“You don’t take a photograph, you make it” – a quote from photographer Ansel Adams has a profound impact on me. Great picture is created before you press the shutter on the camera!
Photography is an art more than a business to me. I am passionate about sharing with you the beautiful moments through my eyes and artistry. My goals are simple … each of my picture is extraordinary, expressive, and unique.
I wholeheartedly believe in –
Like many people, I began photography hobby in middle school. It was black and white film dominant era. I remembered it started off with a giant roll of Ilford film, cut them into right length, manually put them into used film shells, developed, and printed. I wouldn’t leave the darkroom until the person who booked the room kicked me out.
I did not come from a rich family. Getting ‘financial’ support for the hobby was challenging. My mom told me there are three hobbies that got you broke real fast:- Cars, Stereos, and Photography; you know I did not listen!
The hobby was kind of side tracked when I was in college, perhaps, due to study and social life. After getting married and had my first son, it was still the world of film. I did a lot of videos. As kids getting older, videos were still my first choice. In late 90’s, digital camera came out but quality was not at par. When my kids started sport activities, and digital technology was getting more mature, I realized my old digital Kodak camera was no longer adequate. Perhaps it was a great time to upgrade. Well, there was another challenge called “budget”. So I brought myself up-to-speed, and researched for a while until got the features I wanted under a ‘reasonable’ price that justified the price tag.
It did not take me long to ‘restore’ all the skills, and picked up digital technology. After a few shoots, and a little post processing, I could create pictures that I had long dreamed of since high school. The quality and flexibility were unbelievable. Back then, only professionals could produce such quality; the line between professional and amateur become more narrow. Social media such as Facebook helped publicizing my work; the feedback helps me to grow.
Equipments and tools are NOT factors of having great pictures. Creativity and unique photography style are the keys. It takes me quite a while to establish my personal style and philosophy (click here) that differentiate me from the crowd. I am staying away from big headshot with blurry background while engage heavily into ‘Landscape Portrait’ , which use background at best for the subjects.
I want to thank you for two friends who kicked off this wonderful career – My brother and Mr Wai King Cheng (my high school interest group counselor). Also, professional photographers such as Henri Cartier-Bresson, Eliott Erwitt, Ansel Adams, and Moose Peterson.
I regretted not taking enough pictures for my family. Precious moments were gone forever, and not much I can do to bring them back. If you feel the same, please email me at info@anselchengphotography.com. I would be very happy to help you keeping those memorable moments.
What do your Facebook contents have to do with your college application? Here is an article from the Wall Street Journal that may raise some eyebrows.
Click here to read the Wall Street Journal http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB122170459104151023
In short, more and more college admission officers are looking at your Facebook pages; even though it may not have direct impact on your college application, it may leave a trail of impression. Good or bad, it’s your call.
The articles advised to keep your pictures especially your profile photos clean, positive, and healthy; any pictures that show your character, achievements, and warm friendliness definitely help.
If you need high school senior, family, sport, or event , please feel free to click here to contact me. You can also ‘like’ my Facebook.
Here are links of similar topic:-
Read the USA Today
Read Kaplan Test Prep – “Facebook Checking is No Longer Unchartered Territory”
Many of my clients have previously asked about what Contemporary Photography is. Here is a short summary.
– It is generally considered to be a fresh and unique approach to traditional portraiture; it is viewed as more groundbreaking in its approach to finding new and exciting ways to capture subjects.
– Contemporary photographers highlight the importance of storytelling and emotion, and there is a great importance placed on relationships. Also called lifestyle photography, this style is not only about how you capture, but also what you capture—“more moments in time” as opposed to “manufactured illusions.”
– Portraits are meant not only to capture one’s likeness, but actually to reflect one’s personalities.
– Photographers are able to shoot anywhere, and the best are skilled at working with natural light. They are constantly looking for creative ways to make the best of their locations. Instead of being told to sit still, subjects are free to interact with each other naturally.
– It is a blend of anticipating the moment, finding the backgrounds, and controlling the light to create strong, dynamic images.
– The use of more dramatic black & white tones is a common feature. Color images also tend to be represented more vibrantly; scenes are displayed in higher contrast, often with interesting textures, sunbursts, eye-catching compositions, and dramatic vignettes.
All my pictures are created along the lines; creativity has no limits. I hope you all like my work.
I am not expert in makeup. Here are my experience and point of view.
Personally, I do not recommend evening / ballroom type makeup. Light makeup (near natural) is the best, especially for girls doing senior pictures. If you hire professional, ask for ‘nude’ or ‘naked’ makeup style. If you’re not comfort putting makeup, then don’t. Many times, these makeups caused uneven skin color, unnatural look, and sheen problems.
In general, you can apply eye-browse makeup by itself and may leave the rest of the face alone. However, never apply just lipstick or just eye makeup by itself. That means you need full makeup for either of them.
Foundation:- If you have oily skin, wear foundation that does not have oil or use translucent powder or face blotters to hide and absorb the shiny oil. If you session is scheduled during hot summer, use tinted moisturizer rather than foundation. If you have acne, do not bother conceal them. I can remove them in post processing easily.
Eye liners:- use waterproof eye liners; very light eye liner or shadow (waterproof one) may be applied;
Blushes:- use lightly; generally, pink and peachy color are most popular.
Lips:- lips should be moist but not glossy; therefore, void high reflective lip-gloss.
Wear comfortably and, most importantly, wear the dresses you like the best. In general, neutral color and simple pattern dresses are recommended. Short skirt will limit the options for poses; bright or neon light tops will steal the attention away from the subject.
These are just general guideline. Depending on the location, time of shooting, and client’s preference, the arrangement will be discussed during the pre-session meeting.
Creativity has no limit; breaking the rules are source of new creations. Click the follow button to see some ideas about senior outfits.
