The Story of Kayeon & Sungchul

Photography by Richard Min

Kayeon & Sungchul @ Malibu Creek Canyon / Will Rogers State Beach, CA

Bride & Groom #10 : Kayeon & Sungchul

Photography by Richard Min

Kayeon & Sungchul made #10 on the list. It was fun getting to know them in person and through my camera lenses. Sungchul told me about his first date with Kayeon and how he was attracted to her at first sight. Yeah... believe it or not. Guys are like that. I totally agree with Sungchul on this one. Not so much of "Love at First Sight" happening but guys know whether he wants to meet her again or not at first sight/date. It doesn't take days for guys to figure out whether he's attracted and may or may not continue to get to know someone intimately. We only have "On & Off" button. However, girls tend to have stacks of equalizer controllers, white, yellow, and red lights, temperature controller buttons, from low to high volumes, humidity adjusting knobs,  and several more... Everything has to be in perfect position in order for girls to make up her mind. I know. What can I say more? This is the reality that we all must face. Kayeon and Sungchul look so happy together and they seemed like they know how to enjoy their life to fullest. Outgoing, Active, Adventurous were the words that I came up with for their second location of the Conceptual & Lifestyle engagement sessions . I totally encountered how those words translating into actions and real life. Romantic, Intimate, Calm were the words for their first location at Malibu Creek Canyon. You'll see what I meant by words coming alive in the pictures. Many blessings and God's guidance in the marriage life of Kayeon and Sungchul. This is my sincere wish and hope for all the couples that I meet! 

  

Kenneth H. Han

Photography by Richard Min

Portrait Session: Kenneth H. Han (Attorney at Law) @ Studio

Lee, Han & Pacciocco, LLP - www.lhplaw.com

I'm sure many photographers will agree with me. In portrait photography, it's always challenging to bring out the true self of the person being photographed. If there's a close relationship between the photographer and the person in front of the camera, then it may be little easier and helpful to encounter the off-guard and natural characteristics or expressions. However when you know that you're being photographed and aware of the big camera pointing directly at you and professional studio lights flashing and beeping constantly, you can't help to hide or shy away from being true you. I know this. Everyone knows this. So what's my tactic? What's my challenge to bring out to true self in that person? Very simple but very hard for some people. As a photographer, I try to be "True Me" first and then try to build friendly relationship within that short amount of time. From the initial consultation meeting to the actual shooting day. The given time seems always short and not enough to build up a friendly and off-guard relationship. However, you don't even have time for complaining... You just have to go with it and not trying your best per se but just being genuine and positive is the key to successful and natural looking portraiture session. In addition, I give a lot of heartfelt and good compliments on their looks, poses, hairs and anything relating to the client or the person being photographed. They will surely smile back at you and thankful to be acknowledged. The photography isn't only about owning good and expensive gears and taking beautiful pictures. It must require communicating and good people skills AND easy going and fun attitude towards the subject. This is my take on photography. It ALL boils down to what's in your HEART. 

The Wedding Day : Sarah & Mike

Photography by Richard Min

The Wedding Day: Sarah & Mike @ The Castaway, Burbank, CA

My mother's wedding day... The Bible theme was meaningful and fun. I also came up with this idea of having 30th anniversary cards hanging on the "Tree of Life." The first anniversary will be celebrated on March 20th of 2011. The 30th will be in year 2040. It works like a time machine and Sarah and Mike must wait for their anniversary to open each card. Many of the guests participated to wish and bless them in kind, encouraging and loving words. Yellow and Green color scheme worked out quite well. Clean and refreshing mood was what I was aiming for. Using green washington apples as the name cards were also unique and relating to the bible theme. The daisy flowers and vases were from the Flower district in Downtown, Los Angeles. All the decorations for the wedding were DIY. I was in charge of master planning and my lovely friend Mindy helped me out as an assistant coordinator. I was also thankful for all the hard laboring work done by my sisters from All Nations Church. Without their dedications and commitments, it could've been impossible on my own. The prayers of our many beloved families and friends are answered. As a single mother, she had sacrificed a lot for her two sons (My younger brother Tony and myself). Only GOD knows what she had gone through as a mother and as a woman... I am very happy for my mother and new father and pastor, Mike Yoon. Jesus Christ is in the middle of their relationship and HE will be glorified and pleased with their unity as husband and wife. THANK YOU Jesus!