Luly Yang Couture Runway Show 20/20

The most anticipated fashion show of the year finally arrived this past Friday evening. I made sure to get plenty of rest the night before, as I had a long day of shooting ahead of me.

The afternoon started with hair and make-up by the Gene Juarez artistic team for clients and models. There was a bit of backstage frenzy with the eyeshadow layering, lashes coated with mascara, and hair being teased and doused with hairspray. But I happen to love the sheer madness of it all!

The lovely Luly and Gene Juarez himself arrived to oversee the chaos. She with her tiny frame heightened in a pair of 5-inch platforms, and he with his genial smile and hearty handshake. And as the guests started to arrive, my heart beat just a little bit faster for the anticipation of the pending runway bliss.

As the show began, the room darkened and the spotlights shone bright. My heart was pounding with the beat of the music, which aligned perfectly to each step of the models' feet. It was brilliant, with each click of my shutter, every high-heeled couture step of the way.



Finale piece, worn by my favorite model, Heather.

Chicago and Cleveland

Phase two of my fall travels took me to the midwest - Illinois and Ohio! two states I have never ventured to before, but I was delighted to explore these new regions.

I was enchanted by chicago's unique architecture and expansive skyline. And a bicycle ride along Lake Michigan's coastline brought me to a state of elation and euphoria.

Seahawks!

My first Seahawks game came finally on a Sunday afternoon this fall. I have wanted to go to a game for so long that I was beyond excited for this day. And who would've thought that I would be so lucky as to receive comped SUITE tickets from the Qwest Field event staff? the catered food was decadent, the crowd was roaring, the Blue Thunder rocked the stadium, the Seahawks beat the Rams by a landslide, and the sun came out through the overcast skies.

Spoiled, indeed!

Orange County

As of late, I have been lucky enough to be a destination photographer, jet-setting all over the country. Half of my time is spent working, while the other half is exploring and relaxing. Here are some scenic photos from a recent trip in Orange County, CA.

Laguna Beach




Huntington Beach

Fashion Season

What can I say? I love fashion. I love fashion photography. I love fashion season!

It's the time of year when fashion weeks monopolize the days on my calendar. Photographing the runway shows is what I live for. No matter what designer or which boutique, there's always an adrenaline rush that takes over my body as each model struts down the runway in the latest designs. I can't even begin to describe my excitement. I can only tell you that it rocks my world.

Fashion First 2008


Nordstrom Designer Preview 2008 - Seattle


Nordstrom Designer Preview 2008 - Portland

Freestyle Session 2008

I attended one of the biggest breakdancing battles over the past weekend, with some of the best bboys, bgirls, and dj's from around the world. The rooms were filled with raw talent. So inspiring were the dancers that I would love to train to dance like them if I had the time. Alas, I am spread so thin as it is! It can only be a means of goofing around with friends and cardio exercise when I do make it out on the dance floor.

The highlight of the two-day event was watching Seattle's own 6-year old Jaylen battle another youngster of 7 years. It'll be amazing to see how talented they later become when they're all grown up. The Jabbawokeez (winner of America's Best Dance Crew) also performed a 20 minute show, and they blew me away with the eeriness of their masks and stylized choreography.


Tim Chips at Freestyle Session

Weekend of Celebrities

I love my job. I love meeting great people with great minds and great talent. These are the interesting people I had the pleasure of photographing this weekend:

Saturday afternoon with Nordstrom Designer Trina Turk, who majored in apparel design at UW and now resides in Los Angeles. Saturday evening at the Auction of Washington Wines with Drew Carey and another UW alum, Kyle Mclachlan. I have watched both actor and comedian on many many tv shows. They both happily obliged when I asked each to have a photo taken with them.

Sunday at the Children's Golf Classic pairings party with local celeb Steve Pool, Komo 4's weather newscaster. A man who never ceases to warm my heart with his easy smile. And entertainment that evening was The Soup's Joel Mchale, who grew up on Mercer Island. Funny guy and friendly personality!

Today's Children's Golf Tournament concluded the weekend with Jim Sinegal, CEO of Costco. He is now my favorite role model, for the way Costco does business, for all that the Sinegals do for the community, and because Jim is a very sweet man who made me smile all day.