Amy is my muse…

Yesterday, I was supposed to be catching up on biochem, which I have not touched since last week since I had my Beatles paper to write. But Amy convinced me to take a break from my studies and do a photoshoot for an hour or so before I got working again. SIGHH. I should know by now that after a photoshoot, I’ll just edit the pictures and not do any work from then on -___-;. But whatever, it was a lot of fun . I really love learning about lighting. The best pictures that I took last night were probably the ones I used with my SB600 and shoot through umbrella. I took a picture of Jane last year at the same location, but this time I had my flash with me and we were able to get clear, professional looking portraits Amy and I also did some lighting stuff around North Campus, but those didn’t turn out as nice so we just resorted to using no flash. But here they are! Enjoy.

Also, if you haven’t already, join my fan page on facebook here. I switched from a group to a page cuz I feel that it’s more appropriate.

 

Minnie, Byron, and Lillian

After the photoshoot with my lab-mates, I really wanted to experiment more with off camera lighting. So today, Byron, Minnie, and Lillian came over from USC and we had a fun photo adventure around sketchy areas of south campus. We didn’t get to experiment with that many locations, but we did learn some lighting techniques. Byron had a SB-600 too, so we had two flashes to play around with. We only had one shoot through umbrella, unfortunately, and no reflectors. But these turned out pretty good.

Kamei Lab Photoshoot

I had a photoshoot for my lab yesterday It was fun but a lot more difficult that I had anticipated. I couldn’t find any good locations within EV, and the lighting was horrible because it was already past 5, so we (me and my assistant Charlie) had to use off camera lighting. If you don’t know by now, I’m a total noob when it comes to off camera lighting… I prefer shooting in natural light. It’s easier, and I don’t have to worry about the glare on glasses. But I really aspire to become a better strobist, and believe that lighting is essential for professional looking portraits in dim light conditions. Anyway, here are some pictures. Lighting was hard because my lab is a pretty big group.. so not everyone got lit properly. Also, I couldn’t take the pictures because I’m in them… so pic credits go to Charlie!

Brotankery Shoot

This weekend was tough for certain reasons, which I will not go into, but at least I got to immerse myself in doing something I absolutely love… and that is photography of course. I don’t know why I like it so much. I like everything about it- I like creating poses, I like finding locations, I like interacting with my subjects, and I love editing. I really do. And doing this shoot, it made me realize how much I love this hobby of mine. It’s something I can definitely see myself doing forever. If only it were so easy to do what you love.

Yesterday (Sunday), I did a shoot for a company called Brotankery, which is one created and ran by some people that I know from high school. I read about their business from The Daily Bruin, and immediately facebooked Charles Ma (the creator, who goes to UCLA) asking if he wanted me to take pictures. I am so nice huh Jk, I really wanted to do it because 1). I love photoshoots, especially legit fashion ones w/ models 2). I need more exposure and potential clients 3). I want to help out and support fellow Troy entrepreneurs. And I am very glad I volunteered to take pictures, because the shoot was a lot of fun. I think I’m getting more confident behind the camera. I remember my first fashion shoot for my sister’s clothing line last year with FAST models… and at first, I was really awkward and didn’t know how to pose them at all. Eventually, I got into it and gave better directions, but I was still kinda shy and didn’t know how to direct them. But this time… I knew what kinds of shots I wanted. I was very inspired throughout the whole shoot, and kept finding locations that made good shoots. Lately, I’ve been really inspired by my surroundings. There’s just so much beauty in the world, and it’s sad that not many people take a step back to enjoy it. I definitely think Royce and Powell and all the “touristy” UCLA buildings are pretty, but what I find more intriguing are all the hidden spots at UCLA that nobody really takes notice of. I definitely believe these locations are better than the typical Janss Steps or sculpture garden. Actually, I think any place can be a good location for a photoshoot. It is really what you make of it.

Anyway, I realize it’s easier for me to come up with poses now… I guess the 10+ years of fine art training did me good :p Of course, I have MUCH more to learn, though. I realize that I lack a lot of technical skills, especially with lighting… but like everything, it just takes more practice and time. This weekend, I finally learned how to use Lightroom… and oh my God, it just makes editing so much easier. Editing every single picture in Photoshop, even with actions, is such a pain. Lightroom is super userfriendly, just like Picasa, and is a really good tool to have for photographers

Anyway, here are the pictures. I want to thank my assistant Charlie Wang for helping out on Sunday, as well as Charles Ma and the models  of course. Thanks! Hope you enjoy them.

New logo!

Amy made a logo for me a while ago but I haven’t had a chance to use them in my photos until now I’ve finally made several actions to insert my logo quickly. Here are examples:

Adanna: Traditional Nigerian Dress

This is going to be quick because I have a Genetics midterm to study for, but today I shot some pics for Prime Magazine. The article is on traditional Nigerian fashion, and the model is Adanna

I love the city lights

If you know me well, you’d know that one of my favorite things is nightlife. Maybe that’s why I’m attracted to big cities a lot, especially Taipei, Shanghai, Las Vegas, New York, and LA. :] I love looking at the lights… they’re so pretty.

Anyway, I feel that these days I’m becoming more and more apart of the LA subculture here. I don’t know, I’m falling in love with LA. Even though I’ve been here for more than 2 years now, it’s so different now that I’m finally able to leave Westwood and explore Ktown, Culver City, Downtown LA, West Hollywood and what not, since my friends now have their cars with them Today I hung out with Grace and we went to Ketchup, a trendy restaurant on Sunset Boulevard that was apparently created by Ashton Kutcher. The food was okay, but just the atmosphere and having a little girl’s night out was so much fun. A good break from school and lab work, I’d have to say. Anyway I think I’m going to begin my 365 days project again, just because I have a bit more time on my hands now, and also because I I’ve been shooting for DB and have been bringing out my camera with me on campus a lot these days.

LA, I love you!

Free sushi? Heck yes.

I haven’t updated in a while, but I haven’t really had cool photoshoots lately. BUT, I have been shooting a lot for the Daily Bruin this week, especially since I have no midterms until next Thursday and am relatively free Today I had the opportunity to shoot some pictures of SUSHI for prime. The writer paid for the Spider roll i ordered So here are some shots… lucky you guys, a sneak preview. Sushi is so pretty, don’t you agree?

Spider roll - $8.95 at Tomodachi!

Here was the model. The story is about the sushi/sashimi/fushion rolls, the different ways to eat it, etc...

Tea, wasabi, and ginger.

Nom nom nom. This was taken without my flash-- see the difference in lighting? So bad!

Sashimi!

This is the interior of Tomodachi. Very small and cozy. It was raining outside!

Light decorations.

Making sushi.

Sushi is sooo pretty!

I don't like raw fish really much.

Spicy salmon roll

California roll.

Happy Birthday, Allison!

Today marks the beginning of my career as a “professional” photographer. Well, not really… BUT today was the first time I got paid doing something I absolutely love- taking pictures! About a month ago, my friend Catherine asked me if I was interested in taking pictures of her little niece’s 1st birthday party. Of course, I jumped at the opportunity. Not only do I love taking pictures, I LOVE babies and little kids!!! This shoot was so much fun. I’m soo glad I had my flash with me, since the party was inside and the lighting wasn’t too great. Anyways, the pictures speak for themselves. If you know anyone who wants me to shoot an event similar to this one, email me for the pricing.

Allison's mommy, Grace, with Allison's cute little foot

sleeping peacefully

Allison's cute little feet

I forgot her name but she's so cute!!!

Briana? Brianna? She's cute too.

aww!

I really like this pic! The background is so cute.

I LOVE this picture of Allison!

:) I want a baby to hold!

This is probably my favorite. Even though I couldn't get them to sit still, this is adorable!

Such a cute picture of Allison- don't you agree?

Candid shots are the best!

Birthday cake! mMmm

I think his name was Andrew!

Blowing out the candles!

Parents of the birthday girl!

Awww

party

Cuties!

Emily. She was sooo shy before and wouldn't let me take pictures, but I actually got her to pose for me Aww!

Allison and grandma

She's so cute.

Nom nom nom!

:) Allison and Catherine, Emily and Grace!

Ahhh she's so cute!

Hehe aw!

Aw

So cute!

Cutie.

Mwah! Happy birthday, Allison!

The end. There’s a lot more… I took a total of 620 pictures. Overall I was very happy with my first paid photoshoot and I really hope to get commissioned again!!

New flash… and Amy.

The many faces of Amy Ton.

Hi everyone!

It’s been a while since I last updated this thing, and it’s because I’ve been so busy with zero week and school starting that I’ve kind of neglected this thing. But the good thing is that I have still been shooting… not major photoshoots, but little random ones with Amy in our room. I finally received my SB600 speedlight right before I left for LA, which is so good because now I can experiment with it before I go to my first PAID shoot this Saturday. I am a little nervous, but soo excited =) Anyway, the flash is awesome… even on camera. I usually just bounce the light off of the ceiling or the walls, and the lighting looks so natural Now I can use my kit lens (to use for the smaller focal lengths, for wider shots) without worrying about it being so slow. He he. I am in such a good mood now. Anyway, here are some pictures I took :]

This is so fierce, especially with the hood

Falling hair

She was laying down.

Model face!