Sip! Events Photo Shoot

A few weeks ago I was in Orange County and met up with my friend Crystal and her business partner Kelly to shoot them at a small winery in San Diego for them to use in future promotion materials. The winery was great because of how wide open it was which allowed a ton of natural lighting for us to use. With the owners being amazing, we were able to shoot at the bar and in the back by all the barrels.

Our second location was at a Sip! event which also had a vineyard in the back so we were able to capture two of them there as well.

It was a great photo shoot and they were so fun to work with. Gorgeous and smart ladies! Check their site out: http://sipeventsla.com  and keep them in mind for your next gathering.

Here are some of the photos. These were shot with Canon 30D and edited with Lightroom 4.

Sheri & Jen's Wedding

This past weekend I attended one of my good friend's wedding in Brooklyn. It was so sweet and just perfectly Sheri and Jen.

I was spending a week in NYC leading up to the wedding and I will show those photos soon, but I just wanted to share some of these photos from the wedding.

I shot these with the Fujix100s. The most amazing digital camera I have ever gotten my hands on. I love the fully manual aspect of it and how much control I have over the F-stop and shutter speed. These were shot inside with very low lighting, which made for some very interesting textures in the photos.

I'm in love with this camera and I'm in love with love even more after being witness to their union.  To the lovely couple!

 

day 11: just keep running

Instead of going to the gym I chose to drive down to the beach to run. It was such a beautiful day and I was able to finish my run as the sun was setting.

This was the beach that made me fall in love with Orange County and it is still beautiful to me.

Running outside is always more challenging with the wind blowing against you, but it's a challenge I welcome.

Now that the sun is setting later, I will be making more of an effort to run down by the beach and breathe with nature.

Day 9: Santa Monica

9, originally uploaded by Lannys Photos.

Spent the day in Santa Monica. It was an overcast and COLD morning, but by 3pm the clouds finally broke away and the sun came through and it warmed up.

The pier was packed with families and couples eating boardwalk food and playing games. I haven't had a chance to upload the other photos, but I did snap this with my iPhone. I ate a veggie dog from the original Hot Dog On The Stick stand.

Hot Dog on The Stick holds a special place in my heart. Whenever my cousins and I all went to the mall, my oldest cousin always bought us lemonade to sip on. I miss those times. We were sisters.

day 8: surprise

I need to get a filter so that when I shoot the sky and ground, there would be a balance. Post processed this in photoshop to balance out the light. It looks so majestic and I usually don't favor photoshop, but I can live with this.

This was cropped down. I took this at a farm off the 5 fwy.

It's been a rough few days getting this project off the ground. My pictures have been disappointing to me and they haven't been that great. But I suppose it's like when you start training for a half marathon, the first few miles are always the worst, but as training goes on, it gets easier. I just need to get back into the groove of it and I'm glad I'm taking pictures again, even if I'm forcing myself. Practice. Practice. Practice. Then... you practice some more.

So, keep going. Keep shooting. Grimace when you post so-so pictures, but know that it will get better.

day six: dead christmas trees

OC has very random plots of land in every city for faming. This is behind the Christmas tree farm where they chop up the wood for bonfires and firewood.

I think I'll try to work on getting more of the small farms photographed.

day 4: bill cunningham

Tonight I escaped to a world of a man whom many of us may never have heard of him until recently, his name is Bill Cunningham.


Bill Cunningham is responsible for photographing (only in colored film!) and laying out the photos of street style for the New York Times Style section on Sunday. A man who is well into his 80's (?!?!?!) but has more spunk and charmisma than any 20 something I've ever met.



After enjoying a dinner and catching up, my friend Erin and I headed to the theater to watch the documentary of Bill Cunningham; I already want to head right back into the theater and watch it again.


This was one of the most enjoyable biographies I have ever seen. I have never smiled and laugh so much watching a person in action. My emotions went from highs of the highs, to sinking low while holding back tears.


Bill's life is extraordinarily simple and so fulfilling. Coming from a background of middle class Americans who were Catholic (a part of Bill that is sensitive and meaningful to him), Bill chose to dive into the world of fashion, even when his family frowned upon it. On the verge of designing a major line of hats for the fashionable elite, he received a draft, and showing his character, he answered to the call of duty and walked away from the life of potential money and fame.


After serving our country, Bill came back and continued designing and immersing himself into the world of fashion. But it was when he received his first camera as a gift did Bill truly shine. Being there from the beginning of personal street fashion, and capturing every moment, he has become a legend. A title he laughs off. He has captured the essence of the street, bringing the world fashion that was unpretentious and unattainable.


In the film, we follow Bill through several weeks of his daily life and some parts can bring tears to your eyes as it did to mine. He was modest in his appearance, the same colored pants, street sweeper's blue jacket, a hat and a rain pancho he'd tape up if it ripped. He ate simple breakfast sandwiches and unknown diners and drank his cup of coffee. He was the man of the streets.


But then we also see the other side of Bill. The man who is welcomed into the upper society of New York city with open arms and kisses. He does all this with the sweetest smile you would ever see. His toothy grin was all the same with whomever he photographed, because to him, it is always about the clothes.


He is far from a paparazzi, he is an artist who captures true genuine style. While other photographers are busy chasing celebrities with their "free dresses," he's on the sideline photographing attendees or street people who chose to dress in their own unique way.


His work ethics and moral code are so rare to find these days, and perhaps that's why I felt tears welling up because genuineness and true passion are so hard to come by these days. He truly loves his work and it is in everything he does.



He in particular, but never too pushy to the point of being unlikeable. I'm sure those who work with him sometimes felt like shaking him for being unwavering in some choices, but respected him enough to not do so. How could you, when the man gives you that toothy grin?


Very few people know about Bill, even though he has captured their photos for the past 20+ years. All anyone can really recall is his habits, his Schwin bike and his tiny apartment in the legendary Carnige Hall.


When doing fashion shows, Bill wasn't part of the fancy photographers who were lost in the sea of lenses at the end of the runway, he was on the side, capturing what was truly important, the essence of fashion with one question in mind, "Was it wearable for regular people?" If the answer was no, then it was no good to Bill. For he was the man of the people, an advocate for personal fashion, not models or celebrities.


As I've mentioned before, I couldn't help but continue smiling throughout this film. It was upbeat, and funny, because Bill is a funny guy who leaves everyone he's talked to with a smile on their face. Only two parts did he break away from that smile. One was when Paris awarded him with a prestigious art & design award pinned to his workmen's jacket and the other when asking about his religion.



Here was a man who was selfless when it came to this world. He never created a family or had relationships because his love and life was in all this. A world in which he lived in a tiny studio with walls of file cabinets filled with every negative he's taken. A man who never asked for more, nor accepted anything from anyone. He believed in being free, and to him, "Once they pay you, they own you."


I don't know why I want to laugh and cry for or with Bill. Bill is an example of what it truly means to live a simple life. So many of us say we want that, but we are far from even being this close. Possessions and accessories hold little value to Bill, and that is admirable. And perhaps I want to cry because the level of genuineness that exudes from him is something that is so hard to come by these days.


Please watch this wonderful movie about a man, his camera and bicycle and how he's captured New York City, one roll of film at a time.

Father & Daughter...

My dear friends Walter and Kim were recently blessed with a beautiful baby girl named, Athena. I fall in love every time I see her ten tiny fingers and toes. I also get scared when I hold her and she starts crying! They are wonderful people and I know they will be amazing parents. Can't wait to photograph more of her as she grows. 

Summer Love

{Huntington Beach, Summer 2010}

So blessed for another summer memory with my cousins at the beach.

Watching the Clouds Roll By

{Irvine, Lilith Fair 2010}

This is the life...

{Palm Springs, May 2010}

Took a day trip to Palm Springs in May with my friend Jenny. We had no set schedule, no plans except, get to Normas for an enormous breakfast, explore and relax. We found these hammocks while walking around the hotel's courtyard and decided to take a nap under the palm trees. 

What a way to start the summer season. 

Engagement Photos

I had the pleasure of doing engagement photos for my best friend Sarah and her fiance Jeremy. We chose to take them in San Jose and San Francisco, both places that are dear to them. 

This was my first time doing an engagement photo shoot and working solely with the 30d. I was nervous! Of all days, the day we shot was extremely bright with no cloud in sight. With this challenge of not over exposing Sarah's light skin and not underexposing Jeremey's tanned skin. However, I set out, determined to get the best shots I could because it meant a lot to be a part of this moment for them. 

I thought the shots turned out pretty well and Sarah is happy with them and that's all that's the best confirmation I can get.

The rest of the images can be found here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lannysphotos/sets/72157624230088067/

Chicago March 2010

Express Train

Alley

Used Bookstore

Cloud Gates, "The Bean"

Chicago, March 2010

Chicago is an amazing city filled with beautiful architecture that juxtaposes modern with classic styles. I had the opportunity to spend a few days here in between jobs and I was able to visit my family and spend a day in the city by myself. 


I started the day with taking the express train into Chicago and because it was a Friday, I was surrounded by commuters. People greeted one another and discussed the weather, sports and commented on how late the train was. Others pulled out their newspapers or plugged in their earphones and immersed themselves as we went along. 


When we arrived in the city, I followed the crowd off the train and through the station. Once I was outside, my first stop was the Museum of Contemporary Photography. 


As I walked down the blocks, I took in all the sights and sounds. It felt amazing to be back in a city. Moving from the urban area of San Jose and into Orange County has been a rhythmic change for me. San Jose isn't bustling like our neighboring city, San Francisco, but it definitely has its own pace. I've learned to slow down a bit more while living in OC, but I miss the quick pace and energy of the city. 


So as I walked down the streets, I could feel a different energy flowing through me as I moved from one block to the next. 


The museum was small, but I the exhibit was about contemporary photography done with film, a fact that  I was extremely supportive about. 


After the photography museum, I decided to visit the Chicago Art Institute. While walking to the Institute, I looked up at one of the buildings and noticed that there was a used book store on the second floor. After making my way to the store, I tucked myself into a corner and enjoyed the sunlight coming through the dusty windows. I have always liked bookstores of all kinds, and used bookstores have a musty smell that provides me the same comfort as libraries had when I was younger. 


When I finally made it to the Art Institute, I checked in my bags and began my journey. This was one of the largest museums I have ever seen and it took about three hours to get through. By the time I was done, my cousin was done with school and met with me at "The Bean." We enjoyed some "Chicago style" pizza at a local bar and caught up. That was the first time, as adults, my cousin and I were able to talk and get to know each other as adults. It felt very nice to be able to do that. 


The rest of the weekend was spent with the rest of the family with visiting the children museum, playing on the pier with gusty winds and eating Chinese food in Chinatown. 


It was an amazing trip, the exact thing I needed to clear my mind before I dove into my job. I seem to always leave a piece of my heart in any big city I go to, and Chicago definitely has a big part of it. 

Rebirth.

 (Irvine, April 2010, iPhone)

 I've been putting so much pressure on myself lately with my photography that I end up not posting anything. I have been thinking about this way too hard. What started out as a personal journal for me to post my photography has become a dread at times because I never felt as though I had anything to show, when I forgot, this is for me to show what I take. Yes, sometimes the pictures will not be as ideal as I want, but it's all a part of being an artist and growing. Sometimes we have to work through our rough patches to get to the good stuff. How can I grow if I am constantly holding myself back through fear and hesitation.

After a few moments of serious doubt in my photography and where I want it to go, I realized, this is a love, a passion of mine and I am doing a great disservice to myself by not doing anything at all due to fear and self doubt.

I named this my Photo Journey, and it should be a journey, through the good, bad and great. I want to be able to look back at this and remember the moment the picture was captured and I strayed from that fact by pressuring myself to only put up the most perfect picture I could find of my batch while my boxes of pictures started piling up, my card reader became filled and my phone (my beloved iPhone) held thousands of images.

So this is my rebirth of my passion. This is my place to post images I have captured, same mission, different approach. These are moments in my life captured through all forms of cameras, from my 35mm SLR, point and shoot, DSLR, Hasselblad and phone...and whatever else falls into my hands.

I want to continue to always discover and grow as a person, as an artist. I'm taking this back, this is mine, my life, my moments and my time.

Day 221: Symbols and Figures

(Chicago, March 2010)

I visited Chicago about two weeks ago and visited the Art Institute Museum. This was one of my "had to see" spots when I was planning my trip. I took the train in from my aunt's house, which was about 45 minutes outside Chicago. With my iPhone in hand and Googlemaps pulled up, I was ready to explore.

Upon reaching the museum, the size of it and the architecture alone was amazing and beautiful. I checked in my coat and camera bag and began my self guided tour.

I stayed in the second level the longest, which featured Asian art. It was split into three sections, Chinese, Japanese and Indian. What fascinated me the most in the Chinese section were artifacts found inside coffins. The Chinese would line the coffin with large jade disks. The reason for these are debatable. Some say it's for the sky and heavens, others say it's for protection.

Jade is a huge part of the Chinese culture, which has influenced the Vietnamese culture heavily. My grandmother, aunts and mom each own jade jewelry. My mother gifted me a jade prayer bracelet a few weeks ago and it is very special to me. Jade is a very resilient gemstone that cannot be molded by the usual tools, but has to be grind down. Luck and protection are some things that have been associated with jade.

After I finished with the Chinese section, I made my way to the Indian section. The whole floor was filled with statutes of Buddha and bodhivista. Internally, I was confused. I felt the need to bow to these sacred statues, but here they were, put on displayed to be regarded as a work of art.

I sat down a few times to take everything. To many, these may have looked interesting and fascinating, to me, it was sacred. I imagined the temples these came from, and wondered what was left of them. I know some were rescued from destruction due to wars and for that I am grateful for. I imagined the people who used to visit these statues and wonder how they felt when they first saw them.

It wasn't until I made my way down to the end of the exhibit did I see the Buddha statue, the photograph at beginning of this post. It was truly amazing to see and I felt drawn to it.

I was born into a Buddhist family and attended the temple services every weekend. However, along the way, I chose to go a different path and find what religion means to me. I questioned whether Buddhism was for me and spent a few years studying and attending services of other religions to see if I had a connection. It wasn't until this past year, did I choose to study and delve deeply in Buddhism. Now, I feel a stronger connection to it, and when I saw this statue, I felt that pull that I can only describe as my heart strings connecting with something greater. I felt a familiar sense of calm as I've always do when I step into a temple with the smell of incense in the air. I stood there for a long time taking in the serenity of it. Others stopped by to look at it, commenting on what a beautiful piece of art it was. For me, it was a different. It was a religious connection.

As I stood there, a woman walked by and put her foot up on the platform to tie her shoes. I was slightly insulted by a display of disrespect, but I thought about context. We were not in a temple, but a museum, and to many, these were just pieces of art. Just as I see sculptures of Buddha's head in homes displayed to be part of their "zen" theme. This, I find disrespectful and insulting, but then people take crosses and use them as decorations for their necklaces or designs. These are all symbols that mean something to some and nothing to others.

When removing these figures from their religious surroundings, they are free to be interpreted by others. Buddhist statues were not produced until thousands of years after his passing. His figure is not for us to idolize. He represents a state in which we should aspire to be at, a stage of enlightenment.

We use symbols and statues to give us tangible figures to relate to. But as Buddha has taught us, all that is around us will be gone one day and we cannot take it with us. The statues will crumble, the temples will fall, but what we believe in, what we feel and connect to and what we think is the meaning of it all, will remain with us.

Before leaving the statue, I stood in front of it, brought my hands to prayer, closed my eyes and bowed.

Day 181: Male Muse

 

(Santa Monica, February 2010) 

Continuing my weekend of exploring, I met with my friend Matt in Santa Monica to take some pictures with my new/used 30D. After many years of resisting the DSLR, I bought one earlier this year and this weekend was my first time taking the camera out.

It was a lot of fun using the camera and Matt, like my other friends was  patient with me stopping and taking pictures constantly, even if it was mid conversation.

I have taken other pictures of Matt and he was my subject for an assignment I shot in the past, so it was nice to update his pictures with digital ones. It's always a pleasure to take pictures of him because he's very natural and he doesn't change when he sees the camera come out. I called him my male muse because he has inspired me to do more portraits, specifically of males.

We ended the day with pizza and a conversation while sitting on some stools looking out to the dark streets of Santa Monica. Looking forward to using the 30D more and finding more spots in Southern California.

Day 180: She Sells Seashells By The Seashore

(Laguna Beach, February 2010) 

  

I've been living in Orange County for over a year now and I am having a lot of fun discovering different places including Los Angeles and San Diego. This weekend, a friend of mine from San Jose came down for a mini vacation and I was able to meet with him. We decided to go to a cove in Laguna Beach. It was raining that morning, but when we arrived at the cove, the dark clouds had passed and we were blessed with sunny weather as we walked around the area. 

There were huge rock formations on the beach, but upon inspection I discovered there was a whole ecosystem living on these rocks. I have never seen muscles and other sea life up close andin their environment except at the aquarium, so when I saw this, I felt as though I was a kid all over again discovering this world. It was amazing to see the muscles and various shelled creatures in the crevices of the rocks. 

We stayed around the area for about an hour or two with me yelling out to my friend every time I discovered a new creature. Once we decided to leave, the dark clouds came back and it started to rain again. For that one hour or so, a new world opened to us.

Day 152: Au-dessus d'une tasse de café (Over A Cup of Coffee)

(San Jose, January 2010)

I went back to San Jose this weekend and I was able to catch up a with a few friends. I spent the morning with one of my best friends Xochi.

We spent the morning in the Willow Glen neighborhood with sandwiches at Le Boulanger, a sandwich cafe we frequently ate at when we were taking some classes together. Afterwards, we went to Monsier Beans, which I had gone to a few weeks before and thought it would be a perfect place to take pictures with the huge windows, collection of chairs, tables and couches and warm interior.  As Xochi sat by the window, which provided great lighting, I took some pictures of her with the Hasselblad then the digital camera.

Xochi has always been a huge supporter of my photography. She'd wait patiently as we I would constantly stop and take pictures whenever we'd spend time together, even if I had to take a picture of our server while we're enjoying our brunch. She's joined me on various photography outings and has even allowed me to photograph her for various assignments.

With friends like her, I have been able to continue my photography and am grateful for them all.

Day 148: Golden Day (Nous Allons Sortir- We Will Get Through This)

(Huntington Beach, January 2010) 

Today I celebrated my birthday by taking the day off from work and do a variety of things such as read, write and of course photography.

It started raining mid day and I haven't had a chance to use the Hasselblad during the rain so I went to the beach at sunset and I walked down by the pier. 

The sun was fighting through the rain clouds and the lighting at that moment highlighted the area beautifully. I took my time with composing each shot despite the rapid setting sun and I was able to do one roll of colored film.

I took this shot with the iPhone at the end of my roll and I am looking forward to seeing what the film had captured.

It has been an amazing week with being able to celebrate my birthday with various friends and my family. I have been blessed to have positive people in my life who inspire me each day. I am grateful for all your support through the highs and lows, thank you for a wonderful birthday and I look forward to many more with you all.

Day 142: L'intermédiaire (The In Between)

(Huntington Beach, January 2010) 

California has been hit with a series of storms in the past few days that have resulted in floods, landslides and power outages. I have seen storms like these living in San Jose, but this is the first time I'm experiencing weather like this in Orange County.

After work I decided to take a detour and head to the beach to see the waves and how the storm was hitting the shores of California. When I got there, I was surprised to see there were a few dozen people there doing the same thing.

I parked by the pier and sat in my car to watch the waves crash over and over again for a while then I pulled out my 35mm SLR and stepped outside. The winds were extremely strong and the rain was coming down sideways. It was cold, but it felt exhilarating to stand by the shore and experience nature. The air was salty and I could taste the sea.

I took this picture with my iPhone just as there was a break in the rain. I am looking forward to seeing what I captured on film. I plan on going back today, better equipped with my all weather jacket and shoes to get down to the pier and watch the waves come in.