Blog – Page 8 – STEPHEN G. TANG

Leslie + Vi: Los Angeles Arboretum Engagement

One of the not-so-hidden treasures on the east side of Los Angeles is the LA Arboretum and it feels great to getting back into my rhythm. The sheer variety of scenery takes you on a journey across several continents in a single visit. If the park is good enough for a Katy Perry music video, it’s good enough for me.

Admittedly, the days following this shoot were full of muscle ache accompanied by expletives. Even with regular exercise in the last year, indoor and out, I had simply forgotten what it’s like to walk for hours with an extra 20 pounds of pendulous weight on me. Funny, though. I don’t remember ever getting ripped from doing this regularly.

During the infamous year of 2020, I had a chance to revisit past works and brainstorm what an outdoor engagement session should be about. It all works out since we still have a lot of work left in curbing the spread of a certain headline-hogging virus.

Reflections on 2020 and the new year

For the most part, I’ve activated my inner hermit since April. Those who have met and hired me perhaps know I don’t usually care for excess in words or photos. However, keeping quiet this long (a personal record for me) can be mistaken for being out of the game. January was off to a strong start but we all know what came soon after. I’m thankful to my early clients as well as those who have rescheduled and booked me for next year as I know we’ve all had to put our plans and goals on hold in 2020.

Before this year, I was prone to expletives while balancing life and work during the wedding season, but I genuinely miss being in the middle of all the chaos that a wedding day can be and haven’t share that sentiment with anyone. I cursed the cost, equipment failures, and extra hours associated with shooting on film, but, damn, I love and miss the results. I’ve never been the biggest fan of taking traditional family photos, but I am humbled by how much it means to couples and their families (and have been informed so following an unexpected death). There were lots of great perks in the work I do that I can’t wait to experience once more.

The way things have been going in California and nationwide, I think it’s going to be slow for another half-year before it picks up. For now, I am keeping my gear warm (figuratively… heat’s bad for electronics) and hoping that we get through this pandemic soon. Stay safe and thank you for listening, reader.

Meaghan + Scott: Riviera Mansion Wedding

A drive Los Angeles up to Santa Barbara, this time for a wedding at the Riviera Mansion, always does tired bones some good (jesting lightly). In my mind, only California can pull off an outdoor dinner in the fall with such grace. This soiree forwent tradition and had a certain untraditional flair I am so very fond of. A groomsman looking for an excuse to go shirtless and juggle billiard balls, what’s not to love? Disposable film cameras for the guests to document the night beside me. Thinking back, fun little bits of personality remind me of past moments like when this couple voluntarily wrapped a python around their shoulders.

This series of wedding photos is long format! I sat on the gallery for a while since the completion of the final edit, unsure if I should just post a few highlights. I’m about photojournalism through and through, delivering to you the experience of being there, and I’ll definitely be doing more of that in future blog posts.

Continue reading “Meaghan + Scott: Riviera Mansion Wedding”