My little nephew

I don't get to see my nephew often, but when I do, I take a lot of photos of him. Last week, I had the time to visit them in New Jersey. We spent a day at the Jersey shore hanging out and enjoying the sun. What a wonderful day!

What keeps me going ...

Today, I received an email from Gloria and Jon about their positive experience with my work and my services. They didn't just write an email to me, instead, they blogged about their experience.

After reading what they wrote, I was completely satisfied and content. I was at a world of peace. I felt so blessed to have clients like them, who value what I do and share my passion in the world of photography. I feel wanted. I feel there is a purpose to what I do. I feel like I was an important part of their day. Gloria and Jon not only showed me their gratitude, but reminded me about what keeps me going in life...



(Click here to see their entire post)

My Team and Some Friends at Work

I can be such a diva sometimes. Here, the pregnant Crystal Lequang from Amazae Special Events is holding an umbrella for me while I shot for the couple at Casa Real. It was almost 100 that day!! I didn't even ask her and she did that on her own. I love Crystal!

When we get together as a team, I usually like to take some photos for ourselves. Here I have my close friends Maria Chang from PMA and Crystal.

This is Vero! I have such a great time with her.

My team for the day, Vincent and Vero! The two "V"s

All pictures are taken by the talented Mauricio Javier Arias Mora

Behind the scene at a wedding

I find it very interesting to see what goes on "behind the scene" of a wedding shoot. This was a beautiful wedding put together by the fabulous Michelle at MB Wedding Designs. Thanks to Mauricio (Maria Chang's assistant) for snapping these photos for me to share.

Here I am trying to capture the bride and her bridesmaids toasting to her wedding day. It took about 2 seconds for the toast, so I had to be quick on my feet so I don't miss it.



I try my best to stay off to the side when the bride is getting ready. This is when I get the most creative. I work with only available light so no one is aware of what I am doing. That's how you get those awesome laughs and tears!

Here in this scene, the bridesmaids were trying to zip the bride's dress.



This is a great photo that shows how much production it went into a day of shoot. This photo also showed how a great team works closely together. Although this photo captured the back of us, it showed a lot interesting elements.

From the left, Andrew from Studio MSV was trying to capture a scene for his video. Andrew and I tag-team-ed during the shoot to ensure we both had what we wanted. Next to Andrew was my associate photographer Jason, shot candids while Andrew was working with the couple. I stood next to Jason, scoping out my next location down the alley and surveying the perfect light. To the right of me, I had Maria Chang from PMA there to make sure the bride and groom look good throughout the entire photo shoot. She fixes the bride's hair and touches up her makeup to make sure she looks her best. Then last but not least, to the right of Maria, it was my lovely assistant Veronica. She made sure I have everything that I need for a perfect photo session (lenses, camera, reflector, gear, water...etc).

There you have it! A great team makes a great day for the couple!

Twitter

Twittering is taking over this world. Twittering can be effective in many ways. I opened my account a while back but was never active on Twitter. As of today, this will change. For those of you that follows my blog, I would also encourage you to sign up for Twitter and follow. I will be making announcements and updates via Twitter. For example, I will announce my next workshop or update on the status of my workshop waiting list via Twitter.

My Twitter profile name is @augiechang or just click here!

Thrilled to be nominated for Blu's Photographer of the Year!!

UPDATE: the voting process is not going to start until July. I will let you know when this happens. I appreciate all of your support!



A few days ago, I received an email from Bludomain and asked if I can send them a fun profile picture of myself. I didn't think much of it at that time, so I sent over my latest photo from Nestldown that my assistant shot. Then last night, my friend Christine, wrote me and said "Congrats on your nomination!" ... and I was totally confused.

I finally found out what this is all about. This is a complete surprise. I am honored to be nominated as the Blu's 2009-2010 Photographer of the Year. I can't believe, and proud, to be standing next to my good friend Jen on this nomination.

Click here to the Bludomain blog post!

Proud Daddy

My son Calvin (5 now) is like every boy out there who loves Legos. He sits there for hours putting things together. Generally, his creation involves cars, Star Wars, or robots. Today, he built this little car that I thought was creative, symmetrical and...just nice!

Ah ... nice to see the creativity in him.

Happy East-der

Addict

[Augie's thought process today as I walked through Costco]

[Augie] Hm... I wonder what new electronics they have?!

[Augie] Wow, this new Flip HD camcorder sounds cool, for $199.99, you get the Flip, a case AND a tri-pod, what a deal! Hm, should I be spending this kinda cash after a trip to Italy? nah, next time...

[ kept walking down other aisles...then suddenly stopped...]

[Augie] Ohhhh boy (staring at this new espresso machine)... an espresso right now sounds soooooo good... I think I got addicted when I was in Italy. Hm...for $99.99, I think I can do that! but...what if this is just a fun thing...nah, it should be ok. I can make espresso for May everyday... but... do I really want to spend it? ... why not?! we get to enjoy it together ... watch!, this is going to be a dust collector after a while... but it is so cool though...


Long story short, I walked out Costco $99.99 less in my pocket. See what a trip to Italy did to me?! I know I know, I am a sucka.

Funnys (is this a word?)

This pretty much summarizes what happens after a long day/night of shooting :) We all get crazy once in a while...

Thanks Kevin for snapping these funnys!

Proud

I cannot remember when was the last time I was proud to be an American. I think it was when Clinton was still in the office and I was traveling overseas in Europe somewhere when I told the other person that I am an American. I remember those days, I was proud of my country, happy to be a part of the great world. It was a rough past 8 years but today, I am once again, excited and proud to be an American. I am hopeful and I am honored to witness the changes in our country. I don't think Obama is the answer to all of our problems, but he definitely gives hope to many Americans. Hope is a great start, hope leads to better life. May God bless our country and the world.

I know I will be glued to the TV tomorrow :)

Locked in a cabin with my kids ... yikes!

If you wonder where I am. I am not ignoring your phone calls and emails. I am here in North Tahoe hanging out with my family and friends. Beautiful weather we got. I'll be back by Monday. Talk then!

2009 Assistant Open House

It was a successful Assistant Open House last night. The group was energetic, fun and loud! Haha. I love it. Everyone stayed til 10:30pm!! Yes!! From 6pm to 10:30pm! We talked pretty much EVERYTHING and ANYTHING. Needless to say, beer and wine were flowing too.

Thank you everyone who took the time to visit my studio for this year's assistant open house. Based on the talent I saw from last night, my 2009 assistant team is going to rock!

I also invited the talented and sexy photographer Jen Skog to my open house. Everyone of course was in-awe that she was here too! Jen is a great friend and I am sure she'll work with a few of my assistants in 2009.

(thank you Kevin and Tammy for taking the pictures for me!)



My good friend Jen.

AUGIEBLOG.com

As many people are visiting my blog. It is difficult to remember the URL: augiechangphotography.blogspot.com

So here is my new blog URL: www.AUGIEBLOG.com

Update yours now! The old address still works!

New Blog Look

Well, do I need to say more? Here is a new look for my blog!! I am so excited about this. I have been wanting to update my blog to something a bit more custom and I am excited to announce that it is here now!

I want to thank Ava, my ex-coworker, my friend, my client, now, my web dev :) for this awesome work.

While Ava and I were working on this blog, it brought back the good ole memories of us working together at our internet company!. Sigh... those were the fun days. I am just glad I am still in touch with Ava and we have became such great friends through all these years.

Here is the new look!! ENJOY!

Annual Assistant Open House

(BUMPING THIS POST UP ONCE AGAIN, IN CASE SOME OF YOU DIDN'T SEE IT)

It is that time of the year again! Each year, I host an open house where I get to meet new people who are interested in getting into the field of wedding photography. Last year, I had about 20 people at my open house. From there, 7 of them helped me through my 2008 weddings.

Who is this for?
For people who are interested in getting to know the field of wedding photography. This is a great opportunity to learn what you have always wanted to do.

Where is this taking place?
At this moment, still TBD based on how many people are interested. We will have pizza, beer and wine for you! ... oh and soft drinks :)

When can I start helping?
It all depends, but all weddings are in 2009. After we meet, I still have to decide who will work with me next year based on experience and interest. I don't necessarily look for the most technical person. I am interested in friendly, fun and willing to learn people. Good smiles help :)

How do I get invited to the open house?
Here is what you need to do:

1. Write me a short email (I mean short!) to tell me why you are interested in wedding photography. Be genuine and creative, don't send me an email to tell me because you get free boos and food ... heh :p
   
2. Include a link to your latest people pictures. I am interested in your portrait skills, so please focus the picture selection on people!
3. Your contact information (cell preferably)
   
4. Please put "Open House" in the subject line
5. email me at augie@augiechang.com

Deadline for this process is Sunday 11/23/2008

Once the submission process ends, and if you are selected, you will receive an email from me with an invitation to this Assistant Open House by 12/1/2008.

I would love to accommodate everyone, but due to the number of interested individuals, I won't be able to invite everyone. Please don't get mad at me if you are not selected. This is not personal. I just don't have the capacity to accommodate everyone.

Looking forward to receiving your emails!!

Augie

Happy Birthday My Baby

Today is my youngest boy Nathan's (aka Nate Nate) 2 years old birthday. I am actually a bit sad that he is turning 2 already. I can't believe how fast these 2 years have gone by.

If you are not a parent, let me tell ya something... 2 years old is pretty much the mark that says "he is no longer a baby". Most of the places consider a 2 years old as a toddler, and not a baby. At 2 years old, you have to pay for an air ticket. At 2 years old, you have to pay for a child meal. At 2 years old, you get a discount on Disneyland and amusement park. So at 2 years old, they are actually treated as a "person" and not a baby anymore.

That is why I am sad :(

Anyhow, here is a picture of him at a store the other day smiling at me since I was outside the store making faces at him. Mommy and daddy love you Nate Nate.



And this was him 2 years ago!!

Different taste at 30,000 feet?

In restaurants or at bars, you don't really hear people order ginger ale or tomato juice with their meal, but what is it about the airplane that people all of a sudden have the taste for ginger ale and tomato juice?

Thoughts?

Remembering NYC 9/11

Salute to people that were affected by 9/11

Not a lot of you know that I spent 4 years of my life in NYC (1980 to 1984). I remember going to World Trade Center and walk around downtown. My father used to work in the downtown area, so we pass by the Twin Towers quite often or at least see them. Last April, when I visited Ground Zero (for the first time after 9/11). I felt sad...wondering why some people are so evil.

May peace be with you all who were affected by the terrible event.

Here is a picture of ground zero from this past April:

In action

Thanks to Tim (my assistant) who took these pictures of me during a wedding at Nestldown!