7/30/2008

Smile, somebody loves you!

I am so sorry that I did not keep my promise to update this blog regularly, but I am a very good excuse. I spent 48 hours with the angels last week. Though I was deprived from my beauty sleep and gained 3 pounds by loading myself with Mc Donalds and Pizza, I am pretty sure I went to the heaven. Flexibility of my work schedule allows me to volunteer for something fun like this once in a while and I cherish these moments. I was not an official photographer(?) for this event; I acutally enjoy not having this responsibility once in a while. But I couldn't help but to snap few candids. I enjoyed being a group counselor for my 1st grade angels.
I love these children...and I know that God loves them more.

7/11/2008

The reason to love my job



Today, I received a very encouraging and sweet e-mail from Robin. I shot Robin & Johannes' wedding last may. She sent me other notes before and I've been meaning to post them here for a long time. I have gotten many e-mails from clients before but it's always nice to receive something in the mail. On today's e-mail, she wrote such a caring and personal message it made me cry. She was worried about how my shoulder was, she complimented my B&W work and she did not forget to encourage me with bludomain situation. She's must have been visiting my blog.

I always dreamt to do something good with my talent that God has given me. It is still unclear what that is but I think God has been leading me to right direction so far. Yes, Job is something we need to have to make a living. But it's nice when you know you are delivering something that makes others smile.
This is first year that I am trying to develop strong business identity. So far I have been working basically through word of mouth. When I was in photography school, I shot a small backyard wedding for Katie & John who trusted me with their beautiful wedding. Since then I have been shooting many intimate weddings. I would like to extend my sincere thank you to my previous clients who trusted me and my talent. Without you, I will not be here today.
In my last class at the photography school, my instructor gave a nice realistic speech to my class.
"Once you leave this school, two third of you will no longer be the photographers in two years. Only elements that will help you last are the passion and the persistence."
I am still a photographer after 5years later because I have a passion for my job and I've been doing everything I can to keep my job as a photographer. I assisted others when I needed to and I did not mind shoting small jobs. I know there are many aspiring photographers out there trying to shoot just high-end weddings. I am not saying that it's a bad thing because I would love to shoot one of those weddings myself because they are just gorgeous. but I am a photographer that delivers heart-warming images. That is good enough for me now. Therefor my "special big thank you" goes out to Robin today who made me realize why I love being a photographer. It is such a rewarding job. In the midst of shooting family events and the weddings, I love becoming friends with my clients. I hope they get the same kind of impression from me that I always personally care for them as well. Thank you Robin you have made my day!

7/02/2008

Accepted to Rod Dresser San Juan Island Workshop

I haven't blogged much lately because I was following the doctor's order to refrain from using my shoulder including using the computer mouse. I have a small tear that inflamed after last weekend's wedding. I feel much better now and I am back in front of my working station. Besides shoulder injury there has been numerous of bad things happening in my life "when it rains, it pours" To be honest, I was little discouraged to do anything for a while. I knew that the things will always get better in the end so I waited patiently.
Today, I received an e-mail that I was accepted to Rod Dresser workshop which I applied few months ago. I am so thrilled that I am going to spend 5days with him, Maggi Weston and 5 other great photographers learning more about Fine Art B&W photography. My dear friend Jennifer Lepkowski will be there as well so I am very excited. Rod Dresser takes six students on tuition free B&W photography workshop at the San Juan Island every year. If you are passionate about Fine art B&W photography, you should definitely try to take one of his workshops.
Here is one of my favorite image from the B&W portfolio that I submitted to him.