basking in the limelight

Congratulations to all the contestants, and a special one for Veronica Sartori for winning Miss Asia Sacramento 2009. Special thanks goes out to the wonderful staff of MAS for allowing me to shoot and showcase my work, Jay Lensch for being one of the photographic sidekicks, Loren Infeld for assisting in my lighting tricks. As you all know, lately I've been picking up photography work on a regular basis and that takes a lot of work in itself. Well, here is the new and improved edge and watermark that I was so raving on about. I hope you like it. M

somewhere just beyond the river

I'm taking a new approach to photography. I'm feeling too comfortable with event photography and am branching out to portraits or head shots. Maybe dabble a little into studio since I've had my lighting in my closet for about 2 years now. What can I say? I like to travel light, talking and interfacing with prospective clients, and creating life long friends in a matter of hours, not days.
So it's going to be a fun weekend with a beauty pageant show for me. I've got some interesting techniques I wanted to try out. Be not who you are, but what you want to be...(unknown)

Been away.. but I can't say where, cuz it's just not fair

I've been busy in life doing other stuff and lately, that's been shooting a whole lot more. Mostly fashion stuff, if you're still keeping up with me in my flickr, then you'll know what I mean. Here's a shot of one of my favorite models in Sacramento. Taken from the Red Cross Foundation at Lounge On20.

reminds me that I still have a crush on Debbie Gibson..

Kind of funny to shoot for a event with the acronyms GHB, but I did. The event, Global Hair and Beauty Expo was a first for me and many others that I encountered. It was fun, rather different than what I'm usually accustomed to. Lots of teens and others from beauty colleges and students of the design. Still like seeing people that I work with randomly bumping into me, lol.

Here's some goodies for you

Recent reviews by Minh N.

What's this?

3 measures Gin, 1 measure Vodka, 1/2 measure of Lillet Blanc, shaken over ice with a lemon twist

Oh how I love the new James Bond Martini, it's so uhmm uhmm good. I got a few shots in for the Sacramento Bartenders Competition at LoungeOn20. It was a blast, not the flare contest I thought was going to happen, but all the same. This contest was based on presentation, originality and taste. Congratulations to Chris Tucker for L Wine Lounge for taking first place.

It's not all Bad

It's just Badlands of Sacramento. I shot a fashion show there for Ignition with a few of the models and designers I'm used to seeing and working with now. The show was a blast and the club is a little wonder. Turns out I know the dj and a few other souls in there. Electro music was flowing and the vibes were kickin, seems like it needs a straight guy like me in there every once in awhile. Can you dig?

Sometimes it's not all work

It's been awhile when shooting was this much fun. House parties are always the best because it's usually relaxing to me with all the friends and conversations with the camera. I din't, (yes I like to spell it that way) know I had a fan base with the photography. Happy birthday twinnies. Now between the two of them, they can brake a fidy.

Upward Spiral

So I get this iPhone and I knew I was in for some deep thoughts. There are sooo many applications for this thing. It really is truly for the geeky. I think I have about 7 photo apps for this alone. Here's one of them. It's called a QuadCamera. It takes several shots ranging from 4 to 8 shots and stacks them or puts them side-by-side and lets you control the color and contrast. Nice for only $2.99.
I also have some other ones that let me upload the the geo tracking info and some that let me turn them into polaroids. I'm beginning to love this. It's kinds like learning to shoot photography all over again.

Wanna Know What Sad Is?

It's FREAKIN FEBRUARY 17th and the California State Budget still isn't passed yet! 20,000 workers are planned to be laid off by tomorrow. I'm voting for new blood in the elected individuals in my district responsible for this horrible atrocity. Every year the budget is passed later and later, like clock work. Also like clock work, these people have the audacity to vote themselves a pay raise at the midnight hour as the last act of selfishness. Coincidentally, not 1, NOT 1 freaking Republican can help with a vote needed so desperately to help this economy out. There seems to be more whining than fixing this mess that got us here in the first place. I think a civil revolution could result in the near future, thanks to your politicians.

There's no show like it on Earth

Metro Championship wrestling was held this year at my old Alma Matter, CKM. I got a message from a friend, who coaches now, that they were holding a tourney. I just had to go. I still have a black and white photo from a unanimous photographer from high school when I wrestled and still keep it treasured. I hope that this is one of unselfish cycles from alumni's to generations coming up. I know that this was one of my main drives today was to make sure someone recorded this moment in history.

With membership comes certain previledges...

I love the idea of since walking away from years of spinning as a dj, I still have some sense of connection to the underworld of the industry. My friends were having a birthday party at a local club called "Tre" and I decided to go because I haven't seen them in awhile and because I haven't shot in awhile. Getting into the club was made very simple by 1, calling the dj; 2, bring the big camera. I got there and the line was wrapped and I didn't want to wait, I know I'm impatient. I texted the dj and got right up to the front only not to be asked who I was with but the big camera got me free access into the club. I like it.
Now here's the catch...
I'm there to do one thing and one thing only that night, take pictures of certain people. Yes, I am a paparazzi for the night. I hate being treated like a walking photo booth. And I don't dance with drunk girls with drinks in their hands with a small country's GNP in my hands. Sorry. Here's a photo of one of the birthday girls.

Terrific Tuesday

I had an awesome lunch with someone I hadn't seen in quite awhile at The Tower Cafe. I love their Jamaican Jerk Chicken dish. I also went to see TAKEN, a movie about a CIA operative, who goes after his daughters captors in France. The main character, the father, is played by Liam Neeson. It's pretty good, lots of action, flowed well with the audience. I highly recommend it.

And we're off to the races

As promised so far, from the astrological Chinese calendar, The Year of the Ox, is off to a good start. We have a strong president leading us on, and all my affairs are quickly coming together. I usually don't listen or pay attention to all the mumbo about stars and stuff, but sometimes, it makes me wonder. Here is a shot of my niece, in the traditional Vietnamese dress called an Ao Dai (pronounced - Ou Yai) yeah, like that but with a little lower inflection at the end. I can't believe these 2 weeks are over.

The Madness that is Coachella begins today!

Tickets go one sale today at 9am. I was up past midnight waiting for the update for the lineup to arrive. I know it's all madness. Craziness all gobbled into one 3 day weekend mess. Morrissey, The Cure, The Killers, The Ting Tings...
I'll try to keep it in my pants but I won't be able to stop the eargasm blowing through my mind. Yes, I'm giddy!

Happy New Year! again...

Those politically correct will know that it's the new Lunar year and most Asians in general celebrate it this time of the year. Chinatown is hopping with activity, dances firecrackers, and signs throughout, "Kung Hay Fat Choi" or Happy New Year, others like myself celebrate it through what is known as the "Tet Festival" with "Chuc Mung Nam Moi", which also means, Happy New Years in Vietnamese. It's a time honored tradition of getting together with family. Like most celebrations and letting go of the old and in with the new. The firecracker and Dragon dance is designed to scare off evil spirits while the dragon comes to give you good luck. That's why you have to feed him red envelopes with money in it for prosperity.
There are many other things that signal the celebration, which usually lasts 2 weeks through. Certain kinds of pastries are only seen during this time as well as the color red, symbolizing good luck, in the Asian culture. Because of the rain, Tet in Sacramento has been moved to this weekend in the asian plaza behind the former Florin Mall. It should be a sight to see. I'll try to get more photos.

It's the Lunar New Year!

Lots to do this weekend and week after. Concerts, events, family, friends, a lot of catching up to do. I'll be back with some photos hopefully. M

A hunger that just won't die

I've been on an outrageous binge to find old, vintage cameras. In order to do this, I've reached a heightened state of delirium. Dumpster diving! There are a couple of places in town that have great deals but it takes awhile for things to pop up. Thrift stores my favs. What other places can you find used gear for cheap and puts a smile to your face. I got my Polaroid for 4 bucks that are going for 20-30 on online places. Crazy. So, back to the dumpster diving bit...not so much. I didn't like diving into the big blue bins at the local Goodwill. I am pretty sure that there are deals to be had, but I doubt any good cameras will withstand crap smashing against it. So now, I just have to suppress the urge.

My 15 minutes is almost up!

I was just informed by Dayne from FM 107.9, in Sacramento, that the new Advocate magazine spread is out and it's got my photo on it. I was contacted by Meghan from The Advocate about releasing some rights for the photos they were looking at a couple of months back. Well, it seems that they're out. What does FM 107.9 have to do with this all? Look real close at the bullhorn, lol. I didn't notice it either until Tommy G, my good friend who also works at 107.9 The End told me his boss wanted this picture. I'm happy for everyone all around.

to finish off what I came here for

I still have a HOLGA camera to finish out shooting. I have to change oil in my car, I have to stop off at the bank, I have unfinished business that needs to be taken care of. Procrastination 101.1.1.1.9

It's a NEW YEAR!

The year of the OX to be exact in Lunar terms. It's full of growth, stability, and accomplishments. I've been geeking out with the new/old episodes of BSG (Battle Star Galatica) I ordered from Netflix. I think I ordered all 4 or 6 seasons worth, sighs in ecstasy, lol. So say we all, yes am a Trekkie too.

Not the Donnas

Nikon D300 24-70mm f/2.8

Polaroid

Time to go back and forth, in time, with the photography. It's nice to hear the comments from people when you pull out a vintage camera.