Friday, July 29, 2011

Kimono & Ao Dai Sandwich - Dien + Eriko Engagement

Dien + Eriko Engagement
Kabuta Gardens
Renton, WA

July 28th, 2011

Assist Mai Vi

Mastering how to use the sun's rays to your advantage can create some very cool affects. There's a ton of products out there like B+W that develop products to reduce sun glare in your photos. WHY? Sun flare can be your friend. Don't treat it like an unwanted step child. Bring it into your home and nurture it. Some day it may grow up to be a pro athlete that will pay you back big time. Sun flare is usually caused by doing backlit photos. Try to under expose the photo and always shoot in raw to recover the image.

So I digress. Back to the beautiful couple of Dien and Eriko. They are getting married Sept 10th 2011 of this year in Bellevue. It's a marriage of Vietnamese and Japanese which should make "Vapanese" kids...?

I'm a huge fan of traditional outfits so what a treat this was to shoot them in the traditional Ao Dai and Kimono dress. I've been frequenting kabuta lately but it only seemed fitting considering their outfits.

Hope you enjoy!

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Tuesday, July 26, 2011

My Review of Giottos MTL 9360B 4-Section Compact Aluminum Tripod with 3-Way Ball Head, Maximum Height 55", Supports 17 lbs.

Originally submitted at Adorama

Giottos MTL 9360B 4-Section Compact Aluminum Tripod with 3-Way Ball Head, Maximum Height 55", Supports 17 lbs.

Not made to last - Like using on legos

By Made Media Photography from Seattle, WA on 7/26/2011

Pros: Unfolds Quickly

Cons: Weak Construction, Heavy, Unstable

Best Uses: Home

Describe Yourself: Pro Photographer

Was this a gift?: No

Saw some decent reviews on this thats why I bought it, but after about 6 months everything started falling apart. The fasteners where each joint is are very very poorly constructed. On a real estate shoot with my clients one of the joints fell apart and nearly toppled over the tripod and camera on it! I would have cried if it did happen.

Sooner after even with minimal weight on one of the legs it would slowly retract back into itself.

Dont buy it!

(legalese)

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Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Romp in the wheat fields - Tammy's Portraits

Tammy Tran
Kent, WA
July 18, 2011

Assist: Quang and Vee Phuong

Makes me feel like an old man when I have to start with "back when I was 14 there were no such things as digital cameras and most Vietnamese adults in my life were under 5 ft tall. Tammy is definitely the new breed and next generation of kids to grow up American. She is 5'7". Over 6 ft with heels and only 14. I felt short standing next to the girl.

She is a deadly combination of brains and beauty. Skipping a grade she will be a sophomore next year in highschool. I was glad she took direction well and was trooper to romp in the tall grass with me.

The photos were taken in a field by my house in Kent. The grass by now has grown extremely tall due to the abundant rain and sunshine this season. So while shooting in the tall grass I must have collected enough grains in my hair and under my shirt to make a small pot of rice.

The photos turned out fabulous! we made due with what we had surrounding the area. VP's classic car, a yellow tractor, and of course, my favorite tall grass.

Equipment used:
Canon 5D
Reflector
85mm 1.8
White Lightening with white umbrella
Cyber sync triggers

My Voice activated boom - Quang

Binh Nguyen Photographer

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Monday, July 18, 2011

I heard rain on your wedding day is good luck! We had plenty of luck then. Minh + Vi Wedding

Minh + Vi
July 16th, 2011
Wedding
New Hong Kong Restaurant
Kabuta Gardens
Pike Place Market.

Golden rays, 75 degree temperatures, and a perfectly healthy body is what I was dreaming of as I woke up from my 5am Alarm. It's the middle of July and those are the scenarios for a perfect day for a wedding.

However, Seattle would live up to it's reputation again and let it's wet ways dampen the morning festivities at Vi and Minh's Wedding. Still weighed down from my week long cold I dragged my butt out of bed because no matter if it's rain, wind, or a stuffy nose a wedding takes priority.

The day started off soaked in rain. I was soaked in rain. As anyone who has been involved with Vietnamese weddings it was going to be a long day, add ran to the mix and it was going to be an extra long day.

Luckily for us, after our mid day break the rain ceased about 230pm while on our way to Pike Place Market in Seattle.

And finally I get my chance to flex the creative photography juices. It can be a bit embarrassing to posing in front of large crowds but Vi, Minh, and the bridal party were troopers and gave it their all.

I was very impressed by the elaborate decor and detail given to their big day. Vi had on some pretty elaborate dress changes! All of which were amazing and very couture! Kudos to her style!