There’s nothing like the natural colors. this is straight out of camera with a little bit of web sharpening.Not perfection, but just something a lil different.

don’t worry it’s hot chocolate.

In my younger years (stop laughing), I often sought out the words of my predecessors to find inspiration. I had an insatiable hunger for quotes filled with knowledge of life, love and happiness. I guess I figured that those who had traveled the road prior to me, would have the answers. The right way to find happiness and reach the ultimate goal of bliss. Was it in finding the right man, settling in the perfect town, landing the most illustrious career. All the things I was taught would bring joy. But, as each goal was checked off I still felt empty and unfulfilled. Confused and feeling lost after crossing off each task, I sorta gave up.

It wasn’t until this past year, and even this past few months did I realize that it was my very path and each task or event that made up happiness. It wasn’t just the pride of graduating college, it’s the late night study sessions eating junk food. Nor is it the wedding day, but more the small moments of laughter and challenges you overcome to get to that point. Lately, I find myself just holding and rubbing Steve’s hand. Cherishing the fact that we are here together, today and able to hold hands. It is this that makes me happy. It is less the idea that maybe one day we may own a home (well this could be exciting) and more the reality of just being able to be together. The fact that today we can go out and enjoy a meal together, whereas he was unable to eat last week. It’s funny how these things bring you closer together. I’ve heard it before, but never truly understood it until we lived it.

I have learned, from my own life, the true meaning of the above quote. That life is full of obstacles to be overcome (hey they build self esteem) and this is the main part of happiness, the journey.

Amidst all the personal challenges since March, we did manage to take a journey to Tuscany’s Spannocchia to celebrate our good friends’ (yes plural we love the bride and groom) wedding. Originally, we were supposed to photograph and video the event, but we’ve had a sudden change of plans and had to bow out. Thankfully, we were given last minute clearance to go for one week. It was a much needed trip to be around loved ones before our next challenge began at home.

Our trip made us realize that life is definitely a series of happy events, rather than a journey to reach a single place of happiness. It is these small chunks of time with loved ones that empower us to face the not so “happy” times. Our friends, Kim and Gary, had one of the most spectacular wedding weeks. Yes week. They had pizza night, cooking classes, an attempted trip to wineries, a ‘hen’ party in Siena, pool days and on and on and on. All these events were amazing, but mostly it was the time spent sitting, talking and sharing that I will remember the most.

I leave you with a few pictures I snapped. And an excuse for not blogging in a long time…

I know i haven’t blogged in months. I could have made this post a long winded explanation about what I’ve been doing and how I’ve been working way to much at my day job here, here,  and here -  among other places. But, I’m not going to make long winded excuses. I’m going out now to enjoy Friday Dinner with Steve and our good friend, Patrick.

-H. G. Wells

A confession. I am not a vicious reader. However, I may possibly be the most ferocious reader of book jackets and reviews. The evidence can be found in the three foot pile sitting next to my bed, composed of anything from fiction to biography to “bettering your business” to “how to color in the lines”.

Occasionally, I do fail at avoidance.

I actually pick up a book and read past the inside cover. Once the journey begins and I’ve been captured by my prey, I’ve been known to sit for hours and days straight until I finish an entire book. Yes really, one whole book. Recently, I finished Three Cups of Tea in 2 sittings. (If you haven’t read this, it’s a must). To some this is no incredible feat, but for me it’s unheard of to be able to sit still for more than 20 minutes without some type of electronic gadget or my phone in hand.

Until recently, I’ve been trying to find something to match this masterpiece. Something to avoid attacking my guilty pile of book jackets. I found it the other day and of course it’s by the same author Greg Mortenson.

Primary education is a requirement in the United States.

Primary education in some other countries is a luxury. It is something fought for. It is something that elderly men will give up their lives fighting for. Something that young women are destroyed for. Local men will hike with 90lb bags of cement, 18 miles upriver in order to create a foundation for educating their youth. It is that important to them. The thirst for knowledge. The thirst to read.

Meanwhile, my 3 foot stack remains untouched, unread. My guilt can often creep in and hypocrisy strikes. In one moment I neglect the education at my fingertips, in the next I advocate  those who fight for growth.

I was thinking of the little girls I’ve photograph and how they are protected and nurtured. Parents treasuring their innocence wanting to capture every little moment. Amazed by their first words, the first time they put letters together and read a word.  Learning at such a young age to read, paint, communicate, color, dress up, explore and laugh freely. Able to roam freely. Able to experience an education. Able to dream.

We live in such an incredible country. And cheesy as it may be, I’m proud to be American. And I’m so fortunate to be able to see the next generation grow and discover.

Equally so, I am proud of people like Greg Mortenson who share that freedom and spread it across country lines. One day I hope I can pay my education forward. For now I will attempt to race over to that gigantic pile of books and get past the front cover  before a ‘catastrophe’ happens and the pile falls on me whilst sleeping.

Mountains can never reach each other, despite their bigness. But humans can.

-afghan proverb

]]> http://jenberry.com/blog/2010/01/the-race/feed/ 15 http://jenberry.com/blog/2009/10/rainbows/ http://jenberry.com/blog/2009/10/rainbows/#comments Thu, 15 Oct 2009 20:28:18 +0000 admin http://jenberry.com/blog/?p=1786 Just thinking today about how much I love the rain. Call me crazy.

It hasn’t rained since Steve was diagnosed.

It felt clean. A fresh start.

With the turning of the seasons, comes the turning of the minds. A revitalization.

I saw this. I’d say it’s straight to the point. AKA poignant. And, although it puts a negative spin on rain, you get the point.

“the way i see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain” – dolly parton

And a picture because lulu always brightens our day when she comes to visit. Even of it’s raining outside and she can’t play. She’ll soon forgot the ‘pain’ once the rainbow comes out.

As a second shooter, duties most often involve assisting a main wedding photographer (no need to elaborate Jasmine Star sorts it all out here). Often there is little or no contact with the bride and groom, especially prior to the big day. The main shooter has built the relationship and most often we are there to help cover the many festivities, fluff a dress, catch a stray hair or carry a bag. So, when a bride & groom are kind, amidst their hectic day, and take a moment to recognize the photographers (and especially the lowly 2nd shooter) it is really something (yes i’m corny).  Anne and Edgar were so kind and gracious. Instantly welcoming. Instantly fun.  (I know I wasn’t so calm and friendly moments before my wedding). Thank you for having us. Thank you for being so kind. Thank you for beautiful a evening.

You let me share in your story and I hope I’ve done it justice.

Photographer: Jenny Liu

Hotel/Getting Ready: O Hotel

Venue: Union Station – Downtown L.A.

Bride & Groom: Anne & Edgar

The Dress: Nicole Miller

The Planner: Kelly Demaray

These photos: ME

There are the details

There is the dress, go Nicole Miller

There are the socks

There are the little moments of solitude and perfection

There is the getting ready and deep thought

There are the plans and the time

There are the moments of calm simple happiness

There are those that mean so much

There is the first look

There are the stylish fashionable awesome bridal portraits crafted by Jenny Liu
(look closely and see her in action)

There is the place

There are the special friends who share in the moment and speak volumes

There are proud moments

There is the excitement shared by the ones that know you oh so well

There is the leaving of childhood and entering of a new chapter of life

There are the intimate words that mean so much more shared with each other

There are the tears of joy

There are symbols

There are the smiles of joy

There are the looks

Finally, there is the man and wife

We have little touches…

…and grandiose love

We have the fruit of much hard work and planning (via the bride & groom and Kelly Demaray)

We have light

The first as man and wife

There is respect

There are words spoken that had been saved a lifetime

With Cheers…

and more cheers

and finally we have celebration (& plan ‘ol fancy moves)

Last but never least, Jenny. Who has been nothing but nurturing and encouraging to all… brides/grooms/guests and lil ol me

See what i mean….

For now, as my grandpa would say, “I speak lil but good”

I just fell in love with her eyes and I had to get these up.

–Benjamin Franklin

Three is the magic number that it takes for the human mind to establish a pattern.  In science, DNA has a triplet codon system. In geology we have the 3 basic planes: Above- Surfaced- Beneath.  In astronomy we find the 3 types of galaxies:  ellipticals – spirals – irregulars.  Freud proposed that the psyche was divided into three parts: Ego- Superego – Id.  In Christianity there is the trinity. In Taoism, the Three Pure Ones. There are three main Abrahamic religions: Islam, Christianity and Judaism.

Some three’s are not so great:    3 strikes and you’re out;   In Vietnam, it is bad luck to take a photo with three people in it;   Luck, especially bad luck, is often said to “come in threes”;   It’s been 3 weeks since my last blog (bad bad bad)

Some three’s just are: The Three Stooges & not to be forgotten The 3 Amigos;   Three dimensions to an object: height, width & depth;   In Bowling, 3 strikes in a row = a turkey;   Life is in three, past-present-future.

Some three’s are good: 3 scoops of ice cream;   it’s 3pm and I’m in my pajamas (I’m kidding, maybe);   3 is a magic number;   Steve just finished cycle 3 of chemo, off to 4, 5 & 6.

Now you may ask yourself, why I am talking about 3′s (mostly it’s because I like to talk)

I’m sure most of you have heard of Jasmine Star. Well if not, you have now. She recently put on her 3rd workshop (yes i used the number three again). And yes, I tried THREE times to get in. And, as luck would have it, the 3rd time was a charm. And, let me tell you it WAS a charm. But, if I’m being honest (uh oh you say, here she goes…), I was a bit torn about attending due to recent events and my lackluster for pretending to be happy. Consequently, I was scared. Yes, me, I was scared.  The Chicken in me knew that Jasmine had such an upbeat personality and massive amounts of energy. How was I going to put a happy face on ALL day. (Luckily she doesn’t offer refunds for wimps.) I woke up that morning, slapped myself in the face a few times and Wahla/Viola,  I made that mental flip in my head. I promised myself to practice my own words of seize the day. It helped when I remembered that I’m not the only one. Who better to have as a mentor than someone that has been through a similar (hers definitely a different degree of scary) obstacle.

Even though I only have a couple of workshops to compare, I have to say the Jasmine Star Workshop was worth the wait, the time, the money and the mental energy. It was an all encompassing day, taught by an all encompassing woman. We covered branding and blogging, shooting and processing, client relations and networking. Professionally, I was, yet again, inspired by her work. Personally, I was inspired by just the very presence of her mother (thanks “mom” – you said I could call you that).  Romantically, I was inspired by the way she and J.D. care for each other – he constantly made sure she was hydrated. Nothing says true love like hydration. (J.D. thank you for lunch, ice cold water and your kind smile).

I was inspired. I am motivated. (I swear there are photos on this post somewhere, not just ramblings). I am thankful that there are those who not only teach for financial reward, but they pay it forward with 100% of their heart and soul. And even though it was hard for me to get up and go, I think I left knowing a little more of myself.

The Teacher: Jasmine Star

Venue: The Club at Woodbury

The Models: Melinda & Vern

The Flowers: Carissa of JL Designs – seriously see for yourself…

The Beauty: Vivian Tran of All Made Up – i have never seen anything like this before & she gave the girls a lil makeup gift!!!

The Dress: Monique Lhuillier

Seriously, Jasmine has a way of motivating the masses, all the while maintaining a wicked fashion sensibility.

Melinda and Vern. Yep you can see they are still in love after almost 2 years of marriage. (and they are hot hot hot)

She graciously shared her settings while shooting, nurturing “the talent” and motivating the masses. I’d say easy contender for top 10 multi-tasker.

Between the moustache and the sunglasses, need I say more about S*T*Y*L*E*

I don’t think I have even seen a dress this stunning. Yikes!

Melinda (who came to us via my ever so awesome friend Carlie, Go tell Carlie how beautiful she is) was stunning

I really don’t know how to express the simple elegance and amazingness (yes i made that word up) of both the flowers (check out the matching boutonniere) and hair (Vivian, can you come over everyday please and make me look whimsical!??!). I truly and honestly have Never seen such creativity. If you are a bride, these 2 ladies are your golden ticket. If you are a photographer, surround your clients and yourself with greatness, like these…Jasmine, J.D. & Mom thank you again. Even though I was quiet, I had much contemplation, joy and gratitude.

The point of all this is to say, I think I really love photography. Well, I should revise and say I love photography. I love how powerful the medium is in conveying a story. Whether it is a story of love or famine or birth or death, it is a window into the souls of others. A medium that brings awareness to all and levels the playing field of life to reveal the humanity within all people, within in all places of this earth and within all belief and economic systems. It allows people to be seen as human beings. I know that I may excel in one particular area, but overall I love to take inspiration from everywhere, not just other people’s wedding photos (although I do stalk about 56 wedding blogs. i am guilty.)

One of my all time favorite photographers once said:

“ I don’t believe a person has a style. What people have is a way of photographing what is inside them. What is there comes out.” – Sebastiao Salgado

Here are a few photos that have had a huge impact on me. They are NOT my photographs (I wish they were):

by brett walker

Salgado, “Genesis” Project, yet to be released

Ira Lippke

Ira Lippke

Sebastiao Salgado

Sebastiao Salgado

Henri Cartier-Bresson

James Nachtwey

Michael Norwood

The Parsons

The Parsons

The Parsons

And Because they don’t all have to be heavy hearted (even though I see joy in some of the above):

The Parsons

Saw this yesterday. Pretty much shows how photographs can tell a story, together:

http://www.world-of-pen.com/

Now whether you’re Christian, Agnostic, Muslim or Jewish; capitalist or socialist, conservative or moderate, we live in a country that theoretically tolerates. We are fortunate that roadside bombs aren’t a daily way of life. We are fortunate to be able to love who we choose and wake up in the morning to a plethora of options. Many people have fought and sacrificed for today.

So celebrate those who have helped us get here today. Make a choice from your many options and enjoy the freedom of decision making. It’s fine if you decide to eat 4 hot dogs and 2 hamburgers and chips and dip and more chips and more dip and veggies (w/dip) – can you tell i like dip (the cheapy green onion powder dip with sour cream) – and then some strawberry shortcake. But, remember that we are fortunate because we just happen to be born at a certain time in a certain place in this big world that we all share. Don’t get me wrong, life in other countries is not all bad, we have our positives and negatives, as does everywhere. I’m just choosing to celebrate how fortunate I feel for my life and my freedoms.

Who doesn’t like peace and sparklers

http://www.flickr.com/photos/17538542@N00/2190916327/

and the steve and jen montage. one of us is camera shy and one of us well, is a lil bit of a camera hoard.