Hello friends! This month, I turn 28. Less than 3 years ago, I quit my job in the high tech sector to pursue a “foolish dream” that many well-wishers warned me against. That leap of faith into the unknown has since turned my life into one crazy adventure that has me scrambling to keep up. Who...
Tag Archives: love
Thursday, August 12, 2010 6:12 pm
Posted in reflections
Tags: international wedding photography, life, love, passion, travel photography
September 8, 2010 - 4:19 pm
Joyce - I remember meeting you for the first time. Came over to your house and you’d just gotten back from… the army or something? And i was afraid of u. =) haha
August 31, 2010 - 12:48 pm
Nancy EC Hwang - I’m with Hana on this… better late than never! :)
There are way too many crazy memorable moments from the Davis days…. where to begin?!? I’l just list off some of the top moments of our crazy Aggie days (in random order)
I remember for one of your birthdays the 147 gals & company (with the inside help of one of your roomies) got into your room and turned EVERYTHING upside down even your mattress and made a huge barrier that you had to run into to get inside your room… and the most awesome thing was that you didn’t know we were the geniuses that pulled the prank off! hahaha I still have pictures and videos from that night! :)
I remember the crazy twister parties at Nutty & I’s apartment at the end of our davis days… lots of crazy pictures from that! :)
I remember the awesome memorable camping trip with T, Danielle, Nate, Mike Tang, Marcie and a few others… prank after prank… but we pulled off the ultimate pranks! 1) trapping you guys in the tents, stealing your shoes and hanging them from trees and 2) saran-wrapping you, mike tang, and nate together… hehehe good times! :)
I remember our Bay Area Christmas Dinners & White Elephant… are we going to do that again this year???
I remember this one Sunday you came to check out GRX while we were still hopping from one hotel conference center to another. After service we were looking for each other amidst the crowd of Asian faces in the hotel lobby.. and then all of a sudden I hear “EC!!!” ring above the noises around me.. I turn around and I see you waving your hand. *shakes head* I honestly think that you forgot what my REAL name is: NANCY…. NOT EC! the sad this is that I actually RESPONDED to being called “EC”!!! *shakes head* hahaha the EC has retired and is getting too old for that. haha you and steve-o just refuse to stop calling me EC. why???? ><
The list can go on but I'll end it with the best memories of our davis days:
Esther's 19th bday and My 22nd birthday celebration at Sorrento 147. The best of the IV pie-age actions those two years… Not only did Esther get pied on her bday, you boys plotted to share the love with Esther on my birthday and gave her a pie in her face… that video will go down in IV history as the best executed birthday pie-age ever! Good Times! :)
Cheers to a fabulous year ahead! :)
~~ The One & Only E.C. ~~
August 29, 2010 - 11:33 pm
hana chung - better late than never right?! ^_^
i remember when…
i quit my job and moved back to the bay to do wedding photography full time. i basically knew no one in the industry here and with amazingly perfect timing you had posted you were looking for more assistants and tada our friendship was born! i can’t be more grateful for being able to get to know you better in the past 2 years. you’ve given me countless amounts of advice, taught me to value my work and be more confident in myself, pushed me to try new things, introduced me to other photographers, and i can honestly say you’ve really helped me develop into a better photographer. i not only learn so much when i assist you i genuinely have an awesome time and we always have plenty to laugh about! have a great 28th year! i hope all your dreams and wishes come true!
August 17, 2010 - 1:36 pm
Nicole Chan - I remember your Xanga and when you first started to mentor under Scott Robert. I thought your style of angling and colors stood out – and they still do. I also remember feeling excited when you offered to give me a call and give me some life advice, on whether to continue with management consulting or to pursue a passion in photography. I was really struggling (still am, I think) and getting the chance to 1 on 1 with you meant a lot to me.
Then, I remember that you mentioned that I didn’t sound like I had the burning passion or the hunger. Your two cents were to stick with my current full-time job which would provide me more comfort, rather than the fulfillment that photography would allot me (and yourself, as well).
I appreciated your honesty then, and I still do.
August 15, 2010 - 6:37 pm
Chantal - I remember when you were first exploring photography as a career and expressed your fear and excitement on Xanga. I knew it was your calling because I’ve been hooked on looking at wedding pictures since I first saw yours! You manage to capture all the different emotions and special moments. Happy birthday!
August 15, 2010 - 2:52 pm
Kenneth - Junshien, I remember your willingness time and again to chat with me over the phone about my random photography questions even when you had plenty of other things to do, like maintaining your photo business!
I also remember with great delight that Steph and I probably got the best wedding photography package deal on the planet, one that will probably never be offered again by Junshien International! =]
Thanks a ton for the memories, the inspiration, and the friendship.
August 15, 2010 - 8:18 am
Gerald Ho - well..i’ve been following you just for a few short years and have seen how much you’ve grown(well not physically), but you know..in your thoughts…your skills…both have grown..gradually and wonderfully.
One way of not forgetting your roots is definitely to continue to walk in the Lord’s path and leading to where you are..God will (from time to time) remind you of the paths you’ve been..and definitely a promised great path ahead.
Well..for a person that’s almost half a globe away, reading some updates from you does reminds me that dreams are still worth chasing for. Keep going, keep writing and keep doing what’s right. Wishing you a blessed birthday….God Bless and lots of love….:)
August 14, 2010 - 11:16 pm
SIMPLY DASHY PHOTOGRAPHY - Happy Birthday, Junshien! I remember how professional and prompt you are with email/questions and your willingness to help in general. Thanks!!! May you stay grounded and have many more blessings in life! =)
August 14, 2010 - 10:12 pm
Khanh - I remember sitting in your house discussing details like design, style and how we all just naturally agreed. I remember how much you enjoyed working with me and all the sacrifices you made to go down to San Diego. I really want to thank you for those great memories.
Lately, I’ve realized I have made the mistake of not following my dreams, rather taking the safe route. Your blog and life has inspired me to do what I’ve always dreamed of doing. There are people that you run across in life that can play a huge role in shaping your future, and you are one for me. Thank you and Happy Birthday Junshien!
August 14, 2010 - 9:48 pm
jane - i remember seeing your xanga blog from scott robert’s xanga. you were just in the period of transitioning into this photography business. it was very inspiring to watch you take that leap of faith, and it seems like you’re still soaring.i’ve been working at the same cubicle desk job in a bank for the past 8 years. maybe that’s God’s will for me. maybe not. but reading your posts and watching how you took that leap & where you are now has been very inspiring… :)God bless!!
August 14, 2010 - 8:59 pm
Jennifer - I remember when you told me not to play texas holdem…very passionately.
August 14, 2010 - 7:13 pm
Jasmine - I remember following along on your xanga as you began your photography career under Scott Robert. My how far you have come! Your mentor must be so proud. Your so lucky to be working at a career you love, enjoy every minute
August 14, 2010 - 6:39 pm
Jen Bautos - I remember when I first saw your facebook ad. I was still an undergrad at UCDavis and FB was a great way to procrastinate! Anyway, that ad led me to your site where I first fell in love with your work! I never knew wedding pictures could turn out so lovely!!! (I’m used to seeing my parents old school style photos). Anyways years down the road I got engaged and had a phone consultation with you. I found out that you were also a former UCD student and I thought you were such a nice, easy going person. :) Even though we ended up going with another photographer, I’m still a huge fan of your work! I love how you actually take the time to talk and relate to your fans and clients, which is something I feel a lot of people in the wedding industry forget to do.
Happy 28th! Keep up the good work!
August 14, 2010 - 4:57 pm
Michelle Phan - 28 years of a wonderful creative man and many more. As each year rolls by, your work will become more beautiful. Jushien, you’re like wine. The older, the better. Many love and keep making art!
August 14, 2010 - 3:47 pm
Keni - I had to flick my thumb eight times to scroll down here. I hope you appreciate it, bday boy
August 14, 2010 - 2:22 pm
Shelley - My memories of you are from Paris. The workshop Scott Robert gave with Kim Nodurft taught me so much. Our “team” at the Eiffel Tower carried you for a picture that I used on FB for a time. Much luck!
August 14, 2010 - 1:06 pm
Jackie Pham - I remember the xanga days when you left a comment saying I had an eye for design. Totally made my day and you’ve become an inspiration ever since. Thanks for having the courage to pursue a “foolish dream” and sharing it with the world. Happy Birthday Junshien! :)
August 14, 2010 - 10:57 am
Van Hsieh - I remember when I shot the 1st wedding with Junshien in 2009, I was feeling glad that I get to work with a very professional and friendly photographer. Although there was not a vendor table for us to chat over a meal, and instead I stood under the hot sun, devouring the food on my plate, we managed to exchange smiles & a few words once in a while, acknowledging each other’s presence.
After the wedding, I saw some of Junshien’s photos on facebook, and was impressed with the beauties and energies they conveyed.
I also remember reading some of Junshien’s blog posts. The words coming from a young, poetic, witty, daring, and full-of-dreams artist makes me feel young again, and excited about life…
which reminds me that I should visit Junshien’s blog more often. : )
Happy Birthday & many more wonderful things ahead!!
August 14, 2010 - 10:36 am
stephen anthony - I remember when Junshien used to type “.” and he would get 300 comments on his old xanga blog lol. I remember the day when we first met and how I used to think he was a asian gangster all with his long hair phase in life =) That shortly came to an end once I got to know him and we became roommates in college. Our journey began there and the rest is history =)
August 14, 2010 - 4:14 am
Josephine Eng - Hey Junshien!
I remember when I met you at Phil and Jeanny’s t-shirt party 3 years ago. We talked about our dreams of wanting to travel, visit foreign countries and experience the rich cultures of the world.
I remember when I told you that although I was waking up past noon, I would start waking up at 5am to work out! And without even knowing me, you said that it wouldn’t happen! I’m thinking “The nerve of that guy! It’s on!” Enthused by this playful challenge, we bet… If I come through, then I get to ask all the photography questions I want, and if I lose I treat you out to dinner. Cut to one month later, I had been waking up at 7am instead of 5am. None the less, you were still impressed and we agreed to each keep our end of the deal. And so, we had dinner at banana leaf. Yum! I discussed my idea of an afterschool kids program and you at that point were still working at a tech company and seriously considering quitting your job. Dissatisfied with work, you weren’t about to accept living a dull life! And though at the time you were financially burdened, you took the necessary risk. I admired your work ethic and your boldness in pursuing your dreams! Anyway, the check comes and … PWNED! You snatched it! Who knew you were such a nice guy! :)
Now 3 years later, you have been living up your dreams. You are an inspiration to many. You are still chasing the stars AND you are still an incredibly nice guy!
Thank you for inspiring me to never stop believing and never stop chasing my dreams. Thank you for taking the time to talk to me on the phone when I was in hawaii. And thanks for being a constant source of motivation. You might not know it, but through my hard times you’ve been there for me through your blog and tweets of encouragement.
Bold. Warm. Passionate. This is the Jushien I know.
Happy birthday!
August 14, 2010 - 1:50 am
Matthew Saville - I remember roughly 2003 or 2004, not sure when it was. But wow, it’s been a wild ride indeed. Can’t believe we’ve made it to where we are today, and yet there is still everything to accomplish… I’m sure you know what I mean…
Take care bro, talk soon!
=Matt=
August 14, 2010 - 1:28 am
Grace - too many that are so precious. one of the best which stands out was that night i was doing really badly and needed someone to be around. i got online and asked if it was okay that you stayed online because i wasn’t doing well. you said that you could call right away, but i didn’t need you to. and you said it was more than okay for you to be there. and this is why you are one of my best friends. love you jeeves.
August 13, 2010 - 11:49 pm
Rinoa123 - ~*Hey, Junshien! It was back in Feb. 2007 when I first subscribed to you (I had to check my xanga for that date *lol), and you messaged me, “hope i don’t disappoint!” I think it wasn’t even for your pictures, but I subscribed for your blogs. When I did get to see your work, I thought to myself, “wow.. he has to do my wedding!” Fast forward 2 yrs, and I tried to get you to capture my big day. When I found out you were booked, that was when I realized how big you became! I don’t see any disappointment from anyone; I’m so glad to see you blessed in so many ways^^ I pray many more good things happen for you in years to come!*~
August 13, 2010 - 11:00 pm
Wendy - I remember when I first met Junshien. It was the week before my wedding, I was sitting in my parents’ dining room working on a million last-minute things when my sister (Tammy) introduced me to her friend who was aspiring to be a photographer and wanted to take pictures at my wedding. He told me it would be his first wedding and that he wanted to get experience and would be willing to do it for free. I said, “Sure, why not, it would be great to have candid shots from a second photographer.” Well lucky us! Junshien took the most amazing photos, MANY of them turned out to be our FAVORITES of the day, even better than our expensive-professional photographer. We were so blessed to have Junshien photograph our wedding.
Three years later we had a baby girl and my sister surprised us with a photo session with Junshien. Again Junshien delivered wonderful photographs, despite a finicky and fussy subject.
We count it an honor to be part of Junshien’s journey. :)
August 13, 2010 - 10:29 pm
Corliss - we’ve never met in person even though we have a bajillion mutual friends. It’s been a humbling experience following your xanga through your journey as a talented photographer pursuing your dream all these years :)
Happy 28th Junshien!
August 13, 2010 - 10:10 pm
Raymond Chou - I haven’t met you in person yet, but my only memory of ever seeing you speak would be when I saw being interviewed for being a Xanga blogger around 3 years ago?
August 13, 2010 - 9:44 pm
Shar - I remember when you were playing with your first camera at your Sorrento apartment in college! :)
August 13, 2010 - 8:46 pm
Jeanny - I remember when we became friends from Xanga and we would have conversations about our HEA club (Happily Ever After). Then I met you at some sleepover you were having at your house and you gave me a Xanga celebrity pin! Then you took pictures of me and Phil for your engagement portfolio and we got lost on our way to the places I had picked out. And it rained. And we were so freaked out that we had ruined your camera. But it was okay and your pictures came out AMAZING (semi-famous, even)! And then we met up with all the Xangans in SF and had Karoake night and sang Summer Love. Fast forward to a couple years later when you came to Merced to take pictures of our Bridal Shoot. Then you shot our wedding in Santa Cruz. I think there’s more but maybe some of them should not be public, haha. Fear not, we will have many more memories to share! Phil and I are honored to have you in our life =)
August 13, 2010 - 7:06 pm
Seiden - JS, you have been a loyal and solid friend throughout the years. I remember meeting you at CG and how you shared about your life stage happenings. In particular, I remember your transition from boring nerdy work to your righteous cross-over to your current profession. As Lynn would say, it was awesome, and it truly was. On that note, you were an excellent host and cook that Thanksgiving! Anywayz, have a wondrous birthday and many more to celebrate in the future. I only watch Harry Potter with you.
August 13, 2010 - 7:00 pm
Chuyen - We don’t know each other in person or any place other then facebook but whats crazy is, it doesn’t feel like that at all. I remember when I was feeling down in the dumps after a bad date and for some reason decided to write you a message, even though we weren’t friends in real life. I asked you a question that I should have been asking my real friends and to my surprised you gave me exactly the best answer I needed to hear. Your photography has been an inspiration to me and every time I look at your work, it gives me a sense of hope that everyone has a chance in finding someone to spend the rest of their life with. Your work is just simply beautiful and full of life. I hope that one day we’ll have a chance to meet in person. I saved the message you wrote to me and when the big wedding day comes for me, I’ll be sure to share the message with you.
August 13, 2010 - 6:30 pm
Ryu Furiya - I remember when you took critical time out of your super-never-ending-crazy schedule to share your passion with everyone at the meetup you held at Hannah’s a few months ago. I remember you gave such a moving, thoughtful, sincere, and inspiring speech on how important it was to find that one thing you want, and to chase it, no matter how risky; that the journey was just as important (if not more important), than the end. I remember how positive and energetic you made everyone feel at the end of the day, and I’ll always remember you for that moment. Junshien, I wish you the best birthday ever, and for the many more days you have ahead of you. Travel the world and the seven seas, my friend!
-Ryu
August 13, 2010 - 4:51 pm
tuwie - HAPPY BIRTHDAY JUNSHIEN! :)
i remember when i first discovered your xanga from the Premiere Photographers Club blogring on xanga, WAYYYY back when, and I was so impressed with your story, your courage, your relentlessness, your style, and your willingness to share everything and take us along on your journey with you. It was so inspiring and refreshing, and I have followed you and your work ever since. Your dedication and talent is really something, and you must be so proud! :) I also remember you gave me some advice when I asked you how to find that endless sunflower field!! You were so kind to respond, and I feel like the world has just gotten smaller and smaller from there, with facebook and all. I have met one of your close friends Jennifer Tran cuz we are now classmates at Touro, and she said she mentioned to you that I was a fan, HAHAHah. I know a few other people who have met you already, and hopefully one day we’ll get to meet as well hahahah. hope your birthday is amazing, but that your entire year is even better.
Best
`tuwie
August 13, 2010 - 4:24 pm
Young - Your pursuit of photography is an inspiration to those of us who have our own foolish dreams. Happy birthday Junshien! May we all live our dreams with our eyes open.
August 13, 2010 - 4:11 pm
Jingna - I remember your heartfelt emails, telling me how I was one of the photographers who inspired you. It was so touching.
Keep going at it, jia you~ Happy birthday. <3
August 13, 2010 - 3:58 pm
suzy - … you used to decide where we would eat for lunch on sundays. i REALLY miss those days when everyone used to eat together. i miss you sharing about your travels or tid bits that you learned on the road. hope you come back to visit! glad ur booming… happy birthday!
August 13, 2010 - 3:39 pm
Ingrid Joy - I remember when I first picked you up from the airport, the smile on your nerdy, dorky face was simply adorable. Since then I’ve gained a great friend. Best wishes to you on your 28th birthday. (That was my best year in my 20s, hope yours will be just as good if not better!) :D
August 13, 2010 - 3:37 pm
Jenette - I remember finding you through myspace (oh myspace…oh xanga! Where has the time gone?) and seeing this amazing photo of a girl in the most beautiful gown standing in front of a window (gosh, that could fit so many pictures now that I think about it, haha). The curtains were scarlet as I recall and I thought to myself, “Wow, I wonder if he could make ME look like that.”
Working with you was such a wonderful experience. You were so easy-going, friendly, and even understood why I had to have a whole entourage with me (a.k.a. family). By the end of the shoot, you were no longer just my photographer but my friend (and a deluxe crutch too, haha..by the end of the shoot I was limping from those darn heels).
You say you don’t want to forget your roots and that’s why you’ve asked us all to write something. I don’t think you will…in spite of the fact that we only met ONCE in person, you have proven to be one of my truer and most honest friends. On your birthday, I wish you more success, happiness and blessings from God. Enjoy this special day and all your messages, you deserve it! Happy Birthday :)
August 13, 2010 - 3:13 pm
Kevin - I remember when back in college days. I thought you were really into cooking and love good looking food. But soon I realized that you are more into taking pictures of what you are about to eat (a lot of macro) than actually eating. I should have known… haha
Another thing that I remember is, I always know when stephen and junshien are home because I can’t stop hearing “OH DANG!” It was very loud. Good times! Cheers happy birthday
August 13, 2010 - 3:11 pm
Kim Bass - I remember when we first met you at that restaurant in Cupertino and were super excited for you to take our pictures, even though you told us that our wedding would be wedding #6 or something like that!
I remember when you crawled underneath Joe’s legs to take pictures.
I remember you displaying the pictures that you took from our wedding during our reception and people kept saying, “Wow!”
I remember you sharing that doing photography full-time was one of the best decisions you’ve ever made in your life!
Happy birthday, Junshien! Much love from the Basses. :)
August 13, 2010 - 3:07 pm
Cindy - Great post Junshien. Thanks for having me along for the ride in Dominican Republic! Can’t wait to see where the journey takes you next!
August 13, 2010 - 2:45 pm
Amy Huang - You’ve accomplished so much! Although we’ve never formally met and sorta know each other through Facebook or mutual friends, I have to say that you are doing something that so many of us photographers are still dreaming about. Keep pushing forward! You will become ever greater than your predecessor.. your mentors and even the people you look up to. You’re still quite young with a bright future ahead of you! So in this birthday season, enjoy it. Know that you are loved by many people and keep on reminding yourself why you love doing this so much :)! Keep doing your best and everyone will continually cheer for you! God bless you and I wish you many blessings ahead in the years to come!
August 13, 2010 - 2:37 pm
Timothy Wynn - I remember in the spring of 2009 when you kindly took time out of your day to let me interview you about your photography over the phone. You recommended to me a Rebel XT and ever since then it has changed my life. I see the world differently now. Thank you Junshien.
August 13, 2010 - 2:31 pm
Caroline - Hi Junshien,
We have never met and I only found out about your skills a couple of years ago. Once I looked at your work, I was amazed by how talented and how dedicated you are. Every one of your work fascinates me and I hope one day I will get the chance to meet you. Have a great birthday and enjoy the rest of your day!
Caroline
August 13, 2010 - 2:02 pm
Anna - Junshien,
I don’t have years of memories to share with you but the few that I do have are wonderful. You are a great photographer and an amazing person. Having you at our Hennah party was the best part of our ceremonie.
Wishing you a lifetime of happiness & health.
ps. So when are we going to VI? (Winkwink) =D
August 13, 2010 - 1:32 pm
Danielle - I remember meeting you because you were courting a friend of mine. At that time we were playing a game called “house” at her place I believe. I think it was her birthday. I remember you and her trying to tell me exaggerated or imaginative scenarios of how you guys met, jokingly of course. Even at that time you were carrying a camera around your neck the whole time. You were friendly and approachable and I was introduced to your Xanga page which you had some nice shots even back in your more amateur photo days. Still to this day I don’t think I quite know how you guys met or how you drifted but I will always remember you as a friendly and talented photographer.
August 13, 2010 - 1:28 pm
Kenny Chow - I still remember I found you by accident on Xanga.
Keep up the great work, dont change a thing and I hope to meet you someday!!
August 13, 2010 - 1:28 pm
Tammy - Happy birthday!! You’ve accomplished so much in so few years. :)
I remember many things! From you being the first non-pastor to say hi to me when I joined CCIC, to planning elaborate praise nights and skits for youth group with Paul and Gabe. Oh goodness, I definitely remember you as being the skit guru. :)
Photography-wise … I remember your photos from Yellowstone. I thought (and still think) of those as some of the most inspiring images ever. I hope you re-post them somewhere! I also remember when you had to re-calibrate the color on your monitor, hahah. And you once asked who wanted to go on a photoshoot, so I volunteered thinking I was coming along to take photos, only to become the subject!
August 13, 2010 - 1:05 pm
Jason - hey Junshien, this is ur ex-roommate from glacier point. It’s sooo nice to have you be my roommate for that year, you inspired me a lot on how you are dedicated on things u like. anyhow, i still sometimes follow your post on facebook. it’s great to see you are active! It’s nice to know you!
August 13, 2010 - 12:57 pm
soapie - as much as i enjoy your photos (which are phenomenal), i’ve always enjoyed reading your thoughts on xanga, and have been blessed by your kindness, faith, thoughtfulness, and encouragement. when i was in nursing school, i was going through some rough times, but friends like you helped me through it. =) even though you may not blog about your walk with God anymore (or maybe its in another blog) i hope that you are still walking daily with Him and growing in the knowledge of His love and mercy. may He be near to you and bless you abundantly. may your birthday be filled with His overwhelming faithfulness and grace. may others see Christ’s love shining in and through you. =)
August 13, 2010 - 12:52 pm
Jennie Yu - I remember when Jason and I first meet you for our wedding consultation, I thought “wow, this guys is so brave to drop everything and purse his passion even if it may not turn out how he wants it”. Not everyone is able to do what they love for a living, you are one of the few lucky ones. I know you must have worked very hard to be where you are today and you totally deserve it … and to top it all off, you are so down to earth and humble about it :D. Your work brings much inspiration to people, keep it up! I’m so happy we got to know you :D.
August 13, 2010 - 11:12 am
Esther Chuang - Hello Junshien, Just wanted to let you know that I LOVE YOUR WORK!!! We haven’t met by the way… I don’t remember how we became friends on Facebook… but I’m so so please to have you as my friend and be able to take some of my time away and enjoy the beautiful pictures that you have to share. I’m from the Amazon, Brazil… (love how you mentioned about it on the blog) LOL grew up here but have been studying in the USA and Taiwan for a bit. Yup… crazy journey. Thank you for sharing this blog and I hope you will have a wonderful DAY and another NEW YEAR with great experiences and good times :D God bless you and huge hugs to you ^_^
with love, Esther.
August 13, 2010 - 11:06 am
Timothy Mak - I don’t quite remember how I came across your site but was definitely inspired to get more serious about my own photography and see that dreams really can come true. Thank you for nurturing your discipline- would love to get together one day and bounce ideas off of you.
August 13, 2010 - 10:41 am
Stephanie S. - I remember going to Scott Robert’s blog on xanga several years back and seeing the weddings you shot with him. Follow your xanga after that. I was amazed already by your talent back then and now you’re just beyond amazing! I love the wonderful pictures you took for my wedding and you were such a cool guy to work with since we didn’t even get to meet til my wedding. It’s also really cool that we’re friend of a friend. LoL. Have a wonderful birthday! Wish you all the best in the coming years. May God bless you immensely!
August 13, 2010 - 10:14 am
Joe - I remember how I saw your profile on a friend’s FB profile and looked at your work. I remember how I said to myself “Wow, this guy has really nice work and how I’d like to work with him sometime in the future” I remember how I started communicating with you (via email) and after a few email exchanges said to myself “Wow, this guy has a good heart and decent head on his shoulders.” (This all occurred within the past two weeks) Happy Birthday Junshien! From your new friend =)
August 13, 2010 - 9:45 am
yanni - Happy Birthday Junshien!
I don’t remember when or how I started subscribing to your xanga account, but I was mesmerized looking at your pictures. At the time you were still a one-man or sometimes ‘looking for assistant’ photographer. And then you left xanga and had your own website. Wow.
It’s really an inspiration to see someone pursuing their dreams, not giving up, and finally succeed! All the best!!
August 13, 2010 - 8:50 am
Janice Go - I remember meeting you at my brother’s graduation. I remember when I found out that you were going into photography, and I thought that was pretty cool—and look where that took you! I remember when I read all your Xanga entries on photography, your logo changing, website… etc.
But most of all, I remember you pursued your passion and really ran with it. That’s definitely something worth admiring.
August 13, 2010 - 8:36 am
Bruce Cheung - aww. Shuli, I love your comment. =)
August 13, 2010 - 7:04 am
Ed Carlo Garcia - …you setup the meet up HannaH’s and I met you and so many other passionate photographers starting out. I knew they existed — just never met you and them… Thanks so much!!!
August 13, 2010 - 7:02 am
Tracy - I don’t remember if I found you or you found me on xanga..I think more than 6 years ago!! But I do remember being so impressed by your work and thinking that you should take that leap and become a photographer full time. You are amazing! and as I watch your work change and grow I am really am inspired. I also love the connections you have with family and friends and it reminds me how much of an important part that is to anyone’s success. Happy Birthday Junshien!! and Thank you :>)
August 13, 2010 - 6:54 am
Shari - Happy Birthday! I have just been following your blog for the last year or so. Congrats on your very successful job. I thrive to be *just like you*. You are a great mentor for me!
August 13, 2010 - 4:47 am
John Z - I remember when I first met Junshien at Jing & Winnie’s wedding and months before it Winnie was raving about this photographer who she said was so awesome with his work and that he’s so young and fun. I thought “come on now, how good could this guy be if he’s only 26 years old??”. A little less than a year later, that same awesome, young, and fun guy is 27 and shooting my wedding in the DR. There’s something about you Junshien, I think God has blessed you much. I just hope that in kind you will always remember how good life is and that you keep pursuing Him as well as that goal of the 11-out-of-10 wife! ;) keke A little birthday wisdom for you my brotha-from-anotha-motha, Pr 21:21
August 13, 2010 - 2:43 am
Jonas - We met up at a corner in Palo Alto. Now here’s a trivia – who was with us and where did we eat???
August 13, 2010 - 2:11 am
Rj KoolRaul - …it’s just begun.
August 13, 2010 - 1:25 am
Erna - I remember when you came to Shanghai to visit Grace, and we talked abit about our jobs and you shared how you decided to pursue your dream job… honestly, that is indeed inspiring! I hope I will have the courage to take that step too! Happy birthday!!
August 13, 2010 - 1:06 am
J - I have many good memories with Jun- meeting him for the first time in college, hanging out late at his place, going to xanga meetups, sharing stories and laughs, watching his amazing photography skills progress everyday, grabbing lunch in the south bay to catch up, and just seeing how God has truly blessed him. My favorite memory though would be when we spent a few hours driving around San Francisco to work on a photoshoot. This was in the early days when he was still “tinkering” with photography. I remember all the trouble we had trying to find the right spots and how windy it was because we had so much trouble lighting a match! Happy birthday!
Jon
August 13, 2010 - 12:34 am
nancy - Remember when your hair was long and had a center parting?! Hehe. i still remember your sunflower field collection (err, forgot when u actually did it but it feels like a looong time ago) that was when i thought u actually had some potential. :)
And I’ll also always remember u reading some random story to me to keep me awake while driving. HAHA. thanks!
August 12, 2010 - 11:48 pm
n8 - No matter how busy things get, ALWAYS make time for reading comic books and watching movies. Take a day off, you need it.
August 12, 2010 - 11:11 pm
Jean - I remember Junshien coming into Davis with a whole crew of other De Anza people…which I supposed was a good thing in the end, even though it made fellowship all the more random. But definitely good times and follow-ups…I think Junshien is the only one that I’ve met pretty much wherever I have moved onto in post-collegiate life…that one time meeting up in Philadelphia, and even here in Korea…you’re the friend that I’ve met the most on the most continents thus far. Onto bigger and brighter things that God has in store for us…!
August 12, 2010 - 10:26 pm
Shuli - I remember when you would hold my hand when I was two ’cause I was deathly afraid of the water heater. And then there was that time we got lost in the Japan metro system, and you told me to shut up as I followed you around whimpering. I also remember you drawing detailed drawings of submarines. You also asked all of my friends to get me a camera for my 16th birthday, and it was the best gift ever. Though the dSLR camera you gave me “just ’cause” was pretty sweet too. I remember giving you loafs of french bread on your birthday years ago, cuz you were entirely content with that. I remember you laughing your head off at your own lame, cheesy comments. Hold on, that was today.
August 12, 2010 - 9:29 pm
Christina Kimble - I started following you through xanga.com. My site was cutekualabear89. I hardly blog on there now, but I’m glad that I discovered your wonderful photographs. I have always been blown away by your ability to keep everything alive in your pictures, even though they are stills. Keep up the great work and don’t ever quit doing what you love.
C.M.Kimble
August 12, 2010 - 8:18 pm
chao - I remember your 22nd birthday. I was busy packing for NY and you came over to help, you had taken the day to come see me before i left and helped me pack and drove me around to help me with errands. I had forgotten it was your birthday. I didn’t bring you a gift. But you brought me Wild at Heart, a book that has changed my life. You are one of the greatest friends I’ve ever had.
August 12, 2010 - 7:55 pm
Amy Nguyen - I was introduced to you by Giao/Thai at Zen’s in Mountain View for a social network gathering. Was told that your work is nice. Nice was what they have described, but I think it is beyond nice. Can not think of a word to describe at this very second while typing. But all I can said is that you are very blessed. Able to see the world while you are getting pay and that’s hard to come around. Thanks for posting and sharing us your work… Amy
August 12, 2010 - 7:47 pm
Ck - I remember when you took the group picture several years ago and we were impressed. Then I checked ur photos on xanga- I remember sunflowers?- and again, I was impressed! Happy bday!
August 12, 2010 - 7:39 pm
Sophia Q. - Junshien, I found out about you through Xanga about 2.5 years ago. I made a mental note at the time to hire you if I ever get married. A few months later, I got engaged and you DID end up photographing our wedding :). You have become a friend and inspiration to me and I am so grateful that you are who you are. As for specific memories: besides all the fun of shooting the engagement session and wedding pics, Rob and I enjoy your company whenever you come over for dinner and try out my “experiments”. I remember when you used to have to climb over the gate to our apartment in order to get inside the complex. Good thing you don’t need to do that anymore! Hope to see you again soon!
August 12, 2010 - 7:03 pm
angela - I remember when I came across your xanga blog about 1.5 to 2 years ago and xanga was kind of already going out… but I saw posts and posts of all your wonderful pics and thought “wow, this dude is dedicated.” then i started stalking scott’s blog… i mean reading his blog… haha but honestly, even in your conversations with my family, I remember thinking “junshien is really dedicated to his work and living life.” =) so just keep creating wonderful memories because in doing so you also bless those around you =) happy 28th birthday junshien!
August 12, 2010 - 6:48 pm
Shang - Hey Junshien! It’s been a long time, but I remember the one and only time we met at a picnic that included Tammy and one very large Rice Krispies treat, and how back then you and me were both taking pictures on cameras we probably don’t remember the names of. It has been amazing seeing you take off, and you were an inspiration to me as well, though I’m nowhere near as popular as you are =) I just want to wish you the happiest of birthdays. This is an awesome birthday wish =)
August 12, 2010 - 6:47 pm
David Lok - But on a more serious note – I remember the day you shot my sister’s wedding and that one fateful day in 10/18 completely turned my thinking and outlook in life a full 180 degrees. 1 year later I am now traveling down a journey I never thought could exist and life as I know has never been the same! Lots of great memories, and I know lots more to come as we continue forward bud.
August 12, 2010 - 6:39 pm
david - I remember that one night when you threw a glass of water outside your window because you thought the boogeyman was coming and knackered my brand new banana republic shirt! You slutbag but I still <3 you for it
August 12, 2010 - 6:38 pm
christina c. - Ehh.. I remember finding out Junshien was on xanga after I found him on twitter and facebook X_X ? (Haha what a crappy memory) but anyways :D I remember meeting Junshien for the first time just ONE week ago! He was such a cheerful, genuine kind-souled boy who has the nicest smile (so refreshing to meet!) and I hope this is how you’ll forever be! <3
August 12, 2010 - 6:37 pm
Eva Liu - I remember when you came to pick me up from the airport when no one else could! You welcomed me warmly with a hug (as you always do) and took my bags. I remember it was far from where you were and yet you still came to pick me up. I also remember going to your room (or maybe it was your “studio”) and you showed me around. I remember checking my email at one point. The next day we went to go get clam chowder! Do you remember that?
Funnily enough, I don’t really remember why I was in the NorCal region at that time.
August 12, 2010 - 6:34 pm
Natalia - I remember when Hoon used to be a dork – oh wait, what am I saying? He still is!!! (probably will still be a dork 10 years from now or whenever you’re reading this in the future) But I must admit you are cooler and less dorkier now (I know, WOW hahha) You’re just probably not the dorkiest person in the world anymore…but don’t worry, you are still the dorkiest person in the country! =)
August 12, 2010 - 6:33 pm
Bruce Cheung - I remember when we took that Math 1D class during some summer long ago at De Anza, and I begged to call you Jun. or Shien. But didn’t realize your name was the merging of the two.
I remember during our first year living together in Davis, and how we’d have to put up with that dude living in the living room…and his mexican cooking.
I remember during our second year of living together in Davis, and how we’d chat with each other on AIM even though I was right next door. like, literally.
I remember when you first got your interview at the biotech company, and how your asked to borrow my car to drive down, and I guess you were pretty excited about that job. Look how far we’ve come (not that I have anything to do with photography.)
I remember our good 1am conversations with Joshua Go in the kitchen in our PJ’s when we lived in Sorrento, and the random dinners we’d have with people coming over to our love shack. Ah, those were the days. (Notice I didn’t say the ‘good ol’ days’ because those are still up ahead.)
I think I have several more, but I should stop now before this gets embarrassing ahaha
August 12, 2010 - 6:27 pm
Gilbert Wong - Bro, that’s a very good blog entry. U made me think as well. Dang.. shouldn’t read your blog.. Life is short. It does made me humble to seeing others. But we are made for difference purposes in God’s eyes. See u in Malaysia!
August 12, 2010 - 6:21 pm
Ted Nghiem - I remember when Junshien was using Xanga. Ahh the good ol’xanga rage days!
August 12, 2010 - 6:55 pm
Tweets that mention A birthday wish » San Francisco Bay Area Wedding Photographer — Topsy.com - [...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Junshien Lau, Christina Chen. Christina Chen said: RT @junshien http://www.junshien.com/3720/a-birthday-wish/ [...]
Friday, June 12, 2009 9:31 am
It’s another Wallpaper Friday! Here’s one more for your desktop. Enjoy! Select your screen resolution: 1024×768 1152×864 1280×800 1280×1024 1440×900 1680×1050 “You know you’re in love when you can’t fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams.” Dr Seuss
Posted in misc
Tags: free wallpaper, love, wallpaper, wedding photographer, wedding photography
by Junshien
no comments
Monday, April 13, 2009 8:54 am
Ladies, are you wondering where all the unattached single guys live? Guys, are you frustrated with the lack of eligible single girls in your area? Well, I have good news and bad news. First, the good news: somebody has taken data from the US Census Bureau and created a nifty little interactive map of singles...
Posted in misc, reflections
Tags: dating, love, singles, wedding photographer, wedding photography
by Junshien
16 comments
November 21, 2009 - 9:00 pm
maria - bahaha. my friends would LOVE this.
April 20, 2009 - 7:05 am
lizsong - lol. thanks for sharing this.
April 15, 2009 - 3:34 pm
Junshien - @Polymath: Dear Ferd, you genius is staggering, but I will muster a paltry attempt to keep up with your brilliant analysis. Even so, I remain rather confused.
The national atlas article states that “Up to age 24, the male-female ratios were about 105, reflecting the fact that more boys than girls are born every year and that boys continue to outnumber girls through early childhood and young adulthood. The male-female ratio dropped gradually in the working age groups, from 105.1 in the age group 15 to 24 years to 92.2 for the age group 55 to 64.”
Isn’t this reflected in Jonathan Soma’s map? After the age of 35, we do see far more women than men. Also, the map is an analysis of data of SINGLES only, whereas your two articles look at the overall male-female population. If in general, there are more male births, men marry younger women, and men die out faster … then we shouldn’t we be seeing a sausage fest until around middle age (though the imbalance isn’t THAT excessive, considering that 40 extra single males per 1000 singles is only 4%), after which the single women outnumber the single men?
April 15, 2009 - 12:49 pm
April 15, 2009 - 12:49 pm
April 15, 2009 - 12:49 pm
Polymath - Your map can’t be right… if this is correct, there should be more men than women in the US, which is… untrue…
Couple points of data:
http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/releases/archives/population/000440.html
http://www.nationalatlas.gov/articles/people/a_gender.html
The second link is the more interesting one, with regards to this issue.
Take note of the graph looking at gender ratios by age brackets… By age 24 there are more females than males in the year 1990, by 34 in the year 2000. If you look at the distribution map, it doesn’t match the so-called derived data in xoxo’s map. Xoxo claims to be using census data, but that just doesn’t make sense.
If there are n men and m women, and x are married, then n-x/m-x = the ratio of singles, male to female. Above 1 is male predominant, below 1 is female predominant.
Biologically, there are more males at birth, and this number drops over time. The death rate for men exceeds women throughout life, typically, after birth-mortality has improved with the advent of modern OBGYN.
Recent data has suggested that birth rates for males has decreased, and in some areas is now below 50% of live births, which reverses a well documented pattern over the last several hundred years (and probably before that, but accurate census data for pre-modern is hard to get). Some have hypothesized changes in stress patterns, environmental toxins, radiation as well as lifestyle pattern changes. Bottom line is unknown, but should the trend continue, overall oversupply of females may increase in the next generation.
Unless infant sacrifice becomes more mainstream, vis a vis PRC habits, that has approached a 54% male population ratio. Not good for societal stability, by the way…
April 15, 2009 - 9:15 am
saphoto - lol get a 5″7 girl for kai kai from Taiwan haha
junshien, move to utah.babahhahahaha jk
welp, this makes me not one of the blue dots at least =)
April 14, 2009 - 8:40 am
Natalia - this is hillarious! =D
April 14, 2009 - 8:23 am
Eric - Oh my…good thing I am already married. Ha ha ha…you said it is easier for the women but I would fathom to guess they are thinking, “Sure there are a lot of single guys out there but there are not enough “quality” single guys out there.” =P Good luck all you singles. And I agree with Lynn, nice plug.
April 14, 2009 - 7:12 am
yanni - holy crap! i need to move to the US!!!!
April 13, 2009 - 9:51 pm
jeanny - this is pretty hilarious. look at those two teenie red spots on the map.
April 13, 2009 - 12:16 pm
harvey - too bad I live near sunnymale and man jose. =(
April 13, 2009 - 12:11 pm
lynnkaichao - LOL. what a plug. hahahha
April 13, 2009 - 11:49 am
Ted - nice!! I am near the epicenter for single women!!
April 13, 2009 - 11:46 am
Kat - Hahaha, hilarious! Thanks for this.
January 8, 2010 - 12:11 pm
Best of 2009: Fashion shoots and blog posts recap » San Francisco Bay Area Wedding Photographer - [...] “Where do all the singles live??” If you’re single, you’ve had this discussion more times than you can count. Where are all the quality girls? What are all the good men? An interesting look at the statistics, along with a nifty interactive graph. [...]
by Junshien
85 comments