happymess

Laura

2012-01-20T21:48:00.000-08:00

...i wear boots on the beach

Laura and I used to work together as servers at a restaurant.

Now, we work together at Light Meets Night.

We revel in the fact that girls don't need long hair to feel/look beautiful.

She's quite the renaissance woman tackling many talents at once.

She now makes jewelry that I would wear in a heartbeat.

Help me in convincing her to make an etsy shop eh?

follow her @lauracamilia

got a sweet lil' package a week after our shoot...

THANKS LAURA! :)

full editorial is on its way...
stay tuned

2012-01-12T10:34:00.000-08:00

to see the rest of the shoot with Francheska, visit my portfolio here

Francheska

2012-01-05T21:42:00.000-08:00

Name your prefer to go by.

Hmm, it’s crazy because I have a long first name thanks to my mother. Francheska Paula.

I had many nicknames growing up. People usually call me Francheska in a professionally/school setting,

Franki by my friends and sometimes my family still calls me Paula.

But i’d have to say I prefer Francheska.

Place you want to travel to this year.

Internationally, anywhere in Europe.. or within the states, I’d say New York or Seattle.

The most wonderful thing a stranger has said to you.

I’ve heard many wonderful things, but God bless you sticks out the most.

The most awful thing a close friend has said to you.

That I wasn’t loved…

Awkward things you do.

I’m not sure if I’d label these awkward since it’s normal for me but maybe for others…

I make sound effects and voices, raise my upper lip up to my nose as if I’m smelling it,

laugh like an old man, raise my eyebrows when answering a question and doin’ a shimmy dance. Haha!

If you had to eat one thing for the rest of your life, it would be...

Ahhh, that’s a tough one because I LOVE to eat!!! Hmmm, I think it would be chocolate…..

What's your poison when it comes to alcoholic beverages?

all of it? Haha I guess I’d have to say Tequila…

First thing you think of when waking up in the morning.

I’m hungry….

I believe I was put on this world to…

Love and help others.

Word to live by.

FAITH.

A tweet here and a tweet there led me to this lovely lady.

Francheska Paula is her name, and I'm sure this won't be the last you see of her.

Catch her @frankiFIDELIS

and tumble along To a higher tree & then to the sky...

...check back for Francheska's full editorial.

coming soon

girl crush: Anna Bu

2012-01-03T21:33:00.000-08:00

Cropped hair, cool fits and camera ready.

Bu the right thing is too captivating.

I just want to keep staring at her self portraits,

sigh...

this year

2012-01-02T14:02:00.001-08:00

This year, things are finally falling into place

SF is starting to feel like home,

I love my job so it doesn't feel like work,

I know what I want/need and I'm pushing myself to get it.

This year, I will be more selective about what I publish,

because some things are best left private

so no blogging, tweeting, or posting about them.

This year, I will create a beautiful world for myself

and for those around me because inspiration is found in the little things everyday,

we just gotta remember to pause, enjoy the moment and breath a little.

This year will go by even faster than the last,

and I'm looking forward to the people I will meet,

things I will do and places I will see.

Wishing you all the best in life this year!

And again, thank you for taking part in my little happymess -

this blog has not only become an outlet of expression,

but it has also served as a therapist in some cases.

I am no longer just "passing by"

I'm here to stay.

8.30.11

2011-12-26T23:58:00.000-08:00

its nice to be home.

it reminds me of where i came from,

what i went through

and it keeps me more focused on what lies ahead.

always move forward. rewinding is a waste of time.

let life play at regular speed.

SoCal sunshine is somethin' else.

I've missed it :)

Here & There, This & That: Holiday Edition

2011-12-24T16:36:00.000-08:00

flamenco dancers. LOVED this performance

Mr. Eddie Styles top rockin'

the new shop, come thru :)

wall of the parking lot at the Goorin Bros. heaquarters

oh Target

look what you made me do!

'tis the season for creepy Christmas creatures

I'm home for Christmas and feeling loved, happy and stuffed with food.

May your Christmas eve be filled with all the amazing things you deserve.

It'll be a new year soon, I can already feel that it'll be the start of something pretty grand.

From my happymess to yours, Happy Holidays!

8.29.11

2011-12-14T23:52:00.000-08:00

Because something else happened when I pushed record.

I didn't expect to, but I confessed a few secrets to myself that day.

Reel Street Love

2011-12-14T08:36:00.000-08:00

Reel Street Love - Take 26 from Rachel Tan | Reel Street Love on Vimeo.

Reel. Street. Love.

Make sure to check out Rachel's project!

"Real people. Real advice. Reel love."

Behind the Scenes: Butterscotch "Perfect Harmony"

2011-12-13T09:33:00.000-08:00

I got a chance to assist the making of Butterscotch's latest music video, "Perfect Harmony"

Get her single HERE

Follow Butterscotch

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

8.28.11

2011-12-12T10:54:00.000-08:00

I glanced into a mirror the other day and saw my mother.

I look more and more like her everyday.

Behind the Scenes: "A Woman Who"

2011-12-08T22:43:00.001-08:00

Second shooter: Andrew Kim

Rachel, you are a beautiful, strong, smart and hilarious woman,

my photos don't come close to showing the kind of energy you have in person.

Look out for Matt's project to be relased early next year, A Woman Who,

featuring

Rachel Tan.

Follow them:

@Raaachem

@VisualsByMethod

@ThatAndrewKim

Meeting Rachel Tan

2011-11-23T00:59:00.001-08:00

I first came across Rachel Tan via the Hellz Bellz blog.

Back when I just getting into this whole blog thing.

As site surfing goes, I went ahead, clicked around, and found myself at Raaachem.com

Her bio reads:

"I’m just your not-so-average, travel addicted, shopaholic,

walang hiya kinda daydreamer. and thats just the way i like it."

girrrl, you got me at "walang hiya" haha

Well, all kidding aside, after reading her posts, I soon found myself nodding in agreement and thinking, damn, this is a woman who talks about the shit I can't quite put into words and she does it so in 300 words or less, with cuss words, and in a way that doesn't sound pretentious at all.

In other words, she wrote like how my best friend, cousin or sister would talk to me like!

Since then, I've been a frequent visitor of her blog and a fan of her writing.

As with most bloggers, your personal life, whether you planned to or not, seeps its way into your web pages. Its in these posts that I felt most engaged in her story and her thoughts because hell, sometimes, I can totally relate and so do most of the women I know.

So, when a project came along that called for a woman who inspires, possesses a passion and has talent - Raaachem.com was the first to pop in my head.

And I say Raaachem.com because I was most acquainted with her url before meeting her.

I don't want to spoil my Behind The Scenes recap of our shoot

for the "A Woman Who" project by Matthew Maniego

but all I gotta say is that I'm glad I met the woman behind the blog.

Because she is just as real as her as the stuff she writes about,

she loves food just as much as I do, funny as hell, and more than anything,

a genuine person who is just trying to find happyness like the rest of us.

She just does it so in a "walang hiya" manner and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Soon, I'll share Rachel's shoot with Matt.

But in the meantime, visit...

her blog: RAAACHEM.COM

her passion project: REELSTREETLOVE

her twitter: RAAACHEM

Behind the Brim: Goorin Bros.

2011-11-22T14:23:00.001-08:00

In the beginning of the month, I got to preview the new collections for Goorin Bros. along with the rest of the bay area family. Not a bad way to spend an evening - food, drinks and hats!

The presentation was held at Cassel Gallery, SF.

Just a few of the bay area crew...

Ben Goorin himself talking about a Long Lost Goorin bowler hat from the 1930s!

Introducing, the Grenadier collection.

This one is for all you fishing/wilderness buffs.

Stamped and signed prints of the Grenadier logo by artist Victor Reyes.

The original artwork by Reyes...

...which was used for the fabric lining of the hats.

The Goorin artists' collection: 1333 Minna

Creative director Jeff Rubin speaking about the new, much anticipated,

1333 Minna American Made Collection.

Sneak peaky of one of the American Made Minna's...

All of the signage, posters and print material for the Goorin Bros. shops

are designed and handmade here in SF. Tyler is awesome and he makes all of them.

That evening, he demonstrated for us the screen printing process for the Grenadier signs.

It's gatherings like these that make me realize the amazing family I am a part of.

Its super exciting to see what's in store for the future and I all I gotta say is y'all better stay tuned!

Go boldly my friends.

8.27.11

2011-11-09T23:53:00.000-08:00

Dear Spiewak parka,
you shall be my trusty and oh so soft, warm and comfy companion
this coming winter. I love you.

Right now, things are changing in a short amount of time.
And its not just the weather.
Time to layer up and arm myself for the new season.
Trying to avoid sickness this time around.

One can never be too cautious.

Btw, if you miss me here

catch me tumbling, tweeting or hatting.

Goodnight folks.

hair

2011-11-08T10:12:00.000-08:00

I've always had this fascination with women's long hair and the way it moves.

Or when the wind picks it up and decides to dance with it,

I think it's so beautiful that I love capturing it in photos or drawings.

I also think its fascinating how hair is so malleable.

It can be cut, curled, added on, pinned back, pulled up, let loose, whatever...

it also grows back.

I've never been overly attached to a particular hair length, cut or style.

I keep changing and so does my hair.

But some parts of me remain the same, the essence of who I am is always there.

If I'm comparing it to my hair, then that essence would be translated to my hair color.

Having any other color than my natural black wouldn't feel like me.

Of course I've played with the idea of pulling a 180 and bleaching my hair or some shit like that...

but nah, that wouldn't feel right.

8.26.11

2011-10-31T15:01:00.000-07:00

because there are more things to smile about each day than frowning.

make sure to see the light, beauty and happiness in everything.

smile with me, I promise you'll feel better when you do

oh, and this should make you laugh...

been rocking the 'do since i was a baybeh!

the Ws

2011-10-31T09:46:00.000-07:00

Where I go...

SF MOMA

Coit Tower

City Lights Bookstore

Who I see...

Omi Tanaka

Mark Elzey Jr.

ninjas

@MissJoicey

Susan Wu

sister

@dearjoma

my super awesome co-workers

What I eat...

What I wear...

Why I giggle...

"a touch of ecstacy" ...don't think this is a legit massage parlor

"shinny up a tree"?

i love the ads towards the back pages of SF Weekly

we're like cows waiting to be herded into the trains. yay for SF muni.

where is he going? and what is he doing there?

i'm kinda digging her unicorn purse

fucking creepy

this doll is touching himself

wish my daily commute was in this train #PartyOnMarketSt

really now?

best book illustration. ever.

just what I like to see in the morning. holey crotch.

this isn't even half of the things awesome, yummy, hilarious and inspiring
that i experience on a daily basis.

thanks for scrolling through and i'll see you on the next episode
of phone-o-graphy diary with Melissa :)

8.25.11

2011-10-27T09:40:00.000-07:00

i took this photo and i look so serious in it.

too serious. almost angry.

so i decided to jazz it up a bit.

color trip!

sorry if i'm making you dizzy with this.

and yeah yeah, i'm only on 25 with this project, but hey, i'm still going...

work it

2011-10-25T10:15:00.000-07:00

Where I spend most of my time. Really.

Swing by if you're ever in North Beach and come say hi :)

Goorin Bros.

North Beach, San Francisco

Paper Cuts

2011-10-24T11:11:00.000-07:00

The hard drive in my laptop crashed last Monday.

So, for a whole week, I didn't have a computer to work on, watch things on or listen to music with.

I don't own a t.v. either.

So what did I do?

Arts & Crafts baby!

Put my scissors and old magazines to use.

i will be scanning all of these later.

'till then, give me a few days to catch up on work

thank you for tuning in.

i love you :)

photobooth greetings: Take A Bow

2011-10-13T23:13:00.000-07:00

found me a nice little bowtie.

can't wait to rock a cool fit with it.

and yeah, on a more personal note,

I couldn't be anymore happier with how things have/are turning out.

duh Melissa, only took you a while to get with the program.

guess other things had to fall apart first

so much better ones can fall into place.

thankful.

ASTONISH

2011-10-06T23:49:00.000-07:00

ASTONISH Magazine is now available at your local newsstand.

I'm proud to have been part of making issue 1.

If you don't have a copy yet, you're missing out.

my first time looking at the magazine :)

Make sure to like and follow.

K, thanks!

photobooth greetings: face off

2011-10-03T09:59:00.000-07:00

We all have many faces.

One for your family, one for your friends, one for strangers,
one for your co-workers, and one for you lover.
Then there's those faces you reserve for yourself, when you're alone.
And you have nobody to lie to, or tell the truth to but yourself.

I have a library of these "faces" in my photobooth.
Some, I post to show you, but most are left in my computer.
I scroll through them once in a while and its like a digital time capsule.
I remember the day, time and emotion I was going through then.
Seeing myself go from short hair, to long hair and back to short again,
from angry, to sad, to happy, to heartbroken, to confused, and right back to happy again.

It allows me to see just how much we evolve throughout the years.
No matter how short of a time, we're constantly changing,
not just with the way we look, but how we feel, act, and think.

Now I know you've got a library of your faces too.
Don't lie.
Go look through them.
Isn't it amazing just how far you've come?

taken about a year ago when I first moved to SF

Rules of Ladies & Gentlemen

2011-10-02T12:16:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I got sucked into compulsively scrolling through

The Rules of Ladies and its counterpart, The Rules of A Gentleman

I found most of them, well, obvious, a few hilarious,

and some, actually worth re-posting.

For the Ladies

For the Gentlemen

hahaha!

The world will be a much better place if we all start acting like ladies and gents.

8.24.11

2011-10-02T10:41:00.000-07:00

Slowly, but surely turning myself into the woman I want to be.

I need to keep working, creating and loving

and the rest will take care of itself.

It better.

time for change

2011-09-29T10:37:00.000-07:00

Alex's hand-made leather and denim coin pouch.

pretty snazzy eh?

follow Alex here

i dare you.

doin' it and doin' it and doin' it well...

2011-09-23T10:44:00.000-07:00

Yes, I'm still having a little case of Do Over SF withdrawals

where good music, good people and good vibes came together one summer sunday in the city.

It's not everyday that we can roam around in shorts out here

and groove out drunkenly outdoors under the sunshine.

So hey, reminisce with me over at LMN for our Do SF recap.

then visit Fear the Stache for more doing it over!

photos by Chris Husary (Fear the Stache)

SFMOMA: Now Playing

2011-09-15T11:05:00.000-07:00

Tonight, I've been selected to attend SF MOMA's Now Playing

with Adam Pendleton and Deerhoof.

Come on out and join me if you're in the city!

If not, come stalk me on twitter!

Follow me @melissademata and @SFMOMA as we tweet throughout the event.

As excited as I am about witnessing BAND

I'm honestly super giddy about the giant cake and Blue Bottle Coffee being there!

yup. fatty.

more info on BAND here
more info on Blue Bottle & GIANT CAKE here

8.23.11

2011-09-14T10:36:00.000-07:00

There's so many things I want to tell you, ~~I just don't know how~~ I'd rather not.

i did it again

2011-09-13T22:57:00.000-07:00

i started another blog.

but this time around, purely for your visual enjoyment.

see what i see on msdemata.tumblr.com

thank you.

cmyk

2011-09-13T22:49:00.000-07:00

got to hang out and catch up with my friend Mark since his summer internship in Boston.

he had surprises for me...

had to get him to sign the prints

8.22.11

2011-09-13T16:40:00.000-07:00

because i like the color of this sweater. a lot.

and i like to lean against walls and stuff.

and i leave piles of books on the floor.

and the fingers on my right hand look broken.

but yes, slowly inching my way to the end of this long-dragged out 31 days project.

Behind the Scenes: Upheaval

2011-09-08T23:19:00.000-07:00

I finally got to work with my very good friend Jonathan and shoot a few pieces from his collection.

He is currently studying fashion design at FiDM and I am amazed by his vision.

I know he's only going to get better and bigger in the future

and now, I can gladly say that I was the first to photograph his work.

The lovely Rezina was our model and she is just awesome to work with!

She's so giggly! haha, upbeat people make photoshoots so much easier.

bitch face or wut?

this is how we make clothes fit

we were shooting this on the sidewalk...

man walking by: "whatever it is you're selling, I'm buying!"

mhmm, work it girl

yes ma'm, these tights are see through

we improvised a headpiece from a pair of gold tights Jonathan made.

pure genius.

Check up on updates

with

Jonathan Guzman Tenorio

via

Facebook

Twitter

Thankful

2011-09-07T23:22:00.000-07:00

A very generous and thoughtful friend of mine has let me borrow his camera.

the Fujifilm FinePix X100

I know how it feels to depart with a camera.

As if you're giving your first-born son to another person to raise.

ok, well, maybe not really, but you get my drift

I'm amazed at the level of trust he would give me with this fine piece of equipment.

I promise to do him proud and put this baby to good use.

oh, and not only that, but the camera came in this:

A Billingham camera bag.

What a beauty right?

I feel like I'm seeing with a new pair of eyes.

I now have a rejuvenated sense of wonder with everything around me.

I got way too used to the way I was shooting and the camera I was using.

This is just what I needed.

Thank You

photo taken with Fujifilm FinePix X100

Love, Lust & Desire

2011-09-07T13:15:00.000-07:00

Because we will ASTONISH your world.

9.27.11

I feel very proud and honored to have been part of the first print issue of ASTONISH.

As they celebrate the launch event in Gansevoort Park Avenue, NY for fashion week today,

I encourage you all to visit the site and join ASTONISH WORLD.

It is a way to connect with peers and leaders in the fashion industry today.

You also get exclusive access to ASTONISH extras!

Join the movement.

here, there... everywhere

2011-09-07T09:13:00.000-07:00

my heart belongs here now

F train on the L line?

let's all get along

hehehe. i want.

didn't know there were so many kinds huh? via Goorin Bros.

Dylan Maddux's "Mau Loa" show at Cassel Gallery, SF.

the AWESOME people i work with

= trouble

BEST hot sauce EVER.

wonder how the beemer got out of that space

guy getting caught in front of the Apple store

i don't even know where to start. type and grammar horror.

we work hard.

aftermath of my bday treat at The Sycamore

SF pride

sucks to be under 21

Improv Everywhere SF at Union Square

UMAMI. yes.

salted caramel ice cream sandwich

LA traffic, i did not miss you.

gold/turquoise neck candy from 90 Boutique

one of the best happy hour spots. Gyu-Kaku

The BEST guy friends a girl can have.

Thankfully they're mine.

If you ever break their hearts, I will hunt you down.

If you break mine, well, you don't wanna know...

Circa 2000, beefies for life.

Missing Carol and Ryan - the other loves of my life.

toasted bread pudding at Nordy's Cafe

Mad Decent Block Party LA. go here for LMN coverage.

when light meets night in Los Angeles

Art Center grad show

best business cards ever. kinda gross, but awesome.

i did it over.

peep more photos here

DONUTS. 'nuff said.

yes, we got 3 boxes.

The Donuttery

i put this in my body. it's so bad it's good.

new tote bag from my bff. fits all of my shooting gear, and then some.

i love it!

behind the scenes from this shoot... soon to come.

eeew

<3 North Beach

Josh Farria. watch out for his interview on LMN

until then, follow him

Behind the scenes with Jinna of Grease & Glamour

Matt and Mark. These men love what they do and are great at it.

"A Woman Who..." project in the works. Stay tuned.

oh yeah, they're Giants fans, if you can't tell.

korean food glows

???

Tony's Pizza!

just to show you the scale of the pizza to an iPhone.

'til the next phone photos update everyone!

keep eating, keep loving, keep learning.

8.21.11

2011-09-01T08:00:00.000-07:00

I take self portraits because sometimes, looking into a mirror isn't enough.

When I stare at a picture of myself, I feel removed from it. As if it isn't me.

Only then am I able to really "see" who that person in the photograph is.

This process of "looking" has been practice for me

to then look outside of myself, and into others.

Its as if seeing my own secrets, which I try to hide even from myself,

allows me to be more perceptive to those around me.

In turn, I feel that I become a better photographer by placing myself in front of the lens.

Because I know how it feels to be vulnerable, to pretend, to hide.

I know it, therefore I can see it in my subjects.

Call it vanity, call it narcism, call it whatever you may,

but taking self portraits has made me face my own faults, flaws and failures,

as well as celebrate my beauty, confidence and accomplishments.

Therefore it is easier for me now to see these attributes in others.

I suggest you take a picture of yourself today,

with you phone, dslr or photobooth; and look.

Really look at your eyes, your nose, your mouth,

every line, freckle, crevice and dimple on that face.

You never know what secret it might reveal.

I see now what my portrait shows,

but that's only for me to know...

8.20.11

2011-08-31T08:33:00.000-07:00

I realize I'm way behind on this project.

But I intend on continuing with it until I reach 31.

So here you go.

It's actually interesting not having a tripod,

most of the time I'm not exactly sure what's going to be in the frame

when I just have my camera propped up on books.

But surprise, surprise, I'm being framed by the molding in my room.

Sweet.

btw, just got this vest. i love it.

helllooo FALL fashion!

GO MAD

2011-08-30T20:39:00.000-07:00

damn. homegirl was goin' hard.

LIKE here

FOLLOW there

WE LOVE YOU everywhere
www.lightmeetsnight.com

High Up: Part II

2011-08-30T19:55:00.000-07:00

Part deux of my shoot with Sara and Kim.

Shooting on a rooftop was definitely fun.

You feel connected yet separated from the city at the same time.

To be high next to the buildings but far from the people down below.

Follow Sara's tweets

Like Kim's page

Thanks for the love!

click click

2011-08-29T21:24:00.000-07:00

gifts from my cousin and my best friend.

they know me so well =)

switching gears

2011-08-29T00:40:00.000-07:00

I've been using the same set up on my D80 for this past couple of years.

I've been shooting the same way.

I've been looking through the same lens.

I've been framing within the same view finder.

Until I can invest in another lens, or another camera, I need a different look.

Switching back to my first, my Canon AE-1.
I'll be lugging this bad boy around instead of the DSLR for now.

Film is alway better. Always.

photography never lets me down.

P.S. I was shooting for a week straight before I realized my film wasn't loaded properly.
Such a newb mistake I wanted to back-hand slap myself for it.
All those pretty pictures I could have gotten on film :/
oh well, mental images will have to do.

Sara

2011-08-25T03:59:00.000-07:00

8.19.11

2011-08-23T17:52:00.000-07:00

i love film. so much.

Gian

2011-08-23T17:46:00.000-07:00

8.18.11

2011-08-23T13:39:00.000-07:00

from the very first set of self portraits i've ever done.

took my first b&w photography class in 2006.

i've learned so much about myself and photography since then.

i'm still learning.

digging through old film to scan

fell behind on my project again because i was enjoying being home for the weekend.

too busy getting fat and getting drunk with family & friends

life is good.

Good Eats: The Sycamore

2011-08-23T09:06:00.000-07:00

The Sycamore SF

so good it's got me eating like a monster

photobooth greetings: Rules for the Remarkable / Painting Shit Gold

2011-08-19T11:56:00.000-07:00

back home for the weekend.

remember the infamous red wall?

that, is our dining room.

'till I'm back from family, friends and fun mode,

I leave you with this:

Rules for The Remarkable

by Robin Sharma

1. Give more than you take.

2. Be the most optimistic person you know.

3. Remember that manners matter.

4. If you’re not innovating, you’re on a descent into obsolescence.

5. Your work and personal life reflect your standards and self-worth.

6. Doing your best work is a core secret of sustained happiness. We spend most of our lives at work so why not aim for genius at it?

7. Business is about relationships. And if you don’t understand people, you don’t understand business.

8. Every moment in front of a customer is an opportunity to express your most important values. And to make a difference (another of the truths of happiness).

9. See your work as a craft, not just a job. And practice every day.

10. Remember, your physical fitness is directly tied to how successful you are at work.

11. Remember that whether you’re building a business or growing a family, you’re a creative artist.

12. Be the first to greet others vs waiting to be greeted (I learned this one from Nelson Mandela)

13. Use the language of leadership vs the phrases of victims (like “there’s a problem here” or “I have some bad news” or “I’m in trouble” or “this will never work” or “I’m always tired”).

14. Refuse to allow any form of mediocrity into any touchpoint of your life.

15. Enjoy possessions but don’t be owned by them.

16. Remember that blaming others is excusing yourself.

17. The fears you don’t face become your chains. (And every fear you embrace causes growth in your confidence and personal power…my new book “The Secret Letters from The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari” is all about how to achieve this).

18. A problem’s only a problem if you choose to process it as a problem.

19. Honor excellence.

20. Pursue beauty.

21. Appreciate firefighters, teachers and mothers… the real heroes of this world versus reality show celebrities who make fortunes in their race to the bottom.

22. Inspire your teammates.

23. Work harder than is common.

24. Make today’s work better than yesterday’s.

25. To double your income, triple your rate of learning (and personal growth).

26. Use your life to have an Impact… while you create a gorgeous lifestyle for yourself and those you love.

via Victoria Herrera

I'm done associating myself with negative individuals

with selfish people who only care for themselves

with those who spread hate

with those who see themselves as victims

with those who do not take responsibility for their actions

with those who bitch, whine and moan

and most of all, with those who let the past prevent their progress to the future.

You are the company you keep.

I am thankful for the talented, inspirational, positive, and motivated individuals in my life.

Let's all bring each other up rather than pull people down shall we?

Let's paint shit gold!

8.17.11

2011-08-17T22:36:00.000-07:00

room is a mess

legs are super pale

but i don't care

'cause i'll be home tomorrow =)

i don't have a tripod right now

so i've been limited to places where i can prop my camera on random things

hence the weird cropping and composition

who wants to donate a tripod to me eh?

Part I: High Up

2011-08-17T09:29:00.000-07:00

8.16.11

2011-08-16T22:24:00.000-07:00

i made a list of things i needed to do today.

both short and long term goals.

it's a bit daunting but rewarding at the same time -

to see your goals, as little or as far-fetched they may be, written down on paper.

it makes these ideas more tangible and within reach.

as today ends, I was able to check off some of them.

I promise to never stop making lists.

there's always something to do, something to strive for, something else to achieve.

like right now, I need to do laundry - check

photobooth greetings: who's the best?

2011-08-15T23:04:00.000-07:00

YOU ARE!!!

No, I am not yacking my brains out

nor am I shaking my drunk ass on a bar top

while taking back to back shots of Henny.

I am sitting this sober ass at home because I am starting to feel sick and I have work in the a.m.

Today, I turned 24 and realized that I have been living in SF for a year now.

Every year, every day, every hour should be seen as a kind of milestone.

Every second spent forward is a new one. Therefore a new adventure.

I am very thankful for all of the wonderful birthday wishes I received today.

Words can't even begin to describe just how loved and special you all make me feel.

To family far and near,

to friends old and new,

I love you

I thank you a million times and my birthday wish will be spent wishing that all of you feel the same kind of love and appreciation I felt all day today =)

I may not be wild n' out tonight, but hey, this birth month isn't over just yet.

I will be down in SoCal this coming weekend to be with family and friends.

Partying (without the yacking) will happen then.

P.S.

Did I say thank you yet?

Ok, cool, just wanted to make sure you got the memo.

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

8.15.11

2011-08-15T08:24:00.000-07:00

it's my party and i'll overexpose if i want to :)

Happy Birthday to me!

8.14.11

2011-08-14T23:54:00.000-07:00

sometimes my photos bare all

it's scary to show. it makes me feel vulnerable.

but other times, my photos hide all

it's fun to show. it makes me feel confident.

up to you to decide which one is which.

or take it for what it is - an image made up of pixels and grains,

with strategic composition and manipulated lighting

after all is shot and done.

in the end... it's my release, my passion, my diary

it's for me.

8.13.11

2011-08-14T23:07:00.000-07:00

light pink

light skin

light wall

light heart

8.12.11

2011-08-14T07:56:00.000-07:00

back off

8.11.11

2011-08-13T23:45:00.000-07:00

i'm finally on the 3rd season of Mad Men!

if I could wear one outfit for the rest of my life everyday.

it'd be a white v-neck tee and jeans.

i'm all for comfort and practicality.

but hey, doesn't mean I don't love slapping on a tight ass hoochie dress

and sky high heels once in a while

8.10.11

2011-08-13T22:01:00.000-07:00

i look so young here

8.9.11

2011-08-13T09:48:00.000-07:00

ok, so I know I'm cheating but I really want to catch up to this series by my birthday.

obviously, this is an old photo (hence the long hair)

the following 5 photos will be old self portraits that have been hiding in my hard drive

so yeah, let's take it back to how I was a couple years back

before moving to SF

before who I am now

damn, i miss having long hair

Kim Ngo

2011-08-13T08:07:00.000-07:00

this little lady is just beginning her fashion career.

follow Kimchi Diaries as she snaps her way into

the industry one outfit of the day at a time.

she's an absolute sweetheart too btw

check our her page and support =)

8.8.11

2011-08-11T20:02:00.000-07:00

here's lookin' at you, kid

8.7.11

2011-08-11T10:10:00.000-07:00

shut yo' mouth

8.6.11

2011-08-11T00:03:00.000-07:00

a picture with my baby - my camera.

i've shared more secrets with it than any man.

it's seen me through the best and worst of times.

yes, it's a Nikon.

8.5.11

2011-08-08T20:52:00.000-07:00

look like a man.

think like a lady.

...or vice versa ;)

Behind the Scenes: High Up

2011-08-08T09:07:00.000-07:00

Just teasing you a little...

Last week, I did a photoshoot high.

High up on a rooftop I mean.

With designs and styling by Kim - a recent FIDM graduate and total sweetheart.

With modeling by Sara Donchey - social media guru at Nowmov and all around badass.

Take a look behind the scenes and stayed tuned for the final product...

Sara is just plain beautiful, even when she's not posing...

Kim made those shorts she's wearing btw.

Awesome right?

The camera was then, turned to me... haha [taken by Sara]

Here's to my first shoot with you, Kim.

And cheers to your first time styling!

model turned photographer - Sara needs to add that to her resume.

my gawd i make some weird faces

thank you ladies, for a great shoot.

couldn't have asked for a better team on this one.

check out my Alfalfa hair ya'll

While you wait for the end result check them out here:

Like Kimchi Diaries

Follow Sara Pantera

8.4.11

2011-08-07T12:05:00.000-07:00

a case of bed head.

i just want to be lazy all day, lay around and spend the day with Don Draper.

heat

2011-08-06T02:27:00.000-07:00

craving hot weather right now.

i really want a tan.

this guy was awesome

but Batman is still better.

8.3.11

2011-08-05T18:11:00.000-07:00

so, Mad Men is a great show.

I got addicted pretty damn fast.

all the infidelity and smoking is a little too much for my taste.

Don Draper is an interesting character but a damn pig.

and wow, I love the fashion

men in hats, women in dresses

people need to dress more dapper these days

8.2.11

2011-08-05T00:36:00.000-07:00

I know I know...it's already august 5th and this is only the 2nd photo I've posted.

I fell behind on the second day of my challenge to myself, but hey, life happens.

I got busy. Helped out some friends. Worked. Got some sleep...kinda.

But anyway, I hope to be back on track as I take multiple photos within the next few days to catch up.

This one was taken by my friend and beautiful muse, Sara Donchey.

We switched roles for a bit and I was the subject of the stare.

It's always a little unnerving to be photographed by somebody else with your own camera.

It's almost like being shot by your own gun. (not like i would know, but yeah)

8.1.11

2011-08-01T23:27:00.000-07:00

I started a 365 self portrait project before.

I didn't follow through and ended at 49.

Today is August 1, 2011.

I will take a portrait everyday this month.

I figure 31 days straight is more manageable than 365.

It's a self discovery everytime I place myself in front of the lens.

Follow me this month as I try to learn something one day and one photo at a time.

Birth Month Begins...

2011-08-01T11:59:00.000-07:00

Cheers to a new day, new week, new month.

Cuz it's August baby, and it will be a good one.

Sending out good vibes to everyone today!

and yes, i chase my beer with a ring pop =)

faux fur

2011-07-30T08:27:00.000-07:00

hehehe

SF.LA.SF.

2011-07-27T08:58:00.000-07:00

phone camera diaries

Goorin Bros.

salt water taffy heaven!

Straights happy hour. Every Wednesday 4pm - close!

my green-eyed wallet finally gave out and broke =(

Palomino. Happy Hour. 80s hairdo.

i made chicken wings.

diggin' the hair color. i want.

4th of July hat.

SFO

PORTOS!!

potato ball. i miss you.

horchata smoothie. sooo delicious.

one of my older brothers =)

so cal freeway

yeah. my mom is wrapping fish in bacon. it was amazing.

Tava Lounge

Portillo's chili dawg

Mo of Face Brand Clothing

FACE BRAND X LMN GIVEAWAY! enter HERE

Sothan <3

Sawna in my sunnies

Greg in his sunnies

these ppl came making bank D&B

high school yearbook. haha

refreshments before Tim Burton exhibit

LA sunset

korean soju ad

rice is nice indeed

my mommy

hahahaha fun party yo

Comstock Saloon

society today

close enough.

workin'

h.o.t.

also h.o.t.

allright folks, happy wednesday!

'till the next camera phone update.

i leave you with this...

"it's alive!"

this is more than a crush

2011-07-26T07:29:00.000-07:00

LL knows wassup

damn, someone get me some vanilla ice cream asap