June 2020

Beach Themed Cake Smash

Family

The Luong Family held Sebastian’s beach themed cake smash / one year old family session at Dunes Beach in Half Moon Bay, thinking a location farther from San Francisco would prove to be more sunny to compliment their surf and beach themed photoshoot! I photographed Sara and Tat’s Maternity Shoot at Land’s End about a year ago, so I was excited to help document another important part of their lives together. Sara previously sent me a bunch of sample décor photos showing an interest in a surf and beach themed photo shoot, going all out buying appropriate props and completing the set up with her own surfboard. It was a gorgeous sunset at the beach and the more unknown Half Moon Bay beach allowed us to avoid big crowds and to enjoy the scenery mostly all to ourselves. It is always nice when families coordinate clothing, and the Luong Family dressed up in perfect attire for the shoot depicting California beach weather. Sebastian was his typical happy self, smiling and giggling as the balloons waved in the air and also tracking his mom’s enthusiastic attention-grabbing motions behind the camera. Tat and Sara are one of my closest friends and it is always an honor to document their life events, being able to witness the ups and downs and “riding the waves” of parenthood along with them.  Cake smashes are 50 / 50 as to whether the kid will even touch the cake, but fortunately Sebastian is a very curious child and from his enthusiasm, tearing into the cake proved he enjoys making a mess! This beach themed cake smash was the perfect mixture of their personalities and it was great seeing Sebastian’s joy as his feet touched the sand. Congrats on year one down you guys! If these early days are any indication of whats to come, you guys are going to be just fine! Interested In More Information? Please Fill Out the Form Below! 415 756 9335  ianchinphotography@gmail.com

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Fort Mason Engagement Shoot

Engagements

Fort Mason Engagement Shoot Jordan and Jenny wanted to have a personal take on their Fort Mason engagement shoot, as Jordan brought his guitar as a prop to also signify a connection to their relationship. The did end up making quick stops at Potrero Hill and Market Street for the Cable Cars, but they knew they wanted to spend the most time at the Great Meadow Park at Fort Mason since they spent a lot of dating time there as well. When Jordan was courting Jenny, they would spend time jamming together and spending many nights centered around their love for music. Always smiling, the two were equally as comfortable playing the guitar together in front of the camera as they were at their homes like they did many times before. They chose to start off at Fort Mason for its personal connection to them and the City, then proceeded to look for a cable car to hop on around Ghirardelli Square for some cute photos to represent their love for San Francisco.  I love it when Couples incorporate props and personalize their photo shoots, instead of solely choosing a location because of its scenery. Admittedly, Fort Mason is not a popular location for an engagement shoot, (see the most popular locations here) but their personal attachment to it helped make this shoot more special. Regardless of the setting, the personalization of the prop ideas helps brings more focus to the couples and their love for each other. Ultimately, I try to highlight the relationship of my couples, regardless of where they are because at the end of the day, that is all that matters. Congratulations Jordan and Jenny and thank you letting me capture your beautiful and unique relationship at your Fort Mason engagement shoot.  Interested In More Information? Please Fill Out the Form Below! 415 756 9335  ianchinphotography@gmail.com 762 10th Ave San Francisco, CA 94118

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V Sattui Winery Engagement Shoot

Engagements /

V Sattui Winery Engagement Shoot Loren and Chrishantha chose to have a V Sattui Winery engagement shoot in Saint Helena because they love their wine, but also because of its picturesque settings around the venue. V. Sattui is actually one of my favorite wineries to visit not only because it is such a beautiful venue, but also their picnic tables and delicious lunch provide the best outdoor setting to enjoy the Napa Valley weather. In addition to satisfying my stomach, it also offers many different photography settings. The terrace, cobbled stone grounds, and access to the barrel filled cellar are all nice escapes from the traditional grape and leaf expected photos at a winery. I have been lucky enough to photograph at V. Sattui Winery for other occasions but this was the first time we had the place all to ourselves, which is a rare occurrence given how popular it is. Then again, arriving in the morning definitely helps with this! If you are going to have a V Sattui Winery engagement shoot it is best to arrive right as it opens to take full advantage of this beautiful wedding setting. Combined with the typical great Napa Valley weather, it was easy to accent the fall colors of the season with the early morning glow to help highlight the couple and their affection for each other. It was great roaming around the grounds and we took full advantage of the fact that we had the place to ourselves, shooting at most of the scenic spots of the place. They were in such high spirits despite the early morning, and you could tell that they were meant for each other and loved being together. Interested In More Information? Please Fill Out the Form Below! 415 756 9335  ianchinphotography@gmail.com 762 10th Ave San Francisco, CA 94118

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Santana Row Engagement Shoot

Engagements /

This San Jose Santana Row engagement shoot was one of the more intriguing and interesting shoots for me because we were shooting in a shopping area not commonly used for photography! To me, the location isn’t that important since your connection, relationship, and having fun is what I care about! The location certainly helps add some personality to the images, so I was excited to see so many different backdrops and color for these photos! Being a San Francisco native, most of the locations I recommend in the Best Engagement Shoot Locations are around there, so it was great to add a new location in the South Bay with this neighborhood. For anyone who lives around San Jose, you have inevitably walked around Santana Row. The shops, food, and shops(!) all cater to more or less any and everyone. We planned our shoot for a weekday to avoid the massive crowds that can gather in this popular shopping district, which was a great idea to avoid having to wait too long for people to walk by. With any urban engagement shoot, I like to walk around and simply see what I see! There is no real planning, so the hunt for light, composition, and background is a bit of a gamble. Fortunately, havving these two lovebirds with me made it that much more fun and exciting chasing the above. As you will see, there were opportunites for both abstract geometric walls (thanks random loading dock) as well as colorful walls that I’m sure can be found on any Santana Row hashtag. Colorful walls and natural laughs are always a great combination. And every once in a while I will go for the more abstract stoic look, as you will see on the first photo of this Santana Row engagement shoot 🙂 Interested In More Information? Please Fill Out the Form Below! 415 756 9335  ianchinphotography@gmail.com 762 10th Ave San Francisco, CA 94118

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Log Cabin Engagement Shoot with a yellow arrow and silhouettes of two men laughing

Log Cabin Presidio Engagement Shoot

Engagements /

Log Cabin Presidio Engagement Shoot Art and Will held their Log Cabin Presidio engagement shoot on a sunny day in San Francisco, the same location they will eventually hold their wedding day. Their actual plan is to elope in Costa Rica and have a local wedding reception with their family and friends to celebrate. They chose the Log Cabin for its convenience and style but also for its dual scenic views of both the Golden Gate Bridge on one side and a panoramic view of San Francisco on the other side, which we definitely took advantage of! It has been years since I have last visited the Log Cabin, which is tucked around in the Presidio area of San Francisco. I doubt most San Franciscans even know of it…I only know about it because I used to play soccer with my sister at the adjacent field but also because of its proximity to Fort Scott, which provides a more unfamiliar view of the Golden Gate Bridge straight on. I was instantly drawn to the patio roofing illuminated yellow by the sun, and it provided an unexpected pop of color amongst the Earth tones of The Log Cabin and its surrounding vegetation. Though their initial email “Informed” me that they were an older couple and wanted simple photos, I could never just take “simple” photos for my Couples…sorry! In addition to clean portraits I always want to give my Couples unique and creative images that help separate their images. I try not to be basic, and hope that if you are reading this you don’t settle for that either!!! 🙂 I’ve been fortunate to have won numerous awards because I always strive to give both meaningful and creatively fun images regardless of situation. Thank you Art and Will for allowing me to capture your beautiful relationship with this Log Cabin Presidio engagement shoot and I’m looking forward to seeing you again as a married Couple! Interested In More Information? Please Fill Out the Form Below! 415 756 9335  ianchinphotography@gmail.com 762 10th Ave San Francisco, CA 94118

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Studio 333 Wedding

Wedding

Studio 333 Wedding Amanda and Nick held their Studio 333 wedding in Sausalito, choosing this wedding venue to best showcase their styles. Studio 333 is a fine art and event gallery located by the Bay on the northern side of the Golden Gate Bridge. Surrounded by about 70 of their closest friends and family, they appreciated the quirky artwork at the venue to give it a contemporary feel, and a garden for their outdoor ceremony. Located next to a park, Nick and his groomsmen were able to hang out a bit before the ceremony as makeup and hair were running late, which allowed me to get a better feel for his personality and character with his best buds. I quickly realized he is this happy-go-lucky mellow guy who gifted his groomsmen this mini power tool and flashlight all in one, an early introduction of how silly he is. Forgoing an engagement shoot, the wedding day was the first real exposure to the couple, and I quickly realized how carefree they were with each other, and about being “married” in general. It wasn’t a huge deal for them, and they wanted their Studio 333 wedding day to reflect it as well.  One of my favorite photos of Melissa is of her holding a PBR and a lit cigarette in the other, and of Nick giving a personalized thank you to his best man. They are real authentic depictions of their personalities, and I definitely savor every little nuance I can capture for my Couples. I always try to tell your wedding story as accurately as I can, and I love it when people are unaware of my presence and not holding back. It’s your wedding and your story…you do you 🙂 The best thing about this Studio 333 wedding is the fact that they did everything that fit their personalities. This little union reminds me of when people elope and how they make the day more intentional. If you want to read up on what I mean, take a look at these Reasons to Elope that I have learned over time. Interested In More Information? Please Fill Out the Form Below! 415 756 9335  ianchinphotography@gmail.com 762 10th Ave San Francisco, CA 94118

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Kennedy Grove Maternity Shoot

Family, Maternity

Ashley and Roy’s Kennedy Grove Park maternity and family shoot in El Sobrante was a wonderful celebration for their upcoming third daughter. Conveniently located a few minutes from their home, I started with portraits focusing on Ashley and her belly by herself, and then halfway through the rest of the family joined in the session. It is always nice getting away from the City for an outdoor shoot where the weather is a little more predictable. The pretty afternoon sun breathed life into their family photos as the back lighting helped add to Ashley’s pregnancy glow. And with a third girl on its way, the personalities of the two sisters definitely were on display for the entire shoot. 🙂 It is always fun to see the different personalities when it comes to sisters and brothers of various ages. This family shoot was no exception, as the oldest child was more reserved and timid, and the youngest was more out going. It will be interesting to see how the third daughter will be influenced by both personalities of her older sisters growing up – perhaps she will be a nice compliment of both of them? I guess we will soon find out! As you can tell from the natural laughs and loving dynamics of this family, regardless of what personality she has she will fit right in just fine. Thank you Ashley and Roy for allowing me to capture this great moment in your lives with this Kennedy Grove Maternity shoot! If interested in checking out other Maternity photos, check out my Family and Maternity pag Interested In More Information? Please Fill Out the Form Below! 415 756 9335  ianchinphotography@gmail.com 762 10th Ave San Francisco, CA 94118

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Mission Blue Center Wedding

Wedding

Mission Blue Center Wedding This Mission Blue Center Wedding brought together a great group of friends and family for a very fun and emotional wedding day. As you will tell from the images below, the wedding day started out with a nice touching outdoor ceremony, and concluded with a lot of laughs, wild dancing, and friendly servings of liquor and good food! When Kelly and Carlos mentioned their wedding venue, I had never heard of the Mission Blue Center, and was eager to add it to my list of wedding venues around the San Francisco Bay Area. There are so many awesome wedding venues around California, and I feel this particular venue is a hidden gem located in Brisbane, a small suburb right outside San Francisco. The rustic look of the reception hall coupled with the views of the San Bruno hills offer engaged Couples a scenic and low key location for their big celebration. This was a very family and community oriented celebration, with numerous people from both sides of the family encouraging and welcoming me to eat and drink with them. After taking a shot with the newlyweds, Carlos reiterated that I was more than welcome to enjoy the many drinks and food that they had to join in the festivities. With 8 different cakes and pies, and enough alcohol to serve 300 people, this Mission Blue Center wedding had all signs of a grand celebration…and they did not disappoint! Interested In More Information? Please Fill Out the Form Below! 415 756 9335  ianchinphotography@gmail.com

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Port Costa Engagement Shoot

Engagements

Carly and Ronald held their Port Costa engagement shoot on a gorgeous day in the summer. They chose Port Costa, a small town a few miles from Crockett, California, because it held special meaning to them during their dating lives. Situated by San Pablo Bay, Carly and Ronald would spend hours upon hours in the evening by the water’s edge, talking into the early morning getting to know each other. This isolated area allowed them to be together in silence and solitude and not be distracted by outside noises even during the day. I always love photographing at unique and personal locations even if its not the most scenic because it allows me to break out of any potential bubble photographing the same photos out of familiarity with the location. After spending some time by the water’s edge, incorporating their favorite bench and showing off the sunset, we drove a short distance to another of their favorite locations, overlooking the city and Alfred Zampa Bridge. By the time we got there the sun had already set, but that did not deter us as we got some amazing dusk colors for some evening portraits. It was great coming back to Crockett, a city that most people would drive by since it is right by the Carquinez Bridge and is the last exit before going onto the bridge. It is always a treat coming back to Crockett because that is where I photographed Anna and Brian’s wedding at the Old Homestead House a few years ago. They chose that location since the Zampa Family has been there for generations (the bridge is named after Anna’s great grandfather!) Thanks again for having me capture your Porta Costa engagement shoot, Carly and Ronald, and for sharing your secret spot with me! 😀 Interested In More Information? Please Fill Out the Form Below! 415 756 9335  ianchinphotography@gmail.com 762 10th Ave San Francisco, CA 94118

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Riggers Loft Wedding

Wedding

Riggers Loft Wedding Maly and Vet held a Riggers Loft wedding in Richmond, California, choosing this winery setting for its rustic look, open space (enough to host two different ceremonies), and great location overlooking San Francisco. Originally, they intended on having 200 people, but it ballooned to an additional 100+ because of the many friends and family that were added within the last few months leading up to the wedding! Needless to say, the extra people made the festivities that much more lively and added to the party atmosphere that occurred later that evening. But first…a little background 🙂 It was my first Lao wedding (and Riggers Loft wedding) and I was excited to be introduced to the new traditions that are specific to Lao culture. One of the more entertaining things about this celebration was the gathering and drinking of Lao Lao, a popular (and strong!) drink used to celebrate special occasions, by mostly the aunts and uncles. I took one sip when offered by one of the Aunties, and it was a strong yet sweet alcoholic mix! I can see why it is popular! 😀  Blending their cultures and lives together, they wanted to have an American ceremony as well as a Lao ceremony. having the American portion first outdoors then immediately going inside to hold the Lao one. I have been exposed to similar back-to-back ceremonies before and it is always great when Couples are able to acknowledge their roots in their own preferred ways. One of the more interesting moments of the Lao ceremony involved a wrist tying tradition in which family and friends would tie a simple knot around the Bride and Grooms’ wrists while giving them a personal blessing and marriage advice. During this portion, I was touched to see the symbolism of unity from both sides of the Bride and Groom whereas they remained in physical contact to them with a gentle hand on the shoulder or a subtle touch of the elbow. It was a very impressionable part of the day that I really noticed and respected. Riggers Loft weddings allow couples to bring their own drinks into the venue, but despite bringing an excessive amount of beer and alcohol in relation to the attendance, the guests ended up drinking through all their wine, alcohol, and half of the beer! Needless to say, their friends and family enjoyed themselves and, as you can tell in the photos, provided some amazing photo opportunities that they may or may not regret! 😀 It was an amazing opportunity to experience this new culture and hang out with this fun and rowdy group! Venue : Riggers Loft Florist : Sunbeam Arcilla Hair : Lynn Do Interested In More Information? Please Fill Out the Form Below! 415 756 9335  ianchinphotography@gmail.com 762 10th Ave San Francisco, CA 94118

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