This session was characterized by good light, a fun senior, and the “bend and snap.”  Oh, indeed I have pictures.  BUT, in consideration of those involved, I will keep those tucked away.  The portraits that I can proudly show are on exhibit below.  Please check them out.

This young lady is a total sweetheart and I’m glad we got to hang out.  Thanks a bunch!

Hanford High Senior.  Wrestler.  Stud.  Check it.

I’ve lived pretty much up and down the West Coast.  The Bay Area, Los Angeles, Seattle, and now…the Tri-Cities, WA.  My journey has led to me to progressively less, umm diverse regions.  While I love the place in which I live now, it is definitely not high ranking on the “Most Ethni-City List.”  In fact, the other day I was kinda’ laughing at myself as I imagined what other people thought when they observed me.

I’m Chinese, driving a 2000 Ford F-150 in my blue jeans, listening to Alan Jackson (I’m genre agnostic); work gloves on the floor boards, thinking about when I would be able to go hunting with my friend.  My friends are teasing me, saying that they are going to buy me a cowboy hat.  Imagine that.

I came across this video, which encompasses perfectly my experience in the Tri-Cities.  Again, I love it here, so I’m not complaining.  Just reflecting.  Enjoy!

Senior portraits present a perfect opportunity for seniors to express their passions and personalities.  This young lady is bright, beautiful, and talented.  Her passion is in the performing arts.  Her friend was able to hook us up and give us access to the theater at Columbia Basin College.

We took one second to grab some shots in front of the performing arts building, which has an awesome ivy-covered wall.

She’s already totally comfortable on stage.

I love naturally lit shots, but when you’re in a theater or some other indoor location, you’ve got to make your own light.  This is a two light setup…one gelled light for background separation and one at camera right to light the subject.

This one better get used to being under the lights.  I already told her that when she becomes famous, I’m going to be able to sell copies of her senior portraits for big bucks!!!

Like I said, this girl has talent…

…and good looks.

Thanks for a fun session.  Blessings to you and I know that there won’t be any stopping you!  Just remember to remember the little people, especially your senior portrait photographer. ; )

I had the pleasure of photographing this wonderful family the other day.  It was blazing hot (100+ deg F) but we had a good time anyway.  One of the cool things about my portrait sessions is that within reason, you can use your time however you please.  This family wanted to get some senior portraits of the twins and some family portraits during whatever time was left over.  Your wish is my command…

This location looked pretty cool, but the smell was less than pleasant.  Everyone was extremely gracious and did what it took to get the photo.  True models…

Wowza.  Great looking kid, huh?

Good looks must run in the family.  The twins were a crack up to work with.  Whenever I was photographing one of them, the other one was behind me cracking jokes and making funny faces.

Ahh…now we know where the twins get their good looks.

We were just about to wrap up when we noticed the enchanting moon.  Squeeze off a quick photo FTW.

Hot night, but very cool family.  Thanks for enduring the heat with me!

Blessings to all.

The other day, I had the honor of photographing a very special and famous little girl.  Her name is Liz Evett and she’s famous for being brave and for accomplishing more in her young life than many (check here, here, and here).  She recently created a bucket list, which contains things she wants to do before she kicks the bucket, and although a senior portrait session wasn’t a specific item on her list, I heard it was something that she wanted.  So, through the local Soroptomist group, we made it happen.  She’s the sweetest thing ever.  Oh, and she happens to love all things Asian.  Liz, did I happen to mention that I’m Chinese?

Liz is part of the Hanford High School Class of 2009!

Liz’s proud mom…

Liz with me, her mom, and her dad.  She’s holding a scroll from China on which is written the Bible passage, 2Peter 1:5-7.  The passage encourages us to have faith and to supplement that faith with virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, and LOVE.  Liz is a great example for us.

God bless you, Liz.  I had a great time and you look mah-velous.  You’re a real natural!

Emily comes from a long line of Bombers. She is preceded by her mom and a bunch of her relatives. So, being a Bomber is really significant to her and her family. It was clear from my time with her that she makes them proud, and for good reason…she’s da’ bomb!

Given her family history, we had to do some of her portraits at her school, the alma mater of her mom and so many of her relatives.

I love his one because it tells the story so well and because it’s clear that Emily’s mom is so very proud.

More from around the Richland High campus

The rest of our time was spent just hangin’ around some cool, historic parts of Richland.

Thanks Emily! It was a blast hangin’ with you.

I love senior pics because the sessions are always a blast. With Mike, we headed up to his family friend’s property, which sits atop a hill overlooking the Tri-Cities. Sweet view…and I’m not just talkin’ about Mike, all you ladies.

Mike’s family just so happen to be friends of ours. They’re such a cool family. Check this out…Dad is caucasian, Mom is Japanese, they speak Spanish and they used to live in Venezuela!

After our session, Mike and his brother hung around and grabbed some air time on their friends’ trampoline. It was a great time, but I don’t think these guys would ever make it as ballet dancers or figure skaters. I’m just sayin’…

Miguel - tu eres hermoso y puedes saltar muy arriba! Hasta!

Apparently, our town is filled with great seniors. Jessica is a sweet girl with a huge heart. She’s an accomplished singer and has been on her school’s dance team for 4 years! But for her it isn’t about vanity or just becoming a superstar. After high school, Jessica wants to go to a school in Tennessee to focus on using her talents in a ministry context. Smart, faithful, caring, talented, and pretty…there’s no stopping this girl!

Note: These portraits are totally legit. At no time did we trespass on private property. ; )

Jessica - thanks for being flexible during our shoot. Congratulations and blessings to you.

Last weekend, Nicole, her mom, and I cruised all over the Tri-Cities hitting the perfect locations for Nicole’s senior portraits. It was totally worth it! We found some great spots and had a chance to do some night-time senior portraits. Doing senior portraits at night were a first for both of us, but it definitely won’t be a last for me. Nicole was a superb model and was so willing to do what we needed in order to get the sweetest shots. Here’s a sampling.

We started out at Nicole’s home and got some shots with her loveable lab, Phoenix.

Moved on in search of willow trees, which are Nicole’s favorites.

Nicole is a sweetheart and we had to capture her playful side.

We ended the session with some amazing night-time portraits…no need for daylight here!

I love this shot…Nicole found it on her own. She thought she could get a break from all the posing by sitting on these rocks. Instead, she found a great picture opportunity…it’s a rockin’ shot!

Slooow shutter speeds to make the water in the fountain as smooth as butter.

A nice warm fire.

Thanks Nicole and Tracy! You guys were great fun and are awesome clients.