red wedding programs

christine and tony   *   09.09.07

Dean and Mira

A few months ago, music director Dean Anderson came to my studio for a photo shoot for his portfolio and website.  During one of the breaks, I photographed this candid and tender moment as his fiance (Mira Khomik, a violinist) adjusted his collar.

streets of paris

I was extremely hungry in the middle of the night (I was still jet lag) so I wandered the streets looking for a late night restaurant. As I was walking back home, I saw this image that struck a chord in me and had to photograph it.  There on the steps of the Printemps shopping center, lay a homeless couple with their arms around each other. This is their home...this is all they have.  And separated by just glass is a completely different world consisting of the riches of Chanel, Givenchy, Hermes.

And above this homeless couple is a blowup advertisement of a model looking onward. Funny how we sometimes look past these homeless people, walking away quickly, ignoring them and avoiding eye contact to quickly pass this moment of awkwardness and live our own lives. I felt a bit of guilt as I did walk away to get to my warm hotel room, and my hunger satisfied.

a lyon native

a girl from Lyon who helped me with directions through the city.

classic..vintage..paris

Here I'm soaking in the breathtaking views atop the panoramic terrace of the Printempts department store. Using what I learned from the Photoshop classes here, I wanted to give these photographs a fresh classic vintage feel.

emilie et adrien

One of my favorite memories while traveling in Paris is meeting a lovely couple who are aspiring artists at the Le Troquet cafe.  Emilie is a comedian and her boyfriend Adrien (in the background) is a DJ.  They were so friendly and open to have their picture taken.  After photographing them for awhile, they brought me to the Montmartre area to meet their fellow artist friends for a few drinks.  I didn't really partake in the drinking, but I did share a crepe with Adrien, my new Parisian friend.  
There's nothing more Parisian than drinking a glass of red wine while enjoying a smoke at an outdoor cafe. And having a boyfriend stealing a glance at his beautiful lady.

Farewell Bruges

I will return one day....

Bicyclists in Bruges, Belgium

There were many tour buses coming into Bruges, but I also saw many locals riding their bikes around the city and that's probably the best way to see the city, especially maneuvering around the small cobblestone streets.

Canals of Bruges, Belgium

I will never forget the beautiful and romantic city of Bruges, also known as the "Venice of the North." From Paris, I took the train to Lille and transferred to Belgium. Luckily, my hotel, Hotel Goezeput was just a 10 minute walk to the main city square. But once I stepped out of the hotel, my surroundings were so picturesque that I started taking pictures right away.

I was so amazed at the most amazing scenery of Bruges, especially the medieval architecture alongside the serene canals. Here are some pictures of the canals of Bruges.

View from the Rozenhoedkaai

The famous Belfry (medieval bell tower) is viewed in the back, located at the
Grote Markt (big market square).

The buildings and scenery were breathtaking. I didn't know anything about Brugges until my daughter told me about it and planned the whole thing for me. I did see the movie, In Bruges, but seeing this medieval city in real life was unreal. Though it's a very small city, I would spend the whole day taking pictures and didn't come home until nighttime. When I came back to the hotel, I put down my gear and wanted to just lay on the floor. I was so caught up in taking photographs during the day that I didn't have a chance to rest. I would definitely come back here and go on the tours and venture to the outskirts a bit more.

Solemness

Only a handful of members in attendance here in a church in Paris.

Icons of Paris

Here are some iconic images of Paris.


Sightseeing not only involves the historic monuments, but also involves enjoying an espresso at an outdoor cafe and take in the Parisian lifestyle. Sit back, relax, and enjoy life!

The Louvre

Notre Dame Cathedral

je t'aime paris!

I recently returned from my second trip to France this year. This time, I mainly focused on taking photographs for my own personal enjoyment. Je t'aime Paris!

Taken from the Sacre Coeur

Here is the view of the magnificent Sacre Coeur taken from the top floor terrace of the Printemps (department store). No need to pay the extra euros to get a breathtaking view of the city.

baby sophie

At a wedding, Sophie was the center of attention! Here are the happy parents looking at her adoringly.
Such beautiful eyes!
She was definitely not camera shy!

for the love of music...

I recently been photographing the Fullerton Symphony of Fullerton College during their rehearsals for their portfolio as they practice for the 2008-2009 concert season finale for the Fullerton College Symphony, which featured works of Chopin, Stravinsky, and Le Van Khoa.

Here is Music Director Dean Anderson, intently listening to each note and directing the group in creating beautiful music. Violinist Beata Kardewicz
The featured soloist Hoang Nguyen

Vietnamese Ao Dai by Nancy Ly

A few months ago, Nancy Ly, a reputable designer, invited me to photograph the her models wearing her recently designed Vietnamese dresses - Ao Dai ("long dress"). She had various traditional styles and also very modern dresses too.

There's the traditional cut in the background and a modern, halter cut in the foreground. Another halter cut.
Here's a boatneck cut with flared sleeves. Very modern. An ao dai for the bride.
And a criss-cross, backless dress.

Electric Red

At Monarch Beach. Her bright red hair is electrifying isn't it?

"Rock the Runway"

On May 2, in Costa Mesa, The Art Institute of California of Orange County hosted an afternoon filled with art, music and fashion at an event called "Rock the Runway." Fashion students showed off their creations, scholarships were given out to incoming students, rock bands jammed, and culinary students cooked up gourmet hot dogs. Here are some photos of the runway show, the bands, and guests.