8.31 Welcome Elijah Yang!

2010-05-03T19:51:00.001-07:00

DOUBLE POST!!! Trying to make up for falling behind...

I had the wonderful opportunity to coordinate Eddie and Pauline's wedding over a year ago... and now I have the honor of photographing their new born son Elijah Yang! These photos show him at 1 week... editing these photos made me want my own kid... LOL... my wife is probably freaking out right now.

Anyways... here are some shots of Elijah!!!!

helen + david wedding at shutters

2010-05-03T19:32:00.000-07:00

The day finally came... our little helen was getting married!!!! Poor little thing looked so stressed that day hoping that every detail was just right! Fortunately... everything turned out wonderfully... if not perfect!!! Congrats to David and Helen!!!! Here are a few shots from the BIG day!

france part deux!

2010-04-05T20:40:00.000-07:00

as promised... here's part 2 of our paris honeymoon... i think there's 2 more parts to come so stay tuned!!

some ferris wheel that gave me amazing views of paris... and an upset stomach (fear of heights)

paris at night

some alley in paris...

most expensive macaroon's ever!! and of course kat's favorite!

some korean gangsters must've tagged on this wall... "SHEK" hahaha

a bridge

me in front of the bridge

kat in front of notre dame!

me in front of notre dame!

do you see quasi moto??

inside the notre dame

christmas tree in front of notre dame

another bridge!

at some garden

you see the bird on top of the statue?

some little girl looking at something...

finally a picture of us... although i don't like my double chin =(

my favorite picture

on our way to versailles...

Come back to see our pics from versailles and strasbourg!!

Finally... PARIS PART I

2010-03-31T20:04:00.001-07:00

Wow... it's been 3 months since I've touched my blog... let's just say married life keeps me busy!!! I promise to start updating more frequently again.

So this post is long overdue... here are some photos from our honeymoon!!

on the train right after we landed

seeing the eiffel tower for the first time!

crepes on our first night!

at the market

my wife

my wife again on some bridge

a french building... haha

arc de triomph!

yummy!!

some statue..

some museum...

louvre!!

my wife again

some dude's statue

small...

trying to get a view of the mona lisa

so much smaller than i had imagined

some random couple... thought it would be a nice picture haha

That's all for now!!! check back for part deux!!!

paris 2009

2010-01-02T10:31:00.001-08:00

coming soon...

jonah

2009-12-24T16:59:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone... it's been a super long time hasn't it?? sorry for not blogging... i just got married and it was pure craziness!! Well, I'm back from my honeymoon and finally getting around to editing my pre-wedding photos...

this is jonah... i shot maternity photos for his mom and dad a while back... and these photos show him at 100 days. i've never seen a baby with such crazy hair!! he was absolutely a blast to shoot... so freakin cute!

i will be posting more frequently again so please check back again!

matthew connor kim

2009-11-01T10:58:00.000-08:00

Welcome Matthew Connor Kim!! Gene and Esther had their first child last week and he's oh so adorable!! The baby is beautiful!!! and most of all... it's healthy!!! Congrats to both of you!!!

wedding prep

2009-10-13T11:42:00.000-07:00

I know I haven't updated in a while now... sorry!! I've been so busy with finalizing all our wedding plans. Only one month left now!!! AHHH going crazy!! Here's a glimpse of what I've been up to. I promise I'll update with a full post soon!!

bailey and her family

2009-09-24T10:04:00.000-07:00

So i've known the Park's since I was in high school... far before they were even married! Now they have 3 unbelievably adorable kids and they're just the most beautiful family ever! Liz asked me to take some photos for Bailey's first year and so we headed over to Wilderness Park in Downey (my hometown)... we always have our church picnics there so it's familiar territory. I was able to sneak in some shots of the family and the other kids. The kids were so funny... I kept laughing out loud while editing some of the pictures. Here are a few from the shoot... enjoy!

emery

caleb

mom and dad

family

new website

2009-09-22T16:42:00.000-07:00

My first photography website is up and running!!! It still needs a bit of work, but it should suffice right? Please check it out!! Thank you to everyone for their encouragement and support!!

another kim family

2009-09-15T16:55:00.001-07:00

So many Kim's in this world huh? I'm a Kim, a ton of my friends are Kim's... and this next family is also Kim's! So, the Kim's booked a family session with me about a month ago. I was so excited for this shoot because I heard how cute the kids are... and boy were the cute!! I had so much fun shooting this family... the boys were so energetic and loved the camera! We headed out to Manhattan Beach where there was a bit of overcast, but I think it worked out cause it added a bit of drama to the pics! Have a look!

big apple love

2009-09-10T21:15:00.001-07:00

Why is it that every time I go back to NYC, I fall more and more in love with it? It's like we were meant to be or something... maybe one day! Till next time, here are 2 photos from my trip... i'll post more later!

in flight

2009-09-04T17:01:00.000-07:00

Soooo guess what? I'm sitting in my seat 8A on Virgin America, flying 33,000 feet over colorado... BLOGGING!!!! How rad is that??? For those of you who know me, technology makes me giddy... i'm loving this right now... haha. I don't think i'm gonna sleep on the plane. I paid $12 for this internet and I plan to use every penny of it!

So people have been asking me about this "new chapter" i've been talking about on my facebook status. For those of you who don't know, I recently got laid off from my job in commercial real estate after 2.5 years. So now, I must close that chapter of my life, and move on to the next! So what's this new chapter in my life? Not sure yet actually. I hope to start a new career with my photography... but we shall see!!

I'm excited about this new chapter. Kinda like a fresh start. I even sold my car off yesterday! So no job... and no car... haha. Yes... i believe they call people like me a bum. But nonetheless... i'm excited to start this new bum life... haha. Hopefully the bum aspect of it won't last too long...

Anyways... I guess i never explained where I was going. I'm headed out to the big apple to hang out with some friends and my brother... and clear my thoughts and hopefully get inspired!! Here's to new beginnings!!!!

On a side note... one of my best friends from my childhood is getting married next weekend!!! I'm so excited even though i have to write a speech. So I leave you all with these photos from a shoot i did recently with the soon to be married couple.

jordan

2009-08-17T10:35:00.000-07:00

I had the chance to take some photos of my nephew Jordan this past weekend before his first birthday. I heart this kid... he brings joy into my life. You'll know what I'm talking about when you see these pictures of how cute he is... HE IS FREAKIN CUTE!!! Can't wait to talk to him one day and get a response... =) Here are a few shots... enjoy his cuteness!!!

kim family

2009-07-29T10:06:00.001-07:00

First family portrait session... definitely not the easiest getting kids to smile and look at the camera. Nonetheless a fun time! The Kim family kids are adorable and each have such different personalities... and i mean DIFFERENT! Not sure how John and Judy do it, but they're great parents... and you can just feel the love in the family. Here are a few from that day in Long Beach.

christy

2009-07-28T17:34:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Christy and Bing on their 3rd wedding (long story)! Christy and I go way back... and now we work together. So happy that she's finally married to her soul mate! Congrats you two!

raw and genuine

2009-07-21T17:48:00.001-07:00

Well, this photo is actually overdue since their engagement party was weeks ago... but I love this picture. So raw and genuine... you know what i mean? I think Kat took this photo... good job!!

miriam + eric (one month later)

2009-06-30T13:55:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited to post this entry because I've never gotten a chance to do "wedding attire" photos yet until now!! Miriam and Eric (two of my best friends in the whole world) asked me to do a "trash the dress" or "day after" shoot for them... but one, the dress was too beautiful to trash... and two, it's already been a month since they got married... so instead we did a "i love being married" shoot... i just made that up actually. Anyways... hope you enjoy this series of photos.

p.s. Let me know if you or anyone you know is looking for a photographer... i know one that's really eager!! =)

chris + brenda (practice session)

2009-06-17T10:12:00.000-07:00

Chris and I have been friends since the 3rd grade (one of my oldest friends to this day)! We lived like a few houses down too, so we were always at each others places playing video games, basketball, baseball, and whatever else kids did back then. So it's pretty crazy and awesome that we're both getting married the same year!! I'm so excited for him and Brenda!! I got a chance to do a practice e-session with them before their official shoot with the awesome Caroline Tran! Enjoy!

p.s. currently working on a logo and a real website for my photos so i can step it up to the next level! i'm excited!!

there can only be one...

2009-06-04T17:05:00.001-07:00

and it will be the Lakers!!

jenny + ed maternity shoot

2009-06-02T22:33:00.000-07:00

Jenny and Ed asked me to shoot some maternity shots for them... and of course I said yes!! I knew these two since my days in SD, and I can't believe they're having their first child... a boy named Jonah!! I am so excited for these two cause I know they'll be awesome parents!! We headed out to Long Beach to snap a few shots... weather wasn't the greatest, but I had a blast!! They were so fun to shoot. Congrats you two!!!

(Make-up was done by the awesome Jen Wang)

star trek

2009-06-01T11:19:00.000-07:00

Ok so i finally watched the new Star Trek... i grew watching re-runs of the original Star Trek and the New Frontier... but i don't think i'd consider myself a trekkie. But watching this new movie was awesome because you recognize all the characters and their names... they even had the correct accents!!! FREAK this movie was so good!!! i can't wait for blu ray!!! I'm going to buy a blu ray player just for this movie!!

napa

2009-05-27T22:08:00.000-07:00

Went up to Napa this Memorial weekend with some friends... this place has a special place in my heart since it's where Kat and I got engaged last November. Such a beautiful place...

Took these in front of boonfly cafe... yum!

Two of my best friends (Miriam & Eric)

2009-05-19T22:44:00.000-07:00

got married this past weekend! it was one of the most emotional, beautiful, and off the hook wedding's ever!! Eric and Miriam are two of my closest friends, and I couldn't be happier for them. They're in spain right now probably having a blast! God bless the both of you! I love you guys! Here are some photos from their wedding (mostly pre-wedding shots).

isn't she lovely?

2009-04-28T23:04:00.000-07:00

One bottle at a time

2009-04-27T22:40:00.000-07:00

Cafe Pinot has one of the coolest chefs ever... I did a wedding there a few weekends ago and the chef was so awesome... brought me and kat free food and drinks... and boy was it delicious! This was the wine rack we sat in front of...

more jordan time

2009-04-23T15:40:00.000-07:00

joy of dancing!

2009-04-09T10:28:00.000-07:00

This youtube video just made me smile... people being so carefree and expressing their joy through the art of dance!! This is seriously awesome!!! I wish I witnessed this!!

Michelle & Paul Engagement Session (practice)

2009-04-08T10:11:00.000-07:00

As promised... here are a few photos from the shoot this weekend!

michelle & paul

2009-04-06T14:58:00.000-07:00

i got the chance to do some practice engagement shots for Michelle and Paul this past weekend... they're official shoot is in a few weeks, but they asked me to do a practice session for them... and of course i said YES! Practice for them... and practice for me! Here's a preview...

cute kids

2009-03-29T21:52:00.000-07:00

make me smile. i am seriously surround by the cutest kids ever. this is cj! son of a single mother who is absolutely adorable!! i have this way of getting him to smile... but it requires me to make this hideous face. Props to all the single mothers out there!!!

i want to go

2009-03-16T16:16:00.001-07:00

to this place and wander around all day taking photos of people, nature, and life. Can you guess where this is?

jordan

2009-03-08T01:16:00.000-08:00

We took Jordan out to LA today... he was so happy to be out of the house! His curious eyes were constantly moving around... intrigued by the colors and the movement of the world!

miriam and eric

2009-03-01T23:45:00.000-08:00

Miriam and Eric allowed me to take some quasi-engagement photos for them this past weekend... such an honor! Thank you guys so much for giving me the opportunity! I realized how much more practice i need... anyways... here are some photos we took at UCLA. (Makeup was done by the always magnificent Jen Wang)

faces part 5

2009-02-26T23:30:00.000-08:00

TGIF!!! I love Fridays!! Therefore... the girl i fell in love with... my fiance... Katherine Cho! She's gonna hate me for posting this photo... oh well! Love hurts!

faces part 4

2009-02-26T22:56:00.000-08:00

today... i'm going steer away from grown-ups and post a face of a baby... a cute baby for that matter... Jordan Ju! I love how he always looks at the camera for me...

faces part 3

2009-02-25T11:08:00.001-08:00

i'm bored at work... so here's a bonus face! Mike Ryu... sexy boy from Korea...

faces part 2

2009-02-25T09:09:00.000-08:00

Today... I present to you Hannah Montanna! I mean, Irene Bahk.

faces

2009-02-24T11:57:00.000-08:00

i decided to do a short series on faces of people i know... first up... joe paik

people

2009-02-23T23:04:00.000-08:00

People intrigue me. The way God created everyone so differently... the way they talk, the way they walk... and especially the way they look. I've become obsessed with learning about photography lately. For now... one step at a time... lighting. I'm excited to learn more about my fairly new passion. I just listened to Zach Arias (badass photographer)... and he spoke about how every good photographer once "sucked". Boy did that make me feel better.

two become one

2009-02-09T10:13:00.001-08:00

superbowl sunday

2009-02-02T22:27:00.000-08:00

I don't care too much for football... but the superbowl is a little different. Good food and great company makes football watchable. Here's to partyline...

fear nothing but... peter?

2009-01-21T23:44:00.000-08:00

Tonight, Ed and his buddies played a cruel joke on their friend Mike (fine... i was in on it too). It was absolutely hilarious... but still very cruel. Not sure if anyone knows the Peter Answer website... but Mike was the victim of a fictional tarot reader... i felt bad for him, so i'm positing this to let him know the truth. Here are the faces of FEAR and Trickery. Sorry Mike, you got owned bro...

Are you an Outlier?

2009-01-21T14:20:00.000-08:00

I don't read that much, so when a book strikes my attention, it's worthy of a blog entry. I saw this author being interviewed on CNN by Anderson Cooper, and the things he was talking about struck me as quite interesting. Success is a product of not only talent, but a combination of environment, opportunities, practice, and of course talent. It's a very interesting read, and it's easy too. Go pick up a copy if you can. Amazon's probably your cheapest bet (I get everything from Amazon).

a pledge

2009-01-20T18:00:00.000-08:00

Today, history was made. The first African-American was sworn in as the President of the United States. As cliche as it may be on a day like today, I am truly proud to be an American, and honored to be alive during this time. Barack Obama... may God be with you for the next 4 years. Becoming the president is not a self-made role, but a responsibility given to you by the people of this country. Lead with humility and grace; with integrity and faith. God bless.

Engaged (for real this time)

2008-12-30T16:50:00.000-08:00

My family and Kat's family got together and had an "engagement" dinner, and according to our parents, we are now OFFICIALLY engaged! haha... as if the ring wasn't enough! But either way, we feel so blessed to have families that love and support us... and 2 families that are so comfortable around each other! Here's the new family...

Partyline knows how to Party

2008-12-27T22:26:00.000-08:00

Our annual partyline Christmas party was a blast as usual! Thanks to the Ju's again for opening up their home... here are some pics from the evening!

Give me a Green Tea Break

2008-12-15T14:07:00.000-08:00

So my good buddy Cliff just got back from Japan and brought over 5 boxes of heaven. 1 of which I gave to my fiance, 0.5 was given to my mom (or I should say taken), and 3.5 devoured by myself. These are green tea kit kats every one... nowhere to be found in the states... very hard to find in Japan too. They can only be found in Kyoto (where Green Tea originated from) and the Narita Airport.

Now, when I say these things are good, I'm not kidding nor exaggerating. Green tea chocolate and crispy wafers go together like peanut butter and jelly... ice cream and root beer... ace and gary... you get my point?

If you or someone you know ever goes to Japan, please get me a box!!!! In fact, get me 20 boxes!!

Thanks Cliff!! (for creating a craving in me that can't be satiated... jerk)

Ethan Turning One

2008-11-26T10:57:00.000-08:00

It's been a while since I last posted... what can i say? Life's been busy lately... but it's a good thing. I had the chance to take photos at Ethan's first birthday party this past weekend... here are a few below...

Engaged!

2008-11-05T11:50:00.001-08:00

I'm officially off the market... as one once said to me. Yes... I'm engaged! I'm engaged to Miss Katherine Cho, and I couldn't be more ecstatic about it. We went up to Napa to celebrate her birthday, and I asked her to be my wife in a barrel room of a winery that we had all to ourselves. You can ask her for the details... I feel weird writing about it. Maybe she'll write it in her blog. Wedding planning here we come!!!

Our New President

2008-11-05T11:40:00.000-08:00

What an extraordinary time for Americans! Obama was elected our 44th President of the United States... and I am proud to say that I was able to vote for the first African American President in the history of this country! His acceptance speech was nothing less than inspirational, bipartisan, and humble. I've placed the transcript below for everyone to read... even the ones that didn't vote for him.

"Hello, Chicago.

If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible, who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time, who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer.

It's the answer told by lines that stretched around schools and churches in numbers this nation has never seen, by people who waited three hours and four hours, many for the first time in their lives, because they believed that this time must be different, that their voices could be that difference.

It's the answer spoken by young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white, Hispanic, Asian, Native American, gay, straight, disabled and not disabled. Americans who sent a message to the world that we have never been just a collection of individuals or a collection of red states and blue states.

We are, and always will be, the United States of America.

It's the answer that led those who've been told for so long by so many to be cynical and fearful and doubtful about what we can achieve to put their hands on the arc of history and bend it once more toward the hope of a better day. Watch Obama's speech in its entirety »

It's been a long time coming, but tonight, because of what we did on this date in this election at this defining moment change has come to America.

A little bit earlier this evening, I received an extraordinarily gracious call from Sen. McCain.

Sen. McCain fought long and hard in this campaign. And he's fought even longer and harder for the country that he loves. He has endured sacrifices for America that most of us cannot begin to imagine. We are better off for the service rendered by this brave and selfless leader.

I congratulate him; I congratulate Gov. Palin for all that they've achieved. And I look forward to working with them to renew this nation's promise in the months ahead.

I want to thank my partner in this journey, a man who campaigned from his heart, and spoke for the men and women he grew up with on the streets of Scranton and rode with on the train home to Delaware, the vice president-elect of the United States, Joe Biden.

And I would not be standing here tonight without the unyielding support of my best friend for the last 16 years the rock of our family, the love of my life, the nation's next first lady Michelle Obama.

Sasha and Malia I love you both more than you can imagine. And you have earned the new puppy that's coming with us to the new White House.

And while she's no longer with us, I know my grandmother's watching, along with the family that made me who I am. I miss them tonight. I know that my debt to them is beyond measure.

To my sister Maya, my sister Alma, all my other brothers and sisters, thank you so much for all the support that you've given me. I am grateful to them.

And to my campaign manager, David Plouffe, the unsung hero of this campaign, who built the best -- the best political campaign, I think, in the history of the United States of America.

To my chief strategist David Axelrod who's been a partner with me every step of the way.

To the best campaign team ever assembled in the history of politics you made this happen, and I am forever grateful for what you've sacrificed to get it done.

But above all, I will never forget who this victory truly belongs to. It belongs to you. It belongs to you.

I was never the likeliest candidate for this office. We didn't start with much money or many endorsements. Our campaign was not hatched in the halls of Washington. It began in the backyards of Des Moines and the living rooms of Concord and the front porches of Charleston. It was built by working men and women who dug into what little savings they had to give $5 and $10 and $20 to the cause.

It grew strength from the young people who rejected the myth of their generation's apathy who left their homes and their families for jobs that offered little pay and less sleep.

It drew strength from the not-so-young people who braved the bitter cold and scorching heat to knock on doors of perfect strangers, and from the millions of Americans who volunteered and organized and proved that more than two centuries later a government of the people, by the people, and for the people has not perished from the Earth.

This is your victory.

And I know you didn't do this just to win an election. And I know you didn't do it for me.

You did it because you understand the enormity of the task that lies ahead. For even as we celebrate tonight, we know the challenges that tomorrow will bring are the greatest of our lifetime -- two wars, a planet in peril, the worst financial crisis in a century.

Even as we stand here tonight, we know there are brave Americans waking up in the deserts of Iraq and the mountains of Afghanistan to risk their lives for us.

There are mothers and fathers who will lie awake after the children fall asleep and wonder how they'll make the mortgage or pay their doctors' bills or save enough for their child's college education.

There's new energy to harness, new jobs to be created, new schools to build, and threats to meet, alliances to repair.

The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even in one term. But, America, I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there.

I promise you, we as a people will get there.

There will be setbacks and false starts. There are many who won't agree with every decision or policy I make as president. And we know the government can't solve every problem.

But I will always be honest with you about the challenges we face. I will listen to you, especially when we disagree. And, above all, I will ask you to join in the work of remaking this nation, the only way it's been done in America for 221 years -- block by block, brick by brick, calloused hand by calloused hand.

What began 21 months ago in the depths of winter cannot end on this autumn night.

This victory alone is not the change we seek. It is only the chance for us to make that change. And that cannot happen if we go back to the way things were.

It can't happen without you, without a new spirit of service, a new spirit of sacrifice.

So let us summon a new spirit of patriotism, of responsibility, where each of us resolves to pitch in and work harder and look after not only ourselves but each other.

Let us remember that, if this financial crisis taught us anything, it's that we cannot have a thriving Wall Street while Main Street suffers.

In this country, we rise or fall as one nation, as one people. Let's resist the temptation to fall back on the same partisanship and pettiness and immaturity that has poisoned our politics for so long.

Let's remember that it was a man from this state who first carried the banner of the Republican Party to the White House, a party founded on the values of self-reliance and individual liberty and national unity.

Those are values that we all share. And while the Democratic Party has won a great victory tonight, we do so with a measure of humility and determination to heal the divides that have held back our progress.

As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, we are not enemies but friends. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection.

And to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn, I may not have won your vote tonight, but I hear your voices. I need your help. And I will be your president, too.

And to all those watching tonight from beyond our shores, from parliaments and palaces, to those who are huddled around radios in the forgotten corners of the world, our stories are singular, but our destiny is shared, and a new dawn of American leadership is at hand.

To those -- to those who would tear the world down: We will defeat you. To those who seek peace and security: We support you. And to all those who have wondered if America's beacon still burns as bright: Tonight we proved once more that the true strength of our nation comes not from the might of our arms or the scale of our wealth, but from the enduring power of our ideals: democracy, liberty, opportunity and unyielding hope.

That's the true genius of America: that America can change. Our union can be perfected. What we've already achieved gives us hope for what we can and must achieve tomorrow.

This election had many firsts and many stories that will be told for generations. But one that's on my mind tonight's about a woman who cast her ballot in Atlanta. She's a lot like the millions of others who stood in line to make their voice heard in this election except for one thing: Ann Nixon Cooper is 106 years old.

She was born just a generation past slavery; a time when there were no cars on the road or planes in the sky; when someone like her couldn't vote for two reasons -- because she was a woman and because of the color of her skin.

And tonight, I think about all that she's seen throughout her century in America -- the heartache and the hope; the struggle and the progress; the times we were told that we can't, and the people who pressed on with that American creed: Yes we can.

At a time when women's voices were silenced and their hopes dismissed, she lived to see them stand up and speak out and reach for the ballot. Yes we can.

When there was despair in the dust bowl and depression across the land, she saw a nation conquer fear itself with a New Deal, new jobs, a new sense of common purpose. Yes we can.

When the bombs fell on our harbor and tyranny threatened the world, she was there to witness a generation rise to greatness and a democracy was saved. Yes we can.

She was there for the buses in Montgomery, the hoses in Birmingham, a bridge in Selma, and a preacher from Atlanta who told a people that "We Shall Overcome." Yes we can.

A man touched down on the moon, a wall came down in Berlin, a world was connected by our own science and imagination.

And this year, in this election, she touched her finger to a screen, and cast her vote, because after 106 years in America, through the best of times and the darkest of hours, she knows how America can change.

Yes we can.

America, we have come so far. We have seen so much. But there is so much more to do. So tonight, let us ask ourselves -- if our children should live to see the next century; if my daughters should be so lucky to live as long as Ann Nixon Cooper, what change will they see? What progress will we have made?

This is our chance to answer that call. This is our moment.

This is our time, to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace; to reclaim the American dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth, that, out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope. And where we are met with cynicism and doubts and those who tell us that we can't, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people: Yes, we can.

Thank you. God bless you. And may God bless the United States of America."

vote for hope

2008-10-23T09:26:00.000-07:00

Election day is coming up real soon! I hope everyone goes out to vote!! You don't have to vote for obama, but just vote!! Let your voice be heard! And check out this video below inspired by Shepard Fairey... the guy does the OBEY art work. You might be inspired...

Obama '08 - Vote For Hope from MC Yogi on Vimeo.

MBP

2008-10-14T14:12:00.000-07:00

I've been waiting for this day for 5 years now. A true re-design of the macbook pro!!! Isn't it just full of awesomeness??!! I can't wait to get my hands on this thing. One interesting change to the design is the touchpad - it's made of glass and it has not button. The whole touchpad is a button! How cool is that?

Prices are the same though which is sort of disappointing, but i'm sure it's all worth it!

Current wishlist:

1. New Macbook Pro

2. Canon 5D Mark II

Is that too much to ask for? It's only like $6,000! F!@#*(&@#($#*)!

Baby Jordan

2008-10-08T09:49:00.001-07:00

Oh how fast the time goes... Sara and Dju just had their baby boy on Oct. 5, 2008. Welcome to the world Jordan! Can't wait to teach him a fake british accent! Here are a few pics of Jordan Joshua Ju. He's freakin cute!

sara + dju [maternity]

2008-09-22T14:40:00.000-07:00

I had the wonderful opportunity to shoot maternity photos for Sara and Dju this past weekend. This shoot is special because this is my first actual shoot!! I was so tired after the shoot... i can't even imagine how the pregnant woman felt! Can't wait for Jordan to enter this world!!!

The shots didn't come out as well as I had hoped, but practice makes perfect right? Anyone else want to volunteer as my models??? Here are a few shots from the shoot.

jordan will arrive in 1 more month!

dju's own pregnancy photo

the happy beautiful couple

Sara's favorite red velvet cupcake from sprinkles! Dju ate the one off her belly!

the winner is...

2008-09-16T13:02:00.000-07:00

If Jones soda bottles are any indication of the outcome of this year's presidential election, Obama would win it by a landslide (no surprise there)... while McCain finishes at a strong (weak) third behind Ron Paul who's not even the Republican nominee! That's pretty sad. The American people sure know what they want don't they?

Maybe Dems just like soda more than the GOP... or people just don't like liars.

Lucky for McCain... these are just soda bottles.

Keep it real McCain.

nano nano nano

2008-09-09T14:18:00.000-07:00

Apple announced their new iPod Nano's today! When I heard rumors that they were going back to the tall skinny design, I wasn't sold... but boy do they look awesome!! The nano has definitely come a long way since it's birth... look at those vibrant colors!!! I like the yellow one the best. What's your favorite color?

Good work apple! But where are the new macbook pro's you hinted at??

QC3

2008-09-09T11:47:00.000-07:00

Look what Kat got me for my birthday!!! She's the best ever!!! I've wanted these noise cancelling headphones for a while now, but never had the balls to buy them. Anyone that's listened to music or movies with Bose products are aware of the beautiful sound they produce. These headphones are no different... there's a great balance of bass and treble on these babies... and to top it off... it has noise canceling technology. For those who don't know what that means... basically... when you turn on your headphones, it changes the frequency of what you hear... so it almost blocks out all outside noise.... even without music playing!!! SO TITE!

Thanks kat!!!

27

2008-09-04T13:56:00.000-07:00

I turned 27 this past Sunday (how sad is that?)! Honestly, I was pretty depressed about it at first... only because I feel like I haven't accomplished much in my last 27 years. But fortunately, I bucked up and told myself that this is my year... the year I get off my butt and do something important with my life.

Thanks to everyone and their warm wishes! It would've been a sad birthday without ya'll!

Thank you kat for putting so much thought and prayer into the celebration of my 27th... you're one of a kind!

To many more!!!

Turning One

2008-09-02T22:21:00.000-07:00

I had the privilege of shooting at Isaiah's first birthday (dol)! Him and his brother have got to be the cutest boys ever! There must be some correlation with the August 31st birthday (same as mine). I'm in the process of making a really cool photobook for the family, but here is a preview of some of the photos I took that day.

kaba modern

2008-08-24T23:35:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Brenda and Chris, I got the opportunity to shoot photos at a kaba modern commercial shoot! That's right folks... kaba modern!!! Not only are they freakin awesome dancers... they are really cool people. I had the chance to just sit and chat with them during the night... they have one busy schedule man. Anyways, here are some photos from the shoot. Keep in mind... there was very little lighting, and I was not allowed to use my flash.

Funny Signs

2008-08-18T16:19:00.001-07:00

I was in the car with Chris and Brenda this past weekend, and we saw this sign when we got off the freeway. Thought it was pretty funny. Anyone need to fix their accent? If you can't read the number... it's 310-930-8070... haha! I wonder if anyone actually calls. I should send my parents.

Compassion & Leadership

2008-08-15T09:29:00.000-07:00

Sens. John McCain and Barack Obama, respective presumed Republican and Democratic presidential nominees, will end the primary season by making their first joint appearance of the 2008 campaign at Saddleback Church on Saturday, Aug.16 (TOMORROW) at the Saddleback Civil Forum on Leadership and Compassion.

“The primaries proved that Americans care deeply about the faith, values, character and leadership convictions of candidates as much as they do about the issues. While I know both men as friends and they recognize I will be frank, but fair, they also know I will be raising questions in these four areas beyond what political reporters typically ask. This includes pressing issues that are bridging divides in our nation, such as poverty, HIV/AIDS, climate and human rights.”

Everyone should tune in tomorrow or tivo this event. I believe it is important to know who our candidates are, and where they stand on important human issues. The forum is not going to be in a debate format. Rather, each candidate will be given 1 hour each to answer questions given by Rick Warren. Should be awesome!

You can watch it on CNN or FOX live at 5pm! I'm so sad I couldn't get tickets to this thing.

sorbetto time

2008-08-11T14:17:00.000-07:00

Have you had one of these yet? Sooooo good! We've all heard the recent struggles of Starbucks and the surge of customers at pinkberry... but did you know that starbucks owns a decent chunk of pinkberry? Starbucks is kicked off the summer with these new drinks... the SORBETTO. There are a few different flavors, and some of them are made with REAL pinkberry yogurt! My favorite is the tangry citrus ice with the pinkberry on top (the one shown on the left).

Sorbetto's are up there with a few of my favorite things... (in no particular order)

1. pinkberry
2. iphone
3. j.crew
4. 40D
5. kathy

If you haven't already... go to the starbucks that's probably 0.2 miles from where you are right now... and pick one up... if they don't have it... go another 0.2 miles to the next starbucks... they'll probably have it.

p.s. it costs $2.95 and the cup is kind of small... but it's plenty to fill the tummy. enjoy!

reversible

2008-08-08T11:29:00.001-07:00

I realized this morning when I got to work that I had brown shoes on, while wearing a black belt. Fortunately, I was wearing a reversible belt... so I just went to the bathroom and did a quick switcheroo... and wallah! Now my belt matches my shoes.

I LOVE my reversible belt! Most guys either wear black or brown dress shoes anyways... so this is seriously all you need... ONE BELT!

MEN: Go buy one!
WOMEN: Go buy your man one if they don't have one already... they'll thank you... and you'll thank me.

Banana Republic - $59

Engaged!

2008-07-28T17:30:00.000-07:00

Did I fool you with my blog title? No... I'm not engaged... but Mir and Eric are!!! Woohoo!!! Talk about the sweetest and purest proposal ever too - i don't want to ruin the story so you can ask them personally. And check out the ring! Probably can't see in this picture... but it's FREAKIN HUGE!!! So happy for you two! You guys deserve only the best!

Partyline with the newly engaged!

World Without Rules

2008-07-20T23:49:00.000-07:00

While my iphone is getting updated with the new software, I decided to write about the BEST MOVIE EVER! Probably one of the most aniticpated and hyped up movie of the year... and not to my surprise, it was AWESOME!! It was purely 2 hours and 40 minutes of pure awesomeness!

Just wanna give props to the late Heath Ledger. No one will ever play the joker as he did for as long as the batman franchise lives on.

I don't want to spoil the movie for anyone that hasn't seen it yet so i'll stop here... but PLEASE WATCH IT!!! Hopefully i'll get to see it on IMAX before it leaves the theater.

Frisco Time

2008-07-06T11:51:00.000-07:00

Took a trip to San Francisco this past July 4th weekend. It was so much fun! We went to a dodger v. giants game on Friday, and amidst the fears of getting beat up, we showed our blue pride and cheered our team to victory. I love the camaraderie that was formed between all the other dodger fans! Here are a few photos from the weekend. I uploaded more here.

Partyline

WadaWang!

Dju and his baby's mama

nick and his better half

superstar miriam and her awesome man

dale borrowing my kat to pose

EVA!!!

2008-07-02T15:36:00.000-07:00

I experience the best animated film ever this past weekend: WALL-E!!! It was so incredibly detailed and well thought out, that I came out wanting to see it again because I knew there were a ton of details that I didn't catch.

On top of the awesome animation was a great story with a lot of relevant messages:

1) Technology will be super cool in the future
2) We don't have to clean after ourselves in the future
3) Apple Computers will rule the world!!

Just kidding... but the real messages:

1) Technology makes humans lazy
2) Humans are wasteful
3) People don't communicate anymore like they used to
4) Love is sacrificial

Anything I missed?

Dude... soooooo goooood!!!! Can't wait to see it again!

home away from home

2008-06-27T14:29:00.000-07:00

If I think about it, I spend more time at the office or on the road then I do at home. Pretty sad if you think about it. But it's comforting to know you have cool co-workers to spend most of the day with. I present to you... the Integrated Real Estate Solutions team (minus our 3 awesome bosses):

Mark

Christy

Jeremiah

Me

Our beloved basketball hoop

Roar Heard Around the World

2008-06-16T16:26:00.000-07:00

He's done it again folks! When Tiger made that 15 foot put on 18 during the final round of the US Open to take the Open into playoffs, I literally jumped out of my sofa and screamed with joy (no one was home). He was still recovering from his knee surgery, and this was his first time playing since his surgery. He faced Rocco Mediate in an 18-hole playoff that went on for an additional sudden death hole... Tiger pulled through with clutch shots and extraordinary putts. Down by 1 stroke moving onto the 18th hole of the playoff, Tiger clinches the birdie for the second day in a row to take Rocco for one more hole... Sudden Death! And "suddenly" Rocco couldn't hold his ground and hit two bad shots. Tiger kept focus and parred out, while Rocco bogeyd.

Is Tiger Woods the greatest athlete of our time? My opinion: YES. There is no match for his ability as a golfer... and there is no match for the clutchness of any sport. Just as Michael Phelps was born to be a swimmer, Tiger Woods was born to be the greatest golfer to ever walk on grass... and possibly the greatest athlete to ever compete.

Congrats Tiger!

3G = disappointment

2008-06-09T22:27:00.000-07:00

Apple announced the second generation of the iphone today: iphone 3G. What's changed? Well, a few things actually.

1. 3G upgrade (obviously)

2. Built-in GPS

3. Flush earphone jack

4. Minor exterior facelift

5. Price drop to $199 and $299

Yea... that's about it. What the heck? I am utterly disappointed by this upgrade. I wanted something spectacular... like the rumored video chat capability! I guess they have to save something for next time.

I think I'll actually pass on this upgrade... although, it's still a beautiful piece of machine.

Mac for life!

Upgrade

2008-06-02T17:24:00.000-07:00

So my first experience with a digital SLR was from a Nikon D40X... it was a good run for about a year, but I've noticed a tone difference between canon's and nikon's, and personally, I like photos that were taken with a canon better. So... I sold my nikon, and am now going to upgrade to this canon 40d. I'm trying to take photography a little more seriously and hopefully having a nice camera will motivate me to learn more about it.

Nathan, i know you read this, and i know you're a nikon guy... so don't hate me... haha.

The Getty (Villa)

2008-05-28T14:00:00.000-07:00

I had the chance to go to the Getty Villa with my family and Kat this past weekend. The art was quite boring and repetitive, but the architecture was absolutely beautiful! My dad doesn't look happy in that picture, but he really liked the Getty... he just never smiles in pictures. Here's another picture of just me and kat.

Green Vehicles

2008-05-27T14:02:00.001-07:00

I just read a fascinating article that analyzed the cost of replacing all gas powered vehicles in America with electric ones. Here's a brief excerpt from that article:

"Instead of sending $400 billion each year to countries such as Saudi Arabia and Venezuela, we could spend it on electric car production in the U.S., Mexico, and China. At current oil prices, it wouldn’t cost us a dime extra to stop importing and burning oil for passenger cars. In fact, if the goal were to end up with the same number of cars on the road, we would have a few trillion dollars left over. One or two trillion dollars would be sufficient to build nuclear, solar, or wind electric power plants to replace all of our plants that currently burn coal and oil (note that less than 1 percent of current electricity generation in the U.S. is from oil (source); most electricity that we use today is from coal, natural gas, or nuclear)."

Isn't it crazy how much money we spend on importing oil? Can we get free prius' please?? By the way, the picture above is apparently the 2009 model of the Toyota Prius. Please let it not be so!!

For the full article: Cost of Converting Entire US to Electric Cars? Zero!

Cookin' with Fire

2008-05-22T11:30:00.000-07:00

The receding hairline rocker (not to mention the big head) that transformed into a good looking scruffy rocker dude beat the overly modest prepubescent kid from Utah last night to prevail as this years Amiercan Idol. I honestly thought Archuleta was going to take it, but I'm happy for Cook. His Broadway performance alone ("Music of the Night") won my heart... but Archuleta will always have a special place in my heart... he was my favorite for most of the season.

Bottom line is... they're both going to get record deals that will go platinum, and bring them lots and lots of wealth.

Overall, a weak season compared to past seasons. Can't wait for January!

"Good God! You're a woman!" -Tony Stark

2008-05-16T12:03:00.000-07:00

Comic hero based movies have sort of taken on a new life in the past few years. Spiderman, X-Men, and Batman, have been able to go beyond the typical kid-friendly type genre, into something that's actually well-written and well-suited for adults. Iron Man was no different. Imagine Robocop, Batman, and the Terminator all in one! The movie took its time in developing the characters, added a touch of romance, packed itself with a ton of cool gadgets (gadget porn) that led to awesome special effects and action, and even added a little twist.

My hat goes off to Jon Favreu (director) for giving this not-so-popular comic hero a household name. I'd see it again! There is truly something deeper beyond the super powers of these characters that speak to each and everyone of us. How great is it to be the good guy?

All Happy Inside

2008-05-14T15:40:00.001-07:00

I'm all about perfect fitting clothes. I cringe at the sight of over-sized clothes on other people. I believe that clothes are meant to slip right on and feel like it's part of you. If I had the money, I'd get all my clothes tailored. But since I'm just a struggling salary man, I gotta stick to artificially tailored clothes like the shirt above. Let me tell you, this is the best t-shirt ever! It's the broken-in tee by j.crew.

Do you remember as a kid, putting together a puzzle? And each time you found 2 pieces that fit together, you felt so happy inside. That's exactly how I feel about this shirt... all happy inside.

It provides the perfect fit, soft feel, a myriad of colors, and great durability. My girlfriend bought it for me cause it was on sale for $9.99. Unfortunately, it's back to the regular price of $24.99... kind of pricey for a t-shirt, but definitely worth every penny.

So if you're in the market for some t-shirts, hit up the nearest j.crew and pick up one of these shirts (also available in v-neck). Pick some up for me to while you're at it!

"Jesus" Phone

2008-05-13T16:34:00.000-07:00

Most people know I'm a gadget freak. Therefore, owning an iPhone is a necessity for people like me. Many refer to the iPhone as the Jesus Phone. It's not blasphemy... it's just that the iPhone really is the "almighty" phone - it changes people's lives. No phone will ever come close to the current nor the future iPhone. I am proud to be an owner of this so called Jesus Phone, and it has definitely changed my life. I find myself using the iPhone for almost everything now. Here is a list of things I use it for on a regular basis:

1. Phone
2. iPod
3. Email
4. Internet
5. Record shows onto my DVR
6. Traffic reports
7. Planner
8. YouTube
9. Bible
10. Newspaper
11. Toilet paper
12. Alarm
13. Blow dryer
14. Tooth brush
15. Spoon
16. Bottle opener
17. Fire extinguisher
18. Anything else you can think of... it does

As you can see, it's a pretty amazing piece of technology. Props to Steve Jobs and his minions over at Apple. Can't wait for iPhone 2... the second coming?

KB24 : MVP

2008-05-13T13:53:00.000-07:00

Kobe Bryant - arguably the best basketball player since Michael Jordan to play in the NBA. Kobe recently was named MVP for the first time in his 11 year professional career... and it was well deserved my man. Many people have their reservations about him as a person and as a player, and rightfully so. He's made a few mistakes along the way - and I'm sure he deeply regrets those mistakes. But no one has brought such excitement to the game as Kobe Bryant has.

2008 was a different year for him and the Lakers. He exemplified leadership, poise, and selflessness, as he led the Lakers to the number one team in the regular season - something the team was lacking since 2002.

My admiration for Kobe does not come from his ability to play the game - instead, it comes from his dedication and commitment to improving and advancing himself as an athlete, and as a person. Does he have natural talent? Absolutely! But it takes more than natural talent to be the best player in the NBA.

2008 NBA Champions: Los Angeles Lakers? I sure hope so.

She

2008-05-12T14:04:00.000-07:00

That's my girlfriend. Her name is Katherine Cho... I call her Kat cause I'm too lazy to say her whole name. We've been together for almost 4 years now... and I give myself a lot of credit for hanging in there for so long. She's not the easiest girl to date. Let's see (in no particular order)...

1. She is easy to please
2. She doesn't spend a lot of time with me because she let's me have my time with my friends
3. She buys me shirts that I fall in love with
4. She makes the best tiramisu ever
5. She researches players before we go to a sporting event
6. She always offers to pay for things
7. She doesn't call me at night because I'm watching my tv shows
8. She records and saves Oprah episodes of Nate for me
9. She follows me to the mall all the time
10. She makes me carpool with her in the morning sometimes

As you can see, she's pretty wack. I don't know where I found her, but if I had to do it all over again, I'd go find her again.

Kat, if you're reading this... just know that you're wack ok? But it's okay... keep being wack.

Change

2008-05-09T15:13:00.000-07:00

All this talk about "change" in this 2008 election. What kind of change does this country need? I think there are a lot things that we can change... health care, poverty, environment... the list can go on. But how can we bring about change? Change begins with inspiration; and inspiration comes from the hope that things don't have to remain status quo, but instead progress into something better.

I'm a firm supporter of Barack Obama. Many fear his lack of experience will be the downfall of his potential presidency. However, I believe that his lack of experience only tells of his optimism and hope for this country. Inspiration is the foundation of his campaign, and the core of his character. This country, that was once the leader of innovation and prosperity, has lost its place in this world. What this country needs is a leader that can inspire - someone that can inspire young people to educate themselves in the academics and the arts, the wealthy to share their God given wealth with the poor, people of all ethnicities to embrace one another without prejudice or discrimination.

Can Obama accomplish these things? Probably not. But can he begin this movement? I believe he can. I believe that he embodies what this country was meant to be - a place where all nations can come together and be united in the blessings of democracy and prosperity. He's not a perfect man... nor will he ever become one. But he is the only one out of all the candidates that can really bring about this so-called "change" that each one of them are trying to sell.

-CHANGE WE CAN BELIEVE IN-

new start

2008-05-09T14:46:00.000-07:00

I was ONCE a xanga user... although calling myself a regular user would be shameful to those that update practically every day. I'm switching because blogger seems a lot simpler, and since I let google take over every aspect of my digital life, why not my personal diary as well?