shutter to think

Destination: Chinatown SF for the New York Times

Last month for the New York Times, I was asked to shoot this really cool assignment - to follow a feng shui tour through San Francisco's Chinatown. I was sooo excited to do this because there's so much history and mystery that surrounds this neighborhood. I couldnt' find the pictures online but i know it ran on July 4....see "Follow the Spirits."
Below is a slideshow of the tour. For info, go here: feng shui. The guides have so many stories and insight to the community, its worth every penny and question. The first image makes me laugh because tour guide Cynthia Yee is actually introducing me to that evening's group. And I got a couple good story ideas out of this assignment. Btw, please read captions for a little history behind the scenes!!

Destination: Napa for the New York Times

A travel assignment that I photographed for the New York Times features the newer 2-block radius of downtown Napa. And my favorite wine, Ceja Vineyards, was on the list to be photographed. I went to their salsa night, on Saturdays, to photograph dancing and drinking. Ariel Ceja, not pictured, teaches salsa just after happy hour, but afterward, the place erupts with incredible salsa dancing, since its the only place in Napa that offers any kind of dancing. Click here to view slideshow: Napa's 'Dead End' Comes Alive

a walk in the park

birthday snaps

Here's couple of snaps taken during my birthday last week that I spent with my boyfriend, our dog Reese, and a couple friends in Monterrey. We also went to the Monterrey Bay Aquarium, which had an impressive salt water tank and sea horse exhibit. :o ). but the rest of the exhibits or habitats were smaller then expected. We also were scouting surf & skate spots, and checking out the beaches during the beautiful evening light. We then stopped at the Lone Cypress Tree, a famous 200-year-old Cypress, along the 17-mile drive in Pebble Beach. (equipment: a dusty old 500C Hasselblad, the popular Holga, and trusty G11).

portrait: beekeeper for the New York Times

Earlier this year I did an assignment for the NY Times on urban beekeeping. I finally scanned this holga portrait to share. This young beekeeper recently placed a new hive on the rooftop of a condo building in the Mission District.

film: cambodia

i'm falling in love with shooting film again! for me, in particular, its the format and texture. here's a scene from the angkor area of siem reap, cambodia. what i'm wondering: whats your favorite medium format camera? why? how does it make you work differently? are you running around with a light meter around your neck? This summer I'll be experimenting with more 6x6. even with this holga, from which I shot this frame, the concept of timing and moment is moreso emphasized for me when i shoot film. sadly 220 will be gone. so the idea to make 12 perfect shots (if possible with 120) is a good challenge.

Former crip to breakdancing mentor -- for Brand X Magazine

There are hundreds of stories about American deportees living in Cambodia, a country they were born but fled with their families to the US during the Khmer Rouge genocide. But the story on KK is probably one of the most inspiring. Brand X continues to feature his story:

Breaking free: How a former Crip became a role model for kids in Cambodia

Wedding: Trish & Lyle at the Clift

Here's a teaser of a fun wedding I photographed at San Francisco's Clift Hotel. Intimate space, great for small weddings, beautiful light, and views of the City. It was a joy to photograph this young couple, who made their ceremony a thing to remember -- a reflection of themselves and their families. I don't think I've laughed so much during a wedding ceremony! They were so fun and I thank them for having me be a part of their day!