bqphoblography: February 2009

Friday, February 20, 2009

IIDA Couture 2009 Fashion Show

The International Interior Design Association held it's second annual fashion event on 2/12/09 at the Phoenix Art Museum. This was a fundraiser benefiting The Wellness Community, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing support, education and hope for people with cancer and their loved ones. 34 design teams were paired with 34 manufacturers to create an outfit using a specific color and one of the 4 elements: Earth, Water, Air, Fire. Some were done so well you would easily find their design hanging in a boutique, some were interesting combinations of carpet and wood ...and one guy was covered in Formica. All were incredibly creative and I hope to shoot it again next year (hint, hint IIDA).

Best of Show

Best Pret a Porter

Waiting to be judged

Judging

The judges

Judges tallying after the runway

Announcing the winners

Best Haute Couture

Phoenix Museum of Art

Sunday, February 15, 2009

WPPI Business Institute

I just attended the 2009 WPPI Business Institute in Las Vegas. I wish I could have stayed longer to attend some seminars and the trade show but that day and a half of information was great. As a photographer, it's very easy to just have fun and get comfortable shooting while, unfortunately, neglecting the business. It's so important to continue learning and growing because work, life and ultimately our clients will benefit. With a head full new information and fun ideas I'm already looking forward to next year.

"Wedding Photography Unveiled"

I recently had the opportunity of peeking at the book I'm featured in "Wedding Photography Unveiled: Inspiration & Insight From 20 Top Photographers" and it's just that; inspiring and insightful. Now I'm really excited and it will be available next month on amazon.com. It's a honor for me to be listed among greats like Jose Villa and Mike Colon, I hope everyone will pick up a copy.

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Bao Suong and My in Vietnam

As part of an ongoing project, I had the opportunity of traveling to Vietnam to document the wedding of Suong and My. Just getting there takes nearly a full day so I had only a few hours to see the craziness of Ho Chi Minh streets. After meeting with the brother and sister of the groom, we traveled to Cam Ranh where the family lives and the wedding would take place. I decided to spend the first night in a beach area called Nha Trang, where the 2008 Miss Universe pageant was held. The next day, I went back to Cam Ranh to meet the family and get a glimpse of their lives. They're such wonderful people and treated me like an old friend. I wasn't even allowed to pay for the toys I brought home to my children. Oh, and the food was incredible. They live in a very rural community where, everyday, they butcher pigs and chickens, keep what they need for meals and take the rest across the road to the market where it's sold or traded for other goods. One of the most shocking differences is their lack of trash. Everything is fresh so there is no package waste. For a house of about 6 people, there is one tiny trash basket that was full of my water bottles, candy wrappers and batteries. I did a bit of shooting at the market, soccer field, cashew factory and the school. The next morning was the wedding and we started at 2:00am to slaughter pigs for the days feast. What a way to wake up. The church ceremony started at 4:30am and I watched the sun rise through the misty fields. This was followed by two ceremonial receptions where each family parades through the village roads to be welcomed into the bride's and groom's family homes. By 5:00pm, most of us were drunk and ready for bed with heavy, mountain rains soon to follow. It was an incredible experience and I'm very grateful to the Duong family for taking me in.