Have you ever met someone who has the magic of attracting people and is always the center of attention? I met a dog last weekend who has that kind of charisma. Let me introduce to you, Bao Bao, a Saint Bernard who is turning one soon. We were stopped by by-passers so many times in the middle of our photo session just because people wanted to pet him and know more about him. I think he has just that kind of magnetical charm.

Bessie and Gary wanted to capture moments of Bao Bao, the way he is now. Bessie told me when they brought Bao Bao home, he was like a little pea. So tiny that an eagle may pick him up and fly away.  I’m sure he will still grow to be stronger and more muscular. But now with these photos, he will be remembered at this size and age.

Bessie, Gary, and Bao Bao, you guys are the friendliest people, and dog, I’ve ever met. Although I was losing my breath chasing after Bao Bao, I had such a great time! Because it was a much needed workout for me indeed. I look forward to more fun sessions with you!

His pastime is taking off people’s shoes and socks…

Even with just a half hour nap, her performance was exceptional. We could not have found a better model to work with than this sweet-sweet-little-cutie-pumpkin-pie. Sweeter than Costco’s cake icing! Her smiles melt my heart.  I so missed her after the session!

We started the photo shoot with the Chens in their home, and then walking around the neighborhood. I got Ricky to come along with me that day. What a treat! As we walked into their home, Miss A looked just like that, smiling and warmly welcoming us…

This is the heart-melting smile that I was talking about (left photo). Just about anyone would fall in love with her…

Her mommy and daddy are just as lovely…

Then we went to the pumpkin patch at the Tanaka/Strawberry Farm in Irvine. I’ve had several portrait sessions there before, and this time, I was still in awe at the scenery. With the sun setting in the background, this place is a photographer’s dream…

This is one of my favorites from the session. The colors are soooo yummy…

Say hello to Mr. Scarecrow…

Someone was very curious…

She really did not mind that we moved her around and put her on the spot. Thanks for letting me have fun with you…

Shan and Rebecca, thanks for sharing your sugar bomb with us. Honestly, I am quite happy with the photos from this shoot. And you guys were the ones who made it happen! I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

One year has past. Two birthdays to celebrate. It has been a whole year since my website and photography business has launched. It is totally God’s grace that I could find my passion and turn it into a real job. I am not saying that it is easy. My stress level has been much higher in the past year because of new responsibilities to all the stakeholders of my business. Stakeholders are my clients, blog readers, future clients, and more. Despite of getting tons of breakouts on my face as a by product, I still love (x10) what I do. Minus the zits.

I had a wonderful session with the Chen family last Saturday as their little girl was also turning one. To have a little celebration, I am giving my blog photos a new look. It is time to grow BIGGER. Here is one for you to preview:

I photographed this baby doll last year when she was ten days old. This was taken in front of their home:

And then two days ago at the same spot:

Stay tuned for more sugar treats…

I had the honor to photograph baby Neil when he was 10-days-new. His mom is Annabelle’s teacher at school.  Neil was a baby Shaquille O’Neil! He weighed over 9 lbs at birth! More amazingly, it was a natural birth. Praise the Lord!  This reminded me of another miracle – my daughter’s birth.  Annabelle was also a big baby, 8 lbs 9 oz;  a natural and smooth delivery from a tiny mother.

Neil taught me a lesson to put my camera out of range when holding a baby without diaper  (he peed on my camera which was sitting on the chair next to me!).  This shows that my camera may be water proof since it’s still working.

I spent a super fun morning with the Fongs at Fashion Island on Memorial Day.  I was smiling all night when I looked through these images. They look so happy together! The more I photograph families, the more I love being a photographer.  I feel so blessed to be able to document other people’s joyful moments and happy lives.  And also getting to know them more.  One thing I learned about the Fongs is that they are really good at telling pee-poo jokes! These guys cracked me up!

I love her almost perfect yoga pose. What a super yoga baby!

It makes me smile every time I look at these two cloned faces!

She was really upset ever since she got dressed in the morning that her pants was broken! Not quite buying this fashion thing.

XO,
iris