and grow, yet I feel deep inside with all my being that this is really me, who I am … a photographer.
Image(s): Mother & Child
