Portrait and Documentary Photographer in Seoul, Korea: Editing to Beats

{This is an entry posted today from the official Blog. Join me there for the latest!} 


The title says it all... I'm posting some beats to get ya'll going this Friday morning! Whenever I
edit I always make it a point to A) be in a good mood and B) listen to great music. So here's
what I'm jamming to these days:

Train - If It's Love

Owl City - Galaxies

Stevie Wonder / Donell Jones - Knocks Me Off My Feet (posting both!)

David Choi - Valentines

Plain White T's -Rhythm of Love

And.. whenever I hear MJ songs I can't help but want to watch THIS.
Cracks me up every time!!! ;)

These were a few selects from my "soft" folder. Will have to share more from the electronic/r&b
/hip-hop folder next time.. ;)

Wishing everyone a fabulous weekend!! XO.


{For more lifestyle portrait, engagement, and documentary photography please visit the main
site! To learn more about me you can visit here OR reach me directly :) }   

Portrait and Documentary Photographer in Seoul, Korea: Shooting On Location + Equipment Lists

{This is an entry posted today from the official Blog. Join me there for the latest!}

I love to shoot on location for a variety of reasons. The backgrounds, variation of light, and

the number of nearby areas you have to help switch up the mood! Plus, it provides a bit of
authenticity to the photos.. especially if it is a location that is meaningful to you and/or helps
display who you are as a person(s).

Going on location can mean a lot of things for the photographer and the client. Today, I
wanted to break down what I bring to the shoot and what I advise clients to bring if they so
choose. This list isn't all inclusive, but I wanted to provide a BTS look at how I prepare. So here goes!

For Seniors, Anytime, or Engagement sessions here is how I prepare for the shoot:

* Ensure batteries are all charged and pack spares

* Ensure CF cards are empty and formatted (double check that images are saved on hard drive)

* Clean all lenses and put the lens I want to start with on camera body 

* Ensure flashes have full battery power. Pack spares.

* Pack the little stuff: yummy gum, business cards, reflectors

* Pack extra CELL PHONE batteries. You never know what will happen to your current battery
and wouldn't ever want to be without cell access! Or maybe that's my internet addicted self ;)

* Pack a step ladder. Yes, I need one. And if it were possible I'd add 3 more inches to my height.
Help anyone?!

* Ensure full tank of gas. The last thing I need to worry about is the red gas light coming on!

* Ensure list of important addresses and phone numbers. What I'll do is pre-input the addresses
on my nav so that I don't have to worry about it at the last minute. I even dial all the important
numbers I need so everything I need is at the top of my list..

* For long days/events pack sustenance: Lara bars, almonds, dark chocolate. I also bring
laptop, CF reader, and hard drive.

And finally, a few tips I provide clients before their session:

* If you plan to wear heels throughout the session feel free to bring a pair of flats or sandals! It is
totally ok. Especially if the heels are new and not broken into! I know what that's like...

* If you want to touch up your makeup or hair you can bring a little pouch of your gear ;)

* Your fab self and lots of laughter!

The way I prep above is pretty much similar to the way I prepare for big events / shoots. I
prep, check, double check, then just when I think I'm done.. I double double check ;)

Hope this provided some insight!! Have a fabulous day! XOXO.

{For more lifestyle portrait, engagement, and documentary photography please visit the main
site! To learn more about me you can visit here OR reach me directly :) } 

Lifestyle Portrait and Documentary Photographer in Seoul, Korea: Location, Lighting + Weather

{This is an entry posted today from the official Blog. Join me there for the latest!}

I wanted to write this post earlier but with all of the recent activities and my trip to Mexico I had to
wait a little. Nonetheless, I wanted to reflect on the inconsistent weather we've been having here
in Seattle! I think we're all nodding in agreement..

This Spring/Summer has been off to one rocky start and I know I'm not the only one that's had to
reschedule a session. I swear, the Weather Channel is my best friend these days!

The day I shot Shannon it was sunny. No wait, cloudy. Hmm, misty? Yes, if you live here then you
know what I'm talking about. We have some funky weather all in the span of a day. Thank you
Seattle for the entertainment ;)

Thankfully our girls ROCK and Shannon was amazing. The weather was warm so I was only
really looking out for lighting. One minute it would be cloudy, pretty, diffused and the next gush of
wind would make it suddenly very bright, harsh, and sunny. 

So how do I handle all this?

First, I usually head to our designated shooting location 30 minutes before depending on how
well I know the area. If I have been there before and have shot during that same time of day then I
give myself 15 minutes. 

I walk around and start taking mental pictures of places I want to shoot. Interesting places to
pose, sit, or act silly.. I'm taking in those mental notes as I walk around the area.

I also look up. Yes, literally up in the sky all throughout the shoot. Especially on days when I know
the sun will make sporadic appearances because that will dictate the course throughout the
location.

If I see that the sun is suddenly covered by beautiful clouds I will move the subject accordingly or
this can give me a bit more range as to what we can do. If I see that in a few seconds the sun is
going to appear and cast dark shadows and bright spots in certain areas, then I start looking for
places that will bounce great natural light to the subject. Plus, in the latter case I wouldn't want my
client to (as what I like to call) "sunburn" their eyes or have to start squinting ;)

But at the end of the day, what truly and really matters to me.. is the moment.

The smile, the laugh, the natural movement after a good joke. That is my goal and what I strive
to capture.

This session rocked! We all (Shannon, Lili'u, Madison, and I) had so much fun we had to hug it
out in the end.  I know I'm such a sap ;)  And here's Madison trying to take over the spotlight:

Hope this was helpful and provided some insight.

XOXO!

Lifestyle and Culture Photographer in Seoul, Korea: An Update From Mexico!

I just returned from one amazing trip from DF, Mexico City and wanted to share it here as well.
I've posted many pictures on the official blog, so come join me there to see the latest ;)

 And here's a sneak peek. I love this moment they were having.. and am glad they shared it
with me.

Everything from the markets (my personal fave!), parques, and street food was absolutely
amazing. Truly missing that place. It also makes me miss Korea too! Can't wait to get there
soon ;)

Hope everyone is having a fabulous summer despite the monsoon rain. XOXO!

Documentary Photographer In Korea: Documenting The Moments In Korea

Each time I visit a country I end up documenting every single moment. I absolutely love the new
sounds, foods, language, and people I get to meet every day. Each experience is what you
make it, and I love that travel is able to bring us these new experiences -- these moments. :)

Lately, Korea has been weighing on my mind and I cannot wait to get there again. I know, the
West Coast of the US of A finally got a real Summer going and that's when I start missing Korea.
Go figure!

In the meantime, I've been looking at my photographs to help ease the homesickness. Can't
wait to go back and photograph more moments and especially meet even more life long friends,
I mean clients, err...friends! Same thing :)

The Han River is one of my FAVORITE places in Korea. There's something about this strong yet
silent river that lives in the bustling city of Seoul that brings me peace.

I also love the many bridges that line the Han River and hearing the trains pass by..

Peaceful isn't it?

While I usually post on my official blog, I thought I'd post here once in a while just in case. For the
latest adventures definitely visit me at The Blog and reach out any time! I love making new
friends!

Make it fabulous. XO!

{For more lifestyle, culture, documentary and portrait photography please visit the portfolio. 
To learn more about me you can visit here, here OR reach me directly :) }