Shang Chen Photography, jetsetting wedding photographer of dynamic couples » Beacon Hill

Katherine and Will, an Anniversary Shoot

Shang — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 12:00:24 +0000

As part of the training I’m providing my intern, I took her out on a shoot with Katherine and Will. Some photography instructors bring in models. I never use models, I always use real couples, because face it, the majority of wedding clients are not models. Katherine and Will are personal friends of mine – in fact, I’ve known Will since high school and he’s great at keeping in touch with people. They got married last May. Unfortunately I was vacationing in Istanbul (amazing place) and could not photograph their wedding, so we made this shoot into an anniversary shoot!

For most of this shoot Amy directed while I watched and gave pointers on lighting and posing. However, every now and then I’d come in and try some ideas of my own, the majority of the images I present here were the result of that. For example, Katherine requested especially that I do my sun flare photo, and some reflections, amongst other things.

Amy goes all the way to commit to the shot!

I really like the color that they brought in with their clothing. They fit right into what they wore. Comfortable, relaxed, being yourself, that’s what I emphasize in any photo session with me

Will is a pretty quiet person, but when he’s around Katherine, their interactions immediately light up

I think there’s a lot of value in anniversary photographs. It’s a way to celebrate your journeys together. I’ve photographed anniversary sessions in the past with couples who’ve been married 5 or 10 years, and there’s a deeper growth and understanding that comes from having been married

Sun flare! :D

Reflection! Also another thing I’m learning to do more of

As I’m a little past mid-wedding-season right now, I’ve taken some time to critically review my photographs and see where I stand. I’ve found that though I’ve learned a bit more classical posing earlier in July from the Jerry Ghionis workshop I attended, I continue to be drawn to images that move – I want them to jump with life, color, energy, emotion. I want to communicate something dynamic with a frozen moment in time

Being a city girl, I still continue to find fun ways to incorporate architecture, that, paraphrasing the words of one of my clients, compliments but does not overpower the people in them

Thank you Katherine and Will for such a wonderful afternoon and for your support through the years, really appreciate it!

Starting this Saturday I will pretty much be photographing a wedding each weekend through beginning of October. There will be lots, LOTS more on the blog!

August 19 – 22 – Jamaica
August 23 – 24 – NYC
August 31 – Return to Chicago
Sept 8 – 12 – Boston
Sept 23 – 25 – Boston
Oct 8 – 10 – San Francisco / Bay Area
Oct 22 – 28 – Barcelona, Spain

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Yi and Paul, Married 6 Years

Shang — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 03:31:38 +0000

Yi and I actually met by chance, when she was helping out with a radio interview for my ex-boyfriend about how he made the transition from consulting to teaching. Though the focus of that afternoon was on him, I did let it slip that I was a consultant-turning-photographer. Fast forward almost a year later, we decided to set up a shoot for her and her husband because they never got any nice formal photos done when they first got married straight out of college in China. We waited until the summer to get (hopefully) better weather. I think if I had more time, I definitely would love to do more photo sessions for married couples. After a couple of years of being married, there is something very beautiful about how they interact with each other. One thing that Yi and Paul taught me, and one element I tried to convey in this session as well, is their ability to move towards the same goal despite long distances and changing circumstances. I was very inspired by this collaborative strength and respect they had for one another

We began in the colorful Beacon Hill

We did get good weather, but did I mention how HOT it was that day? HOT HOT HOT! It was maybe 90 degrees plus and HUUUUMID. Props to everyone for toughing this session out

I nearly, NEARLY got run over by a car while doing this one

I was hoping the Esplanade would be cooler, and it was a little bit, but still hot

At some point during the session either me or Kendra asked what was the success of this marriage, Yi laughed and said, “I know when not to talk” - paraphrased, don’t quite remember it anymore. I thought that was really sweet

I saved my favorite for last. Thank you two for inspiring me and giving me so much to hope for

Thank you Kendra of Summer Street Photography for all your help!

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Kimberly and Bill, Engaged! | Boston engagement photographer

Shang — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 00:46:48 +0000

I know Kimberly has been dying to see these on the blog because she is possibly one of my biggest blog stalkers everrr!!! If you think you can beat her the only way is to beat the number of times she comments… hahaha! Seriously though, from the moment we first talked on the phone, to a dinner at Golden Temple, to this oh-so-deliciously-perfect-weather engagement shoot dripping with color and style, I’ve felt nothing but blessings and honor knowing these two. They’re incredibly adorable together, humble, down to earth, and absolute sweethearts. I cannot wait for their wedding!

To reflect their classic tastes, we began the shoot at Boston’s Beacon Hill

Hellooo shoes! Can you guess who chose these shoes?

Bill did! What a man! Just the right touch of yellow to go with the dress

The next two are some of my favorites from the session. I love how all the colors pop!

They seriously bring sunshine into my life, they’re people you can really trust with what is on your mind

We then moved to the Esplanade to catch the golden sun. The bouquet of flowers are stargazer lilies – one of my favorite flowers. Future admirers please take note ;)

Kimberly works for the one and only Patriots. This totally was supposed to be a goofy picture. When Kimberly put it up as a preview on Facebook, I loved the comment her brother made: “it’s like Belichick is congratulating you.”

We’re debating between this and the walking photo above for the guestbook cover. What do you guys think?

More gorgeousness…

Bill proposed to Kimberly on a bench at the Esplanade. We couldn’t quite recall which one it was, but this one sure has a great backdrop

We then drove to East Boston to end the session with some dramatic sky lines

Did you guys like Kimberly’s look? Her makeup was done by a Shang Chen Photography preferred vendor, Danielle Ross! Thank you Danielle Ross for making my ladies even more breathtaking than they already are!

And thank you Nithya for helping out – I’m going to miss you so much!

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Maiko and Dan | Boston lifestyle photographer

Shang — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 14:00:18 +0000

Maiko is in a way a big sister to me and many of my friends from back in college. She and Dan met and fell in love while both at school at Harvard, and they got married soon after. I was so happy to learn that they wanted to travel up to Boston for a lifestyle shoot! Who says you can’t get photos after you get married? :D What is really wonderful in seeing them interact is how strong their love is for each other – it is not a loud love, as they are both rather humble and soft-spoken people, but it clearly has brought them together through some pretty tough times. I really admire them for their tenacity through thick and thin, and in moving their lives ahead together!

We began our session at one of the most famous streets in Boston’s Beacon Hill

I also wanted to take this time to show the fabulous style featured in the shoot:

Their rings in a bright flower

Maiko’s shoes! I loooove featuring ladies’ shoes, because many ladies go to extraordinary lengths to wear them and look fabulous, thus they must be captured! These are from J. Crew and I just love the detail on the petals

Another look at the flowers

You can tell it’s spring because we’re starting to get leaves everywhere!

Maiko and I actually had spent some time prior to the shoot finalizing the outfits, I’m always happy to offer additional wardrobe consultation if people are unsure!

This is a pretty candid moment, sometimes I just play with my camera while telling my subjects to keep each other occupied with some conversation. That is when some of the most genuine moments happen

We then headed over to another Harvard property, the Arnold Arboretum. There were still some giant puddles / faux-lakes from prior weeks’ rainstorms, but there were definitely signs of spring everywhere

I’m super-psyched to have this shot of the tree. The combination of the branches and the bright sun makes it seem out-of-the-world

Maiko and Dan, as you move across the country to become a smart lawyer and smart businessman, I wish you guys all my very best, and I hope to be able to visit sometime!

Thank you Christina for your help!

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Elena and Alex, Engaged! | Boston Engagement Photographer

Shang — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 04:27:05 +0000

Elena and I spent quite some time planning this engagement photo session, and I’m so excited to present it. This shoot was a long time in coming since I was booked out and couldn’t make their fabulous engagement party. I’ve added a bunch of extra photos because I had so much fun!

One of the first things I learned about Elena and Alex is that they love to travel! They decided to bring suitcases for the shoot, and lugged them around all afternoon. I was impressed. We also stuffed some other outfits and props into these suitcases, which you will see later on

They’re playful…

There were many silly moments during this shoot =)

I think I nearly got hit by a bus right after taking this pic

I love the back of her outfit. Sexy!

Elena went to Harvard for summer school and really loved the Square. I wanted to capture the eclectic and historic feel of the square

Then we took the T downtown

Of their many hobbies, wine-making is one of them. So they brought a picnic basket and blanket and lounged on Boston Common, enjoying some wine and grapes. I love it!

Love Elena’s beautiful eyes!

They’re romantic too =)

Elena also loves photography, Alex… is Alex

As the sun set, we wrapped up in a small side street in Beacon Hiill

Congratulations you two! And big props to Alex for putting up with our craziness, I hope you got a great barbecue soon after!

And did I mention I nearly got hit by a bus? It’s because I was standing in the middle of the street for some of them! Here is a behind-the-scenes photo from my assistant for the day, Maria. Thanks so much for helping out!

Emily and Jesse, Married! Boston Wedding Photography

Shang — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 20:41:38 +0000

Planning a wedding is a lot of hard work, so I love it when I see that all the guests, family members, AND the bride and groom have a grand time at the wedding. The story of Emily and Jesse has been a long time in making, spanning both coasts of the U.S. in 7 years. I got to meet Emily and Jesse and Emily’s mom beforehand to scope out the gorgeous Union Club as well, and true to themselves, they spent their wedding in laughter, tears, tight hugs, kisses, stolen glances, stuck-out tongues, with all the warmth and genuine love a marriage could bring. You two are awesome!

Kicking it off with some details! Emily was incredibly prepared with baskets of emergency supplies lying around in the bridal suite and in the restrooms

I love this image of Emily getting ready

Right after she put her dress on

Coming down the stairs for the First Look..

Portraits outside

Being silly!

Group portraits

Right as Jesse began his vows… the handkerchief came out

Every dinner table was named after “Love” in a different language

A very fabulous first dance!

I laughed so hard during all of the toasts. What a funny crowd!

A little back story to the cardboard cutout in this photo – one of the cousins could not attend, and so he sent along a cardboard cutout of himself that people could pose with during the wedding. He ended up crowd surfing the dance floor

Emily and Jesse, thank you so much for including me as part of your day. I couldnâ€™t help but dance with the rest of you!

Vendor love!

Venue: Contact Jay at Union Club of Boston
Music: Jumpstreet Band
Violinist: Birdy Chou
Dance Floor: Boston Party Rental
Florist: Valerie Miller
Hair and Make-up: Mia Lisa Salon
Host Hotel: Sonesta Boston
Officiant: Jean Ellis La-Bossiere
Desserts: Modern Pastry
Rings: Peter Jon Studios