Inspirations and so forth….
I don’t really know what inspired me to really shoot. My dad had one of those older Minolta’s that were not digital. He was into photography as well and I just never wanted to pay attention. I feel bad because looking at it, my dad’s hobby rubbed off to his own daughter. He just didn’t know composition. He liked taking photos and I don’t blame him. It’s very deep just shooting. After using his Minolta SLR, I fell in love and knew I wanted to shoot. I decided to start my photography in 2009. I don’t know why I randomly chose that year but I just felt good starting within that year, but it didn’t mean that it was an easy step to start shooting. I felt lost a month after I started. I had so many questions that popped from my head that I clearly did not know any answers too. I simply was stuck until I met a co-worker, her name was Jenny.
Her day job was a trainer at my previous job. She taught an email etiquette class and I happen to take her class. Let’s cut to the chase……………..We had homework, and it was to email her a carbon copy of our email. So I did and wrote about photography. She approached me the next time with an email about a group that started at the company. I was amazed and a sense of relief did brush off my shoulders. She mentored women all ages and we all were using different cameras. Some even with point and shoots, which amazed me. Knowing that, I knew I can make photography even without the expensive thousand dollar camera. It made me relieved that I had someone to go to.
Here is a picture of my first and foremost mentor. Jenny W.
Click on her picture below to be linked to her photography page!
Photo by Me!

After being inspired by Jenny, I reached out to Teng Xiong. I simply found him because I remember I gave him “free” Avril Lavigne tickets. I asked him for some advice and he presented the advice well. He became a great mentor.He taught me a lot of lighting techniques and I hope my techniques have worked. Honestly, his first time mentoring me and a few other people, it was very intimidating. Of course, I do feel intimidated in front of a lot of photographers. lmao. Below is a photo I love because of the lighting. It stands out and I think it represents Teng well. Thanks Teng!
Click on the picture below to go to his website!
Photo by: Teng Xiong

A reason why I chose this next person is because he’s given me words of wisdom. I still carry it. His photography is genuine and I think that his career will last for the long run. He is Mr. Andrew L. Xiong. I’m very inspired that another Xiong is a great photographer as Andrew and Teng. I believe he’ll do great! By the way, he’s opening up a shop on University. He does great in graphic designing as well and in the works of getting me an official logo! Thanks Andrew! Below is a photo I feel represents of him as to what I remember first seeing. It’s beautiful and flawless!
Click on the picture to be directed to his FB.
Or here’s the link to his website.. http://www.createdbyfis.com
Photo By: Andrew L. Xiong

This next person gave me my first big assignment, to go and shoot for Kindbeats as he goes on vacay! lol. I am not saying it’s a bad thing, I’m just saying that I am glad he trusted a stranger like me to go and shoot. Even though I didn’t do a good job, I felt as if it was a great experience. I think I am willing to take another challenge, just as long as he is willing to know, I do screw up once in a while. It was a great honor to shoot for him. I think I’ll make him give another chance. It’s Victori Vu. Here’s an image I took from him that I loved!
It’s from Kindbeats’ event United during the j4th. Awesome isn’t it?! Clicking on it will lead to his website.
Photo By: Victori Vu

This next person, I would have to say that she is really artistic. Her photography gave me an insight of what how art can “speak.” It’s amazing what she does with her photography. I’m truly inspired because her photography puts me in awe. Let me just say that it puts my view of photography in a different perspective. I love what she brings and she does bring it! This person I’m talking about is Taylor Thia Xiong.
Below is a picture of somethings in her “room” album. I love the vintage look and she definitely captured it. By the way, can you believe it? Another Xiong? LoL. Just had to point it out! :P Click on the picture to be directed to her tumblr blog.
Photo by Taylor Thia Xiong

Last but not least, Mr. Fong Cha. Inspiration words, pictures and ideas. He gives all the great details and words that you know that you should follow. You know how I talked about intimidation when I was shooting in front of Teng, well Fong told me that photography shouldn’t be looked as competition but as inspiration. Something along those lines. LoL. It’s great words to follow, and yes, I will follow it. I am amazed by his work with food. The natural lighting he uses is what reminds me of what I love, natural lighting! Below is a picture of an amazing photo that I just love from Fong Cha, or FOCHA.
Clicking on picture will link you to his site! :)
Photo by FOCHA

Final say…………..
Thanks for taking your time to read this long portion. I want to say is that if you are not in my blog, doesn’t mean you haven’t inspired me. It means that I’ve only chose a few to not clutter up my blog. Maybe you’ll see yourself in my blog next time….Thanks for reading! :D