http://benjaminchan.com Benjamin Chan Tue, 14 Aug 2012 16:41:12 +0000 http://benjaminchan.com en http://benjaminchan.com/Mel-Dan http://benjaminchan.com/following/benjaminchan.com/Mel-Dan Tue, 14 Aug 2012 16:41:12 +0000 Benjamin Chan 3915984 <img src="http://payload80.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3915984/layoutmelanddan-1_1100.jpg" width="1100" height="734" width_o="1100" height_o="734" src_o="http://payload80.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3915984/layoutmelanddan-1_o.jpg" data-mid="20451394" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload80.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3915984/layoutmelanddan-2_1100.jpg" width="1100" height="722" width_o="1100" height_o="722" src_o="http://payload80.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3915984/layoutmelanddan-2_o.jpg" data-mid="20451399" border="0" align="left"/> "The Ritz we ain't." Mel and Dan picked a great place to get married. The Shack Up Inn says it straight from the get - go. It's not Ritz, but it is everything else. Full of texture, culture, and the muddy-dirtyness of the south. Located in the cradle of Mississippi Delta, this wedding weekend was full of music, family and good food. They let me really run free with documenting the whole weekend and that really gave me the freedom to capture some great moments. Shrimp boil, Wedding in a Garage Port, last night concert the night before in town, and old dusty - rusty trucks and cars were part of the landscape. I've known Mel since our time in Atlanta together, and it was somewhat comforting to be back in the south together, for a really important event in her life. It's really special to get to be there with people you care about, and to be of service to them with photography, and presence. I really enjoyed the time to connect and really experience life again with her and Dan. I don't know if i'll ever get the chance to come down to the Delta, let alone the Shack Up Inn, but I'm grateful for my time there with good friends, great light and a really quirky and eclectic space. <img src="http://payload80.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3915984/layoutmelanddan-3_1100.jpg" width="1100" height="797" width_o="1100" height_o="797" src_o="http://payload80.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3915984/layoutmelanddan-3_o.jpg" data-mid="20451402" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload80.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3915984/layoutmelanddan-4_1100.jpg" width="1100" height="729" width_o="1100" height_o="729" src_o="http://payload80.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3915984/layoutmelanddan-4_o.jpg" data-mid="20451404" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload80.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3915984/layoutmelanddan-5_1100.jpg" width="1100" height="725" width_o="1100" height_o="725" src_o="http://payload80.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3915984/layoutmelanddan-5_o.jpg" data-mid="20451406" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload80.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3915984/layoutmelanddan-6_1100.jpg" width="1100" height="729" width_o="1100" height_o="729" src_o="http://payload80.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3915984/layoutmelanddan-6_o.jpg" data-mid="20451409" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload80.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3915984/layoutmelanddan-7_1100.jpg" width="1100" height="410" width_o="1100" height_o="410" src_o="http://payload80.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3915984/layoutmelanddan-7_o.jpg" data-mid="20451411" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload80.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3915984/layoutmelanddan-8_1100.jpg" width="1100" height="725" width_o="1100" height_o="725" src_o="http://payload80.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3915984/layoutmelanddan-8_o.jpg" data-mid="20451414" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload80.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3915984/layoutmelanddan-10_1100.jpg" width="1100" height="731" width_o="1100" height_o="731" src_o="http://payload80.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3915984/layoutmelanddan-10_o.jpg" data-mid="20451417" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload80.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3915984/layoutmelanddan-11_1100.jpg" width="1100" height="725" width_o="1100" height_o="725" src_o="http://payload80.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3915984/layoutmelanddan-11_o.jpg" data-mid="20451419" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload80.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3915984/layoutmelanddan-12_1100.jpg" width="1100" height="739" width_o="1100" height_o="739" src_o="http://payload80.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3915984/layoutmelanddan-12_o.jpg" data-mid="20451421" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload80.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3915984/layoutmelanddan-13_1100.jpg" width="1099" height="418" width_o="1099" height_o="418" src_o="http://payload80.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3915984/layoutmelanddan-13_o.jpg" data-mid="20451423" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload80.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3915984/layoutmelanddan-14_1100.jpg" width="1100" height="725" width_o="1100" height_o="725" src_o="http://payload80.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3915984/layoutmelanddan-14_o.jpg" data-mid="20451424" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload80.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3915984/layoutmelanddan-16_1100.jpg" width="1099" height="368" width_o="1099" height_o="368" src_o="http://payload80.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3915984/layoutmelanddan-16_o.jpg" data-mid="20451759" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload80.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3915984/layoutmelanddan-15_14_1100.jpg" width="1100" height="727" width_o="1100" height_o="727" src_o="http://payload80.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3915984/layoutmelanddan-15_14_o.jpg" data-mid="20452248" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload80.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3915984/layoutmelanddan-17_1100.jpg" width="1100" height="827" width_o="1100" height_o="827" src_o="http://payload80.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3915984/layoutmelanddan-17_o.jpg" data-mid="20451762" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload80.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3915984/layoutmelanddan-19_1100.jpg" width="1099" height="720" width_o="1099" height_o="720" src_o="http://payload80.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3915984/layoutmelanddan-19_o.jpg" data-mid="20452124" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload80.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3915984/layoutmelanddan-18_1100.jpg" width="1100" height="366" width_o="1100" height_o="366" src_o="http://payload80.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3915984/layoutmelanddan-18_o.jpg" data-mid="20451766" border="0" align="left"/> "The Ritz we ain't." Mel and Dan picked a great place to get married. The Shack Up Inn says it straight from the get - go. It's not Ritz, but it is everything... http://benjaminchan.com/Eddy-Cheri http://benjaminchan.com/following/benjaminchan.com/Eddy-Cheri Tue, 14 Aug 2012 13:31:43 +0000 Benjamin Chan 3914211 <img src="http://payload80.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3914211/layouteddiecheri-1_1100.jpg" width="1100" height="734" width_o="1100" height_o="734" src_o="http://payload80.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3914211/layouteddiecheri-1_o.jpg" data-mid="20442629" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload80.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3914211/layouteddiecheri-2_1100.jpg" width="1099" height="721" width_o="1099" height_o="721" src_o="http://payload80.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3914211/layouteddiecheri-2_o.jpg" data-mid="20442630" border="0" align="left"/> This Photoshoot was fun but exhausting! We went a lot of different places, but they all turned out really great. Cheri and Eddy picked out places in San Diego that were significant to them, and we walked, drove, and wandered back to all of these important spots. Downtown at the Museum of Contemporary Art, North Park, and La Jolla Shores. Eddy and Cheri share a deep love for food, dancing, and being together. It was a real treat to get to know them together and to also walk in the footsteps of their story. I think engagement shoots are great ways to get to know people and it definitely helps to build trust for the wedding day photography!<img src="http://payload80.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3914211/layouteddiecheri-3_1100.jpg" width="1100" height="797" width_o="1100" height_o="797" src_o="http://payload80.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3914211/layouteddiecheri-3_o.jpg" data-mid="20442632" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload80.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3914211/layouteddiecheri-4_1100.jpg" width="1100" height="1630" width_o="1100" height_o="1630" src_o="http://payload80.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3914211/layouteddiecheri-4_o.jpg" data-mid="20442635" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload80.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3914211/layouteddiecheri-5_1100.jpg" width="1099" height="738" width_o="1099" height_o="738" src_o="http://payload80.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3914211/layouteddiecheri-5_o.jpg" data-mid="20442638" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload80.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3914211/layouteddiecheri-6_1100.jpg" width="1099" height="738" width_o="1099" height_o="738" src_o="http://payload80.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3914211/layouteddiecheri-6_o.jpg" data-mid="20442640" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload80.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3914211/layouteddiecheri-7_1100.jpg" width="1100" height="396" width_o="1100" height_o="396" src_o="http://payload80.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3914211/layouteddiecheri-7_o.jpg" data-mid="20442643" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload80.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3914211/layouteddiecheri-8_1100.jpg" width="1100" height="826" width_o="1100" height_o="826" src_o="http://payload80.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3914211/layouteddiecheri-8_o.jpg" data-mid="20442647" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload80.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3914211/layouteddiecheri-9_1100.jpg" width="1100" height="729" width_o="1100" height_o="729" src_o="http://payload80.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3914211/layouteddiecheri-9_o.jpg" data-mid="20442648" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload80.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3914211/layouteddiecheri-10_1100.jpg" width="1100" height="357" width_o="1100" height_o="357" src_o="http://payload80.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3914211/layouteddiecheri-10_o.jpg" data-mid="20442651" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload80.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3914211/layouteddiecheri-11_1100.jpg" width="1100" height="826" width_o="1100" height_o="826" src_o="http://payload80.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3914211/layouteddiecheri-11_o.jpg" data-mid="20442653" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload80.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3914211/layouteddiecheri-12_1100.jpg" width="1100" height="740" width_o="1100" height_o="740" src_o="http://payload80.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3914211/layouteddiecheri-12_o.jpg" data-mid="20442656" border="0" align="left"/> This Photoshoot was fun but exhausting! We went a lot of different places, but they all turned out really great. Cheri and Eddy picked out places in San Diego... http://benjaminchan.com/Cheryl-James http://benjaminchan.com/following/benjaminchan.com/Cheryl-James Thu, 09 Aug 2012 13:10:30 +0000 Benjamin Chan 3226579 <img src="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226579/layoutjamescheryl-1_1_1100.jpg" width="1100" height="632" width_o="1100" height_o="632" src_o="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226579/layoutjamescheryl-1_1_o.jpg" data-mid="20321263" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226579/layoutjamescheryl-2_2_1100.jpg" width="1100" height="721" width_o="1100" height_o="721" src_o="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226579/layoutjamescheryl-2_2_o.jpg" data-mid="20321264" border="0" align="left"/> Cheryl and James are great folks. James is a dedicated teacher and Star Wars fan. Cheryl works with young people in schools too, so they have a lot in common. Before the shoot, I went to the party store to get three extra extra large balloons for the shoot. I thought they'd be a great prop to tie in their love for the movie UP. Alas, the balloons, full of helium and a guarantee from the clerk that they would fit in my car, did not fit in the car and I had to return them. The store ended up refunding me partially due to their store policy. Whoops! The engagement shoot still went on without a hitch ( and without the balloons). We spent time at the Oakland Morcom Rose Garden, and also at Alameda Beach. I really like the Rose Garden. It's one of those places that is kind of a secret treasure in Oakland. Tucked in behind the lake, it's full of surprises: several cascading fountains, a pool of water where kids sometimes frolic in, and roses galore. A great place to come to for peace and quiet from the city life. We caught the beach at just the right time. The sun was coming down and the warm summer light put a golden touch to all of the photos we took. In the end, it was a great night and a fun start towards marriage for Cheryl and James. <img src="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226579/layoutjamescheryl-3_3_1100.jpg" width="1100" height="797" width_o="1100" height_o="797" src_o="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226579/layoutjamescheryl-3_3_o.jpg" data-mid="20309602" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226579/layoutjamescheryl-4_4_1100.jpg" width="1100" height="823" width_o="1100" height_o="823" src_o="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226579/layoutjamescheryl-4_4_o.jpg" data-mid="20321260" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226579/layoutjamescheryl-5_5_1100.jpg" width="1099" height="738" width_o="1099" height_o="738" src_o="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226579/layoutjamescheryl-5_5_o.jpg" data-mid="20321262" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226579/layoutjamescheryl-6_1100.jpg" width="1099" height="738" width_o="1099" height_o="738" src_o="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226579/layoutjamescheryl-6_o.jpg" data-mid="20321313" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226579/layoutjamescheryl-7_1100.jpg" width="1100" height="396" width_o="1100" height_o="396" src_o="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226579/layoutjamescheryl-7_o.jpg" data-mid="20309440" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226579/layoutjamescheryl-8 copy_1100.jpg" width="1100" height="357" width_o="1100" height_o="357" src_o="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226579/layoutjamescheryl-8 copy_o.jpg" data-mid="20309445" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226579/layoutjamescheryl-9_1100.jpg" width="1100" height="826" width_o="1100" height_o="826" src_o="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226579/layoutjamescheryl-9_o.jpg" data-mid="20309448" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226579/layoutjamescheryl-10_1100.jpg" width="1100" height="740" width_o="1100" height_o="740" src_o="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226579/layoutjamescheryl-10_o.jpg" data-mid="20309452" border="0" align="left"/> Cheryl and James are great folks. James is a dedicated teacher and Star Wars fan. Cheryl works with young people in schools too, so they have a lot in common. ... http://benjaminchan.com/Chen-Family http://benjaminchan.com/following/benjaminchan.com/Chen-Family Wed, 08 Aug 2012 11:23:23 +0000 Benjamin Chan 3333848 <img src="http://payload51.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3333848/layoutchenfamily_1_1100.jpg" width="1100" height="734" width_o="1100" height_o="734" src_o="http://payload51.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3333848/layoutchenfamily_1_o.jpg" data-mid="20273581" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload51.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3333848/layoutchenfamily-2_1100.jpg" width="1099" height="721" width_o="1099" height_o="721" src_o="http://payload51.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3333848/layoutchenfamily-2_o.jpg" data-mid="20273585" border="0" align="left"/> The Chens are friends of friends who ended up being in the Bay Area for a trip. It was great to meet them and to get to know their family: a great balance of one boy, one girl, and the parents. I had a good time getting to know each person in their own little way. We spent the evening taking pictures and hanging out at Oakland's Morcom Rose Garden. The late winter light can be really stunning. While the summer light lasts longer and seems to cast longer shadows, the winter light is harsher, but when it gets a moment to relax, it really gives way to nice soft and cool colors. I always like shooting at the Rose Garden, but this evening was really special. It was slightly overcast, with a bit of the light poking through: a perfect night for portraits. <img src="http://payload51.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3333848/layoutchenfamily-3_3_1100.jpg" width="1100" height="797" width_o="1100" height_o="797" src_o="http://payload51.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3333848/layoutchenfamily-3_3_o.jpg" data-mid="20285698" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload51.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3333848/layoutchenfamily-3b_1100.jpg" width="1100" height="826" width_o="1100" height_o="826" src_o="http://payload51.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3333848/layoutchenfamily-3b_o.jpg" data-mid="20273591" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload51.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3333848/layoutchenfamily-4_1100.jpg" width="1100" height="1630" width_o="1100" height_o="1630" src_o="http://payload51.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3333848/layoutchenfamily-4_o.jpg" data-mid="20273595" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload51.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3333848/layoutchenfamily-5_1100.jpg" width="1099" height="737" width_o="1099" height_o="737" src_o="http://payload51.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3333848/layoutchenfamily-5_o.jpg" data-mid="20273596" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload51.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3333848/layoutchenfamily-6_7_1100.jpg" width="1100" height="396" width_o="1100" height_o="396" src_o="http://payload51.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3333848/layoutchenfamily-6_7_o.jpg" data-mid="20285691" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload51.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3333848/layoutchenfamily-7_1100.jpg" width="1100" height="826" width_o="1100" height_o="826" src_o="http://payload51.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3333848/layoutchenfamily-7_o.jpg" data-mid="20273598" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload51.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3333848/layoutchenfamily-8_1100.jpg" width="1100" height="1646" width_o="1100" height_o="1646" src_o="http://payload51.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3333848/layoutchenfamily-8_o.jpg" data-mid="20273603" border="0" align="left"/> The Chens are friends of friends who ended up being in the Bay Area for a trip. It was great to meet them and to get to know their family: a great balance of one... http://benjaminchan.com/Olson-Hong-Family http://benjaminchan.com/following/benjaminchan.com/Olson-Hong-Family Tue, 17 Apr 2012 20:23:31 +0000 Benjamin Chan 3226578 <img src="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226578/web layouts-05-psd_12_1100.jpg" width="1100" height="632" width_o="1100" height_o="632" src_o="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226578/web layouts-05-psd_12_o.jpg" data-mid="18497737" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226578/web layouts-06_1100.jpg" width="1100" height="629" width_o="2048" height_o="1171" src_o="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226578/web layouts-06_o.jpg" data-mid="18500482" border="0" align="left"/> It's always fun to work with folks over a longer period of time. I've been able to take family portraits with the Olson Hongs for the past 3 - 4 years. Each year adding either another child, or another funny tendency. I remember when Alana couldn't stand to be in front of the camera. Kai always feel comfortable in front of the shutter. Now Corrie is waiting to spread her wings. They are funny kids! I've been trying to shoot more of a documentary style, which I think is my strength. I came a little earlier to the apartment and I just hovered around while the kids played and got ready to go to the park. I like shooting in this way. It feels more intentional, and my hope is to capture moments - the emotions of being who we are in the regular normal life. Dimond Park worked well, with the trails in the back. I really think this is one of the best parks in Oakland. It has a great pool, big spaces to run in and a great playground. The secret are the trails in the back! We spent the first part of the shoot in the back. It was mid day, but we were able to make do with brighter harsh light by ducking into the shadows of the trees and into the different underbrush parts. Like Shauna loves, we kept it quick and told the kids they could play in the park when we were done. They had a fun time on the trails and really enjoyed the playground afterwards. <img src="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226578/web layouts-07_6_1100.jpg" width="1100" height="797" width_o="1100" height_o="797" src_o="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226578/web layouts-07_6_o.jpg" data-mid="20342133" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226578/web layouts-11_2_1100.jpg" width="1100" height="396" width_o="1100" height_o="396" src_o="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226578/web layouts-11_2_o.jpg" data-mid="20342127" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226578/web layouts-09_4_1100.jpg" width="1100" height="719" width_o="1100" height_o="719" src_o="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226578/web layouts-09_4_o.jpg" data-mid="20342122" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226578/web layouts-12_1100.jpg" width="1100" height="415" width_o="1100" height_o="415" src_o="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226578/web layouts-12_o.jpg" data-mid="20342128" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226578/web layouts-13_9_1100.jpg" width="1100" height="833" width_o="1100" height_o="833" src_o="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226578/web layouts-13_9_o.jpg" data-mid="20342129" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226578/web layouts-14_8_1100.jpg" width="1100" height="826" width_o="1100" height_o="826" src_o="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226578/web layouts-14_8_o.jpg" data-mid="20342131" border="0" align="left"/> It's always fun to work with folks over a longer period of time. I've been able to take family portraits with the Olson Hongs for the past 3 - 4 years. Each... http://benjaminchan.com/New-York-City http://benjaminchan.com/following/benjaminchan.com/New-York-City Tue, 17 Apr 2012 20:23:30 +0000 Benjamin Chan 3226576 <img src="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226576/nyc12-1_1100.jpg" width="1100" height="734" width_o="1100" height_o="734" src_o="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226576/nyc12-1_o.jpg" data-mid="20289836" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226576/nyc12-2_1100.jpg" width="1100" height="820" width_o="1100" height_o="820" src_o="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226576/nyc12-2_o.jpg" data-mid="20289840" border="0" align="left"/> New York New York! I was more prepared this time. Last time I was learning how to use the subway, and it helped to have a partner to explore with. This time I was alone, but it didn't feel as daunting. People are tough here, but it doesn't mean they aren't kind or helpful. I like that about New York. She knows who she is, and sticks with that. It was really good to see Colin and Carla again. Both of their careers as teachers and artist really have progressed, and it was great to have them show me around town from their point of view. The basketball games were a good continuation from my Midwest trip, and all of the Museums and public art were really inspiring. It was fun to take pictures with the Colin and Carla a couple years after their wedding. There is something good about working with familiar people and having a relationship of trust with one's work and also one's relationship with others. In the end, it felt at ease and I think it reflected in the images. The slowness of the Midwest trip stayed with me. I think I took my best pictures when I acted slow, full of intention and with purpose. My time at the Highline and the Cloisters were part of that process. It's really made me think about my life and how busy it can sometimes be. The slowness and intention of the moment really helped me to find the beautiful spaces and to be aware of my surrounds. <img src="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226576/layoutnyc-3_1100.jpg" width="1100" height="797" width_o="1100" height_o="797" src_o="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226576/layoutnyc-3_o.jpg" data-mid="20289846" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226576/layoutnyc-4_1100.jpg" width="1100" height="733" width_o="1100" height_o="733" src_o="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226576/layoutnyc-4_o.jpg" data-mid="20289850" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226576/layoutnyc-5_1100.jpg" width="1100" height="833" width_o="1100" height_o="833" src_o="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226576/layoutnyc-5_o.jpg" data-mid="20289858" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226576/layoutnyc-6_1100.jpg" width="1100" height="729" width_o="1100" height_o="729" src_o="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226576/layoutnyc-6_o.jpg" data-mid="20289861" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226576/layoutnyc-7_1100.jpg" width="1100" height="725" width_o="1100" height_o="725" src_o="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226576/layoutnyc-7_o.jpg" data-mid="20289864" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226576/layoutnyc-8_1100.jpg" width="1100" height="731" width_o="1100" height_o="731" src_o="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226576/layoutnyc-8_o.jpg" data-mid="20289867" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226576/layoutnyc-9_1100.jpg" width="1100" height="1648" width_o="1100" height_o="1648" src_o="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226576/layoutnyc-9_o.jpg" data-mid="20289876" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226576/layoutnyc-10_1100.jpg" width="1100" height="368" width_o="1100" height_o="368" src_o="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226576/layoutnyc-10_o.jpg" data-mid="20289878" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226576/layoutnyc-11_1100.jpg" width="1100" height="407" width_o="1100" height_o="407" src_o="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226576/layoutnyc-11_o.jpg" data-mid="20289881" border="0" align="left"/> New York New York! I was more prepared this time. Last time I was learning how to use the subway, and it helped to have a partner to explore with. This time I was... http://benjaminchan.com/The-Midwest http://benjaminchan.com/following/benjaminchan.com/The-Midwest Tue, 17 Apr 2012 20:23:29 +0000 Benjamin Chan 3226573 <img src="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226573/layoutmidwest-1_1100.jpg" width="1099" height="736" width_o="1099" height_o="736" src_o="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226573/layoutmidwest-1_o.jpg" data-mid="20344451" border="0" align="left"/> The Midwest was definitely Midbest. It's a strange statement with made up words, but it was a really joy to see friends and to be able to see another part of the country. There was a lot of country, basketball, and wide open spaces. All things that I really grew to enjoy, and appreciate more and more. One of the big highlights was being able to go to see the IU Hoosiers play at Assembly Hall. People say basketball is like a religious experience in Indiana, and I would actually agree and say yes, I did got to the game and it was like church! Everyone knew everything about basketball, and it was so intense in the stadium. I came away loving the Hoosiers, and I hope that I can come back to see them again! There is something slower and a bit more intentional about life in Bloomington. While I missed many things that I love about the Bay Area and living in a metropolis, I came to appreciate the calmness of living in a home with space and time, and seasons. It was great to see Matt and Joy again, and I felt like life was good for them, in a new way, and I was glad to experience that. There's a lot to tell, but the trip to Chicago was fun as well. It is an intense city, but really fun to explore and see. We weathered the late winter cold and found out what seasons really mean. Hats, gloves, scarves and leaky jackets only made us stand out as tourists from a warmer land. I hope to return.<img src="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226573/layoutmidwest-2_1100.jpg" width="1100" height="789" width_o="1100" height_o="789" src_o="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226573/layoutmidwest-2_o.jpg" data-mid="20344453" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226573/layoutmidwest-3_1100.jpg" width="1100" height="797" width_o="1100" height_o="797" src_o="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226573/layoutmidwest-3_o.jpg" data-mid="20344454" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226573/layoutmidwest-4_1100.jpg" width="1099" height="729" width_o="1099" height_o="729" src_o="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226573/layoutmidwest-4_o.jpg" data-mid="20344456" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226573/layoutmidwest-5_1100.jpg" width="1100" height="811" width_o="1100" height_o="811" src_o="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226573/layoutmidwest-5_o.jpg" data-mid="20344460" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226573/layoutmidwest-6_1100.jpg" width="1100" height="725" width_o="1100" height_o="725" src_o="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226573/layoutmidwest-6_o.jpg" data-mid="20344463" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226573/layoutmidwest-7_1100.jpg" width="1100" height="730" width_o="1100" height_o="730" src_o="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226573/layoutmidwest-7_o.jpg" data-mid="20344464" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226573/layoutmidwest-8_1100.jpg" width="1100" height="828" width_o="1100" height_o="828" src_o="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226573/layoutmidwest-8_o.jpg" data-mid="20344467" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226573/layoutmidwest-9_1100.jpg" width="1100" height="725" width_o="1100" height_o="725" src_o="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226573/layoutmidwest-9_o.jpg" data-mid="20344469" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226573/layoutmidwest-10_1100.jpg" width="1100" height="739" width_o="1100" height_o="739" src_o="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226573/layoutmidwest-10_o.jpg" data-mid="20344472" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226573/layoutmidwest-11_1100.jpg" width="1100" height="730" width_o="1100" height_o="730" src_o="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226573/layoutmidwest-11_o.jpg" data-mid="20344474" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226573/layoutmidwest-12_1100.jpg" width="1100" height="1646" width_o="1100" height_o="1646" src_o="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226573/layoutmidwest-12_o.jpg" data-mid="20344476" border="0" align="left"/> The Midwest was definitely Midbest. It's a strange statement with made up words, but it was a really joy to see friends and to be able to see another part of the... http://benjaminchan.com/Colin-Carla http://benjaminchan.com/following/benjaminchan.com/Colin-Carla Tue, 17 Apr 2012 20:19:52 +0000 Benjamin Chan 3226535 <img src="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226535/layoutcolincarla-1_1100.jpg" width="1100" height="734" width_o="1100" height_o="734" src_o="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226535/layoutcolincarla-1_o.jpg" data-mid="20423119" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226535/layoutcolincarla-2_1100.jpg" width="1099" height="721" width_o="1099" height_o="721" src_o="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226535/layoutcolincarla-2_o.jpg" data-mid="20423120" border="0" align="left"/> Weddings are a lot of different things. One part party, two parts family reunion, a gallon of details, a quarter cup of friends, two tablespoons of stress, and bunches and bunches of flowers. There are a lot more ingredients to the recipe, and at some point, it's put all together, shoved into the oven, and you just have to see what happens. One thing that's been special about being a Wedding Photographer is that I get a special point of view of the whole event. This is one thing that I really like about the role of the photographer. I get to capture the moments that make for a memorable and meaningful celebration. Colin and I became good friends while living together in Oakland. When he asked me to take pictures for his wedding, I was more than happy to! As I mentioned before, it's an honor to be able to be with the couple throughout the whole evening, and it makes it even more special with it's with friends that you care for. Colin is a great photographer in his own right, and Carla is a talented and hardworking oil painter; both creative in their own ways. The wedding was held at Mission San Francisco de Solano in Sonoma. Though a bit narrow and tight, there was just enough room and just enough natural light to make for really stunning images. After the wedding, we took portraits together and the guests went across the street to the Barracks, where the reception was held. The evening ended with the sun coming down and the lights coming up for dancing. I'm always grateful to shoot events that have really great lighting. This wedding was a great example of this. The interior of the ceremony had really great rays of light streaming through the windows and the reception had the long summer light fading into the night. One thing I've been growing in is looking for how light changes the mood, or accentuates feelings and the timelessness of moments. I was on the lookout for the combination of good light and good moments. It makes it really fun to shoot and edit images when you get to work with great lighting, kind people, and great friends. <img src="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226535/layoutcolincarla-3_1100.jpg" width="1100" height="797" width_o="1100" height_o="797" src_o="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226535/layoutcolincarla-3_o.jpg" data-mid="20423121" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226535/layoutcolincarla-4_1100.jpg" width="1100" height="779" width_o="1100" height_o="779" src_o="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226535/layoutcolincarla-4_o.jpg" data-mid="20423123" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226535/layoutcolincarla-5_1100.jpg" width="1100" height="725" width_o="1100" height_o="725" src_o="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226535/layoutcolincarla-5_o.jpg" data-mid="20423124" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226535/layoutcolincarla-6a_1100.jpg" width="1100" height="817" width_o="1100" height_o="817" src_o="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226535/layoutcolincarla-6a_o.jpg" data-mid="20423125" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226535/layoutcolincarla-7_1100.jpg" width="1100" height="730" width_o="1100" height_o="730" src_o="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226535/layoutcolincarla-7_o.jpg" data-mid="20423126" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226535/layoutcolincarla-8_1100.jpg" width="1100" height="739" width_o="1100" height_o="739" src_o="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226535/layoutcolincarla-8_o.jpg" data-mid="20423128" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226535/layoutcolincarla-9_1100.jpg" width="1099" height="366" width_o="1099" height_o="366" src_o="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226535/layoutcolincarla-9_o.jpg" data-mid="20423130" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226535/layoutcolincarla-10_1100.jpg" width="1100" height="826" width_o="1100" height_o="826" src_o="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226535/layoutcolincarla-10_o.jpg" data-mid="20423131" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226535/layoutcolincarla-11_1100.jpg" width="1099" height="362" width_o="1099" height_o="362" src_o="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226535/layoutcolincarla-11_o.jpg" data-mid="20423132" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226535/layoutcolincarla-12_1100.jpg" width="1099" height="737" width_o="1099" height_o="737" src_o="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226535/layoutcolincarla-12_o.jpg" data-mid="20423133" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226535/layoutcolincarla-13_1100.jpg" width="1099" height="818" width_o="1099" height_o="818" src_o="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226535/layoutcolincarla-13_o.jpg" data-mid="20423137" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226535/layoutcolincarla-15_1100.jpg" width="1100" height="735" width_o="1100" height_o="735" src_o="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226535/layoutcolincarla-15_o.jpg" data-mid="20423139" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226535/layoutcolincarla-16_1100.jpg" width="1100" height="401" width_o="1100" height_o="401" src_o="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226535/layoutcolincarla-16_o.jpg" data-mid="20423141" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226535/layoutcolincarla-17_1100.jpg" width="1100" height="732" width_o="1100" height_o="732" src_o="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226535/layoutcolincarla-17_o.jpg" data-mid="20423142" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226535/layoutcolincarla-18_1100.jpg" width="1100" height="737" width_o="1100" height_o="737" src_o="http://payload46.cargocollective.com/1/0/7410/3226535/layoutcolincarla-18_o.jpg" data-mid="20423145" border="0" align="left"/> Weddings are a lot of different things. One part party, two parts family reunion, a gallon of details, a quarter cup of friends, two tablespoons of stress, and...