jenberry photo blog » southern califonia

coffee break-down

admin — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 23:58:40 +0000

somebody may have had too much caffeine today… my sentiments exactly.

don’t worry it’s hot chocolate.

the race

admin — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 05:30:42 +0000

History is a race between education and catastrophe

-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

rainbows

admin — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 20:28:18 +0000

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.

anne & edgar | wedding

admin — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 04:49:45 +0000

Sometimes I wonder how I got here. Here, next to encouraging creative people. Here, next to people who are making a promise that last a lifetime. Here, next to Love. I am amazed by the generosity of photographers that allow lil ‘ol me to ‘compliment’ (used with hesitation & lightly) their professional work (built from lots of dedication and innate talent). Equally so, I am unequivocally impressed with bride & grooms that, without a blink of an eye, allow us into one of their more intimate and treasured journeys in life.

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….

Can’t resist | lil one

admin — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 06:47:57 +0000

I couldn’t resist, even without words (you know how wordy I can be… oh yes me)
More will be posted soon.

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.

photograph ideology | inspiration

admin — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 01:22:27 +0000

If you’re anything like me you have about 84 blogs in your RSS feeder. Besides all the fun shopping ones, I have photographers ranging from newborns to news coverage to newlyweds. I’ve never found myself to be a person narrowed down to one element in life. It’s hard enough for me to choose between restaurants, the color of my hair and what to wear for the day, but to lock down my photography to one area or type is difficult. I know there are experts out there that will call me naive or foolish, but I guess that’s part of my learning curve. Maybe one day I’ll look back on all this and “call me crazy” (which wouldn’t be out of the ordinary). There are those who preach that narrowing your focus or specialty is important to refining your talent and being clear with your clients. I totally see this point. But, my initial obsession with photography began with the the desire to capture a moment in time or the beauty of a person’s soul while telling a story of their life. To me this applies to all aspects of image capture, from weddings, to birth, to the daily perspective of a child, to my own family, to the beauty in a small tiny flower. It’s my connection with the subject that is (if you must put a name on it), my “style”. My relationship with my client comes across in the images my camera happens to freeze during the moment. While I am mostly a child & budding wedding photographer, I have a longing to travel the world and create social awareness for humanitarian causes as well.

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

Sebastiao Salgado

Henri Cartier-Bresson

James Nachtwey

Michael Norwood

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/

a fine bottle of blogging

admin — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 06:58:11 +0000

While at trader’s joes, I thought to myself should I buy 1 white and 2 red, but I already have about 28 of the red at home. Maybe I should buy 3 white, no red. But really what does it matter. I’m the only one that drinks it. And, by drinking it, I mean 1/2 bottle over 7 days. So I thought to myself, why do I hoard the bottles.

In the past, when we would head out to a party, Steve could be known to casually mentioned, “grab a bottle of wine for the party”. “What?!?! (I would often casually blurted out). You want me to bring a bottle of the wine I’ve been saving for an incredible special spectacular phenomenal day. It’s just a regular party. There’s no way. Let’s go buy a bottle.” Cut to a cabinet of lonely full bottles, never to be ‘wasted’.

Then when Steve was hospitalized, I met a young man whose mother was battling cancer. This woman’s journey was like acclimating to Mount Everest’s peak in one day . Breathing, not breathing, frostbite, clean scans, surgeries, you name it. The young man and I talked about life, cancer, love, children and of high importance, wine. As I was beginning my climb of mount cancer, he was already past the acclimation point. He had learned how to breathe at the higher altitudes, but this education was not without a price. There were many moments of low oxygen and fears of not surviving. Many moments of turning around and descending. Of course, I immediately thought he’ll know the way. He can be my sherpa. But, I soon learned that each journey is different. Some people train their whole lives with altitude adjustments, while others live on flat ground (happily and rightfully so). Regardless of the path, there is an underlying theme. When I asked him for his ‘theme’, his big words of encouragement, his method for surviving under blizzard conditions, I thought I would hear an amazing quote similar to the words JFK, Martin Luther King or Ghandi. But, what I got was, “I never save that bottle of wine for ‘one day’ important”.

“Never save for one day important.”

Hum. At first, I though, “That goes against everything I’ve trained for in my life.” You have to save everything. Backups of paper towels, soap, toothpaste. Lists to organize every little task (don’t assume I’m throwing away my lists or backups). Withholding things til the moment is perfect. But when the moment flipped to the polar opposite of perfect, I realized that nothing is perfect. And, nothing is predictable. In any second, everything can change. I know we all hear this and it lingers in the back of our minds, but it’s something we never truly understand until it is clear that those anticipated moments can be stripped away in a second. His simple words had so much meaning to them.

So, I don’t want this blog to only be about cancer and illness (or really about drinking wine). No one wants to hear a constant stream of sadness and descent. This is to be about the climb. The milestones of reaching base camp one, acclimating and enjoying the ease of breathing, then off to tackling another part of the climb. I realized that I have been holding on to my blogs for an important event. Something interpreted as seemingly profound by society or my perception of what others deem blogworthy. But really, everyday is important and sometimes the mundane triggers a familiarity within another. Or the air is thin and someone needs to share your oxygen. There is something so to cherish in the everyday. Something important in the calm and ordinary.

So from now on I promise to barrage you with nonsense, self deprecation and fun things i find at the grocery store. Sounds exciting, right?!?!

Because this is a photography blog and a blog about living, here’s a picture from my new precious lil 3gs iPhone. In an attempt to live the day and not stare at our computers, we ventured to the Getty today. Steve got the big camera and I happily snapped away with my new lil toy…

relief from the storm | wedding

admin — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 07:38:29 +0000

For me, June Gloom in Los Angeles, reared it’s ugly head many weeks ago in April. With the gloom came the disappearance of my camera and my desire to capture beautiful moments. I neatly tucked away the camera along with all the endless amounts of joy, memories and happiness that it creates. The fear of feeling anything other than our little battle, was unthinkable.

However, this past Sunday the sun popped out from the clouds (it really did) in Southern California and a new beginning bloomed for a beautiful couple and my camera. Call it fate, stalking or the awesomeness of the bschool, I was fortunate to join the thebecker (yes all one word like other important things such as, “the bears” or “theangels” or “theeiffeltower” or “thepresident” - yes of the USA) to assist in shoot a wedding. A beautiful Sunday wedding.

Admittedly, I was a tiny bit nervous. It had been a couple of months since I had a done something that stepped out of my little protective bubble. But, as soon as I met up with thebecker and Jenny Liu, I felt an instant sense of reassurance, laughter and motivation. Thebecker (aka [b]ecker) is so generous, humorous, witty, knowledgeable, easy going (but completely dedicated and professional). Jenny is kind and really covered saved me when I couldn’t shoot a wedding in May due to that ugly gloom. Like [b]ecker said, sharing with others in your industry is a “win win” situation. I’d elaborate and say it’s a “win win win” situation. Not only does the mentors/assistants win, but the bride and groom are surrounded by an encouraging, fun, creative group.

In addition to these two providing a collaborate and fun day, but bride and groom, Veronique and Naveen, created an environment that was about love, calmness, peace and plain ‘ol fun. I don’t think I’ve seen a bride so relaxed and a wedding without stress go off without any hiccups (that I could see). Veronique and Naveen, thank you for allowing me to share in your day and reminding me how it is to love and be loved all the while still having a blast!!!!

So without further words… (well sort of)

Veronique’s hair was amazing. Sophisticated, classic and gorgeous, just like her dress.

Not a cloud or gloom in the sky. One happy day.

I think no words are needed here, except two, wicked fabulous.

Does she look happy or what?

I spy, my beautiful wife to be…

Veronique’s mom was her Matron of Honor. Can you figure out which one she is? I wish I had this gene pool.

Mr & Mrs…

The newlywed. I don’t think she looks happy enough (I’m a kidder)

Double trouble. Cut to 2 hours later and these two had control of the dance floor.

Nothing Says Summertime, like fresh a fresh lemonade stand.

Women in waiting.

Men, chillaxing

And we meet again. Fierce.

I would say [b]ecker found Golden hour. Nothing like it.

See what I mean by fun. Veronique & Naveen’s Bridal Party put on a surprise musical skit, depicting their love story. You have to be cool people for your friends to orchestrate a show in your honor.

Nothing says “happily ever after” like walking off into the gorgeous sunset.

Last, but definitely not least. Commanding the crowds and managing the masses, thebecker. Join the bschool.

you matter

admin — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 16:31:12 +0000

During my daily RSS obsession, I stumbled upon this beauty from Seth Godin.

When you read this, pass it along and even as important… recognize it in yourself, you matter. Simple.

You matter

When you love the work you do and the people you do it with, you matter.
When you are so gracious and generous and aware that you think of other people before yourself, you matter.
When you leave the world a better place than you found it, you matter.
When you continue to raise the bar on what you do and how you do it, you matter.
When you teach and forgive and teach more before you rush to judge and demean, you matter.
When you touch the people in your life through your actions (and your words), you matter.
When kids grow up wanting to be you, you matter.
When you see the world as it is, but insist on making it more like it could be, you matter.
When you inspire a Nobel prize winner or a slum dweller, you matter.
When the room brightens when you walk in, you matter.
And when the legacy you leave behind lasts for hours, days or a lifetime, you matter.

And because I never post pictures.. Here are 2 pictures from a recent kids session. Not technically perfect, but I think they matter.

i believe the children are our future…

admin — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 01:55:14 +0000

…teach them well and let them lead the way.

So, i didn’t even need to look up the lyrics for this song. Um yeah. Here are the problems with that:

1. It dates me. ‘nough said

2. It’s a Whitney Houston Song. Tiny bit of SSSSHHH, please don’t tell anyone that i know this.

3. I was singing it outloud when i was typing it. I can’t sing.

On to the real topic at hand. So, I know this is supposed to be a photography blog, meaning I’m supposed to post photos that I take. Well, since I’ve been on a little bit of a hiatus lately, I’ve been spending mucho time on the world wide web. Throughout out my travels, I’ve built a ginormous collection of virtual shopping carts cluttered with about 300 items that I will never actually purchase. Amazon (ever so obssessed with the blythe doll thanks to bonnie tsang) and Etsy (whatever you do, don’t try the pounce function, it’s highly addictive) are at the top of my obsessions lately. However, within my little internet fantasy shopping, I’ve also been researching philanthropic ventures.

I came across this lil venture the other day. I am a huge believer of educating the children of our world. I wonder what path my life would have taken if I had been exposed to photography earlier. There is such power in photography. It doesn’t have to be perfect. There’s no such thing. When I look at photographs that inspire me, they are ones that tell a story and reveal an intimacy that is real and unique. Technical aspects are inevitably necessary, but in reality it’s the emotion that someone feels when looking at the image. This is powerful. This can change people’s lives.

A true gift is teaching our youth to see not only beauty in their environment, but also giving them a voice. I believe in Three Cups of Tea (I’m having a difficult time finding a more inspiring read) and Born into Brothels (a must rent or purchase – to multiply the gift) and now I believe in star shooter.

Here is the venture. Help. It will be amazing.

AND, to top it off they are giving away a Canon 5d Mark II (for all you nutty photographers). Just enter a photo for $25 and you may win.\

http://www.starshootercontest.org/

http://www.starshooter.org/