Wednesday night, I was at a Brides Magazine Party at the Museum of Latin American Art. It's always great to see familiar faces and meet new ones. Although I need to do better job at documenting such (seems like I only take pictures when I get there & when I'm about to leave). so I end up stealing this from Roberto's blog... With Roberto Valenzuela, Art Suwansong & John Leon from Wedding 64. Thanks to Sandy for sending some of these... with Roberto Valenzuela, with Tammie Kimura & Marissa Lopez, with Marie Bunke, with Sandra P. with Vic Sizemore And in most events, you'll be sure to find me hovering by the dessert tables. The cupcakes were delish!
With the whole digital photography revolution, many sometimes seem to forget to "photograph." Manufacturing the images after the fact instead of getting all the ingredients right while taking it. Nothing makes up for great light, good composition, and a well thought out idea. Skills we had to keep sharp when we shot film. This is one of the reasons Jose Villa is a rockstar in my book.
I was in Solvang for his workshop, a fun learning experience. I say this all the time but it's always great to meet other photogs. We start to talk shop, and maybe because of the similar experiences we share, connect almost instantly.
The amazing light, the location, the company... what great burst of inspiration! Got me excited to pick up my film camera again :)
Over a dozen cameras sparsely situated aiming at the same subject somehow looked like wildlife preying. Here are a few that I caught...
Just got back from Vegas for this year's WPPI. We had the most fantastic time learning, meeting photographers from all over, finding new products to further improve our workflow and all that good stuff.
The highlight of my trip was getting in the International Print Competition. It was my first time to join and my prints earned accolades. Yay! (Mom & Dad, I'll just email the pictures with me standing right next to them :D) Can't wait for next year... It's always SO much fun finding new friends and getting back really inspired.
This month's PUG meeting was at the Pictage headquarters. It was graced by Denis Reggie and Joe Buissink for an ala Inside the Actor's Studio Q&A. Sharing their insights on wedding photography - then, now & where it could be - and some key ingredients that have been instrumental for their successes.
I love how fun & friendly our wedding photography community here is . A whole bunch of us went out for sushi afterwards...
Last week, I went to the Association of Bridal Consultants' event at Ramsey's at the Club.These events are not only great for meeting & reconnecting with fellow wedding professionals but always a learning experience too. Marley Majcher Boss, The Party Goddess!, shared valuable info about running her own thriving business... I also went home with a satisfied sweet tooth courtesy of Yummy Cupcakes.
Just found out I'm a lefty! With the tiny point & shoot cam at least :) With the very talented & super fun Eddie Zarastian of Tic Tock Couture Florals
This time of the year, I get to play Santa delivering these Leather Craftsmen albums to my clients. Still can't afford a sleigh so I can only go local :) When I walk into their homes, it gives me great joy to see photographs I took hanging on the walls... I've been blessed with truly amazing clients and most of them I'm now lucky to call friends.
I'm off for some family time but for any wedding emergencies, call me! :) Warmest holiday wishes to all!
We just had our PUG's holiday party at Life on Wilshire and it was a lot of fun. I say it all the time, but I truly enjoy meeting other photographers, talking shop & chatting about life.
My mom has a Christmas list with over 300 names and handpicks these presents every year. Guess who had to learn gift wrapping at age 2? ;) At one point, I almost believed that we were Santa's Asian headquarters.
I just love the holidays and everything Christmas-y. Last night, I went to get my tree - and when I first saw it, I knew it was the one... Someone's liking gold this year, Thanks mom for decking out my wreath. She refused to call it decor when it was just a round, green thing.
Today I went to the Leather Craftsmen Pizza Party at Robert Evans Studio. It's always great to meet new photographers and reconnect with ones that have constantly inspired my work.
I'm up here for work this weekend. Beautiful city! It was snowing all day & feels like Christmas already!!!The sky finally cleared up... thanks to my sis-in-law, Gina, for this shot.
Watched a Joseph Domingo fashion show last night and check out what I grabbed from my iPhone. The image looked good in color but love the "old hollywood glam" feel on this one.
I've been with Pictage for quite a bit but this was my first PartnerCon. When they said it was like a mini-WPPI, I went ahead & signed up to attend. SO glad I did! Amidst the busy season, accumulating post production work and my numerous personalities starting to create chaos up in my head, this was a great breather. I'm always inspired by other photographers - the speakers & the new ones I meet. Definitely took home some tips to further hone my craft, streamline my workflow, and live a stress free life!
Here are some pics courtesy of Marie Bunke. Thanks Marie!
with the very lovely (trying to say that with a Brit accent) Charley King of Good Gracious! 
a creation by Amal of Beverly Hills
with Tiffany Watkins of Joe Diamond Ent.
with Selena Ramirez of Patina
so I end up stealing this from Roberto's blog... With Roberto Valenzuela, Art Suwansong & John Leon from Wedding 64.
Thanks to Sandy for sending some of these... with Roberto Valenzuela, with Tammie Kimura & Marissa Lopez, with Marie Bunke, with Sandra P. 
with Vic Sizemore
And in most events, you'll be sure to find me hovering by the dessert tables. The cupcakes were delish!
Lacie in Jenny Lee
Jose loading his Contax 645
with my new "disco" buddy, Marisa Holmes
with Jose
This was exactly how it felt like watching the show... with my very good friend Maureen Ford
with Jay Goldman, Roberto Falck, Trung Huynh, Mike Steelman, Diana Montoya, Maureen Ford, Krista Guenin, Amanda Harris, Meghan Thomas
Highest concentration of iPhone owners you can imagine. I'd have to go blog hunting to find who kept that fun photo booth shot with all our iPhones...
With Michael Brill of Ultimate Image
With Maita Henson-Miyake of Simply Marvelous Weddings & Marcia Vidal of Crystal Clear Weddings
Thanks for inviting me Maita, had a blast! 
with Jessica Claire
with Robert Evans
with Jules Bianchi & Ann Kelley
And special thanks to my new found friend Nick Onken (who was about to start charging me) for taking all the above photos from my iPhone.
The sky finally cleared up... thanks to my sis-in-law, Gina, for this shot.
With a few peeps from our LA PUG.... Juan, myself, Marie, Matthew, Joanne and Patrice.
With the ever fabulous Jasmine Star at the Kiss Wedding Albums/ShowIt party.
Marie, myself, Joanne & Jules Bianchi.
All pimped out at the Kiss photo booth.
