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Sarah K Chen Photography Blog bio picture

Welcome to my Blog!

If I love doing something, there’s nothing in the world that will stop me from doing it. Case in point: I grew up drawing on the walls of my house, much to the chagrin of my parents, who had to repaint the interior before they could sell it. Though I no longer use crayons to express myself, I still have that passion today for creating beautiful images.

 

I now use a camera to capture what would otherwise be fleeting moments between two people sharing in the excitement of beginning a new life together. There is little else that can evoke such strong emotion and bring back cherished memories as a well-composed photo, and I aim to capture just that with each one I take. I want my images to hold a special place in your heart for years to come.

 

I feel honored to be present at such a significant time in my clients’ lives and hope you’ll invite me to become part of yours, too.

Ellie as Dorothy

Wednesday, January 25, 2012 Posted in film, personal, portraits

She had never seen The Wizard of Oz, but she fell in love with the little fuzzy dog in a basket when we were out shopping for a potential Halloween costume for Ellie. From there we found her a wig that she adored in the store and a costume was born. I didn’t really like any of the Dorothy costumes they had so I decided to make one for her. Me, the photographer who never sews anything. The only article of clothing I’d ever sewn was in college. I made a single pair of pajama pants from a pattern and thought the pattern was for left leg/right leg rather than front/back and ended up with a pair of pj pants with one skinny leg and one wide leg. But really, how hard can a little dress be, right? I have to say that I love how it turned out even though it was far from perfect. I kind of made it up as I went along, made some mistakes and then learned to fudge it a bit to make it work. The wig that Ellie adored in the store was never to be worn again. Apparently, she only loved the wig inside the store. Everywhere else, she refused to wear it. That’s ok, she still looked cute without it!

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by Sarah K Chen

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January 25, 2012 - 5:33 pm jenny - you're amazing buddy~ that you just whipped this costume up out of thin air. creativity just runs through everything you do. ellie was the cutest dorothy ever~!!!

The Self Proclaimed Tomboy : Boudoir

Tuesday, January 24, 2012 Posted in boudoir, film, orange county

She inquired about doing a boudoir session, but was nervous about it. She said in her initial email that she’s more the athletic type who’s more comfortable in sports bras than corsets, but she booked anyways and check out how hot she is!  Thank you for allowing me to share these images!


Seriously, I need to book more tomboys!

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by Sarah K Chen

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A Lazy Weekend with Your Love : Jen and Rodney’s Couples Boudoir

Monday, January 23, 2012 Posted in boudoir, film, orange county

I’ve always wanted to shoot a couples boudoir session, but not in the traditional overtly sexy way. I liked the idea of shooting something cozy and intimate, like the perfect lazy weekend afternoon spent in bed with your love.  Now doesn’t that sound romantic? I love shooting these two so so much. The love that they share is enviable and so much fun for me to photograph.  I just adore this session we did…any couples up for something like this? As a soon to be Mommy of two, I would say this would be a great session to do as a couple before babies come into play. It would make a great way to remember who the two of you were together before you became “Mommy” and “Daddy.”

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by Sarah K Chen

4 comments

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January 23, 2012 - 4:14 pm therese - so hot!

January 23, 2012 - 5:01 pm Hannah Suh - What a fantastic session! Seriously, I am loving this, it's just gorgeous.

January 23, 2012 - 5:04 pm Linda - Jen looks hot in these! Love how the room photographs too. That headboard was clearly a business expense :-) Gorgeous as usual!

January 25, 2012 - 10:10 am jen - YAY! Love them!! :)

Orange County Family Portraits : The Andrews

Wednesday, January 11, 2012 Posted in family portraits, film, orange county

It’s always so fun for me to photograph families again and again. I photographed this gorgeous little girl as a newborn and was so amazed to see how much Sydney had grown since that time! I also really love being able to capture the love between parents and child. There’s just something so special and magical there. It’s hard to explain, but you can just feel it when you’re there witnessing it. There’s just no other type of love than that between parent and child. I know that Rachel, Dan and Sydney are going to cherish these images for years and years to come and that makes me feel so blessed to be able to do what I do.

This heart breaking post has been circulating on Facebook, but I wanted to share this here as well as I feel it’s so important. And I say this as a Mom. My family has had five family members pass this past year and it just makes you so appreciative of the short time we have here on earth. What is even more difficult to comprehend is the loss of a young life. A young Mom (I didn’t personally know her, but she was good friends with quite a few of my Mommy friends) passed recently leaving behind a young son. I’ve been praying for that little boy day and night. I can not imagine having your whole world taken away from you. It’s hard enough dealing with life and death as an adult, so I can not imagine a child having to go through it with his own Mother. My heart broke as I read about her son crying for his Mama at her memorial service and I can’t help but wish I’d known her so that I could have photographed her family. If you could, please send a prayer to this family and for that little boy.

 

 

 

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by Sarah K Chen

3 comments

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January 11, 2012 - 6:57 pm Jessica - The image of the little one squeezing her Dad's face is tugging my heart. This is such a bittersweet post, Sarah.

January 17, 2012 - 11:25 pm Amelia Rhea - Precious little girl. These are so well captured.

January 22, 2012 - 12:01 pm lane dittoe - love that B+W where she's looking upward :)

Stay Cuddly

Tuesday, January 10, 2012 Posted in boudoir, film, orange county

We don’t get much in regards to seasons here in Orange County. I was going to say that I hope you all are staying warm this winter, but it’s been 70-75 degrees lately so that doesn’t really make much sense. How about I leave it at:

I hope you all stay cuddly this season!

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by Sarah K Chen

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Sherri & Patrick’s Day After Session at LA Arboretum

Thursday, December 8, 2011 Posted in day after session, film, los angeles

I know I’ve been a bad blogger lately, but I’ve been so busy. Doing what, you ask? Oh, you know, growing a baby in my belly (just 10 weeks to go!). I will whole heartedly admit that this pregnancy has been kicking my butt. Hard. I’ve been working like mad on all the weddings/albums/shoots/editing in the hopes of having everything done before Christmas before the baby comes. I’ve traveled up north to both Sacramento and San Jose to visit my new twin nieces and to see my parents over Thanksgiving. I’ve also been trying to keep active with Ellie’s school and classroom activities now that she’s in preschool and volunteering when I can. And I’ve been spending as much time with Ellie as possible knowing her world as she knows it is going to be rocked once baby #2 makes her appearance.

Speaking of which, we’ve got 10 weeks to go and still no baby name! At this point I think I may just tell everyone what her name is once she’s born. She’s already getting hubby’s last name and I’m the one carrying and birthing her so… yeah, might just have to pull out that card when the time comes. ;) But with the way this little one is wildly flailing inside my belly, I may just name her Chuck Norris. And although I’ve started an inspiration board on Pinterest for baby #2′s nursery /shared guestroom that’s as far as I’ve gotten with prepping for her arrival…an inspiration board. Yikes!

It’d been so long since I’ve blogged that it was kind of easy to just stay silent, but here I am with something beautiful to share with you all. It was my first time shooting at the LA Arboretum and I have to say, it’s gorgeous there. These images evoke a fairytale likeness to me that I so very love.

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by Sarah K Chen

7 comments

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December 9, 2011 - 9:54 pm Sarah K Chen - love love love this couple!

December 12, 2011 - 10:59 pm Sarah K Chen - Love the pink blossoms! Gives the pictures a pop of color.

December 13, 2011 - 10:03 am Sherri - Love this session!!

December 14, 2011 - 11:29 am Jenny - So beautiful!!

December 20, 2011 - 12:55 pm Marc - Beautiful! I love the shot of them sitting on the ground! =)

December 29, 2011 - 8:34 pm Leila - Stunning! Sarah i love your work! I would love for you to shoot my wedding. i sent you an email with details. I look forward to hearing from you.

January 3, 2012 - 10:15 pm Amber Wood - love the photos, of course ;) and love that you have an inspiration board for baby girl #2! you know, poor Logan is in Luke's old nursery... and it still says LUCAS on the wall and has Luke's newborn photos displayed, ahaha. I hope you accomplish more than I have ;) i love following your work, Sarah, and can't wait to see photos of your newest bundle of joy coming soon. take care and hope the pregnancy gets easier for you!

A Surprise for Ellie

Tuesday, October 11, 2011 Posted in personal

 

:) SURPRISE!  For those of you who don’t follow me on Facebook. I thought I’d share our little surprise!

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by Sarah K Chen

19 comments

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October 12, 2011 - 1:13 am Ruth - Congratulations! It brought a smile to my face. Such a sweet way of letting Ellie know about baby 2!

October 12, 2011 - 3:04 am Kat Forsyth - Omigosh, congratulations! I have been following your blog for so long that I remember when you announced you were having Ellie! xoxo

October 12, 2011 - 6:30 am Jade - Hi Sarah - I'm not usually a commenter, but I just have to say that this is adorable!! and congratulations! We have an almost 2 year old and this age is just too cute. The shot of Ellie laying on the bed with her feet up and the balloons was just too much :)

October 12, 2011 - 8:05 am KB - This is just ridiculously cute. Congratulations to you and your family!

October 12, 2011 - 8:47 am Kimberly Chau - Congratulations, Sarah! That's exciting news and Ellie looks so adorable in that video! And what a great way to surprise her! :D

October 12, 2011 - 10:55 am Jackie G - What a great surprise for Ellie! I loved the video. Congrats on baby #2! :D

October 12, 2011 - 12:39 pm Jackie - congratulations! and this video was so adorable!

October 12, 2011 - 1:46 pm Celestial - I've never commented here, though I've been following your photography for a long time now. Anyhow I had to post because you're due on my birthday! And also (and far more importantly) to say congratulations =)

October 12, 2011 - 1:51 pm Jessica - OMG, not only was this a sweet way to reveal your surprise but a wonderful little reminder of the joy that a little one can bring. Congrats to you and your growing family! :)

October 12, 2011 - 9:52 pm Cathleya - Congratulations to your whole family, Sarah! And to think, Ellie was just a pea in the pod the last time we met...it's been too long! I can't wait to read about the next chapter in your lives! xx

October 13, 2011 - 9:04 am Victoria Liu - Wow, why are my eyes brimming with tears?! This totally made my day! I'm so happy for you, Sarah.. Congratulations! <3

October 13, 2011 - 5:41 pm Catherine Leo - OMG! Congrats Sarah! Watching this made me want to jump around with Ellie!

October 13, 2011 - 10:06 pm Amber Wood - that's SUPER cute, Sarah! I'm so excited for you and your family, another girl to love on, awww <3

October 13, 2011 - 10:07 pm sooji - congratulations!! i have been a long time follower and am so thrilled for you and your family! :D

October 13, 2011 - 11:46 pm Amelia Rhea - Oh man... I feel all choked up. Congratulations and prayers be with you and your family in the anticipation of the new addition.

October 14, 2011 - 10:39 am Júnior Reis - Here is nice, a pleasure to come, and come back again and again.

October 18, 2011 - 9:50 pm Deidra Wilson - This is so adorable!

October 20, 2011 - 8:26 pm Lan - congratulations sarah!!!! =)

October 21, 2011 - 2:36 pm Trevor Dean - This is actually my first ever visit to your site... and this was the first thing I saw :) brought such a huge smile to my face! I have a 2 1/2 year old who will hopefully soon get the same surprise so it was super close to my heart :)

Montira & Chat’s Santa Monica Engagement Session

Thursday, October 6, 2011 Posted in engagement, film, los angeles

You probably recognize this beautiful couple since I recently posted their engagement session at Condor’s Nest Ranch. Prior to even seeing their images from their first session with me, they booked another and I’m so glad they did!  Montira wore her wedding gown this time and looked so beautiful. I was a little worried about how the lighting would be inside the lobby of the Viceroy as it can be pretty dark, but it was soft and romantic and looked great on film. The two of them glowed in the backlit window images which makes them look so dreamy. Afterwards, we hit up the beach and Santa Monica Pier to capture some casual and fun images as the light turned golden and yummy.

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by Sarah K Chen

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October 12, 2011 - 8:12 pm Frank - Were all of these photos shot on film? Do you primarily use the Contax 645? I am thinking of taking the plunge and shooting primarily film. I am very interested in the Contax 645, how do you like it?

October 12, 2011 - 8:13 pm Frank - By the way, I meant to say that these photographs are gorgeous. I love the clean look of them.

October 13, 2011 - 7:25 pm Sarah K Chen - Hi Frank! The hotel shots were on 35mm on a Canon 1v. A few of the beach shots were shot digitally. I shoot both MF and 35mm. I just love the look of film. :)

Sophia & Aaron’s Silver Creek Valley Country Club Wedding

Monday, September 19, 2011 Posted in bay area, destination wedding, film, weddings

I hope you all are ready for some pretty! Sophia and Aaron’s wedding was a day filled with much love and gorgeous details. So much so that I had a really, really difficult time culling through this wedding. I wanted to include it all!  Jen and I traveled to the Bay Area for this wedding and captured some really beautiful and heart felt images that I hope you all love as much as I do.


Love these next few images that show you all the emotions a bride can go through in just a few moments.

Nicole Deanne was Sophia’s hair and makeup artist and when I saw her in the hotel room, I was confused for a moment and thought I  was in SoCal. It was so good seeing you, Nicole! You did a gorgeous job on Sophia on her wedding day.


The first look and portraits were scheduled at a near by park. Having grown up in the Bay Area, I’ve passed by this location many, many times and never once thought about stopping by. But look how gorgeous the gardens are! Sophia braved walking this narrow bridge for their first look. I love how playful and sweet these two are with each other.

I love the golden light filtering through the towering trees. To me, this feels more like SF than San Jose and I love it.


The ceremony and reception took place at the Silver Creek Country Club in San Jose. It’s a gorgeous location and even the indoor reception ballroom has amazing natural light. And you know how I feel about natural light!

Now on to the gorgeous, gorgeous details. The reception decor was feminine, lush, and just incredibly well done. Not too over the top, but still having that take your breath away factor. And I loved Sophia’s delicate lace bolero so much!


Sophia changed into this modern little white dress for their first dance and was really able to dance her toes off. I liked that she chose something that suited her style!

Congratulations you guys and I am so happy for the two of you and both your families! Give Gigi a big scratch on the head for me and hope you love your teasers!
Photographer: Sarah K Chen Photography

2nd Photographer: Jen Lauren Grant Photography

Ceremony & Reception: Silver Creek Country Club

Hair & Makeup: Nicole Deanne

Florals: Floral Design Studios

Cake: Satura Cakes

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by Sarah K Chen

6 comments

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September 19, 2011 - 8:46 pm rycecakes - I love her flowers! She had so many peonies! The pictures are amazing. I especially loved the ones in the park. Such a lovely couple! Best wishes to them!

September 20, 2011 - 9:09 pm Weddingish.com - Sarah, we're such big fans of your work - your photos are always gorgeous!

September 29, 2011 - 11:35 pm Tee - These photos are amazing Sarah! can you please let me know where this san jose park is? Is it Kelly Park? thanks!

October 1, 2011 - 9:22 pm Sarah K Chen - tee, yes they were taken at kelley park! you'll need to get a permit to shoot there though!

October 9, 2011 - 6:53 pm The Groomsman w/ the Wide Stance - It was a beautiful wedding and I think the newlyweds will be ecstatic with how you managed to capture their special moment!

October 12, 2011 - 12:15 am Sarah K Chen - I totally just laughed out loud at my desk! I remember you, The Groomsman w/the Wide Stance! Thanks for the kind words and for the laugh. ;)