The other day I was perusing my usual list of websites that I visit on a daily basis, and I came across a story about an art project called "The Vader Project". Basically, a hundred of today's most prominent artists, both pop and otherwise, were given movie replica Darth Vader helmets to decorate, paint, adorn, bejewel, bedazzel (sp?), as they please. My first click on the link was "Cool, what a neat thing to do", plus all the helmets will be auctioned off to any die hard Star Wars fans. I like the Star Wars movies, but I am far from being a die-hard fan, but there were a few that I thought would be cool to own. (Although with things like this, where would I really put it?).

One of the things I love best about photography is getting to know the subjects that I shoot. During my portrait sessions, weddings or otherwise, I get a chance to really find out about my subject, for as they say "the camera looks both ways". Not only am I photographing them, but they're learning about me as well. I love the interaction when photographing people.

With my friends, it's easy to ask them if I can photograph them, like in this photo of my friend Wanru. This was taken really quickly, available light, in front of the Japanese American National Museum. I've known Wanru for awhile, but it was nice to take a simple photo of her like this on a whim. I love her eyes.

Happy Monday everyone :) Check back soon!

What a glorious Memorial Day weekend! Great weather, lots of time, good food, and most importantly, great photography session!

While most of us were out at barbecues on Monday, I had the pleasure of spending the afternoon with the Ramos clan, at UC Irvine. This 10 person family was a joy to work with, and were pretty much game for anything, including running up and down a grass field several times, climbing over some pretty cool rocks, and the guys doing their best "Michael Jordan" impressions!

My thanks go out to the Ramoses (is that the right pluralization?) - you guys rock!

Enjoy some of the images we captured that day! And leave a comment :)

For those of you know who know me personally, you'll always see me carrying my camera in my hand, as I LOVE photographing everything and anything. And if we've ever had a conversation or two together, you'll know that I've been an avid cyclist/triathlete for the longest time. I've always loved the color and splendor of cycling, and today was a day when I could combine the two and have a super fun time doing so!

Way back in early 1994 or 1995 (I can't remember exactly when), my entire family decided to go on vacation to the Philippines, and I mean EVERYONE decided to go. With me being the only hold out, it was my responsibility to take care of the family dogs at the time, Nike, who lived with us, and Cutie, who lived with my Grandmother and Aunt. So for three weeks, what once was just a two "person" outfit between Nike and me, became three as we had to look after little Cutie as well. Nike was a large, loving, 110 lb., fully trained female Rottweiler, who definitely had an aura of arrogance about her. (This being evident by her nose constantly being raised in the air when around us, and her face quite smug. She was smart, and she knew it. She was, really.) Cutie on the other hand was a pound dog, a small, scruffy, wire-haired terrier mix, who was just as playful as a pup at the time, and just happy to be around Nike and me. She would constantly get on Nike's nerves as her youthful energy would pester Nike's "old lady" routine. Despite their differences, they got along fine.
 
After the three weeks were up, I kinda noticed a bond build between the canine "odd couple", with Cutie giving Nike her daily "I'm gonna pester you" exercise, and Nike giving Cutie the "big sister" company that I feel she desired. So when my Grandmother and Aunt returned, we decided that we were going to keep Cutie with us from now on, giving them the reason that they were now inseparable (Although I'm certain Nike couldn't have cared less either way - again, snobby). From that moment on, Cutie became a part of our household, and a part of our immediate family. (One funny thing about her was that she never barked! Serious! She may have barked maybe 5-6 times max, but that was it. She just didn't need to.)
 
Over the years, she and I became really great friends, and my constant running companion on many training runs in and around our area. Because she was so low to the ground, and lightly built, she could run for hours without complaint, and mostly keeping me honest, as she would usually run ahead of me. I think that dog logged about an easy 3,000 miles over those years. It definitely kept her healthy and strong, and oh-so tired after wards, but each time she would figure out that I was going out for a run, she'd be the first to want to go.
 
She and Nike were there with us at all family events, from Christmases, Thanksgivings, picnics, etc. She met and knew people who are no longer with us. She even visited a few places most dogs don't get to go to like, spending a day at Center Theater Group, or even having her own sleep overs. She was one of the sweetest dogs you could ever meet - cute, just like her name, despite her over grown, messy, black and white hair. She definitely was one of the family through and through.

Today, Monday, April 26, Cutie went "home" to be with Nike, her other best friend. She lived to be 17 years old, and saw a great many things in her life, and for the length of it, she was our friend, our family member, our little Cutie. She led a happy, loved, and cared for life, and I honestly believe that she knew and felt it also. The last few years were a little bit of a struggle for her, but despite her age, and her declining health, once she recognized you, that little puppy tail of hers would wag just a little to let you know that she was happy to see you. I definitely was always happy to see her. A big thank-you goes out to my mom who took care of her these last few years - great job mom. 

I will miss Cutie very much. She was the first dog that I've ever owned that lived so long, and I'm certain I'll never have another dog live to be as old. She was with me in my twenties and thirties, through thick and thin. She was my running partner, Nike's little companion, an old friend, and lifelong member of our family. I will miss petting that sweet little head of hers, and watching that tail wag in delight just because she was around you. The trails we used to run will never be the same without her, but I know in spirit, she's right there with me, pacing me through those long miles. We will definitely miss her, but I know that somewhere, up at Rainbow Bridge, my two dogs are once again united, and having a good old time, waiting for the day when I can once again see them both.

Take care Cutie, and thank you for all the years you gave us. We'll miss you dearly, and think about you fondly every day.

Your friend always,

Michael


 

The life of a professional photographer isn't always glamorous. Well, not like the way it's portrayed on TV or on film, etc. We're usually just camera "ninjas" heaving these huge lenses in the way of our subjects, who sometimes are celebrities (disclaimer - I am NOT a paparazzi!!!). Every now and then, you get a gig that's worth your time, and you get a chance to meet and photograph some pretty famous people.

Last night, for I believe the fourth year in a row, I was asked to photograph the East West Players annual dinner Gala, which honors the "who's who" in Asian American entertainment. Over the years, Asian-American Celebs like John Cho, Geroge Takei, Carrie-Ann Inaba, etc. have all stood in front of my camera to take their official "EWP I was there" photo (that's not what it's called, but it might as well be). But last night, there was one guest that I was really excited to photograph and meet. This guy:

Okay, you may think I'm going crazy, but I'm not! I was there to meet the voice behind one of the greatest Pixar films characters ever - 10 year old Jordan Nagai.

You see, it's not often that a movie really touches you, and "Up" certainly is one of those movies. When I found out that Jordan was going to be honored at this year's Gala, I was thrilled to know that I'd get to meet and photograph him. So, yes, there was a bit of "starstruck-ness" going on cause let's face it, the kid's cool. He made that movie and the character "Russell" sing! Not only was I able to meet him, I totally geeked out and had him sign my copy of "Up". I know, what a dork. I've met "bigger" celebs in my life, but Jordan is cool. I'm pretty certain I wouldn't pull out another DVD for any other celeb. Go Jordan.

So, to complete my geekdom, here's the customary, "Hey, look at me, I'm taking a picture with celeb!" photo:

Like the adage goes, the eyes are the windows to the soul, and because of that, in any portrait, it's always a good idea to make sure you get the eyes in focus and staring at you. Of course, this isn't a hard and fast rule, but one that most photographers should live by, if you ask me.