March 20, 2009

  • I’m moving to a new blog! Come follow me. :)

    More than 5 years ago, I started this blog just so I could leave comments on my friends’ xanga accounts. I really had no plans to start blogging myself, or doing much of anything else with my site. Most of all, I had no intentions of making friends in the online community. Meeting strangers on teh internets?! Heavens no!

    But good thing nothing went according to plan. Because of Xanga, my life has become richer. I’ve made a lot of wonderful friends both around the Bay Area and around the world. I have hung out with many of you during my travels, from Canada to New York to Texas to even the UK and France and everywhere in between, and some of you have visited. Because of Xanga, I found my passion, which opened up a whole other world to me, a world I hope to continue sharing through my blog.
     
    Some of you have been following my xanga since the beginning: from the time I was just an engineering student, to my discovery that photography could just well be the best hobby ever, to my switch over to a business program 1 year from graduation, to my time working in the biotech industry, to my struggle over whether to live the average Silicon Valley life, or to pursue a dream so crazy that it would set my life down a path I would never have imagined. To you guys, and to those who joined along the way, I owe my deepest gratitude. It’s been said many times before, but it bears repeating: There really is NO WAY I would have ended up where I am today if it were not for your support and encouragement and words of advice.

    Life is about change and growth, and as I’m soon entering my 27th year on this earth (ack!) and my 2nd year since quitting my day job to pursue this full time, one of the things that I finally had to change was Xanga. Yes, yes, this is probably a tad bit overly sentimental about a blog. But more than 5 years of my lifejourney are in these pages! That’s an eternity in internet-time!! lol

    Anyway, I hope you guys continue to follow me on my new blog. Check it out! www.junshien.com. Update your RSS feed readers, and if you would like to receive email subscriptions, you can do that here.

    much love!
    Junshien

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February 22, 2009

  • Tweet tweet twitter!

    Hello! After much research and soul-searching, I have decided that it’s time to catch up with 2007 and create a twitter account. Tweeeeet! 

    Even Shaq has a Twitter account. I’m not into basketball or anything, but the dude’s pretty hilarious. Here are some of his samples:

    Just leavn lebrons party, i have no voice, can u hear this , ………………. C i told u , no voice, lol
    Ok i admit it i at performance enhancing frosted flakes 2 yrs ago, lol
    The measure of a man is not were he lives but how he lives Shaquille oneal


    Anybody one Twitter? Add me! :)    Also, who are your favorite Twitters?

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February 18, 2009

  • A quick update from Vegas!

    Hello hello. How is everybody doing? Just wanted to write a quick update from WPPI. Vegas has been a blast so far!* For the past six days, I have learned from some of the world’s best photographers, been inspired by stories of the struggles they overcame to get to their position, met some fabulous people I have only known on blogs (guys, add me on facebook!), and been to a couple swanky parties. I have also been challenged to rethink many aspects of my studio. Over the next half year, many changes will be implemented in the way I run my studio because not only do I want to continue delivering imagery that evokes life and wonder and beauty, but I also really want my couples to have some of the best experiences of their entire wedding process.

    It’s crazy how much has changed in the past few years. It was only in 2007 that I attended my first WPPI conference, wide-eyed and completely new to the industry. Eight months later, I quit my biotech job to devote all my energies into photography, not knowing whether it would turn out to be the most foolish decision of my life or just the first crazy step in a life-changing adventure. And now here I am, a little wiser (hopefully!), a little better at my craft, but with even bigger dreams for the future! Thank you so much for joining me in this journey. For those who have been following my blog, I really hope your life has been blessed in some way, big or small. And I also hope that perhaps some of you have been inspired to let go of mediocrity and to chase after the things you are passionate about. It could be the best decision you ever made!

    Alright folks, time for me to get some shuteye. I have to be up in about 3 hours for a class with Jerry Ghionis at 8am, and then Jessica Claire in the afternoon!

    * Okay actually, that is partly a lie. Paying an average of $10-$20/meal for bad overpriced food is decidedly unfun! The first decent meal I have had all week was this afternoon at an Indian buffet place. Curry and naan and spiced rice and tandoori chicken… all kinds of yum! The fact that we were the only non-Indians in the restaurant was a good sign too. ;)   I looove good Indian food!

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February 9, 2009

  • Dorothy and Eugene’s wedding

    San Francisco, CA

    Dot and Eugene had an absolutely  g o r g e o u s  wedding at the Bentley Reserve in San Francisco. There were a million little details everywhere, and everything just came together perfectly! Their floral and light arrangements were beautiful, and I simply love their theme of tulip and cala lilies with mini apples that was echoed in all their decorations. It was a cozy and intimate ceremony, even among the high ceilings and marble columns.

    But one of the things I remember most was how the whole day truly felt like a celebration. Dot and Eugene looked so happy to be married, and their friends and family were celebrating with them. Browse through the pictures, check out the slideshow–can you not help but smile too? =D

    Dot and Eugene… I was honored to be part of your wedding day. Also, you guys win an award for your super amount of patience!  :)

    Coordinator: Ring For A Kiss
    Design Consultants: Sash & Sugar


    Sometimes, I think these door games keep getting more and more cruel for the guys. haha


    Durian breath sneak attack!


    Yes, we purposely went to Chinatown for the photoshoot. My crazy idea.


    My buddy Steve had to stop traffic while we stood in the middle of the street so I could take some pictures.


    The cable car driver was actually waiting for another wedding party … which was just about to finish their ceremony, I think. He was kind enough to let us on for 10.25 seconds.


    My favorite part of this photo? The way they’re just naturally holding hands while I was posing them.


    :)


    My assistant editor laughed at me when I told her I liked this photo because I thought it looks like there was a big explosion when they lit the candle.


    Name cards in a bed of tulips.


    Introducing for the first time …


    Almost too pretty to be eaten!


    So fierce!


    Caption this photo: ____________

    Missed the slideshow above? Click here!

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  • Mandy and Lawrence’s wedding

    Castro Valley, CA

    Mandy and Lawrence…. thank you for the chance to share this day with you. You guys are a bundle of laughter and joy to be around!


    A quiet moment before the whole day starts.


    During lunch while everybody was eating, we stole her dress and shoes from the bridal suite and did this.


    First Presbyterian Church of Hayward


    :’(


    This is actually attempt #7 to get the candle to light up while the rest of the guests are laughing. Brand new candles are stubborn. =P

    Due to typical post-ceremony confusion, we ended up only having maybe 15 minutes for the photoshoot. And there weren’t many suitable locations for us to use. So I had the entire wedding party head to this dirt field to goof around. ;)

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February 5, 2009

  • Deborah and Tam’s wedding

    Stockton, California

    It’s really been a blessing knowing Deb and Tam. I remember meeting them for the first time for their engagement session back in October ’07. At that time, I was still a n00b in photography and probably didn’t really know what I was doing, and they were completely nervous in front of the camera, as all couples initially are. Yet over the next two hours, we talked and laughed and took pictures and tried various things–some of which worked, some of which absolutely didn’t! It was definitely a fun time, and we came away with some great imagery.

    Fast forward to their wedding day. I haven’t seen them for over a year, yet from the get-go, it somehow felt so comfortable photographing them, like I was stepping back into an old role. They were natural in front of the camera, and it was a blessing to be able to share in one of the most special days of their lives. Deb and Tam truly are two great individuals. I hope that these images and the slideshow do a good job showing the love that they so obviously share and the joy that they bring to those around them.

     
    I absolutely love these two pictures of them!


    Look at that train!


    Door games … which traditionally are tests the guys are supposed to pass before they get into the door. hehe


    The guys had their eyes closed so they didn’t know what was coming!


    I don’t remember what this was. Might have been mayo or sour cream or something …


    Stand there! Laugh at the light! (Huh?)


    I thought Deb was really cute in this one. :)


    Beautiful, yes?


    The man.


    Like, whoa, right? Deb and Tam really chose a beautiful church for their wedding.


    Whoosh!


    And then the switcheroo happened… (watch the slideshow)


    Okay, a little story about their DJ. I first met Raul Navalta while shooting another wedding a couple years back, and wow, I was completely impressed with him! Not only was he a great guy personally, but his skills on the turntable were just insane! He was promptly added to my recommended vendors list, and Deb ended up booking him. And then last summer, guess who shows up on America’s Best Dance Crew? Yup, RJ and the rest of his crew from Supreme Soul. Now he’s all over the place dancing, touring, doing his music thing, and I think he also started his own clothing line …

    Missed the slideshow above? Click here!

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February 4, 2009

  • Lily and Avery’s wedding

    Mendocino, CA

    Lily and Avery were married in a beautiful little town far up north on the California coast. It’s really a cute little place, nestled among the redwood forests and situated right on the edge of some of the most majestic cliffs the West Coast has to offer. Everything about the wedding was just … beautiful.

    Lily and Avery .. thank you for your patience with these pictures! It was a great honor, and I wish you both the very best!


    Lily changed into three other dresses throughout the day … not including her wedding gown!


     

    Gorgeous, huh?


    Isn’t she beautiful?


    A quick picture with dad before heading out.


    Breathe….


    Their ceremony took place in a grove of redwood trees, right by the edge of the ocean. It was magical. :)


    Avery!


    The ring


    One of my favorite images from the day.


    Their reception took place in this humongous tent laid out on the lawn. My jaw dropped when I first walked in.


    First dance.


    A few details…


    I don’t know what’s happening here, but it’s hilarious!


    Oh yea, I forgot to mention… Lily and Avery know how to dance!

    Missed the slideshow above? Click here!

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February 2, 2009

January 30, 2009

January 25, 2009

  • Wardrobe stylists wanted!

    Do you have a superb sense of style that is simply under-appreciated? Do you think my work would be complementary with your vision? Are you looking to expand your portfolio? Do you live in the Bay Area? If so, let’s talk! Shoot me a message (email.me@junshien.com) and let’s see how we can help each other.

    Also, as I said on my facebook profile, I’m serious about looking for a muse. If you see one, please catch it/her/him for me. Thanks. ;)