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!

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.

CANON 5D + 100mm f/2.8 MACRO = MY WINDOW TO ANOTHER WORLD
One lens. That’s all it took. I was without a telephoto lens so zooming was not an easy option. Instead, I got closer to my subjects — as close as they would allow me (the stranger), of course. But, I kept cautious, asking for permission, respectfully, because I never wanted to be disrespectful to anyone in their own home. Yes, I look a little like them, however, I couldn’t understand their language and they couldn’t understand mine, but through smiles we understood each other. Through this experience, I am a better person. Through my lens, I saw Bali.

In an earlier post, I introduced the Red Kebaya Girl; today, I am introducing the White Kebaya Girl. To be honest, the original plan was to shoot both sessions on the same day, but as the heavens had it we were forced to try another day on the count of rain. I’m glad nothing went as planned … Because I am able to share with you two variations of the Kebaya girl. In red, a beauty with poise. In white, she stands uncovered, without an umbrella, surrounded by warmth and laughter.

Behind the scenes…

Off the beaten path, in the outskirts of Ubud, a single narrow road led us to a small village filled with children who observed us with such quiet curiosity. Little boys sat on their bikes and watched. Little girls — all in matching tee-shirts — giggled as we approached them with a request to dance with the White Kebeya Girl (in the middle of the road). But, they were all hesitant. Moments later, we were following them inside their gated community where we discovered a dance school. Theirs. They held our hands and invited us inside their world, eagerly. (I’m glad nothing went as planned.)

P.S. Stay tuned for my third and last shoot in Bali.

NOTE: I had a near-fall in the video footage. Evident that I’m a klutz!

[VIEW SLIDESHOW]

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!

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.

LITTLE BITTY STINGIN’ RAIN AND BIG OL’ FAT RAIN … RAIN THAT FLEW IN SIDEWAYS.
And sometimes rain even seemed to come straight up from underneath. Per Forrest, Forrest Gump, that totally depicted the kind of weather I encountered on my very first shoot in Bali. Yes, B-A-L-I. Not Oregon. It just goes to show that whenever I chase the sun it runs from me — like, completely. Like, to the other side of the world! Geesh, I get no lovin’ from ‘em sun gods. None. Zip. Lame.

But, what’s a girl to do who flew thousands of miles to such a magical island with her big camera? That’s right, SHOOT. Then, shoot some more!

I tried MF and AF mode, but either way I was dealing with a lot all at once. Focusing was a nightmare with ‘em fat rain pouncing on my back and my camera lens, mocking me endlessly. Thanks, eh? I usually shy away from rain, but it was the point of no return. The show must go on! Confession: I don’t think well on my feet when it comes to poses. I had all these ideas in mental preparation beforehand, but come nonstop rain I was at a loss. A part of me wanted to keep it safe and call it quit … The other part of me wanted to try. Like, just do it. And, I’m so glad I did.

I often time avoid shooting with colored umbrellas because of the color cast, but that was the only way to keep my subject from total downpour. She got all dolled up first thing in the morning just for this shoot. Poor gal. But, what a beauty in red she is. She caught even more attention in her traditional Indonesian attire (Kebaya) when we rode through a small village and was in the midst (yes, pun intended!) of a ceremony. Everyone wore white, except for my red Kebaya girl. We didn’t think it would be that noticeable, but we were proven wrong. The women on the sideline were giving her glares and, though, I couldn’t make out their native language I felt their stinging words. Ouch. However, it was a totally different feeling when we went to Tanah Lot (“Land in the Sea”) …

I was shooting her closeups and other details when I turned around and finally noticed the crowd that had gathered behind me. Little children lined up to be photographed with the Red Kebaya Girl.

NOTE: I’m still in Manila; travel plans have extended to Feb. 17 return date.

P.S. Stay tuned for the “White Kebaya Girl.”

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

WEDDINGS by BUNN
February is here. The month of love. And, it’s also Chinese New Year! Okay, so that doesn’t apply to us all. But, if it does then Happy New Year! This month is also when wedding proposals happen; well, at least mine did. Which got me thinking of why I love documenting weddings so much…

There are two things that have totally changed my life: My WEDDING and PHOTOGRAPHY.

This is how I came to a career in wedding photography. I love raw emotions … It’s what I look for. I try to capture it as it unfolds … The way it is … As it should be. After seeing my wedding photos, I knew the kinds of photos I wanted to document for others. REAL MOMENTS.

To share a photo story, you have to let it tell itself.

Image(s): Your Wedding Day

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”

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!)