Things I learned today from the Kevin & Bean Show

Brenda Song (23) is pregnant! The baby daddy is Trace Cyrus (guy who was in the band Metro Station with the song Shake It which kept playing constantly at the Teens Choice Awards when Miley was hosting). Whew, yeah and he's Miley's step brother. Or brother? Well, they're related. And Brenda Song is half Hmong and Thai. She no Korean. 


I swear there was more valuable news that I learned today...

I'm a Recent Grad, I don't Need Money

Great message, horrible lyrics. But sometimes, that's what you need to get the point across. It makes for a really good sing-along when I'm applying for internships. I really do look to my left and my right while I edit my cover letters. 


And I'll just turn it off when my parents walk by. 


Jessie J- Price Tag (anyone else think of Fergie?)

It's not about the money money money
We don't need your money money money
We just wanna make the world dance
Forget about the price tag
Ain't about the uh cha-ching cha-ching
Ain't about the yeah b-bling b-bling
Wanna make the world dance
Forget about the price tag

All By MyYelp

He texted me this while he was in New Mexico. Please, don't get too excited. It read: "The further you go the fatter ppl get." I thought this was hilarious! I have never left the West Coast and I live in an area where people are constantly dieting, so the fact that 1 in 3 Americans are obese doesn't really resonant with me.  I should get to the point of this entry. I'm not saying I want to be part of that American trend. I could always try, but trust me, I will fail. It's just not in my genes. I ain't complainin.

I don't want to be that girl who has to be with her boyfriend 24/7. I don't want to be so dependent on a single person. It's extremely unhealthy. What will happen to you if this person is no longer in your life?  This is a challenge that I'm still going through today, and I have to say I've improved tremendously in the past four years. Jeez, I make this sound like I'm fighting some drug addiction.

From listening to Dr. Drew on Loveline to reading those eye-opening Yahoo! relationship articles, (they're really great at forcing me to take the jump, with headlines like Why some conflict is good, which reminds me, I should dedicate an entry toward these guilty pleasure articles on Yahoo!) the way we are, how we interact, the relationships we have, can be partially, if not completely, due to our childhood. So, yeah, my camp name really works well with this. Bambi aka Mommy Issues (thanks Kermit and Dino) should be reflected upon. I know my weaknesses, and I am aware of why I act the way I do. What I lack in certain areas, I make up in others. For some reason, Ralph Emerson's "Self-Reliance" comes to mind, even though I only read an excerpt from it as an assignment for my AP English class.

Moving on.

In my relationships resume, (someone please make a yelp for people and call it All By MyYelp) I can now add "Long Distance. " I know it's only been a few days, so it is hard to judge how this will go. We're both in the transitioning phase of our lives. We're young and eager with so many things we want to accomplish. That should keep us busy.

My First Second/Third shooter Wedding

My left arm is aching. It's like that feeling after receiving a shot from the nurse. I just want to break it off. Thank's Henry for letting me shoot with you and Jonathan. I learned a lot, and I learned that I need to work out my arms more. I'll post up photos soon, but I'm embarrassed. They were not spectacular in my opinion! But hooray for finally experiencing the role of a second shooter! I've got a ton to learn!

Take Me With You

Francis' attempt at taking a photo in dim lighting. I really like how it turned out though.

I did a paper/drawing in Mrs. O' Connor's class in 3rd grade. I love seahorses!

                         

Reminds me a lot of our universe.

This reminds me of the line "I've seen more spine in jelly fish" by Brand New.

It makes me hold my breath.

I want this somewhere in my new house. It's a huge white ball projector. Ohh, ahh.

Same ball, informing us to save the sea.

Alien like.

I love jelly fish.

Makes me feel like I should keep pushing on.

A sea of sardines? It was extremely hard focusing through a thick glass, but I like this better.

Let me tell you a joke.

A good photo of a not so photogenic person!

Talk to the tail.

What a colorful world.

That shell thing reminds me of a sun hat!

Dragon seahorses.

Banh Xeo XXL

The last time we came to the Long Beach Aquarium, the place was already closed. The last time was exactly last summer and we have changed so much since then. Because I'm becoming really irrirated with writing full paragraphs, I'll list some highlights of the day. Of course, you will probably not understand anything I say, because most of it only makes sense to me! He's leaving tomorrow, yikes! 

A day I'll never forget :)

• Wrong route to Queen Mary
• Pre-paid online did not save him money
• Polaroid showed us in a cave
• The sharks looked dead
• Exit liar
• Banana + chocolate + marshmellows + roasted almonds, or so I think
• Right, right, and right
• Snoop Dogg's hood
• The Industrial City
• Biggest Banh Xeo
• Half/Half
• Restroom break in identical house
• Psuedo first world problems
• The Notebook Night

Shoes, Shoes, Shoes

Such a busy week! And sadly, lately, I've been looking at fashion blogs, and window shopping online. This is the collection of shoes that I've obtained in the past... day. It doesn't hurt to have a wish list! Oh, and I wear a size 5. Oh hey! 

Just Ask Yourself

It's a strange mood. I think listening to Death Cab's Two Brothers On a Hotel Bed is not helping my mood. Maybe it's also the emptiness of this room. I'm thinking about the future. Please forgive me if I go off on tangents and begin babbling like a five year old. It'll be my first (of many?) rants.I should be content right now; recent grad with a job. When I say job, I mean I get paid. It's actually an "internship" but it feels like a job. And I love it here. A lot. There is potential for being a real employee. While others would be ecstatic about such an opportuniy, I'm not. The practical (hah), cautious me would intern here for as long as possible until it becomes a full time job. But for some reason (I'm blaming all the brainwashing from inspirational speakers) I can't go on and do that.

As a kid, I've heard from so many speakers/adults/teachers/mentors to always follow your passion. They say "Do what you love." You know you love your job if you answer yes to this: If they didn't pay you, would you still work there?

And from a realistic standpoint, the job economy is so bad nowadays, that having any job is good enough. Others have told me that I should find a job, work on my hobbies on the side, and when I make enough money, quit, and pursue that hobby. This really makes sense and it is the smartest route. That's also the easiest route.

I see a long road ahead of me. I see many stories of attempts and failures. I hope to one day look back and be able to tell a story of triumph.

Here's inspiration for you all:
The point is, I can’t tell you how to succeed. But I can tell you how not to: Give in to the shame of being rejected and put your manuscript—or painting, song, voice, dance moves, [insert passion here]—in the coffin that is your bedside drawer and close it for good. I guarantee you that it won’t take you anywhere. Or you could do what this writer did: Give in to your obsession instead.


And if your friends make fun of you for chasing your dream, remember—just lie.

Let's Talk Toilet Seat Covers

Public restrooms are fine with me, but I fear for others. I fear for others who will share the restroom with me, at my time of NEED. But lucky for one of my co workers, she walked in at a good time. I was just changing.

And then a thought occurred to me. Once my butt cheeks kissed the toilet seat, the restroom door opened, then I heard foot steps, then the stall door opened next to me, then the sound of crumbling paper. Ahh, the toilet seat cover. I realized that I have not done that. It isn't intuitive for me to do so. Am I being a nasty girl? I sometimes don't wash my apples before I eat them. When cupcake crumbles fall on the table, I lick my index finger and dab the delicious pieces up and into my mouth. Heck, I can say that I don't shower daily (8 days was my limit, oh the Woodsey challenge). When I simply must go, I go. I'm not patient enough to find the thin opening and pull it away. It's almost like getting that one thin slice of rice paper from a family of rice papers for my Korean BBQ. I end up picking two pieces and they rip, making them useless for my wrap. The topic of food and lavatory always seem to go hand in hand during a conversation.  Anyways, after taking the toilet seat covers out, you then have to place them on the toilet seat, which I think needs to be done strategically. It has to be centered so it won't fall into the toilet. It's really disgusting. I'm imagining the minutiae of these private moments between you and your bowel movements in my head, and I feel awful for the toilet seat cover. Not only do they have to deal with our butts on their faces, they're the first to come in contact with the cumulation of your poor food intake. They begin their life neatly tucked in the container with their other look alike friends. When they are chosen, they feel joyous, free, for a second until they're forced to cohabit with a thermoplastic friend who doesn't like to travel. Once they become acquianted, a third party comes in, forcing a quick (hopefully) ménage à trois of sorts. And how are they thanked? They're flushed down the toilet with the rest of them. The end.


Note though, I do use toilet seat covers, sparingly, when the restroom is disgusting. But if you're in a clean public restroom, like your work restroom, think about that. Think about the life of the toilet seat cover. Is it worth it? 

I really like this song

July 2011 Huntington Beach, CA

Click here. Press play.

If you're genuinely smiling, shaking your body back and forth, and singing/reading along (in your head counts too), then you're fucking in love (at this moment). Or maybe you just really like this song.

Commentary on DCFC's Tourist just for you

On our drive back from Westwood, I took the initiative to over annoy my driver. I heard it before, but it didn't stick with me. But that was a few months ago when I was a few months younger. Now Death Cab's You Are A Tourist will be on repeat a lot this month. Some old fans might hate this because it's just too... positive! My comments will be in parenthesis, and when I say comments, I mean stupid, strange words that will make you raise your eyebrow. Imagine a lot of gusto! And raised arms! And random sounds in between as I try to explain this song to you.


When there's a burning in your heart
An endless yearning in your heart (YES!)
Build it bigger than the sun (the sun is so big, wow go for it!)
Let it grow, let it grow (grow as big as the sun, if you can!)
When there's a burning in your heart
Don't be alarmed (don't be scared, yes you can have aspirations and desires!)

This fire grows higher (YES IT DOES!)

When there's a doubt within your mind (don't doubt, how dare you!)
Because you're thinking all the time (remember, thinking is only intended for do or die exams)
Framing rights into wrongs (no, the cup is half full, bro)
Move along, move along (American rejects)
When there's a doubt within your mind (negative pops up, crush it, erase it, don't give it attention!)

When there's a burning in your heart (again)
And you think it'll burst apart (it's too good to be true, don't let me jinx it)
Or there's nothing to feel
Save the tears, save the tears (stop being such a negative nancy)
When there's a burning in your heart

And if you feel just like a tourist in the city you were born
Then it's time to go (fuck, this is my favorite line, hi hi ) 
And define your destination
There's so many different places to call home (there is, got me thinking, gone gone)
Because when you find yourself the villain in the story you have written
It's plain to see (you are the sole controller of your story, write a great one, be a hero)
That sometimes the best intentions are in need of redemptions
Would you agree?
If so please show me (okay, i don't really care much about this part)

This fire grows higher
When there's a burning in your heart (fire! grows! higherr!)

Rice and water and words

September 4, 2011 Seoul, Korea

Being minus one here means I'm in this room alone. The people on my screen are fascinating; it's a side I never get to see. Millions are sharing without knowing. I know so much about you, yet I've never even met you. I don't think people could have said this a few years ago. I know so much about you - your thoughts, your interests, your philosophies on life, your ways - without ever having a face to face conversation with you. You take what you can, and others will take the rest.

I wouldn't feed this rice to you if you begged me.

Create something, and add value to your days. It's been too long, sitting here, watching others sparkle, sparkle while I dust away.

Re-locate?

Chaptalize: to increase the alcohol in a wine by adding sugar.

WOW!

85 1.4

Thanks to Amazon, the package came in a day for a flat fee of 3.99. I couldn't help but take some test shots in the Le residency.

Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun

When Friday comes around, I always want to play a song to celebrate. But resorting to Rebecca Black's Friday (i couldn't find the original video, way too many parodies and remakes) ends up ruining my Friday. I tried thinking of other songs with this Friday theme on my own, without the help of google. Katy Perry's Last Friday Night obviously was the second contender. But that isn't fair because her and Black are homies (watch her video, she makes an important cameo). I started thinking... I get paid on Fridays! That idea led me to my second favorite boy bands of the late 90's: Nsync! Their song Just Got Paid sprinkles in Friday (Just got paid, Friday night, Party hoppin', feelin right). But no, not good enough.


Then, lo and beyond, it came to me! THE CURE! Friday, I'm In Love. How could I have not thought of that!? I decided to take a look at the lyrics, and oh my lanta, it's brilliant. It does what Rebecca couldn't do: brilliantly educated me in the days of the week. Take a look:

Yesterday was Thursday, Thursday
Today i-is Friday, Friday (Partyin')
We-we-we so excited
We so excited
We gonna have a ball today

Tomorrow is Saturday
And Sunday comes after... wardsI don't want this weekend to end



I really had to google the lyrics. Amazing stuff. But, how dare she leave out Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday? These days are necessary for Thursday to happen, which leads to Friday, then leads to the weekend! Really now. How dare they leave out the middle children. But now take a look at this:


I don't care if Monday's blue
Tuesday's gray and Wednesday too
Thursday I don't care about you
It's Friday, I'm in love


Monday you can fall apart
Tuesday, Wednesday break my heart
Oh, Thursday doesn't even start
It's Friday I'm in love


Saturday, wait
And Sunday always comes too late
But Friday, never hesitate...


I don't care if Mondays black
Tuesday, Wednesday - heart attack
Thursday, never looking back
It's Friday, I'm in love


Monday, you can hold your head
Tuesday, Wednesday stay in bed
Or Thursday - watch the walls instead
It's Friday, I'm in love


Saturday, wait
And Sunday always comes too late
But Friday, never hesitate...


Repetition is key, my friends. Every line has a day in it. Every day is equally represented! This is pure music genius. I feel the love for every day of the week here, and they are in order! Now this is what I'd let my kids listen to if they sadly can never ingrain the days in their heads. This will make it easier. 


So what did you get away from this? That Hong needs a life.

And here's to you, Mrs. Betty Ho

Betty, this is for you. I was going to type a crap load of crap here, but I realized the photos will speak for themselves. You already know you're the shiz, so I won't state the obvious. Thank you for being a fab fab co worker, model, friend, and seriously biggest fan of my photography. Thank you for inspiring me in so many ways. And please update your blog (you guys should check it out, she's a terrific writer), even at your new job!  I hope you enjoy them, sweetie pooh!

Next time, you will be wearing THE SHOE

Thank you for doing ridiculous things for you!

This car really inspired you!

Who would ever do this!?

Yup, she's in the trunk of her own car.

The first posed photograph.

SWAG

Money is not interested in women!

Oh hello my little friend (say this in a creepy voice).

She's always so calm and collected.

Wrist watch me.

All natural, baby!

I'm trying to be normal (go Betty!)

Recognize that?

It's Betty's eye, I swear!

And here's music for you all: Simon & Garfunkel - Mrs. Robinson

Can't put a price on that

Ever since my friend asked me how much I charge for photoshoots, I've been scavenging the internet for some tips. I have an idea of what I believe, but it was nice to open up my mind and read what others had to say. An aspiring photographer started a thread that really fit my current state: how much do I charge?

One person responded with: $300. Don't undervalue yourself.

I couldn't help but laugh at that. $300 sounds expensive, doesn't it? I don't feel like I have that much credibility and experience to charge someone $300 dollars, especially for my first shoot. I do think it's a great price once you've shot more than 5-10 photoshoots because not only have you improved, but you also begin to truly believe and value whole-heartedly in your work. You know that you can deliver.

"Never ever shoot for free. Not only are you screwing yourself, but the entire photographic industry. Why? Shooting for free tells people photography has no value," another person replied back. Abrasive, but I agreed with this. If you're going to shoot for free (with the idea that someone asked you to shoot them, not you offering) it really undervalues what you do, and people won't take it seriously.

Lastly, I think this person answered it best: "Don't undervalue yourself when your starting out. I've been there too and also felt that I didn't want to charge until I was sure that I could deliver the best. $25 is not enough though, remember you need to charge for your time spent shooting the session, time spent editing the session, all the admin side of things and also your talent. Photography is an art after all and your clients are buying your work. Undervaluing that will only set you up for a fall at the start. Think carefully about how long you spend on each client session and work out from there what you think is best for your current situation."

I have confidence that I will take the best photographs for you. I will do whatever I can to deliver the best results. I've committed so much energy and time into photography, teaching myself for the past three years. I've always enjoyed it, but I never took it seriously. I never took myself seriously. If you know me, you know I'm not serious (unless the occasion calls for it.) That's what I lacked: self-confidence. Photography is the only thing I feel confident about. It's the only thing I'm extremely passionate about (I know this because when I have free time I'm constantly reading photography forums, looking at wedding/engagement shoots, looking for poses, lighting, inspiration, anything photography related until my mother calls me to go eat.) I have no idea where I'm going with this. Oh yes, pricing.

So how does one determine pricing? I value my photography, but I know I'm lacking the credentials/the experience/the proof. However, it's similar to applying for an internship or a job. We've all been there, where we have no experience in the job related field. However, we make up for it in different ways. I'm not going to charge an extensive amount because I am not that great. Doing that will really be cheating my potential clients. However, I don't want to charge so less because I really value what I do and I want to be taken seriously. I do want experience from these photoshoots, so that is already a reward in itself. The pricing really comes in for the time I commit after I take the photographs. I also have to think how many people will be in the shoot, how many outfit changes they want, how many locations, how far the locations will be, if they want printed photographs or images on a cd. There are many factors included.

So to conclude this much lengthy self discussion, I want clients who want me because of my photographs, not the price.

And to answer the question I stated in the beginning of the entry, "I'll get back to you on that."

Marilyn and George Part I

Here's my first "couples" photoshoot. Usually, the more formal name would be an "e-session" e standing for engagement. Obviously, my friends are only 22 years old, so they aren't getting married soon. But if you are, let me know!

Marilyn blames George for coming late, but it's my fault. As the photographer, I should have been more decisive in where to go. It was a race between us and the sun. Here are some lessons I learned at my first shoot:

- photos on your lcd screen is not a good representation of the real thing
- take as many photos as you can
- if it's already 7pm, you gotta get to your main destination before the sun's down (ours was newport beach)
- pre-visualize
- give more concrete instructions with examples
- don't be afraid of taking a photograph that you normally would not take
- find the light, play around with it, don't stick to one angle
- take advantage of the time you do have with the sun!

Again, thank you so much Marilyn and George! You guys were more than fab fab. Look at the title! It means there will be a part two!