Through My Eyes

Photo Session with Karen

2010-02-22T13:22:00.001-08:00

Karen got a such beautiful smile. You can tell from her smile that she has a kind and warm heart. I loved working with her. We talked so much and I loved her fashion collection, especially her shoes.

We did some business shots and then headed to the Red Rock for some fun shots. Check them out.

Her face is so flawless.

She was a really good sport. Wearing big high heels is not a easy job in the desert.

I love how the color just popped here.

Doesn’t she just look so natural and so beautiful?

and at of all the beautiful images, my favors are always the black and white ones.

We took this big framed mirror in to the desert, it was HEAVEY, but so worthy it.

My First Debut Shooting

2010-02-02T21:01:00.001-08:00

Philippine Debut

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

“The Philippine Debut is a cultural tradition of the Filipino people.^[1] It is a coming-of-age celebration for Philippine women that is somewhat reminiscent of the Spanish tradition of the "Quinceanera" celebration……On their 18th birthday, Philippine women throw a large party, complete with her own hand-picked debut court of 18 people. These 18 are 9 males and 9 females who the celebrant pairs off into partners. The celebrant's court usually wears a uniform formal outfit chosen by the celebrant similar to that of a wedding party, while the celebrant typically wears an extravagant ball gown……”

Well, my first debut party sure has blew me away. I would have never expected a birthday party as big as a wedding. It was very fun and entertaining, and the birthday girl Marllini’s family have showed me that they can party. I guess I’ll just let the photographs speak.

I hope I will get more debuts to shoot in the future, because it was just too much fun. What a great idea of celebrating your youth in this way! It will get all the young girls “wedding bugs” out of their systems. No need to rush into marriage just for the wedding.

Videography was provided by Memory Creations. The videographer Dale was a very nice guy, you will like him.

DJ service was provided by DJ Freddy J.

Event location was the Madrid Room of Suncoast Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.

Photos with Carlie

2010-01-07T22:46:00.001-08:00

We spent a week in L.A. with Steve uncle’s family for new year. My son chased the duck, played with dogs, and threw rocks at horses, and he just want to forever live in Uncle Bob’s house. On the last day of our stay, I asked Carlie (uncle Bob wife’s daughter) if she wants to be my little model and and so some fun shoots. Despite on my camera’s low battery warning, we still went on a little hike and did a shoot.

I think some of these photos could have made on Teen Vogue, what do you think?

Baby Gabriel Photo Shoot

2009-12-09T17:01:00.001-08:00

This is my first semi-newborn photo shoot. Beautiful baby Gabriel was 3-5 weeks in these photos. I wanted to get some shoots while he was sleeping, it was not easy. We tried everything. Finally after rocking, eating, peeing and pooping, he was out. Wasn’t he a little angle? There’s something about a sleeping baby… so peaceful.

and now, wide-awake! How cute!! Ready to show some personality.

and a couple more of the in- between.

I love taking photos of babies hands and feet, because they just grow too fast, got to remember how tiny they once were.

The last photo was from my experiment with a cocoon. However Gabriel wouldn’t stay asleep in there, there’s the only non-squirmy shoot. He almost looked like he was sleeping, he was actually faking it, hehe… pretty good acting skill.

The Schaerer’s Family Portrait

2009-12-05T20:55:00.000-08:00

I got to work with this wonderful family last Saturday on their family portrait. They were all so sweet and beautiful, and certainly know how to have fun. They were very easy to photograph. I hope I have captured some shared moments for them to cherish forever.

This is the first time I photograph in the JW Marriot Las Vegas Resort & Spa. And I was actually a little nervous about the photos will look too hotel-sy, but they turned out just fine. Here are a few of favorite ones.

We first did some inside ones.

And then we just went outside and have fun and lots of laughter…

Mom is so proud of her son, so much love right there.

Daddy’s little girls. It doesn’t change with their age.

Sylvia and Marcel (they are the parents) look so young, don’t you think they could pass for the big brother and sister?

I’m working on a baby session right now, can’t wait to show you guys this little cutie! Coming soon…

I Want a Cute Little Chinese Girl

2009-11-09T22:21:00.001-08:00

I’m Chinese myself, but never had a chance taking photos for a little Chinese girl before Audrey’s photo shoot. As you probably know that I have a two year old boy, and I love my Asian looking little man. However, taking photos for Audrey made me realize how much I want my own little girl.

Audrey was a little shy at first, but after she got more comfortable with getting pictures taken in front of tons of people, she came out of her shell, and gave me so many cute looks. We had such a good time! Here are some of her photos.

I wish heavenly father grant me my own cute Chinese little girl someday!

What I have been doing

2009-10-30T22:25:00.001-07:00

I have been busy all last two weeks taking photos, and preparing for my portfolio album, so I’ve been a slacker on updating my blog. But now my husband is away, and my son is in bed, I have some time devoted on sharing some photos with your guys.

I did some photos for the kids at my sister-in-law’s Halloween party. All the kids looked so adorable. This is the time of the year, they could just be whoever they want to be, and explore their fantasy world.

I then went to the Red Spring for an engagement session that weekend with this sweet couple Diane and John from L.A. We had so much fun and laughed a lot, due to the goofiness of John. They are very into swing dance, so I asked them to put on a performance for me in the middle of the red rocks.

After the engagement session, we did a mini family portrait session with Diane’s brother. We had a hard time to figure out how to make Natasha give up on her binky for a little while. Who would know you only had to ask her to share her binky with someone else, then she was happy to hand it out. What a cute family!

I just did a portrait session with this cute Chinese little girl at the pumpkin patch today. She was not happy to be placed in front of the camera at first. She hide herself behind her brother every time I point the camera at her and cried. But after a little while, we got warmed up with this whole photo shoot thing, she couldn’t stop posing for me, so cute!! I can’t wait to show you guys the photos later. She makes me want to have a little girl so bad.

My First Maternity Photo Shoot

2009-10-18T20:53:00.000-07:00

I finally got to do maternity photos, and this was no everyday maternity photos. My model Alley and her husband Ryan both serves in the air force, and I get to shoot her photos on the airforce base. We tried a lot of different things, all the photos turned out amazing.

Alley did a very good job. It was pretty natural for her looking good for the photos. Alley’s husband was so patient with us, and didn’t mind the waiting at all. You can definitely see his fun characters from this photo.

I made a little slide show for them, everyone who’s seen it all loved it, and a couple of them even got a little teary. I hope you guys are going to enjoy this one as well.

I think this has been my best work so far. They are not just beautiful images, but so much more behind them. I’m so lucky to have this opportunity to work with this fun and inspirational couple. And it’s very cool to get a close look at these wonderful people who put their lives on the line to protect our country. Here are a few my favorites from the shoot if you are not equipped to watch the video.

Maternity Photo Session at the Nellis

2009-10-04T00:22:00.001-07:00

We just did this amazing session at the Nellis Air Force Base, it was so much fun. Alley was so good at modeling and her husband was really funny and patient. It was extremely windy this afternoon, but I think it worked to our advantage.

I have a teaser for you guys tonight, we took this at the military gas station, I love the retro look of the pumps. Alley certainly has embraced well in the beauty of being pregnant. I just love this image.

More photos to come….

D.C., Virginia and Maryland

2009-09-28T22:42:00.001-07:00

I forgot how the D.C. area just makes so sleepy. Maybe due to the rainy day, and the lack of the sun, or maybe the lack of responsibilities while I’m there, all I wanted to do is to sleep. I think I would be as half productive as living in the sun city – Vegas. The scenery was gorgeous, almost everything was photo-worthy. I wish I could have a care-free day just by myself in D.C. and taking pictures. No worrying about my son, or my husband who keeps asking me to hurry up, but just a day of staring at all the beauties, appreciating them and appraising them by capturing them.

Driving down the Potomac River

Georgetown University, that’s my favorite part of the drive along the Potomac River. It’s way more prettier when the color changes in fall.

Do you guys also think that Virginia looks the Amazon Jungle?

Inside of an Irish pub where we had lunch. It was ok. I seriously didn’t have one meal on the trip that just “wowed” me. I loved the look of that little place though.

This is the postal museum, just another amazing architecture in D.C.

Can you believe this is where local people use to come to take care of their postal stuff? Sure is a lot nicer than the one in my neighborhood.

I don’t remember what this was about, but looks pretty cool, eh?

The white house looks so cool at night, and it’s extra white.

Us captured in the city. Which look do you guys like better? Color or sepia? I can’t decide.

Another reflection of us in the city, so romantic.

Of course, we made sure that we spent a lot of time in the park for Tyler, but he didn’t seem liked it at first. He threw a big fit when we just got there.

and then of course forgot about it in a few minutes, and put on his happy face.

He shared a intimate moment with grandma when he got scared on the carousal, which I thought it was so adorable.

He’s so curious about anything.

And of course we had to make time to visit my favorite town on the east, Annapolis. It’s navy base town in Maryland. It has an old fashioned small town look, so charming. I would love to live there and eat blue crabs everyday.

Crowded main street, filled up with boutiques, and cute restaurants

This town just have so many characters.

Somehow this overcast sky suits this beautiful little town quite well.

Which angle do you guys like better? I’m so bad at deciding stuff like this. The more I look at it, the less I’m certain about it.

Beautiful water, lots of boats and men in uniforms, hehe… (I didn’t see any this time, otherwise I would have snapped a photo for you guys for sure)

My Husband’s Big 3-0

2009-09-26T16:03:00.001-07:00

I know I have been out for so long. Well, there are a few good reasons. First I had a surprise party in L.A. for my husband’s big 3-0, then we flow out from L.A. to D.C. for another week and half. Once we came back from D.C., we had all these stuff to catch up from those last two weeks. Yeah, life has been a little too busy for me.

Anyway, I want to tell you guys about my husband’s surprise party first. I had been planning it for over 2 months, and man, was it hard to hold a secret from spouse. I was so worried that I would tell him everything while I was sleeping, and then there were so many times I got excited and almost let it slip out of my mouth. When the day finally came, I was so worried that I wouldn’t be able to pull it off, and totally stressed out.

Here are some photos I took on the way to L.A. Don’t you just love sunsets?

His party was the day after. I made those banners in advance, and I had to hide them in my friend’s house, so Steve doesn’t get suspicious.

I got this lawn sign from Vista Print for free.

Party was right on Manhattan Beach where my husband grew up.

Waiting for Steve to get here.

As my husband walked down the stairs and saw me, he first thought I was already making friends with people who were having party there; then he saw his friend there, he thought oh, Emily ran into my friend’s party; finally he realized it was a surprise party for him, when he saw his grandma was mingling with his high school buddies. So he totally got rocked. The whole night he couldn’t stop smiling and laughing, and at the end of the party, he said to me, “Emily! You are so dead!!” I guess that means he had a good time, right? I didn’t take a lot of photos, because I just wanted to enjoy all our favorite people’s company and have fun. I do wish I had a photographer there to capture the night.

We had yummy Hawaiian barbeque for dinner on the beach.

Steve had to leave early the next day to D.C., so his uncle drove us around and took us to a cute restaurant at this gorgeous resort by the sea for lunch. It was way fun. I could stay in L.A. forever, but I had to go and catch the flight to D.C. I have more photos to show you guys from our D.C. trip. Don’t forget to come back and check! Talk to you guys later.

Fashion Shoot

2009-09-03T16:06:00.001-07:00

If you guys also read my modest fashion blog, you would probably know that I did product review for Shabby Apple recently. I was going through all the pictures again the other day, and found a few more other photographs I really liked. My little model Courtni did such a good job. The whole experience was very enjoyable. I hope you guys will enjoy these pictures too.

What do you guys thinks? I think I’m ready to take on Senior Photography in Las Vegas, hehe…

From Wedding Photography to Marriage

2009-08-26T20:30:00.000-07:00

Last week, I spent over 30hrs sitting in MGM Conference Center in Las Vegas for a photography convention, called Skip’s Summer School. Was it worth getting up at 6am, taking my son to baby sitter and rush to downtown, sitting in a room and listening to 2 hrs speeches at a time, and not getting home until 12am. Heck yeah!!

Not only I have gained so much knowledge on various subjects, more importantly it was the laughter and tears that were shared during the convention, and how watching strangers’ wedding photo slide brought back to me so much memory of my own wedding. I have never met those couples, yet I could relate to them so well just from the incredible wedding photos.

As I watched this NY city wedding video of this gorgeous couple (done by Maring Visuals), I couldn’t stop thinking about my sweet heart, and our wedding ceremony. All those feelings just gushed out from my heart like a flood.

I agree that romance slowly dies in marriage, especially after you have kids, or maybe we are just not doing it right. But I know I haven’t changed how I feel about my husband, it’s just hiding in my heart and getting dusty. How funny it was just by watching strangers’ wedding photo, it brought me right back to that moment and that spot.

I was standing there so nervously, but all I could see was my husband-to-be through my teary eyes, nothing else mattered. I remembered how lucky I thought I was to be able to spend the rest of my life with this sweet and insanely good looking guy, and how much hope and dedication I had to our marriage.

Those feelings slowly fades away through the daily mundane and other things we are trying to accomplish. It was really nice to have my memory refreshed, and remember what life really is about, and I consider that was the best part of this convention.

No kidding when people say a smart bride would spend less on everything else, but hire the best photographer she can afford. A good wedding photographer would make any tight budget weddings look beautiful. Through those photographs, it’s how you are going to remember your wedding, and how your children and grand-children know of your wedding.

When you are feeling down, having troubles in your marriage, or just simply wanting that first in love feeling, flip through your wedding photos, it might save your marriage down the road.

Our wedding photographer was decent, but I really wished that I had spent more money on my wedding photography to have every moment and every detail captured beautifully. That is probably the only regret I have for my wedding. I wouldn’t mind to hit the replay button every other month to relive in those moments.

If you haven’t looked through your wedding photos for a while, do it tonight. Everyone needs to get their memory refreshed; it will be good for you marriage.

Beautiful CD Cover + CD Label for beautiful {Jordan & Jasmine}

2009-08-13T16:04:00.001-07:00

I just finished making these beautiful CD cover and CD Label for the twins’ photos. I think they are simple, elegant and girly. What do you guys think? These twin sisters are going to be best friends forever!

CD Case Cover CD Label

I love how everything just look so perfect together. I can’t wait to show this to their mom; I know she’s going to love it too.

drive-in movie

2009-08-12T22:09:00.001-07:00

I have never been to a drive-in movie before last Friday. I have always thought of it as a very romantic thing to do. It sure didn’t disappoint me. I love that mood, dark night, bright light, desert, and two boys (daddy and baby) I'm in love with. It feels slightly lonely in the spacious open area, but at the same time full of life because everyone was having such a good time.

Reflection from my mirror

Never thought ware houses would look so good at night

I love this one, so romantic, only if I have two people kissing in from of the car, that would have been picture perfect.

Looks like the cars at the audiences for the movie, kinda cute

My boy is shoveling pop corn in his mouth, he’s such a pig.

My Etsy Store is Open for Business

2009-08-09T00:04:00.001-07:00

Hi Everybody, I just started an etsy store to sell my fine art photography. Etsy is a great site for hand made and one-of-a-kind stuff. You will be surprised how created people are. You can purchase my fine art prints through Etsy or my website, www.thoughmeyeslv.com

Please come to visit me at my store. I’m sure you will find a print there that defines you and makes a great decoration for your home. Thank you guys!

My Cub Scout Boys

2009-07-29T21:46:00.001-07:00

We had a fun water park day for our pack meeting last week. The boys had so much fun running around in the water, and just be themselves. What a wonderful age to be!

(Don’t you just love this moment shared by the loving mother and proud son? “Look how cool I am with my water gun?”)

Through My Eyes Photography Website Unveiled

2009-07-20T11:30:00.001-07:00

Yes, it’s finally here. My real website for my photography business. I lover everything about this site, from its colors, its simplicity, its easy navigate menu, to its user friendly previewing and ordering features. Now, you can purchase your digital art and your prints online with paypal or cheque.

I love the site, it’s so me, romantic with a hint of little fun. What do you guys think?

More Twins Photos

2009-07-17T23:52:00.001-07:00

Here’s some more photos from that photo shoot I did a couple weeks ago. Aren’t Jasmine, Jordan, and Jayden just the cutest? They made these photos look so beautiful. Thank you, guys!

Heather is such a neat lady, we definitely share the same love for beautiful pictures.

BTW, my new website is going to launch on Monday, I think you guys are gonna love it!

Anticipation….

2009-07-12T23:35:00.001-07:00

I’m working on my new website right now. I can provide you guys with on online gallery for proofing and more about my service with this site. I can’t wait to show you all. Please be patient with me. I like things to be perfect, hehe…

Coming soon…

I WANT a Wedding to Shoot

2009-07-07T22:37:00.001-07:00

I love weddings, everyone tries to look at their best, and everything is designed to look coordinating. It’s romantic, beautiful, and it’s full of moments that take your breath away.

I have not done weddings yet, but I would really love to shoot a wedding, and capture those moments for the brides and grooms. So, if you know anyone who is getting married and willing to give me a try, please contact me on emily4dreams@gmail.com. I will give them extra special rate.

Thank you guys!

Wonders of the World

2009-07-07T22:22:00.001-07:00

I took these two photos a few months ago with my sister-in-law’s camera, and they remained to be my favorite photos of Tyler.

The first photo captured exactly how he is, so curious about everything around, and so excited about life. (I have to say that he totally stole the show, hehe… ; )

I love the second one very much too, because they totally look like Ralph Lauren baby models, don’t they? They look so preppy in the b&w, hehe…

Twin Babies Photo Shoot Sneak Peak

2009-07-07T22:00:00.001-07:00

I got to take photos for these adorable twins last week. I have to say keeping two babies photo ready at the same time is very challenging, but also very rewarding. They look so cute together. Here is a sneak peak for you guys.

They are twins, but every different in size. Can you tell which one is way bigger for the other? How cute! I’m sure they will cherish this photo and make jokes about each other when they grow up.

More photos to come…

Photos From Palos Verdes, CA

2009-07-07T21:46:00.001-07:00

We were in L.A. like a month ago, and of course I had to take some pictures. Sorry that I just got a chance to post them. Last month has been so crazy for me.

We spent a lot of time showing around my parents how crazy L.A. is and spent the rest of the time enjoying the quietness and the beauty in Palos Verdes, CA.

Through my eyes here, you will see beautiful flower, sexy horse bums and loving people. Enjoy!

Photo Book For Father’s Day

2009-06-22T18:49:00.001-07:00

I wanted to show everyone this so bad, but because it was a surprise for Father’s day, I had to wait to unveil this cute project I have been doing.

It’s a photo book named “Things I want to do with my dad when I grow up”.

This is the cover of the photo book.

It contents pictures of Tyler doing stuff My husband enjoys to do, skate boarding, video gaming, rocking out, playing hockey, golf, and fishing, you know… the boys stuff. It turned out so cute. Let me show you some photos.

Can you believe the first two pictures were taken with my point and shoot? When I was taking the fishing ones, my dad was pulling his shirt from the back, so he won’t roll off into the river. It was scary.

Baby Photo Shoot

2009-05-31T22:38:00.001-07:00

This was my first time working with a 4 months old. I seriously forgot how tiny and soft they are, and made me realize that my Tyler grew way too fast.

Las Vegas hardly ever has cloudy days, but on the day of the photo shoot, it decided to be overcast. We hardly got any light in the their house, but we still got it to work, and got some amazing photos. Baby Cole is a squishy and chubby baby, and his sister Julia is a sweet and pretty little princess. I loved working with them.

Ting and Mark

2009-05-26T20:35:00.000-07:00

I have known Ting for so many years. There are few things we are exactly the same, round face, would die for good food, married a white guy and both lived in China, Australia and America. But she’s way more fun, and more tomboy chic. I hope I have captured this side of her. Check out these two love birds, I just love them so much.

I seriously can not pick a favor. I love them all. Thank you for the good time in Seattle!

Seattle Smells Like Christmas

2009-05-26T20:30:00.000-07:00

We were talking about how San Francisco smelled like Sydney, Australia. When we arrived at our next destination Seattle, I thought this place smelled like Christmas. So many big pine trees everywhere you see.

It reminded me a lot like Virginia, but with a beautiful lake and snowy mountains.

We went hiking, and then went to a German little town called Leavenworth which you have to go check it out if you are around Seattle. It’s about 2 hours drive, and apparently it looks awesome around Christmas time.

(I can definitely see Edward from Twilight running through the forest here, hehe……)

(I can’t wait to go back to this German town this Christmas.)

I don’t think I personally could live at a place that rains all the time, but Seattle does have a few redeeming quality. And Pike Place Market is definitely on the top of my list.

I love food, so every time when I see beautiful vegetables and proteins, my blood starts running hot, and my heart starts pumping fast. I always ask my husband if I could bring home some fresh tomato, and greens home when we are out visiting a different part of the country. He always gets a pretty good laugh at me.

(Have you seen this swirly green thing before? I wonder how they taste. Hmmmm…)

The most exciting part of Pike Place Market is the fish throwing between the workers.

(Did I mention looking at seafood makes me drool?)

Seattle was pretty cool. I really appreciate how quiet it is down town after visiting San Francisco. This city definitely has a lot to offer.

Mommy and Baby Photo Shoot

2009-05-26T09:59:00.000-07:00

While I was in San Francisco, I got to spent time with our old friend Chelsea. And I got to shoot photos for this gorgeous mom Chelsea and baby Jackson. It was a lot of fun!

Last ones from San Francisco

2009-05-25T17:41:00.000-07:00

On the last day, we went to see Fort Point locates at foot of the Golden Gate Bridge. It was built to defend San Francisco Bay against hostile warships before the American Civil War.

As I entered this place, I just had all the chill, maybe from the windy location, before from it’s look. I think there were a lot of history written there, and some maybe really sad.

You can get a really good angle of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Look at this lonely little scrap of metal. Can you imagine how much it has gone through?

More from San Francisco

2009-05-25T09:30:00.000-07:00

Fisher Man Warf not only has yummy seafood, but also has beautiful details.

The hotel we stayed at offers some European flares.

And, some random photos…

I still have more to post, please bare with me later.

I Left My Heart in San Francisco

2009-05-24T22:56:00.001-07:00

My parents are here for a visit from China. We decided to go check out San Francisco and Seattle. San Francisco is such a unique place, I just can’t seem to forget about it. I’m lucky to have a great camera to record this beauty town in my own way.

Japanese Tea Garden was the first place we visited. It was very green and very Japanese. Everywhere you looked at is a beautiful picture, and each corner of the garden is carefully designed and manicured.

The next day we drive along the coastal line, and enjoy the ocean breath. We discovered this gorgeous area on the other side of the Golden Gate Bridge. It’s where wild flowers meet sandy beach, and where ocean water meets the San Francisco’s misty sky.

I’ll post more later.

My First Photo Shoot

2009-05-10T19:54:00.001-07:00

I just did my first for photo shoot for a friend who I work with in Cub Scout. She is a beautiful girl, her husband is so loving, and her little boys are such stars. I didn’t encounter how hard it is to get three toddler boys look at the camera at the same time, but I had so much fun shooting them.

They are so curious and full of surprises. A lot of amazing photos came out from it. Check them out.

My Son

2009-05-10T18:59:00.000-07:00

Is he the sweet angel, monster, or a wise man?

I guess it depends on which day, and I love him in everyway.

Things I love about Las Vegas

2009-05-06T23:08:00.001-07:00

I just started learning photography recently, and it’s so amazing to be able to capture all the beauties that are around me.

I love Vegas for the windows

the indoor “outside”the lines and textures

the romance

the drama

the repetitions

the lions