DVF

This past fall I got the pleasure of meeting Diane von Furstenberg at the Elliott Bay Book Company. where she was signing her new book, "The Woman I Wanted to Be". I first learned of Diane during fashion design school for her creation of the wrap dress. During a research paper I was writing about her, I came across something she said that stuck with me all these years: ‘I didn't always know what I wanted to do, but I always knew the kind of woman I wanted to be.’

I've always been envious of those people who were born to know their exact purpose because I was so far from having a single clue. I went to school for several things; business, fashion and photography and found that I loved aspects of business but it lacked some of the creativity I was looking for. Now I think I'm pretty close to finding that perfect balance of both in my life but without knowing myself and what I truly wanted, it was much harder.

Reading Diane's book was like catching up with an old friend. Hearing all the great stories that you missed out on, receiving good advice, and sharing secrets that you wouldn't normally share at a dinner party. I was halfway through the book when I attended the book signing. I arrived at the bookstore 10 minutes prior to her. As I was paying for my hard copy (I now have a kindle and hard copy), I caught Diane walking around the bookstore. I wouldn't have noticed her had it not been for her hair; she has very distinct voluminous hair. I followed her around the bookstore like a paparazzi with my 35mm film camera and took pictures of her. She was friendly and kind to the women who stopped her to say hi. She graciously posed for photos and wasn't bothered by the crowd.

Shot on Kodak Tri-X 400 film. Developed and scanned at home.

Up Close

I'm so glad I got around to seeing Martin Schoeller's "Close Up" exhibit at the EMP. From afar some of the photos look like cartoon drawings instead of photographs. The ones that moved me the most were of the people from the villages. You can feel emotions pour through the images by the tears in their eyes and the scars on their faces; this made me want to know more about their life story. I highly recommend checking it out.

... And for some fun reading, the WSJ recently wrote an article on how to capture the perfect portrait if you're interested in learning a few tips.

Nordstrom Designer Preview 2013

  

All images taken by me and copyright Team Photogenic. 

Nordstrom always knows the way to my heart. Last Thursday I spent my evening with Oscar, Micheal, and Valentino (...just to name a few) lusting over their fall collection. Magnificent right???

Northwest Hope and Healing Fashion Show

When I received an invitation to attend the Northwest Hope and Healing fashion show benefit I immediately knew this was an event I wanted to support. I think it's safe to say that we all know of someone who has had to deal with cancer... whether it be a family member or a loved one of a friend you know but I was really surprised to learn that our state has the highest rate of breast cancer cases (according to the American Cancer Society)! Yikes! The Northwest Hope and Healing foundation is about providing breast cancer patients in the Seattle area help to get through this tough time. Cancer can be scary and tough to get through and this amazing foundation ensures that cancer patients will get the support they need.

This event was definitely filled with emotions and there was a unique atmosphere of support that I've never felt at any other event. It was sweet to see cancer survivors walk down the runway showing us their numbers of being cancer free while their family in the audience cheered for them!

P.S. The next event is the Alki Beach 5k Walk & Run. 

Backstage at the AIA Fashion Show

This was my first time being backstage of a show from start to finish. I got to see models getting their hair, make up and nails done… having an up close look at garments… feeling the high energy and excitement of when the models take the stage… witnessing how quickly models need to get dressed and undress for the next look… and capturing all of this while trying to stay out of everyone’s way. I’m usually the quiet photographer all dressed in black standing at a distance waiting for my shot. I love absorbing everything that’s going on from behind my lens…

You can see more photos here.

O'Chrismas Tree Gala

 

The O'Christmas Tree Gala happens once a year to help raise money for the Providence Senior and Community Services. Of the past four years I've attended this event, this year was especially special to me because my beautiful sisters were able to accompany me. We had the best time getting all dolled up, enjoying the Christmas cheer and just being able to experience it all with one another. All the photos were shot on my Pentax with Tri-X 400 film.

Finding Inspiration

Lately the only two things that excite me are the presidential debate and my imaginary crock pot. Yes, you read that right, a crock pot. The presidential debate is understandable but my obsession with a crock pot... not so much. It all started on Tuesday when I was getting tired of eating out too much. I missed having home cooked meals so the thought of a crock pot popped in my head. Since then I've built a list of recipes in my head to try with my nonexistent crock pot. I've been dreaming of all the delicious foods that will greet me after a long day of work. When I informed my beau of my grand plan, his facial expression said it all... I've lost it! So this means one thing to me... I am lacking inspiration. I spent the rest of the week trying to find inspiration. I started by going to my favorite bookstore, reading my favorite blogs and then as I was looking through my photos I remember these photos I took back in August for the opening at Wing Luke Museum. The exhibit is called Fashion: Workroom to Runway which showcases Asian Americans who's made an impact on the fashion industry. At that time, I was also going through a rut and decided to visit this exhibit to spark some inspiration. This is what inspired me...

What do you do when you're lacking inspiration?

It's In the Details

Here are a few of the pretty things that made up the Nordstrom Fall Fashion show I photographed a few weeks ago as part of Bellevue Fashion Week for Team Photogenic. Often times when I'm shooting a runway show I miss the details of the handbag, shoes or jewelry because I'm so focused on getting the overall look as they walk down the runway.