Wednesday
Mar272013

SRI PANWA WEDDING. PHUKET WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER.

I was invited last month to shoot a wedding with Julian Wainwright in Phuket at the absolutely stunning Sri Panwa Resort.  The weekend was a blur and the people were amazing -- I'll definitely be bringing my family along next time to soak in all the sun, food and culture Phuket has to offer.  

Friday
Mar082013

FIVE YEARS AGO TODAY.

Five years ago today, our lives changed dramatically for the better.  Your mother and I were suddenly thrown into the crazy, wonderful world of parenthood, and for a while we forgot what a good night's sleep was like.  A few days later, you were recovering from surgery in the newborn intensive care unit, and we were reminded about how fragile, precious life is.  But you were so strong, and you teach me what real strength means everyday.  You were brave, braver than I've ever been.  Before your first birthday, you were recovering from your third surgery, and you held my finger as you lay in a pillow-lined plastic radio flyer, and you didn't complain once, and I learned what patience and being present meant.  Most days I feel utterly humbled to be your dad.  Your smile makes my heart smile, and your laugh makes the sun rise everyday.  Your heart will move mountains, son, because, you see, it already has.  Happy birthday, Justin. I love, I love, I love you.

Friday
Feb152013

2012 WAS A GOOD YEAR.

This is a bit late, but 2012 was a good year.  I stumbled into the world of international adoptions, and was floored by the unconditional love I saw from local foster families and forever families from all over.  I got the chance to travel a bit and document some inspired and inspiring love stories.  2013 is shaping up to be even more amazing, with plans already set for San Francisco, Charleston, New York City, Phuket and Bali.  I hope to spend more time developing personal projects this year, while continuing to master the difficult art of balancing work with family life.  Justin is turning 5 next month, and Joel will be starting pre-school in a few weeks.  Jenny is continuing her education with online classes, and I'm incredibly proud of her.  I want to be more present this year.  I'm incredibly blessed to be here.

Thursday
Feb072013

MERY + MICHAEL. KOREA PRE-WEDDING PHOTOS.

While they plan to get married in Bali this summer, Mery and Michael made a trip to Korea from Indonesia to take their engagement photos.  After hair and makeup at Lotte Hotel, we made our first stop at Gyeongbokgung Palace to take photos in their rented hanboks.  We had lunch at Myeongdong Gyoza and took some photos in the crowded streets before returning to the hotel for a wardobe change.  We then made our way one of my new favorite places, Seonyudo Park for photos in their western wedding garb.  Finally, we chased the sunset up to Namhansanseong Fortress for a spectacular view of Seoul at dusk.

It was a long day, but I'm grateful for clients like Mery and Michael who want to celebrate their relationship with a sense of adventure.  If you're thinking to do pre-wedding or engagement photos in Korea, I'd highly recommend bucking the trend of studio photography, and exploring all the natural and historical beauty that Korea has to offer.  Special thanks to Natasha Che for makeup, and Soo Park for assisting with logistics.

Sunday
Feb032013

MERY + MICHAEL. KOREA PREWEDDING PREVIEW.

Mery and Michael flew in from Indonesia by way of Singapore last week for a short trip and some prewedding photos.  We hit it off immediately and spent all day Saturday adventuring around Seoul, braving the cold weather.  More to come.