hands on a clock

I can't believe it's December already! Time flies by so fast as you get older. I still remember clearly landing in Sacramento and stepping out of the plane like it was yesterday! But now, as it gets colder outside, my heart still remains warm. Slowly, Christmas lights are easing empty houses' loneliness and everywhere I look, things are becoming a little brighter in the dark at night <3 For the past month or so, I've been trying to keep a busy facade. Taking long bus rides, exploring new places, starting up tai chi, anticipating letters from friends in different countries, wishing I had a tripod again so I could start shooting more (I bought one a couple of days ago!) I got a new job, so I'll be working hard very soon. My dreams are coming at me a little bit faster! The days are becoming shorter still, and I feel so blessed to see and smell and experience the things I do. And, I'm so glad to know all of you, and have a camera around to capture the little moments! Wishing you all a safe, warm, happy holiday!

synthetic siren

Good evening everyone! I had the recent pleasure of shooting with a new model, Moon! We made our way down to the river, but, by the time we arrived at our destination, it was getting late and there wasn't much light left. So, with limited ideas, this is what was created! She's lovely, and I hope I can work with her again in the future!

peppermint and wildfire

Hello everyone! I've been out of town recently, and just got back. I got to stay with family in the mountains. The chill of the cold air there definitely woke me up. I took a little bit of time to take photos around my grandparents house. But, one night, I got to go with some of my family to Hawes Farm, not too far away from Shingletown. It was really cozy looking, but cold! After being in China so long, coming here felt like a dream to me. Hearing English, feeling the warmth of a fire, taking in the scent of peppermint and pinecone, and blaring but soft country music finding it's way into my ears. I had a great time with my uncle, he and I spent a large duration of the night taking pictures together, and he reminded me of how to use my camera manually since, I'll admit, most of the time I use auto. These pictures aren't that great because I barely knew how to work the camera. I had to use my uncle's camera since I left my Canon at home *__* I had a good time. Sometimes, I still can't believe that I'm home.

We had a glass of wine almost every night with dinner <3

Shooting pictures with my uncle.

We stopped by the side of the road when it started to storm. My uncle told me that whenever it stormed, everyone else would take cover, but Ansel Adams said it was the best time to take pictures.

My cousin. He grew so much while I was in China!

Trying to make my own work without my Canon camera felt odd to me :/ 

I wish you could see the leaves flying all around me better :/

On another exciting note, the photos from my shoot with Andrea are out! I'm so happy again I got to work with her, she's amazing and gave me some good advice as a fellow photographer ;3

moon and the tides.

久しぶりですね！So, I'm back in America now. Hong Kong was wonderful. One thing particularly memorable is that I got to have a photo shoot with Andrea Pun. She was amazing, friendly, and warm. I'm glad I got to be a part of her work! I miss Hong Kong even now. I miss the calm, and the hustle of it all. I miss the rolling hills where they meet the clouds and kiss. I miss the tall buildings in the city and the friendly voices from the lovely family I was staying with. I miss so much already, it's crazy. 

On the day I went back home, I woke up at 5 in the morning. I had a layover in Tokyo for an hour and a half. For that, my heart was beating wildly in my chest. When we touched down, and I heard the woman's voice say "Welcome to Tokyo." I felt a veil of surrealism drift over me. I didn't have any time to walk around Narita airport, I was rushing the whole time, and when I got to my gate, I only had 10 minutes to stand there in line to get onto the plane to LA. But, the trip there was fun. I spoke Japanese to the workers, I got to stamp my plane ticket, and I received at least 3 "You're Japanese is really good!", to which I humbly dismissed. I know I'll be back there soon ♥ For now, seeing faces of my loved ones and going around with my camera is enough for me.

After the photo shoots! All these girls are lovely <3

Hong Kong airport.

Stamps in the Narita airport.

Waking up over the ocean.

Back home.

Self photo shoots! <3