“I don't really like coffee, she said, but I don't really like it when my head hits my desk when I fall asleep either. ”
― Brian Andreas
I've only been drinking coffee regularly for 3 years. In the past, a cup of coffee could send me bouncing off the walls.
But not today.
I need coffee to start the day. Daily coffee has made me jumpier, but there's nothing like that jolt that coffee gives you to get off your lazy behind and start the day. Motion before emotion, as they say.
Thank God for coffee.
And for husbands who know how to make a good cup.
“The world is quiet here.”
― Lemony Snicket
Networking has never been my greatest strength but when I find kindred spirits in the few times I force myself to get out there, I'm lucky enough to make a few great connections, people who are passionate and willing to share what it is they do.
A friend of mine has a coffee subscription business and when she learned that I often sought cafes to photograph, she offered to collaborate. It was a great deal, since she's a natural people person and loves to hobnob with virtually anybody, something which is essential if you're running a business.
After doing a couple of cafe interviews which she does to promote her coffee subscriptions, we decided to do a product shoot in one cafe in Mont Mirage, a cafe/hotel in Nanshan Mt. It's 40 minutes from the centre, up the mountain and into a small village. Apart from the usual local restaurants and residential communities, the village is home to art galleries, cafes, and hotels, probably because the mountainside has a really nice view of the valley.
The cafe is done in the white/wood/minimalist style that is popular now (and I hope it never goes away) which means that you can easily fall into a relaxed, calm vibe the moment you sink into your chair. People go there to have coffee and take pictures.
The privacy is like no other, which is probably something that city dwellers looking for natural peace and quiet look for from time to time.
A few shots from that afternoon, including some of You&Coffee's offerings, which were featured on Chengdu-Expat! Read the article here.
“Happiness is holding someone in your arms and knowing you hold the whole world.”
― Orhan Pamuk
Snow
lifestyle photography, couples, family, portraits, lifestyle photography, couples, family, portraits
Shot these two waaay back in February when spring was still in full swing and allergies were something that everyone had in common. Back then they lived in a small studio just a few bus stops from where we live. It was small, very cozy and just the right size for the two of them.
The session was nothing but the usual since we also had other friends there to cook, hang out and offer valuable posing tips, creating an ultra-light session packed to the rafters with that distinctive Bisaya laughter and jokes (yeah, we get rowdy when we get together!)
They've since moved to a bigger apartment because another member of the family is arriving very soon!
lifestyle photography, couples, family, portraits, lifestyle photography, couples, family, portraits
In-home shots from that afternoon.
Emily Brontë
“Every leaf speaks bliss to me, fluttering from the autumn tree.”
Emily Brontë
This week was a busy one but we had time to get into this cozy autumn session with the Bradys! They came out sporting adorable flannels and the sweetest smiles that made this quick session so fun to do. And with the colorful fall foliage as our backdrop, taking memorable snaps of this beautiful family around this pretty little corner of the city was effortlessly easy.
lifestyle photography, couples, family, portraits, lifestyle photography, couples, family, portraits
Some snaps from that lovely autumn afternoon.
