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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.

Palos Verdes Wedding : Audrey & Ken

I’m really excited to be sharing Audrey and Ken’s wedding with you all as it was shot in both film and digital. I’m really loving the look and feel of these images and they had such a beautiful wedding with so many heartfelt moments. I loved being there, capturing each moment and tearing up at Audrey’s Father’s speech to his daughter and new son in law, Ken. I want to thank Melinda for coordinating a flawless event, Jeret for second shooting with me, and Jen Lauren Grant for assisting me that day. I have so much fun with you guys!

Audrey sported these feminine hot pink heels under her Ulla Maija dress which added an unexpected pop of color which I love.

Audrey’s dress is by Ulla Maija. Her dresses are classic, simple, yet there’s always a statement wow factor to her dresses. I adored the soft pleating and the amazing drape of the skirt.

There were many tiny little buttons running down the center of the dress which required as many hands as possible to get them all buttoned up.

Audrey’s bridesmaids helping with the finishing touches.

I honestly wanted to find a four leaf clover, but I knew my chances were slim. I still like the significance of luck and charm on a wedding day.

I love the details of the crystal headpiece as well as the pearl centers in her bouquet.

Ken and the guys got ready at the Terranea Resort in Palos Verdes and I have to say they all clean up good!

A stretch Escalade! The perfect way to transport your entire wedding party! It came fully stocked so it was guaranteed fun!

The beautiful girls. Audrey found me through Weddingbee a few years ago when I shot Mrs. Penguin’s wedding. Audrey’s matron of honor Kim, was a guest at Cathleya’s (Mrs. Penguin) wedding and we sat together at dinner so when I saw her at Audrey’s wedding I stopped in my tracks and was all, Hey!!! I know you!! I can not believe she recently had a baby girl. She looked fabulous!

It was, simply put, a perfect day that day. Sunny and warm with cool breezes. I really love how romantic and dreamy this next image is of Audrey’s hair blowing in the wind as she fixed her dress.

I love a little playfulness! It’s even better when there’s pink heels involved.

Once Audrey was hidden away and guests started to arrive we took some candid images of the guests.

Ken’s grandfather did a beautiful reading during their ceremony. And he’s quite the happy jokester! I think he liked having his picture taken and I rather liked photographing him, his handsome suit, and awesome horse print tie!

Ken’s Grandmother and Mother both looking so gorgeous in shades of aqua and blue.

Audrey and her Father right before he walked her down the aisle.

It had been a while since I’d shot their engagement session so even though I knew there was a bit of a height difference between Audrey and Ken, I was still really surprised by how tall Ken is. So much so that it just fell out my mouth. Ken just laughed and joked and said that he’d grown a few inches since. I love his sense of humor.

Audrey and Ken opted not to have a first look, but they were very generous with the time they gave me after the ceremony to take portraits and we even got to hit up a few locations.

One of my favorites. I love how genuinely happy they were!

And another favorite!

And then we were off to Palos Verdes Country Club for the reception.

Before their grand entrance we were carted off in a golf cart onto the green for a few more portraits.

Event Planner: Melinda Hurley

Dress: Ulla Maija Couture

Videographer: Alex Modzeleski

Beauty: Kelly Zhang Beauty

Second Shooter: Jeret Slack

Assistant: Jen Lauren Grant

Cake: Mayer’s Bakery

Out of Office

I’ll be out of the office next week visiting my family in NorCal next week. My parents and my grandmother are so so so excited to see Ellie again as they haven’t seen her since Christmas. I’m looking forward to spending time with my family and maybe seeing some old friends if I have the time. I was thinking about maybe fitting in some portrait sessions as I’ve had a few inquiries for them, but this is my family and break time and I just want to be able to spend as much time with them as possible. And besides, I’m flying solo with Ellie and just trying to figure out what to pack, how to entertain a toddler on a plane, and wrangle all the gear that comes with having a toddler is a bit nerve wracking at the moment. I don’t know if I can really handle carrying a heavy camera bag with my gear, my 25 lb baby and a diaper bag onto a plane. I’ll be back to responding on the following Monday. In the mean time, I leave you with a couple teasers of what’s to come!

Jennifer and Anthony’s engagement session.

And a portrait session I did for my dear friend Tracy and her son Ryan for his 18th birthday.

Hope you all have an amazing weekend!

Iris Album by Cypress : Jessica & Curt’s Wedding

I’m excited to share my latest sample album from my favorite album company, Cypress! Each one is hand crafted by artisans in their studio in Southern California from the finest materials and is truly a work of art. This album showcases Jessica and Curt’s fabulous wedding at the Marvimon House which I photographed last year. I thought the plum color fabric was perfect for their wedding, but these albums can be covered in fabric colors of your choosing with coordinating ribbon to mix and match with your own wedding colors. I can’t even begin to tell you how much I love these!

This is a 10×10 flush mount album with 34 pages and a 3.5 x  5 front cover cameo. The presentation box is the perfect way to beautifully store and protect your album for generations to come.

Engagement : Sherri & Patrick : Film

I know you recognize these two! Here are my film images from their engagement session. Enjoy!

A Day in the Life of Ellie : Film

I purchased a Canon 1v which is a 35mm film camera and shot  a couple rolls of film to test it out. These were shot on Kodak 400 film that was included with the camera. The colors are more vibrant,  saturated and warm compared to the Fuji stock I usually shoot on. And of course, everything was developed and scanned by Richard Photo Lab. They do a phenomenal job with film and I love them for it!

This is Ellie going through her favorite cupboard and Akira watching her from a distance.

Ellie’s wearing a Cynthia Rowley romper that I absolutely adore on her. I wish I looked that cute in one piece jumpers.

After a meeting with some clients I met up with my friends and family for lunch at Japonaise in Old Tustin.I love their hamberg steak. Just ask for it extra well done and crispy on the outside and it’s …. awesome. After lunch you have to stop by Cream Pan next door and get yourself some strawberry croissants, azuki creams, and some of their yummy sandwiches to go!

Ellie is totally a Momma’s girl. I think that’s just how it is when they’re little. Often times I’ll hear Jeff ask Ellie, “What am I, chopped liver?”

Our friend Rob. I wish I had gotten one of his girlfriend Debbie as well. She was sitting next to me.

I made that felt hair clip for Ellie. It matches her dress perfectly.

As we were leaving Japonaise we ran into my friends Lucy, Henny and her adorable little daughter Hannah. I couldn’t resist taking a few of Hannah!

Later on, we spent the rest of the early evening outside playing in the grass and walking the neighborhood.

Ellie in her adorable baby squat dismantling a poor flower. Well, I say “poor” but really I hand her those flowers to slow her down so that I can actually get some shots of her.

A bit off focus, but I love it regardless.

And then while Jeff washed cars on the drive way Ellie and I took a walk around the neighborhood. She insisted on walking by herself. When did my baby get so big and independent?

Orange County Baby Portraits : Baby Kasra

This gorgeous baby boy is Kasra. He came into this world with a full head of hair and the cutest little lips and chin that his parents could ever ask for and I had the privilege of photographing him last week.

Baby Kasra was the most wakeful newborn I’ve ever photographed. He partied most of our session and kept his eyes on his dear Mommy which I thought was so sweet.

I love photographing babies as they slumber. They’re so peaceful and beautiful and without a care in the world.

Look at those lashes! And that little chin! And his perfect little nose!

I love his profile in this next image.

Isn’t he just so gorgeous?

Happy Birthday My Love!

Just wanted to wish my hubby a happy, happy birthday! I love you, hun and wish you all the happiness and love in the world on your day!

Love, Mommy & Ellie

Engagements on Film

I’ve been shooting a bit a film at some of my engagement sessions. When I get the film back I always think I should have shot more film. But it’s still a learning process for me so I try to use a bit of restraint and shoot a bit here and there in different lighting situations and then wait to get the images back to see how I’m doing with my metering, exposures and manual focusing. Here’s a few from Helen and Chris’s session.

And some from Jessica and Eddie’s engagement session. I’m quite impressed with these as it was rather dark and overcast when these were shot.