2018 Highlights

Hello! I’m pleased you want to take a look at some of my photography from the last year. As you keep scrolling down you’ll find some photos I haven’t shared previously. But mostly this is a recap of the projects that took a substantial amount of my time as well as some of my thoughts on them.

Lost in Yongma Land |

This is my longest standing project from 2018. I hesitate to share these few images since the other images are still in post-production, but since it took a large part of my focus during 2018 it definitely belongs here. I plan to share more about this shoot and more images in the near future. I do want to say thanks to friend and makeup artist, Seung-eun Lee, for the time she invested in the planning and logistics of the shoot as well as the model, Hyeji, for taking a full day off work. Just three people involved in this project from start to finish!

Just three people involved in this project from start to finish!

Vintage Video Games Beauty Shoot |

In the fall of 2018, Amy Rene (mua) and I set out to put together a beauty shoot here in the tri-cities, WA taking inspiration from vintage video games. We called Connie of Hairbycon and Mark of Llama Glama Retouch and put together our core team. For the models, Seattle Models Guild sent us Emily and we were fortunate enough to have Natalie here locally. The 3 styling looks you see here we called ‘Pixels’, ‘Double Dragon’, and ‘Street Fighter Chun Li’s Kick’.

Osiris Clone Skate Shoes |

This is another shoot I will probably post more on later. I’d like to show the process of creating these images with before/afters and behind the scenes.

I wasn’t commissioned by Osiris to make these, but I was blessed when the folks at Osiris saw one of these images and asked to use it in their social media.

“…the folks at Osiris saw one of these images and asked to use it on their social media.”

Regal Winter Bridal Shoot |

I am excited to say that I am shooting weddings in the PNW again! Not that I was really ever not shooting them, but living overseas meant that I had to fly back and forth for every job. Fast forward 7 years, I wasn’t getting many calls for weddings in the PNW. Relocating a business is a lot like starting over. I’ve learned that twice now. So here we go, onward to new beginnings.

My previous blog post covered more about this wedding themed shoot here.

Relocating a business is a lot like starting over. I’ve learned that twice now.

The Day I Lost a Friend |

Although it’s been 6 months, I still get teary eyed looking at these photos. Part of me feels like I owed this little soul so much more than I could give. I spent half of his life overseas. He lost some of those closest to him. During that time my parents were kind enough to take him in and give him everything I couldn’t.

How can 14 years go by so fast?

Diesel, I know that you were happy, but I still can’t help feeling sorry my shortcomings as your guardian.

Pacific Crest Trail |

And of course, the views are stunning.

I have a feeling I will be continuing this collection of photos into 2019. The experience of walking these mountains for days at a time alone is worth it. And of course, the views are stunning.

Portraits |

Kyung Soo is a model in Korea. I first shot him on the runway in 2012 for a men’s wear designer at Seoul Fashion week. Little did I know, just 2 years later I would be dating one of the designers of that very men’s wear brand. Yup, that’s Ranna. Fast forward to May 2018– My wife, daughter and I sit down at a coffee shop with Kyoung Soo to catch up. Next thing I know we are making plans for a spontaneous night photoshoot.

“Little did I know, just 2 years later I would be dating one of the designers…”

Megan in Hongdae, Seoul, South Korea |

Megan is from France but works in Seoul as a model/actor and comedian. We had just an hour or so to shoot and chose the Hongdae district. This area was the first area I lived during my time in Korea. For me these streets speak energy, excitement, and a sense of being alive. After our session ended, I headed further into the urban jungle of Hongdae on foot and spent some time just with just my camera and the surroundings.

Hongdae district, Seoul South Korea

Bender Family |

Even when children are in a good mood, getting multiple toddlers to be facing toward the camera and have a pleasing expression in the same photo can be nearly impossible. Knowing this, I approached this photo session with composite images in mind. All five of these images used 2 or more photos taken in quick succession. Then along with the family we chose the individual faces we liked between those similar frames and “composited” together final images in photoshop.

Photograph 1 year old twin boys, you say? Sure! No problem. :)

Musicians |

guitarist Taehun Lee

Michelle Jarrett & Prevail

left: Michelle Jarrett & Prevail right: Matt Maher

My Family |

My daughter. 4 months old; 8 months old; 12 months old; 13 months old

My family

…and many more photos from 2018. Thank you to all my clients who have helped support my family this last year. I am so blessed to be doing what I love to do and to be doing it with you!

Full moon from the front porch

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