Photo montage!

Mitch and Luke's photo montage!


Training for Yosemite!


Watching the Ferris Wheel at the Marin County Fair but not tall enough to ride.





Sometimes I can't tell which one of these two is the cute one :)

Just Keep Shooting

Sometimes I think I want this blog to be like all the other photographer's blog. Lots and lots of nice and amazing pictures but so far it's been about who I am, Luke, and more Luke.

I will have to admit it's been a struggle to get back into shooting more. I just love being a Mom.

These past six months have gone by so quickly but filled with life changing events and milestones. I am so grateful and blessed to have the opportunity to be a full time mommy. I love the rewards of it. I have a happy and healthy baby. One who is quiet, smiles with his eyes, and loves everyone he meets.

As equally as important is Mitch. He is an amazing husband and an amazing father. One who gets up at 3 am (even though he has to get up a few hours later to head into the office) just to give me a break or come home after a day of work and cook dinner when I've had a bad day. He is always there to support me and to also push me (when I need it) to challenge myself. He is the most amazing man ever. (Sorry ladies he's taken!)

---

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of attending the Showit Freedom Tour in San Francisco with my friend and fellow photographer Jihan to see Jasmine Star our favorite Wedding Photographer. It was a small gathering of 70 photographers (some local and some far). Last time I tried to see her both Jihan and I were pregnant (I more than her) and I had to cancel since it was too far (Sacramento) and too close to my due date. Being able to final see her was a quest fulfilled (ok so that sounds dorky I know).

It was great to meet and talk to fellow photographers (ha I used 'fellow' when most of them were very talented and well known as opposed to little old me). Everyone was very nice and excited to be there.

I've attended meetings (most via satellite/online) before but to actually be sitting there and listening to Jasmine and Jessica Claire speak about important aspects of our businesses it was very inspirational. I wish I had taken my nice camera. Over half of the people who showed up had their SLRs while I tried to get decent photos on my point and shoot. (Low lighting + no flash = no bueno.)

At the end of the night I had a fuzzy iPhone photo of Jasmine and myself making funny faces and I had a small collection of business cards.

Now I didn't collect cards just so I could network and go have coffee with everyone (although that would be nice) but instead I collected them as momentos. I don't expect anyone to remember me but I remembered everyone. To me they all had a face and a story. The funny Tom Vo from San Jose (who sat next to me and got elbow jabbed every time I moved), the quiet teacher from Modesto (talk about a long drive), and Henry Sun who was warm and polite and took amazing photos from that night. I wanted to have slips of them to be remembered by.

I learned a lot that night and I learned a lot about myself. I love doing what I love. I love being a part of someone's history; an active a part of it. I may not be super famous or have hundreds of facebook and twitter fans but as long as I'm happy doing what I love and making others happy that's all I really want.


------

From Luke's 7 month shoot. He's working on being a champion sitter and hat model!

Weddings, Birthdays, Graduations oh my!

It has been a very busy couple of weeks. That shall be my excuse for not blogging.

There's been Weddings, birthdays, Graduations, and Father's day (more on that later) with limited amount of web access. ( I should really consider taking my laptop everywhere I go. That way I can blog on the spot! )

Anyways I just wanted to give a quick holler so people know I'm still alive and that I haven't been trapped some where in my house under a pile of diapers and toys.

Oh and I wanted to post a photo of the awesome wedding cake at Jay and Jennie's Wedding! The cake told their love story through little framed photos. I LOVED IT! (And it was yummy! I had two pieces ... I sort of dropped the first one).

I wanted to say congratulations again you two! Such a beautiful wedding!

Cheers!

Megs




(The middle photo was one I took right after Jay had proposed to her. I love seeing things come full circle.)

Art , Wind, and History

One day many years ago Mitch and I decided to go to the San Ramon Art and Wind Festival. This was way before we were even dating. It was a festival that celebrated art and wind (kite flying). They had booths of arts and crafts and there was a kite flying competition.

I had a huge crush on Mitch back then and walking among the hordes of family and kids I wondered if one day we would ever be one of "those people" (also known as a "family") (hey I was in my late 20's and time was a'tickin).

I remember sneaking looks at him and thinking he would make a great dad someday. During the kite flying competition we sat on this grassy hill overlooking dozens of kites on the ground and the kite flying area. I don't remember much of that afternoon but I do remember watching a group called Too Much Fun, a husband and wife team do a routine to the song "From This Moment" by Shania Twain. I can still close my eyes and picture it.

Two quad line kites standing up on the grass next to each other. The music starts and one flies slowly in to the air. Then the second slowly rises to join the other and they embrace. Throughout the song they encircle each other, embracing, touching, and following. At the end the kites slowly fall landing on each other and leaning on each other for support.

That routine just moved me so much that I ended up crying afterwards. I turned to look at Mitch and his eyes were as wet as mine. That was when I knew he was the one for me. A few years later at our wedding we danced our first dance to this song. Even to this day whenever this song is played we look at each other and smile.

(After writing this I ran to the internet to see if I can find any video of them doing this routine and I actually found one on their website! See here! I just busted out crying because I remembered it just like it was yesterday and had to show Mitch who got teary eyed too).

Last weekend, exactly six years after we had first went, we were once again back at the San Ramon Art and Wind festival. This time with Luke. We had become 'those people'.

Pushing Luke in his BOB stroller we made our way through the hordes of family and kids to the kite flying area.

And on his Dad's lap Luke watched in amazement as the kites took to the skies, sitting on the very same grassy hill that Mitch and I once sat on so many years ago.

Carrie and Kermit's Sonora Wedding

We had the honor of capturing Carrie and Kermit's wedding at the beautiful Knopf Estate located in the Sierra Foothills. The weather was gorgeous and the wedding itself was so sweet and original. Both Carrie and Kermit had planned this wedding from across the continent. Paper cranes were hand folded, favors hand selected, even the groom's tie was special made for this day. Their vows were equally as unique. Both coming from the heart and also included zombies.

Thank you both so very much for letting Mitch and I be a part of your day. Congratulations to the both of you and may love always conquer everything. Even zombies.

Jay +Jennie: Engagement Pier 39 San Francisco

Jay and Jennie are two amazing people. Put them together and it's just an explosion of amazingess, fun, intelligence, and love. I'm so very lucky to have both of them be my dear bestest friends. How often does one get to be friends with a math genius and a computer wiz and have them make it look cool? (That is very rare, trust me.)

I was so thrilled to be able to shoot their engagement for them. I knew it was going to be full of laughter and fun. We chose the iconic Pier 39 in San Francisco and we could not have asked for better weather (a bit windy but not too foggy or cold).

Congratulations again Jay and Jennie. Both of you are beautiful inside and out and I can't wait to be a part of your Big Day!



















(We ended the day by getting the best donut holes I've EVER eaten. Sorry clam chowder you are no longer top on my list at Pier 39 any more!)


Luvs,

Megs

Luke Week: Green is Good!

I won't say that Luke is the greenest baby out there but he is very green conscious. He doesn't mind that most of his toys are used/hand-me-downs or his equipment (bouncer, jumper, activity center). I won't risk his safety by letting him have a used crib, car seat, or stroller though.

One the things I haven't let him wear yet are shoes. Never saw the need to when he was born since he wasn't going to be wearing down any rubber soles any time soon. Much to my mom's nagging (something about foot binding) I still haven't put shoes on him. This of course will be changing sooner than later since he's now almost mobile (I consider lurking and some attempt at doing the Worm dance mobile).

Until then I'll let him roam shoes free and as long as he avoids the poo he can feel the grass with his feet all he wants.

(insert music " These are the moments..." by Edwin McCain.) ( I seriously could not ask for more...)

Cheers!

Meg

Luke Week!

I've decided to make this week Luke week! Kind of like Shark Week but much cuter (and less blood)! He's been a busy baby for the last couple of weeks, flying from San Diego all the way to the other side of the country to sunny Florida. He actually has a tan now and it's only May.


Luke's first time with this toes in the ocean. This was the Atlantic one at Flagler Beach, FL so it was a warmer experience than what it would have been back at home in Marin/San Francisco.

Happy 1/2 birthday Luke!

Six months ago a tiny person came into our lives and brought us joy, smiles, and love all at once. Ten pounds later he still brings us all of these things and so much more.

We love how you yell at the sun in your activity center, bounce hysterically in your Jumperoo, spit up on us ( now in color since you're eating solids now), and how your entire face turns bright red when you're making us 'a gift'.

Happy 1/2 birthday Luke! Mommy and Daddy loves you soo much!

Smile for the the camera!

Rocking the Bump

It is true what they say about photographers, we do not like photos taken of us... well at least this one. I don't post a lot of pictures of myself here but after reflecting on Mother's Day I thought maybe I'd share some very personal photos of my Maternity shoot. No one has ever seen these except myself and Mitch.

These were taken 8 days before Luke was born (talk about waiting til the last minute). I wanted train tracks and roads but I wanted taken it in the middle of no where and in the dark (or at least near dark). These were shot by Mitch and he delivered! Have I mention how he's the master of lighting?




Excuse the look on my face. This was taken on a well traveled intersection and I was very conscious about drivers stopping and staring. And yes my belly was that white. I tan very well in the summer. I also heart my rainboots so I wore them. Mitch thinks they're atrocious. Blah I say!




^_^

Megs

My 1st Mother's Day

It was 7 am Mother's Day morning and Mitch and Luke had taken me out for an early breakfast. Before our food arrived Mitch slid a green folded up piece of paper to me and said this is from Luke.

My eyes teared up as I read how he thanked me for feeding him, playing with him, and taking him places. He also told me how much he knew I loved him and how he loved Mommy. On the other side were drawings of an airplane, a frog, a bottle, my Canon camera (complete with the red ring on the 50mm lens), and our family riding in the Scoobie. Images of our life.

Mitch smiled at me and said, "He also drew all that with crayons from his Dad's collection. I believe he's been saving those since kindergarten".

Mitch remember how much I love old crayons from when we were children (they don't make crayons like they use to). Aside from his wonderful gifts of massages (yes plural) while he watched Luke, I think I"ll treasure the card the most. It was written and drawn by a 5 1/2 month old! How amazing is that! *wink*


Megs

Happy Mother's Day

Wishing all the wonderful Mothers out there a very happy Mother's Day! A special shout out to those who are celebrating their very 1st Mother's Day along with me (that means you Angie and Nikki!).

Mother's day has always been special to me because of my Mom. Through war and poverty both her and my Dad struggled to bring me to this country and raised a wonderful family. She left her own family over 30 years ago in order to give us a better life. She hasn't seen her own mother since then either. As a mom I don't think I will ever have to have the same struggles or make the same sacrifices that she has had to make. For that I am forever grateful and one of many reasons I will celebrate.

Cheers!

Megs

Baby Touring

Luke checking out the waves in La Jolla.

We are on Baby Tour 2010 right now. We just spent a couple of amazing days in San Diego for some much wanted time with family and fun. We had fun in the sun/fog haze, caught a marathon, and took Luke to the San Diego Zoo (where I lost his--ok MY--favorite hat T_T).

Taking a small break from the 'tour' to do some work and then we will be off again to sunny Florida this time. Hoping to introduce Luke to a much warmer ocean and a different type of sand.

We'll be back just in time to celebrate my first Mother's Day *fist pump*. After that we'll be shooting a wedding!

~Megs

Adventure is out there! - Death Valley

Mitch is heading out with some friends for a couple of days to Death Valley. He's going to chase the annual blooms there.

We went last year around this time when I was pregnant with Luke and it was definitely an adventure! We were hoping to all go as a family this year but I think Luke is going to have to wait til next year to go (he'll be walking by then and can walk up the sand dunes himself heh).

Wishing my love a safe trip and many pretty flowers! Remember no doing donuts or speeding on the salt flats!

Paper Love

It has been one of my longest love. The smell of it. The touch of it. How it feels against my finger tips. I find so much beauty in paper. A friend's wedding invitation came in the mail yesterday and I was immediately reminded of how much I heart paper! I instantly fell in love with the address label. The invitation and reply cards were absolutely adorable! The words and theme just screamed their personality (and I loved it!).

I don't know what it is about paper. I collect stationary like nobody's business. I have three different types of thank you cards (different colors and styles and even language) and I will grab unique looking blank cards off the rack at stores (especially Ross *cough*sales*cough*). Oh and I also don't throw cards away - especially the beautiful ones! (Does that make me a hoarder?)

When we were planning our wedding I made the decision to make our invitations by hand and ordered all the materials from the Paper Source. I spent hours online at their website and went to both of their stores in San Francisco to look at patterns and colors and just to feel the card stock quality. Just talking about it makes me want to sit down and make invitations again! (Does anyone need me to make invitations for them? I have time-- sort of, well not really, shoot.)

Ok. I'll stop now or I'll do something I might regret- like go shopping. For paper.

p.s.

I know paper kills trees and I'm a tree hugger. I will shamelessly buy non recycled paper though. The way I see it I don't throw paper away or if I do it gets recycled. Someone has to use the non recycled paper first in order for it to become recycled right? And that's where I step in :)

Happy Bunny, Unhappy Baby

Hoping everyone has a Hoppy Easter!



Luke fell asleep minutes before the Easter Bunny showed up so we had to wake him up and plop him down on Mr. E Bunny's lap for his photo.

As you can see Luke was not amused.

Best.Easter.Photo.Ever!

Getting to know me (MacGyver)...

While hitting 'yes I will attend' to an Evite tonight I was directed to set up a profile of myself (which I for some reason thought I had done years ago when this Evite thingy came along). I clicked 'Sure' (it didn't really say that) and I was taken to a page to set up my profile photo and etc. I saw the About Me section and cringed. I hate writing about myself (unless it's random writing like here in the blog world).

I don't know if it's the self importance of it all (even though you are suppose to write about yourself) or the talking about myself. I never know what I want to say. What would I want strangers who have never met me know about me first? That I love clearance sales and that I have one leg shorter than the other? Well in all it's Evite awesomeness there were questions for me to answer instead of a blank sheet for me to throw up on (and what makes me interesting).

After happily answering questions instead of having to actually talk about myself I looked back at my answers and I still think I came across weird. My answers are all over the place (like my writing) but in a strange way it expressed a little of me and how odd I am.

So in order for you to know me better I thought I'd post some of the questions and my answers.

TV show I never miss

The Local News

Song that gets me dancing

Love is a Battlefield - Pat Benatar (I rock the shoulder dance- ask my BFF Jason Graham).

First concert I ever attended

Metallica

Childhood hero

MacGyver

Now that last question Mitch kindly reminded me isn't a real person. Blah! My beloved MacGyver is so a Hero. I've seen every single episode and he's always the hero. Plus he was featured in MythBusters which makes him cool.

And no one will ever ROCK a mullet like Richard Dean Anderson.

Okay so I'm ending this blog post with MacGyver because I seriously heart MacGyver!

Writer I am not (really).

I will say (and you will hear this often or have heard it in the past) I am not a writer. I use to be, or at least wanted to be years ago ( and secretly still do). I have these grand plans of oozing out amazing words and having them flow like melted chocolate over ice cream. I'll go back to past posts and think "Seriously? I actually wrote that? It sounds brilliant!" or "Oh my God was I on Benadryl when I wrote that?!?".

I dream of writing long worded stories to where my readers are so deeply entranced they forget about time or space. Instead I hold my breath, hope they didn't get lost from all the confusion of where I'm going at with something, and then "oh shiny picture!". Don't talk to me about punctuations either. Sometimes I'll even indent and make another paragraph to distract.

If I had the time I would love to do writing exercises or even go to writing seminars and workshops. No one would have guess that not only am I a published photographer, I'm also a published writer (shhhhh don't tell anyone). I hide behind bad blog posts and good photographs.

I loved reading growing up (still do) so naturally writing was also a love of mine. I've had a novel trapped in my head for decades (gasp.. I'm old enough to say decades now) and I'm not throwing a release party anytime soon.

Writing is a form of expression just as photography is a form of expression and they both have similar goals: to tell a story. Whither I'm shooting a couple or ranting about how I lost Luke's favorite blanket while shopping (I still feel bad although I replaced it) , I'm telling a story.

I see myself as a photographer and as a storyteller. As cheesy as it sounds I do believe in my quote:

I believe we are our own story tellers, in our lives and in the lives of others.

Through photography time stands still for us and our stories live forever in them. -Megs

And for those of you who are completely lost in this post: Look a photo!



Mitch showing Momo Jelly fishes for the first time. We are a science loving family!

Tennis with Dad

How Super Dads use their Bjorns!









Weekends (when we're not shooting) is family time. Mitch switches from working Dad to super Dad (although he's super all the time). Luke loves spending time with Dad and Dad loves spending time with Luke. He loves being outdoors and that is a plus when we we go on photo adventures such as the above. Life is interesting when you have photographers for parents!

p.s. For those who were concerned Mitch wasn't actually playing tennis. We were taking photos for fun and posing.