There were two concepts / visions for this shoot. Monica has so many interests, it was pretty tough for us to pare it down, but we did it! From a series of “helter-skelter hodgepodge stream of ideas”, we wanted to exemplify the following: Monica loves art – she is a dancer and a pianist. Monica is fashionable and bubbly. Monica is playful and upbeat. She hopes to enter a career in public service with an interest in education. Phewph! In the process I created two inspiration boards for her.

Here’s concept #1 – the artistic side of Monica. I simply love how she brings in dance and dance movement in all these photos, and the hair flowers! Love =) At the last minute I also brought in sheet music (shoutout to my intern Ami for finding it!) to add to the feel

Though visually I knew the area that we’d picked for the photographs, we weren’t too familiar with the details of getting there. At one point we had to climb a fence… :D

This photo was the Facebook sneak peek. Yes, I did get bitten by fire ants while taking this photo, probably not the smartest thing I’ve ever done. However, the pictures were worth it

Monica dances as part of the Harvard AADT – a student dance group I used to photograph a lot back in the day

There is very little doubt as to why I really love my in(SCP)iration sessions and see them as my own baby – they push my creativity and are in general, just super fun

Before part two even began, we passed a playground. SWING! Of course, Monica had to play on it :D

For part two – the playful and energetic photos, we went to the DeCordova Museum.

Something about the way her shadow falls on the umbrella on the picture on the right..

I laughed when she arrived with these balloons for the shoot. Ordinarily, balloon props for photoshoots are giant, large, and mono-colored. Monica specifically chose three whimsical balloons – Winnie the Pooh, Elmo, and a yellow smiley face. The person selling her the balloons was a little bit puzzled – “you want three??”  Really, no one ever needs permission to have more than one helium balloon.

I’m in love with this strappy strappy shoe

My in(SCP)iration photoshoots were truly my baby and my one new idea for 2010. They’re photoshoots where I push my own creativity, allow me to get to know one person really well, and I’ve always wanted to do them. Thank you to every person who took the plunge and did something extraordinary this year with me. I could not be more happy!

David trusted me to put him in alleyways and by trash cans

Kunle showed off his dance moves

Crystal danced in a cemetery

Jen rocked it out and reminded me to keep my mind open, always

Sarah found the perfect sunray

Beverly was simply golden

Judith and I had a magical evening

Scott showed a non-business side

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This first one is a crowd favorite of Ivy and Kunle. It was during Kunle’s wintry in(SCP)iration shoot… it was a completely candid moment

An anniversary shoot for my friends Kristin and Yi-An who are right now in Kenya, and are, coincidentally, the first bride and groom I ever photographed (though not as the primary photographer)

During UChicago Booth’s round 1 admit weekend, I shot this laughter-filled downtown Chicago lifestyle session for Jannie and Brian who subsequently became engaged!

Maiko and Dan visited me in Boston for their classy anniversary shoot

My photography buddy, Anna Wu, also visited with her boyfriend Ernie for a lifestyle shoot at Harvard Business School’s campus

This little girl captured my heart

Super-modern seaport district anniversary shoot for Dasha and Arnaldo

My fabulous friend Eveleen, her sister, and her nieces

Yi and Paul reminded me that love is strong and quiet when it needs to be in their 6-year anniversary shoot

I did a couple of kid sessions at Brookline’s Larz Anderson Park

And Quincy’s Wollaston Beach

Kicking it with a gorgeous family right in their backyard

And last but not least, Carolina and her girls taught me about the simple pleasures of loving your family



By the way, Carolina went all out for this shoot – LOVE IT! We had lots of fun playing with lots of accessories, outfits, toys, etc

Um and I love the fact that they brought their adorable puppy, Cookie!

In case anyone wants to know the location of this shoot – Boston College =)

It’s so cold in Chicago these days, so these images certainly warm my heart.Carolina, you are drop dead gorgeous!

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Could not believe my luck with the light!

These next two might be some of my favorites

Forest magic

Switch it up, something more casual

This diptych reminds me of an ad! Maybe Banana Republic? hehe

No laws were broken in the making of this shoot ;)

Thank you Janike for helping out! Miss you!

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Beverly’s in(SCP)iration session began with a song – Jill Scott’s “Golden“. It is so positive, empowering, you can’t help but want to rise up and be proud of yourself when you hear it. Beverly wished to celebrate her 25th birthday with an in(SCP)iration session that would convey the lyrics of that song. We also took some photos around the Longwood Medical Area, as Beverly worked there. Like me, she is in transition and having a blast. Thank you so much for being such a ray of sunshine. And girl, you are gorgeous. Everyone, I have to tell you, she reminds me of Michelle Obama!

I love all the accessories! Beverly said she had some fabulous friends who helped out

The sun that day was so happy

People, when you smile big, the rest of the world can’t help but notice that beauty. I really love real smiles

The moment she changed into this outfit, I was like, “Michelle Obama!”

This shot makes me happy. Cute shoes make me happy

Her shirt is so cool

Love!

Thank you Beverly so, so much for the wonderful afternoon. Sometimes I’m just so happy walking away from an in(SCP)iration session. These are some of my favorite sessions because they do not feel like work at all!

Thank you Kendra for assisting!

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We found some amazing spots by the Seaport District area in Boston, one of my favorite places to go for modern and inspiring photos!

And Sarah’s look was completed by the fabulous handiwork of Danielle Ross Makeup Artistry, a preferred vendor =)

We had some amaaazing light for these next two photos! They still give me the shivers

We then went to Brookline near my place for a couple of casual portraits

Sarah and I are both looking forward to starting our MBA programs soon! She will continue her track at Harvard, and I have no doubt that our paths will continue to cross in the future!

Thank you Amie for assisting!

Want to learn more about my in(SCP)iration sessions? Click here. These are one of the few non-wedding sessions I will still be offering in the next year

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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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Our photoshoot occurred by the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) and the general seaport district, one of my favorite and most architectural places to shoot!

I think that the dress and necklace that Dasha chose really make a statement!

Is that water on the ground? Yep, living in Boston means lots of thunderstorms in the summer! But we waited it out in the car and it worked out!

Wow, wow, and wow!

Thank you thank you to a favorite person of mine, Carolina of From Hair to Eternity, for enhancing Dasha’s already-gorgeous looks! Also, they really chose colors that pop for their clothing, makes a difference!

This shot took a couple of tries – there was a wedding happening at the hotel behind us and many cars were coming in and out!

After the thunderstorms…. come the amazing clouds and sunshine!!

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Jen is a dancer and it clearly shows in the way she is able to pose herself and interact with our surroundings. She made my job so easy!

I have to say, the location we found was pretty cool too. It took me a bit of scouting but it’s worth it! We were blessed with cloudless skies!

I had Jen show me her dance moves. She incorporates more feminine elements into her popping style, and she really stands out. This following picture is a more “masculine” dance

Loving her entire look! Her T-shirt says “Ladies First!” And she totally rocks those boots!

Her second outfit was equally awesome. They both really show her personality

Thank you Jen for the amazing time, and the awesome conversation too. I feel so empowered by your energy and presence, keep it up!

Check out Jen’s website here!

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