Michelle & Chris: the Engagement

[opera.singer] + [bridge.engineer] = [playful.couple]. Flying from Calif. Bay Area, they gave me the pictures of summer love at their childhood's backyard on Germantown Road. After the session, we hung out with their family for a home-made home-grown-cherry pie and coffee, talking and laughing about first time driving stories! Their wedding is coming up in a month...
For more pictures, check out my [true stories] page!

Ooh... aah... and ouch!

Yesterday I upgraded my gear line with 105mm macro, pretty sweet. Later in the day though, I accidentally dropped my bag, hitting the street curb right where I keep my 85. Broken glasses, I thought it was over! Got it checked by Associated Camera Repair on NE Sandy at 36th this morning, they did great and fast job. Thank God it's only the filter, Nikon really built this one like a tank! Now I'm good to go for Michelle and Chris engagement session tonight!

The ooh... and aah...

The ouch!

Ok... it's Friday 10 am. I somehow dropped my camera, again, with the 50 on, during the engagement session. This time naked, hitting the gravel! Thank God, again, they looked just fine. So right after I arrived in office, I tested them hard, shooting some stuffs. And they are... fine.





Lessons learned:
1. Nikon pro cameras and lenses are built like a tank.
2. Put filter on your lenses!
3. Caffeine doesn't replace sleep - sleep well and drink just enough caffeine.
4. God is good.

Independence Day

Yesterday I celebrated the Independence Day by liberating myself to document how Portlanders celebrate the Fourth. Here are 20 images of our freedom and pride...

The only time could ask mom to buy some TNTs.

Early exposure to jazz.

Lining up for Blues Festival.

Free stand.

Boating out for the evening fireworks.

An American skiff.

Early reservation.

Backyard layback.

Just like many other Americans, I ended up BBQ and firework feasting with friends and family.

Warming up.

Lightening up.

What Facebook Can Do

I met a middle school friend in Facebook after 21 years. She and her family now live in Paris. Today I received a surprise mail; of family pictures, videos, their children's drawings, and jazzy French songs in a cool USB drive! Totally made my weekend... I'm brewing coffee with the songs :)

Elise's and Evan's artworks. For me!

A sweet card and a cool USB drive.

Kite Festival

I didn't have any wedding shooting last weekend, so off to the coast for the whole weekend with friends and checked out the Lincoln City Summer Kite Festival '09. I love local stuffs!

Doing her own thing.

That's one real giant squid kite!

My favorite. Classic.

These are not professionals.

Clamming during kite season?

Stephanie & Jeff

Stephanie and Jeff vowed for each other last weekend at the St. Mary's Cathedral, in front of their families, friends, and Stephanie's elementary students! The reception was at the Columbia Edgewater Country Club, great food :) I worked together again with Laurel from Powers Studios.

Yup... they are the bride's students.

Hilarious dad.

Sideline shots...

First time. Amazed.

One of the six featured red and white wines.

No more heels.

Adriana & Patrick

Last weekend I had a blast with Laurel from Powers Studios at Adriana & Patrick wedding. Breathtaking scene at the Lewis River Golf Course, highschool buddies bridal party, and a couple who's so in love. What a day... we were even BFF with the weather :)

Bored.

College buddies, too.

Sideline shots... (Laurel said, "Lots of kids and pregnant ladies in this wedding!")

Yeah... blur it out, baby!