I met Tanner last fall, 2019, just after I completed a summer of intense predawn workouts and Saturday meets on the Trophy Club Tritons swim team where his older sister, Isabel, was my amazing swim coach and teammate. We may or may not have been on a state winning relay together that was by far the highlight of my accomplishments. You know, we are better together… and yet here we are now, apart.
Before we get on to that part – the apart part - and Tanner, of course, a quick story about Isabel (sorry Tanner). While we were at that 2019 summer TAAF state swim meet at Texas A&M University, rocking the adult record boards and winning the team state title (no, I’m not shy about my 40+, I didn’t know I had type 1 diabetes sports successes), a random person made some comments about our more than stellar Trophy Club “mom” team. The town name of Trophy Club doesn’t always do us justice…
The comment was made was something to the effect of… “the Trophy Club adult team must be just a bunch of tall, blonde socialites, going to practice to sip ice tea”, or maybe it was cocktails. You know, at 5:00 AM, in a hot pool with hairballs at the bottom. And for the record, I'm a short home body with brownish hair that has to be died to cover the grays. Well, our strong, teenage coach and leader, Isabel, wasn’t going to let anyone think this way about her teammates. She assured this person that our group was a hard working group, there at 5:00 am multiple days a week and we all worked and worked out hard and we were amazing moms and role models to boot. And we were! A group consisting of teachers, engineers, a veterinarian, a nurse, a marathoner and me, the photographer and now, the diabetic. Take that random person! I’m so proud of her for standing up for us in the moment instead of just silently letting it pass. I’m so impressed with her courage and leadership to not let anyone talk that way about her team. And after that, just a month later, she called on my talents as she referred me to her family for Tanner’s senior pictures. Thank you Isabel! We are still stronger together, right?
So Tanner, I’m sorry I started off your senior story with an intro on your sister. It’s just the worst, right? That’s 2020 for you, isn’t it? 2020 – When you have your senior pictures taken and your photographer writes your blog post about your sister instead.
2020 was supposed to be your year and yet here you are getting kicked down again and again. Your soccer season, done before it was done. Your prom, cancelled. Seeing your friends in the hallways, nope. High fiving your teammate after practice, not happening. The race to the locker room, no one won that one. Saying goodbye to your teachers? Walking out of the school for the last time? Driving off the campus parking lot for the last time? Heading to Chipotle to celebrate with your friends? No, none of that.
The goals you set and yet you weren’t even given the chance to try… I cry.
You left Byron Nelson High School for spring break and never got to go back.
What you got was a slap in the face to let Covid steal your experience while you were doubled over and catching your breath, trying to figure out what in the world is going on. You were robbed of your experience. You deserved to have all those “senior moments” and they weren’t available to you. It’s called a right of passage because it is your right!
Instead you had to stay home day after day, spending the end of your senior year with your mom and sister, likely. A vacation that wasn’t a vacation. An empty parking lot. A brand new sports center that wasn’t seeing a lick of sports. A stellar soccer field, but no one was allowed to play on it. Class rooms with no one to sit in them. Empty desks. Empty halls. A school zone that wasn’t.
For the Marvel fans, it was a blip. A moment, a long moment in time, gone, lost and barely any of us seemed to be much a part of it.
What did you get though? The chance to do something different. The chance to stand up in the face of adversity. The chance to learn to adapt and move forward. The time with your family. The time with your dog. The opportunity to face a world of anger and fear and carry on with hope and determination.
And well, you did get some senior pictures.
These senior pictures represent normalcy. They are what your senior year was, before it wasn’t. They are what your senior year was supposed to be, until it was all ripped away.
Above all that though, these senior pictures are you - and no pandemic can take that from you.
While that seems like a great ending, I want end with Tanner’s successes. While I’ve been hibernating at home this summer, Tanner stood up to Covid and went and got a job, at a law firm no less. I already knew Tanner was hard working and intelligent because goodness he is heading to Texas A&M in the fall to study computer science. But by refusing the sit idly by and getting a job during a pandemic proves he has something even more valuable - motivation and determination. Well done, Tanner. I know your years in College Station will be some of the best years of your life because you are going to take the experience by the reins and make it happen, regardless of Covid, but with a mask on, of course ;)
And lastly, thank you to your family for brining me along on the journey to capture your senior story. Thank you for taking all my direction and for all the smiles you brought that day – and all the non smiles too. For putting up with the rain and all the awkward posing I insist on. You are a model photo subject and you truly look like a model in them.
Now give your Mom, Dad, Sister and dog a big hug and go kick Covid in the butt for all of us! Fighting Texas Aggie Class of 2025!! Whoop!
We found the smallest window in his house at the back of a dark media room and stepped over his siblings toys scrunched in a backdrop and created some intense low light, dramatic portraits and basketball shots. He totally rocked them, right? Then we headed to his school, Founders Classical Academy of Lewisville, with his MOTORCYCLE. So, maybe Dylan already was a bad a$$, but he just wanted to make sure his photos reflected that as well... And as an aside, let me tell you how much photographers love props. Love them. It makes our photos fun and engaging Dylan's props certainly help create the vibe we were going for.
Oddly enough, at the time I hadn't heard of Founder's Classical Academy, but was intrigued by the concept and even went on a tour at a later date! It was too far away for my kids to attend, but low and behold in 2019 they dropped one down in Flower Mound just 17 minutes from our house in Trophy Club. Both my kids got in on the wait list the year it opened (they just finished their first year despite COVID)! Absolute, foreshadowing or enlightenment for me! I know Founder's served Dylan well and now its serving my kids well too. It's just amazing how some people and experiences can change your life for the better. It never would have occurred to me to do anything other than the district provided public school.
Like so many kids, Dylan's step dad had a sweet car and we used that to its fullest. We finished with some standard senior portrait shots and Dylan ended up with a spectacular, well rounded set of senior portraits. He's on with his life now, still in the Flower Mound area and attending pilot school. How cool is that? I'm hoping for a photo shoot on the runway one day... but until then just feeling blessed to have photographed this kid.
Thank you for choosing me as your senior portrait photographer. I hope you cherish your senior images and I wish you all the best as you move into adulthood. I wish for all of you that today is the beginning of your all your dreams coming to life.
Now, let your caps fly and the celebrations begin!
All the best,
Carrie Cheng
xoxo
View the complete set of images here --> www.carriecheng.com/arlington
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This is one of my favorite things to eat as it just FEELS good, TASTES good and does so much good for my mind and body. You can use just about any type of white bean (like Northern Beans), lentils or black eyed peas. Canned (rinsed) or dried beans (cooked) can be used. I always use about half a bag of pre-shredded carrots. They come organic from various grocery stores and are the biggest time saver. For the Vegetable Stock I used Penzey Spices Vegetable Soup Base. It is sort of amazing and the key ingredient in all my soups. I also have started added in Organic Apple Cider Vinegar for a little tang, but mostly for its health benefits. To make the soup more hearty you can always add a meat or bacon at the end, pre cooked. Celery is also always a yummy addition. For sick days, some cooked rice goes amazingly well too.
Ingredients
One large yellow onion (chopped into slices and quartered)
1/2 bag of pre-shredded carrots
1/4 to 1/2 cup pressed fresh garlic
One bunch of Kale
Two cups of dried beans or two cans of beans (white beans, lentils, or black eyed peas work best)
Parmesen rind (optional)
Parmesen (optional)
1 oz. Organic Apple Cider Vinegar (optional)
Olive Oil
1 tsp Thyme
2 tsp White Pepper
1/4 tsp Black Pepper
1 tsp Salt
4 Bay Leaves
2 tbsp Vegetable Bouillon or Vegetable Stock
Add in the spices and bouillon together and stir thoroughly. I add my bouillon at this point as it is MUCH easier to break it up WITHOUT water and I feel like the flavor gets in the vegetable more this way. Cook for 2 minutes on medium-high, stirring frequently.
Add in enough water to cover the vegetables. Add in the Parmesen rind (it's the vegetarian soup bone). If you don't have a a rind, you can put in a half cup or so of shredded parmesan or skip it all together. Add in the beans. If you need to add more water or stock, do this now and bring to a full boil. Throw in the Apple Cider Vinegar now too. Let everything cook together for 5 minutes.
So many ideas and dreams swirling around in my head, I wish for eternal time. Now here I stand, we all stand, with an entirely new, clean-slated year ahead of us. So here we go, together, with the pent up cheer in my head that I so desire to share with you all in the coming YEARS.
For a while now, it has been my dream and goal to BE THE MAGIC. It is sort of, totally my tag line for my photography (www.carriecheng.com).
What does that mean? A lot.
In my photography the magic is me, creating the scene, the mood, the story, finding the best of you and capturing that in timeless art. Photography for me is magical. I see so much beauty in the world and so much beauty in the people who do and don't step in front of my camera. I see it in children holding on to their parents, the way they embrace, the look in the eye. The innocence and the fear. I see joy, I see pain. I see a proud mom, a charismatic dad. I see it all and I watch... Photography is my passion and one of my main outlet to help others see that magic that lies within. That is my magic.
The magic is you, taking the risk, making yourself vulnerable in front of the camera. Listening, trusting what I say and seeing the light shine within yourself. It is all of us, letting go of the insecurities, forgetting our short comings and finding the best within us.
The magic is having the courage to be wrong. It is about looking at things for a new perspective. It is about having sympathy and empathy and everything in between. Understanding that we all come from a different place and have different stories to write. Finding the right angle, changing how we think about things. Paving the way for our friends, family and children to follow in a world of good instead of one of gossip, guilt and blame.
Be the magic. Don't rely on others to make you happy. Don't wait for your turn. Find the light within you that you want to show and make it shine.
2016 for me is all about being this magic. I want to show everyone the light that shines with in me. I want to carry that light strongly with me on everyday that I can. I will have my bad days and obstacles will get in my way, but being the magic is a path I choose. I am working on several new ways to be the magic and share the light in 2016. Please stick around a join me and invite everyone you know too!
#bethemagic
www.facebook.com/carriechengphotography
www.instagram.com/carriescheng
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Like watching an old movie over and over again, I find something new and interesting each time I see Danada Equestrian Center. With most of the horses off on their morning jaunt, I was forced to take a closer look at the OTHER buildings besides the main barn and I was directed to spend more time with the new horses getting acquanted in the front pastures. With new horses and the birds that were tailgating them, new rust after a rainy summer, windows open that I had never seen open before and an exceptionally cloudy day giving way to an ocean blue sky I was in adventurers and photographers heaven - discovering the beauty that is always there but not everyone always sees. I'm feeling a bit fuller and more complete having created this set of images.
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I fully intend to blog every day when I sit down at my photo editing station (yes, that is my desk), but in reality I get swept away in what I see in the photographs on my computer. I see the moments happening in those photographs and I can't help but to put the final touches on them and share them with my clients!
Don't be surprised to see a blog post down the road, but for now please, please, PLEASE follow my micro-blogging on Facebook and Instagram (@carriescheng)!
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Tucker was the cooky little horse among the giant draft horses at Danada Equestrian Center. He was the little guy who didn't sweat and instead of heading to the pasture with the other horses was often found fanning himself in his stall. He was the lone chestnut among the dark bays and dapple grays. There are so many reasons for which Tucker stood out at the farm. He was our prize. He was the horse we went to find each time we ventured there. And yet, when we arrived there yesterday he was gone. In his place was an empty stall, an empty bridle, an empty food tub.
Tucker was gone. As a photographer I immediately began cataloging my brain, trying to organize and remember what photographs I had taken of him. I remember him in the pasture, I remember him in his stall, I remember him with his fan, but unfortunately I could only remember one photograph I had taken of him. One. How was that possible? He was such an important part of our time there, but I didn't have any more than one photograph of him to remember him by. No photograph of Tucker the horse with my son Tucker. No photograph of the peculiar horse with the fan. No photograph of the little guy in the pasture with the giant draft horses. I had planned to have these photographs, but I never took them. My mind is reeling, wishing I had taken more, but I didn't. In his absence Tucker has left a big sad hole in our hearts but also a big reminder that we need to take photographs of the things we cherish. Thank you Tucker.
As luck would have it, I did take my camera out to Danada Equestrian Center when we visited there yesterday. The walls of the stall were lined with decorations, memorabilia, and condolences from Tuckers fan and loved ones. I fell short of capturing the photos of Tucker I had wanted to, but I could still capture the love that is present in that lonely stall today. I plan to take my own kids by to say their goodbyes and write a message to our lost friend. I plan to take pictures. I plan to take pictures of my kids, my dog, my husband, myself. I plan to take pictures of the things I cherish and the wonderful memories that we makes. There is a reason a became a photographer and sometimes it takes sadness and loss to remind us these things. I challenge you to take more photos too. And lastly, of course, please contact me to help you capture photos of you and your loved ones!
In tribute to Tucker and all those who cared for him, the photos of Tucker and his good-bye messages at Danada may all be downloaded for free from www.carriecheng.com/danada.
Hugs to everyone today.
- Carrie
A Tribute of Photos to Tucker, the horse
(these photos may all be downloaded for free from www.carriecheng.com/danada)
My one photo of Tucker the horse.
the empty bridle that hangs in his stall
Tucker's halter and fly mask he left behind
lovely artistry by one of Tucker's fans
another lovely picture and message for Tucker
the walls of Tucker's tribute stall
heartfelt and true
<3 Tucker
Tucker's goodbye story from the staff at Danada Equestrian Center
a suddenly somber view at Danada with the news of Tucker's passing
A friend left behind. We miss you Tucker!
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This particular maternity shoot was no exception. Set at expectant parents' home, with just the dog in attendance, we spent nearly two hours finding various light around the house and then finding her best angles in that setting. I doubt there was any way this skinny little mommy-to-be fell big and bloated, but I know she was surprised and elated by the photographs.
Being pregnant is a huge life experience. Whether a good experience or a bad experience it changes who we are and our bodies forever. Why not cherish and celebrate this time of unforgettable memories in photographs?
Maternity photo sessions can be intimate in home shoots or in an outdoor setting in our around Naperville. Please call or e-mail photographer Carrie Cheng to book your maternity session.
This particular session is one of the few that I felt should be entirely NOT black and white. It is all about COLOR. Lot's of it. From the early summer rich green of the grass to the reds and yellows dancing off the setting sun, this particular family photography session is just brilliant in color. These color in these photographs accentuate their love, the warmth in their embraces, the joy in them lifting their children in the air. In the same way black and whites make a photo seem timeless, the color in these photos remind me summer, of childhood memories, of the winding down in the late evening before the kids are off to bed. Often times before I take a photograph I will know whether I will prefer it in color or black and white and this time I new all along, color!
About the warmth in these photos, this family session was of particular importance to me. The older son is off to school at Beebe Elementary School in Naperville with my own son this year. I know the importance of this last summer together before it all begins... their oldest son is growing up.
I know the parents were also concerned about how their children would be during the photo session, like all parents are. Despite their parents fears, they boys were both little angels, engaged and enjoying the photoshoot as we played and ran through their beautiful white picket fenced back yard. It was exactly the way a photo shoot should be. No yelling at or over directing the kids. We simply let them be themselves, guided them in certain ways, and as a result we have an a wonderful set of photographs that truly capture the personalities and connections between this family of four. There were so many great photos from this session that I am tempted to post of all them. Yes, all of them. For now, here is a sampling of my favorites.
Once a would-be client mentioned she was looking for a barn setting for her family photographs, I set out with my two kids for what would be several test shoots across the western suburbs. We started at the big red Barn off of Hobson in south Lisle. The "Greene Farm Barn" as it is called was so majestic in pictures and offered much potential. Despite the extensive green lawns of the park that surrounds it, with a concrete bottom, no way to get inside, and signs that read "Keep Away" I didn't see much inspiration in this beautiful barn that just didn't lend itself to pictures of children and families.
Next we ventured to the St. James Farm just north of Naperville in Wheaton, Illinois. It's beautiful lawns, long sweeping fences and blue blood barn were everything I was looking for. However, it fell a little short for me as well as farm as the barn was concerned. Without being able to freely move in and out of the barn and the lack of friendly volunteers (like there are at Danada Farm), it just wasn't quite as versatile as I was hoping for. I'd still love to do a photo shoot there one day, but Danada hands down won on my favorite location.
What is it about Danada?
First, the horses. Grazing in the pastures, watching their movement, watching them watch us in return. The power and fluidity in the their strides as they race right up to the fences. Nostrils flared, throwing their heads in the air. Their sense of wild un-tameness, but then relenting to the commands and wishes of the volunteers that work with them. In the arena, lessons, training, listening. In the barn, we get so close, so much bigger. They stomp their feet, we take a step back. The scent, the noises, the excitement. The getting to know the horses by name, like Tucker the smallest of the horses with the same name as my son but who doesn't sweat and stays in the barn more with his industrial fan blowing on him...
The kids. Running down the paths, finding shade among the trees. Climbing on the lines of white fences. Enjoying, learning from the site of the horses in an environment that is much the same as it was nearly 100 years ago. Leaning over the fence, daring to get closer. Yearning to be old enough for lessons, to climb aboard the giants and move as one with them. Climbing on the saddles in the barn. Pretending to be aboard California Chrome in route to another big win. Searching for the barn cats, which is often more exciting than the horses.
Me. Seeing the light bouncing between the trees. The way the wind blows the kids (and the horses hair). The barn, the grass, the flowers. All these things that make perfect backgrounds for photographs and makes me take in a long deep breath of relaxation. Yes, the barn and the light. Oh the light... Glowing in through the doors. Beaming in through the windows. Backlighting the rows of stalls. Illuminating the children as they watch and play, as I watch them through the eye of a mother and the lens of the camera. Seeing the horses, being part of their life, I life I so wanted to be close to as a child.
The volunteers. Always friendly. Remembering my childrens' names on only our second visit. Offering their time for the horses and equally taking the time to stop and talk to us. Their belief in the cause they give their time to. A friendly face to a wonderful place.
Danada certainly is a magical place for me. It makes me feel alive like a child and allows the children to be themselves, running, exploring, and climbing. It's these moments I love to watch and love to capture in photographs. We've spent many a days there this summer and I can't wait for the fall. I'm always open for a photo session there.
In the meantime, we are off to explore another farm this evening. We'll be attending the Cabernet Cabaret and the polo fields in Oswego. Hoping for a good time and a potential new location for photographs ...
And finally, a video because there are so many photos to share from Danada.
We spent the holiday season at our home away from home in Singapore, desperately missing our family and traditions at home in Naperville, Illinois. With only a few more months left with our time in Singapore we're in a tangle of emotions. Grasping on to the friends and aspects we love in Singapore but yearning for the comforts and routine of our own permanent home. A lot of my recent posts have been and will be of our lives here. Celebrating our swan song in Singapore.
My own kids go through a range of emotions when it comes to having their pictures taken by me (if it's another photographer they are in love with the idea). With some fresh superhero costumes from Christmas however, it didn't take much convincing to get the kids into our ominous carpark for some serious superhero family photos. There was some argument over the costume choices, but with our masks in hand and a homemade Optimus Prime costume on my husband we banded together, pushed the shutter button and our superhero family photo was immortalized in time. It may have taken more than just one shutter push, run, pose, repeat sequence, but the result is fun and reminiscent of our adventures during this time of the kids lives. Exactly my goal each time I take my camera out.
I'm sure there will be plenty more family selfies before we leave Singapore. We are certainly looking forward to restarting the chapter of our lives back in the Naperville, Chicago area and bringing Carrie Cheng Photography back to life there.
Watch out Naperville, we're coming.
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This is where is all began for me. Photography. I had the time, but I was running out of it. My beloved, my dog, my Sigmund was getting older. I guess I didn't realize how old he was getting as in the end it truly went too quickly. But this is where is began for me, in the end.
Sigmund was my best friend. A replacement for a boyfriend that went off to college. Sigmund followed me to college, then to North Carolina, and then to Chicago. He was there to meet my husband Brian back in College Station, Texas. They bonded over peeing in the backyard together, but then fought over me for the next few years. It wasn't until Chicago that we all truly came together. Sigmund walked with us on Starbucks runs, Sigmund came along for food order pick-ups. As he started to get older and his hind end failed him a bit, we took apart the bed and we all slept on the mattress, on the floor. Sigmund still jumped up on it, not quite understanding he didn't need to anymore.
Brian and I got engaged. We talked of having a small pretend marriage ceremony in our condo courtyard so that Sigmund could be a part of it. But the winter was coming. The days got colder. Sigmund got older and then he got sick. He wasn't getting better and then he wasn't eating. A trip to his local vet sent us to the specialist clinic when a flawed test showed some internal bleeding. We packed his bed in the back of the Volkswagen Golf and headed to north to the specialist. They wouldn't let us stay with him during the tests and said it would be a while. Having not eaten a bite all day, we went off in search for dinner convincing ourselves he was okay. He wasn't.
The doctor started out with the good news, the other vet had made a mistake. Sigmund had cancer. His liver had grown the size off almost his entire abdomen. With blood transfusions, poking, and prodding we could buy him a small amount of time. There would be suffering and I had seen him suffer. I was there where he fell down the stairs because he was too weak to make all five of them. I was there when he cowered behind me during the cold gust of wind because it was too cold for him. I was there when all the playing he could do with the neighbor puppy was to stand there and stare.
Suddenly, it was all there before me. I couldn't let him hurt anymore. I couldn't let him struggle anymore. On his bed the three of us held each other as the doctor administered the drugs. And all too quickly it was over. Embraced in my affection, suddenly he was gone. The last breath of air released from his lungs as his spirit moved on.
I don't remember how long we stayed there. It may have been minutes, it may have been forever. I just remember the crying, the loss, the aged bottle of Balgownie we had been saving for a special occasion. All night we cried until sleep finally overtook us. When the sun came in the next morning, instantly the pain of the night before flooded back in, more crying, more tears.
I was taking photography classes at the Chicago Photography Center. I had an assignment due that week. I didn't want to do it. I didn't want to go to class. I didn't want to cry or feel. But I did it. I did it of my fiancé. We embraced the cold day and made our first walk alone down to the park where we would take Sigmund. With his empty collar and tattered leash in hand we went there to remember him.
Those were some of the first photos I took and still some of the most powerful. I've since been told and critiqued of their flaws, but they mean so much to me. The pain, the sadness, the emptiness, it's all something I want to remember. It means I once held on to something important and dear. It means I had a great loss. I want to remember that. As much as I didn't want to hurt, I wanted to remember it with every ounce of my being. It means he was never truly or completely lost. This is photography.
This is where is started for me. Capturing raw emotion, coupled it in the right setting, the right light, and the effect it has on me is profound. Capturing a moment, an era, and helping someone remember. This is why I am a photographer.
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Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim
Because it was grassy and wanted wear,
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I,
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
It was another session where one of the parents was uncertain over how one of the children would "perform" during the photo session (most parents including me feel this way). The worry was quickly put aside as both children simply had a great time. From the giggles, running, and kissing mommy and her beautiful belly we were able to get the best out of everyone. And the results I have to say are wonderful. The kids show so much emotion in these pictures. Their emotions portray the love they all have for each other and simply add to their amazing mother's glow.
Thank you Cate and family for spending the evening with me to create these very special images of this amazing time in your life.
I ventured out to Marina Bay just over a month ago to photograph the typical sights and attractions - the Merlion, the Marina Bay Sands skyline, the Singapore Flyer. I walked the full view of the Marina Bay taking the customary photographs, but what I was doing lacked inspiration. It seemed as though I was just photographing what others had photographed hundreds of times before. I had no special vantage point, no secret angle. It was just me snapping photographs. The was nothing special about it. I wasn't creating art I was just taking pictures of it. Now I still believe there are some good photographs, but it wasn't quite the vision I was after.
As I took my eyes off the main attractions and wandered a bit off the beaten path, I began to notice some hidden treasures as well as some interesting people that gave me much more of the artistic compositions I was looking for. Then I guess that was exactly my goal of my Singapore project photo walks, not just to photograph the obvious but to find the hidden beauty in Singapore. From the concrete to the human, here is the beauty I found in the Marina Bay this evening in October....
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The vision of this photoshoot came to me one evening nearly three months ago. Driving in a taxi downtown for a dinner at Koi Sushi (our favorite Singapore restaurant). We drove past the Singapore Flyer on the ECP like we always do, but for the first time I looked past the lights of the Flyer and noticed Marina Barrage. Marina Barrage is one of my favorite places in Singapore - the breeze, the view, the kites. It is an absolutely magically place (especially on a late afternoon with the kids). Until now it had never dawned on me how gorgeous the view must be at night... assuming there was absolutely zero artificial light at Marina Barrage. As I looked out my taxi window this fateful evening the answer was right there before me. Marina Barrage is PITCH DARK in the evening making it the perfect setting for an evening photoshoot capturing Singapore's Marina Bay skyline ablaze in all it's lit up glory. So the dream (and the planning) began.
I pulled out my umbrellas, my flashes, my pocket wizards. I searched for the perfect model. I tested, I planned, I envisioned. Fast forward nearly two months and the time had come. I walked out on the Marina Barrage rooftop that night and was in awe of the vibe. In was PITCH dark and the view was absolutely unbelievable. The reflection of the skyline in the water was breathtaking and such a welcomed surprise. There were enough people there to make you feel safe, but allow us total flexibility in where we wanted to photograph. It was a photographers' clean slate with an amazing backdrop.
The photo shoot itself lasted an hour to an hour and a half. Cate was the model of all models, standing patiently as I shone bright lights in her face and continuously adjusted the lighting. It all seemed to fall perfectly together, the pieces of the puzzle fit and the results were exactly as I hoped for. In my dream I envisioned the magnificence of the Singapore skyline juxtaposed AND complimenting the innocence, beauty, and glamour of an expectant mother. That is exactly what turned out. The two fit together perfectly, neither distracting from the other but working in harmony to reflect the others' glow. This is my vision of maternity photography in Singapore. For all the transient families it is the perfect memorial of your adventures and life in Singapore and for the residents it is the perfect way to honor your country and the life you have created here. I can't wait to see what's next and who I get to photograph.
If you are interested in artistic maternity photography, please contact me, Carrie Cheng at [email protected]
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From a photography standpoint, there is definitely an awesome display of machine power to find interesting angles on. Standing dead center underneath an plane or looking a thousand pound missile straight in the eye ...
Like these images? You can purchase prints by selecting any of the images above.
]]>Late September in Singapore marks the time for the annual Mid Autumn Festival and the festive adorning of the town in lanterns – the iconic symbol of the festival. Following the contemporary tradition of spending time with friends and honoring the moon, I headed out in the moonlight to Chinatown with my husband to capture the beautiful lanterns aglow. (If you want to learn more on the lantern festival, there are several interesting theories on the origin of the Mid Autumn Festival in the wikipedia).
The combination of the illuminated lanterns with the roaring buses made for some vibrant and captivating photographs. If you like the photographs from the Singapore lantern festival, you'll enjoy the ones from the Thai Yi Peng Festival.
Next up, Mooncakes?
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Well over a month ago now I attended the Deb Schwedhelm photography workshop in Bali. It was nothing short of amazing, starting from the fact that I ever even attended it. Since moving to Singapore well over a year ago now, I have been attached, ATTACHED to my children. It all started with the transition to move here. My husband was gone and I was working full time watching two kids while living at my parents' house. My son was undone, absolutely undone by the changes. Reuniting with my husband in Singapore didn't do much to resolve his issues. Here in our new place, no family, no routine, and no comforts of home... he had me. No "I'm scared" or "I need you" was ever questioned. I did what I felt I had to do, I loved him with every ounce of my being and all of my patience and did all that I could to help restore his sense of security and self confidence. Every night I would tuck myself in next to him, scared to not be there if this was to be a night with a night terror. Shortly thereafter, our daughter caught on to this practice and she moved in to the bed with us a well. A tight nit group we became. Shortly thereafter, we decided that I would not to go back to a corporate job and I would instead focus on reestablishing my children into confident, happy, respectful children - oh, and to concentrate on my photography too!
So nearly a year later after our move, having barely left my children's side, the Bali workshop popped into my Facebook feed. My initial reaction was NO WAY I am going to be able to leave my children for two nights (it ended up being 4 nights!). But then Deb offered a free scholarship to the workshop and it got me thinking. It seemed like such a shame to move all the way to Singapore and then miss a once in a lifetime opportunity such a short distance away. I didn't win the scholarship, but by that time I was convinced. With my husband's support I went for it. We slowly transitioned my husband back into the kids bedtime routine and my course was set straight for Bali!
Not without tears, I left my kids for five days and four nights. Stepping out of my mom shell I ended up walking right into a new family - my photography family. Despite the miles that separate us now, we will always have a common bond not just in photography - but in the people we are and the beauty we see when we look through the lens. We shared a five day adventure in which we practiced Yoga together, were blessed by an ex-gigalo priest at a Balinese temple, and trekked the the rocky yet gorgeous waters of Uluwatu beach. Bali was the perfect setting to learn Deb's techniques and see her amazing water photography in action. I was even blessed to sit in as a model for which I received an AMAZING profile picture for my Facebook page.
The workshop was a revelation for a lot of us. My mind began to open and for the first time I began to see my true photography style right there in front of me. All it took was some juggling of some photographs, a few words from my friends, and some insight from Deb and there it was. I couldn't wait to get home and strengthen it. With renewed energy and spirit it seemed like the proverbial first day of the rest of my life moment.
Now I sit here today continuing my journey. Shortly after the workshop I drove by one of my favorite areas in Singapore and new and amazing idea came to mind. Tonight (please don't rain!) I will be photographing a lovely mom-to-be as part of a dream that has been dancing in my head since late August. Can't wait to share my dream with you! Before that, here a few of the photographs I took at our session on Uluwatu beach in Bali.
An overcast Sunday evening led to a family trip to the East Coast and an impromptu photography session. Looking at these photos now, the words don't quite come to me on how to describe the moments. It's almost more than just the moments, the pictures capture the time period of our lives. From my son decked out in his makeshift solder outfit (complete with a rifle gun made up from a collaboration of tape, duplo blocks, and a plastic golf club) to my smiling daughter giggling as she walks towards me - one pig tail dancing alongside her while the rest of her hair blows in the wind. Playing ballerina whiling scootering down the way. This is us, this is our life. My son running along, pants nearly falling down, my husband mocking him with his rifle in hand. All of this with the iconic ships of Singapore in our background. Yes, this is our life of now. Two toddlers trying to be bigger with every move and two parents clinging on to their (own!) youth. The photos told such a tale to me that must be in black and white, seemingly capturing the moment forever in time. I love photo session like these, letting everyone just be themselves.
I was so happy when this family agreed to do their family photo session out on the East Coast. There are so many beautiful locations and the light at sunset is just glowing - perfect for a first family photo. From flowers, grass, beach, boats, and the sunset there are so many possibilities for photographs. It is a perfect background to capture the beauty of a family like this one. Locations sessions, like this one, can be so much fun for the kids too. This little miss had a great time playing with mom and dad and seeing all there was to see ...
Singapore family photographerCarrie Cheng is a Singapore family photographer specializing in family photography, child photography, newborn photography, and maternity photography.
Singapore National Day practice wasn't going to stop us from this family photography session at Marina Barrage (one of my favorite places in Singapore!). We were able to get enough people to scoot over to get a few great shots in front of the Singapore Flyer and the Marina Bay skyline. Big brother was a professional, very happy to comply with all my sit here, give a hug, big smile, little smile ... Little sister wasn't as keen until we let her just be herself, which always makes for wonderful children photographs. I think the photo of the two of them running together might even be on my top 10 favorite photos I've taken. I love children in action!
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Sometimes it just takes one photograph. While there were plenty of good photographs of Sarah and her friends at her sixth birthday party, it is this photo of Sarah dreamingly staring at her shimmering birthday cake is what embodies the essence of this little girls princess party. Happy Sixth Birthday to Sarah! I hope the photographs captured the memories for a lifetime :)
Just over a week ago I was able to spend some time with baby Trika in my studio. Her family was mainly looking for some good shots of their cute little girl. Sounds easy enough? It was. We spent just over 30 minutes letting Trika crawl around, putting her in place, taking a picture, and repeating. In the end we had a full set of great photos of baby Trika (who is about to turn one!). She did her best to show her serious side, but we got some smiley, playful ones in there too.
When I edit photos, I always pick a few to put into black and white. Some photos just look better in black and white - the way it removes the focus from the surroundings and hones in on the subject and emotion of the photo. ALL of Trika's photos looked amazing in black and white. With her perfect skin and her big dark eyes that just shine when she looks into the camera, she just glows in black and white. It seriously made me gasp when I saw this photo below of her.
I've posted a few black and white and a few colors, I'll let you decide... Please feel free to leave a comment to let me know what you think!
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I can't begin to choose my favorite image from this family photo session with baby James and his parents. It was one of those photo shoots where I had in mind the various things I wanted to photograph in my mind, but when they stepped into the studio it all changed. Everything they did was so lovely, their natural interactions made them such beautiful and easy subjects.
It was a typical baby shoot - James took three breaks for milk :) It was just an ordinary day playing and snuggling with mom and dad for him. He was awake and happy most of the session and took one short nap for a few sleepy time photos and one amazing shot with mommy. With all the milk breaks we ran close to two hours, but all in all came away with 57 amazing photos. My favorites and a video follow:
{ please note the photo quality on the video is much lower than the final images }
I am so excited about this. This photo is an all time favorite of mine. It was taken a long, long time ago in Sonoma, California when I was still taking photography classes and planning my own wedding. I am in absolute love with the composition and flow as well as the emotion it evokes in me each time I see it. At the time I wasn't able to capture the perfect exposure, but with my new computer and today's editing software I have brought back the detail that has always been missing.
I've been playing around with the photo this morning, putting different finishing touches on it. I haven't decided which version I like best, although I have definitely decided it is going on canvas and hanging up somewhere in my house.
Which finish do you like best? Please comment or leave me a message on Facebook!
Need to see them larger? Watch the slideshow version.
Thrilled with the results of the hour or so family photography session with these three kiddos last week AND what a good time it was :) While big sister was the perfect model and loved her time in front of the lens, the other two had their own opinions about it. Big brother was in and out on whether he wanted pictures taken. As it turns out, the struggle he did put on made for some of the best photos and he came around enough to get some seriously amazing shots. It's funny how that works out. Cooperative or not, it is still possible to capture some great images. We ran up again little sis' nap time but still managed to get her in for a few and since I had some leftovers from a mini shoot I did of her alone just a few short months ago, I tucked those into the end of the slideshow too.
As I was going through the images a song came to me that seemed absolutely perfect for these three siblings. A long time favorite of mine, luckily I know the parents like country music :) Hope the images and song speak to them as they do to me...
There are definitely some perks to being a photographer. How about getting to go on your kids field trip and take pictures as part of your job? I'll take it!
We were off to the Jurong Bird Park for a fun day of learning, site seeing, tram rides, and the flying bird show. The kids had such a wonderful time, it was such an amazing experience watching and photographing the smiles and activity while on such an adventure. Unfortunately (for legal reasons) I can't post the pictures of the students from the school, but I can post the ones of my own kids! That's my Tucker with the camera in hand. Such a proud momma!
I had the opportunity to have baby Liam in my studio not too long ago with both his mother and big brother. Liam was the absolute angel and the photographs tell the tale... I only wish I had more time to dedicate to just him. We captured many timeless images of my favorite type of photo shoot, mother and child.
Big brother on the other hand (who turns out was coming down with a cold) was a bit tougher to convince. It goes to show you how easy it can be to get a few good photographs though. We pulled out all the props for big brother, the fire truck, movies, a selection of chairs - whatever his satisfaction could find. In the end we had a series of wonderful images of mom, baby Liam, and big brother.
I am very happy with the results of photo session. The images certainly tell a story. Decide for yourself:
I had the privilege of shooting three days of different activities at my kids' school for their new web-site and brochure. What fun it was to see (and capture) all the smiles and especially to see what goes on behind the scenes of my kids' school day! There were so many good pictures thanks to both the kids who stay focused on their work and play and the many kids who loved to jump in front of the camera and give me a big smile :)
While I can't post most of the pictures due to privacy reasons, there are a few detail shots I can share :) Enjoy!
It was just a dream having the opportunity to do a newborn photography session with baby Raymond in January. He was such an angel at only 4 days old. Made me start thinking again about having another one ... For now my newborn photography and baby photography will have to get me by :)
I did manage to find the time for a photography session with miss Mila, a classmate of my son. She is such a sweet and beautiful little girl and you can absolutely see it in the way she photographs!