Archive for the ‘Things’ Category

A Parade Without Firecrackers

Wednesday, February 13th, 2008      Written by: theAssistant      { Places, Things }

cny1.JPG

Since 1997 the sound of firecrackers is seldom heard during the Chinese New Year Parade, but that doesn’t mean the parade will not go on. This past Sunday was the 9th Annual Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade & Festival. Confetti was cleverly used to replace the firecrackers.

cny3.jpg

Everyone is trying their best to get the best view of the parade.

cny101.jpg

A Lunar New Year Parade will not be the same without the God of Fortune wishing everyone a prosperous new year.

cny2.JPG

read comments (0)            leave a comment

Happy New Year! Xin Nian Kuai Le!

Wednesday, February 6th, 2008      Written by: theStoryteller, a Modern Lifestyle Photographer      { Things }

The Chinese year 4706 begins on Thursday, February 7, 2008. This year children will not only get “lucky money” in red envelopes, they will also get a fresh new children’s animated program based on Chinese-American culture. “Ni hao, Kai-Lan” (“nihao” means hello in Mandarin) will premiere on Chinese New Year at 11 a.m. on Nick Jr.

Kai-Lan reminds me of another little girl…
“In an old house in Paris that was covered with vines lived twelve little girls in two straight lines. They left the house at half-past nine in two straight lines, in rain or shine. The smallest one was Madeline.”

Just as with Madeline; children will learn about a new culture, a second language, and valuable skills they can use in every day life.

Celebrate the Year of the Rat with friends, family and Kai-Lan tomorrow!

Zai jian, au revoir, goodbye for now!

Kai-Lan

read comments (1)            Leave a comment

For parents: relax and enjoy your family portrait session

Wednesday, December 12th, 2007      Written by: theStoryteller, a Modern Lifestyle Photographer      { Carriage, Things }

Portraits are a lifetime investment, but a portrait session can be boring and tiresome for children. From my experience, parents who are good sports and understand the importance of having fun not only enjoy the portrait session, but are also rewarded with the best images.

Forcing children to pose is not something I recommend, but well meaning parents often try to help during a photo session by telling their children to sit or stand still and look at the camera. But that often leads to rebellious behavior or at best a cheesy smile. Children are at their best when they are deeply absorbed in doing something that interest them. Simple as it sounds, but it works.

The best way to capture children is to let them be. Let my camera document the many faces of your children as they reveal them freely without inhibition. Trust them and let them lead the way. You will not be disappointed by the outcome.

Parents wanting to get the best pictures tend to supervise their children during the photo session more often than not end up frustrated and unhappy; therefore, you should simply sit back, relax, enjoy, and play with them. When you look at the photos afterward you’ll recall a memorable experience which you want to relive over and over again; now that’s a lifetime investment!

read comments (1)            Leave a comment