-Just Believe Photography-

My search for a name is still at hand.  Stephen Anthony Photography is still not set as stone yet until I really run out of marketable ideas for a name.  So what do you guys think about “Just Believe Photography?”  I’ve check multiple sources to make sure no one else has it and so far it seems like I’m clear but I’ll have to check more indepth if I decide to go permanent with this name or any of my names.  If you comment about my name please give me some honest feedback and don’t just say I don’t like it because that doesn’t help.  Some constructive criticism is welcomed.  This is just a beta for this name so I’m not sure if I’m going to stick with it myself.  Just a testing ground for my photo work.  Here is a list of other names I’ve thought of..

1. Endless Photography

2. Eternal Light Photo

3. Dream Drifter Photo

4. And of course…Just Believe Photography

Now maybe I shouldn’t post these names since someone else might come across it and use it but o well.  For some reason I love the ring of Dream Drifter Photo for some reason because it sounds interesting.  =)  If anyone of you have any further detail comments or recommendations please message me as well. 

So I’m excited, I leave for Indianapolis this Thursday in search of colder weather haha.  Yay me, I hate cold weather but o well anything for my buddy Nathan.  It will be an exciting time and I can’t wait to meet his bride to be.  And nope I wont be a wedding photographer there and neither will Junshien hehe.  I’m sure well both bring our cameras but were both in the wedding party so we wont have the photographers perspective here! =) 

On another note, I was reading the story of Esther in the bible about God fulfilling her God-given destiny and it didn’t occur to me how powerful this story really is.  To make a long story short, Esther was a Jewess captive in Persia…later crowned queen of Persia…Haman a evil leader plotted to destroy the Jewish people living in Persia.  Esther responded in Faith while discovering her God Given Destiny to bring Salvation for the Jewish people.  It amazes me what ONE risky step of faith can do.  It can save a nation.  And it occurred to me that it really takes GUTS to walk in our destiny.  Esther’s life was at risk for all her people and her decision to rely on the power of God accomplished great things.  Esther’s story reminded me that “Greater is HE in me than any other in the world.”  Profound?  I’ll say!  With God anything is possibly!  Great story, I encourage you to read it sometime!

Cheers,
Steve

Early Bloomer

Id like to briefly thank everyone for their helpful suggestions, links to resources and support on my journey as a photographer.  To update you all on my decision, I still haven’t reached a verdict yet but I’m thinking of keeping Stephen Anthony Photography as a whole.  My last name is just not as smooth or relaxing as my middle name is.  I’ve spent countless hours thinking about a name for my work and so far nothing comes up.  So I’m going to continue to wait and think on this more but so far I’ve gotten positive feedbacks about the name I am using now.  Most say it has a nice ring to it and I think so too.  I have been wanting to set myself apart from other photographers with my own style and own name but I am definitely had some trouble thinking of a name and logo.  Most of the creative names I have thought of are taken or don’t seem to match my work or how I want to be presented.  I thought about my last name and it’s not flying too well.  Don’t get me wrong, I love my last name and wouldn’t trade it for any other because it’s the only last name I can think of that has NO VOWELS in it at all.  Now how that for a last name eh?   nudge nudge! haha  I like the idea of tagging my photos of my full name with dashes on it.  I haven’t seen anyone do that yet and I honestly think it adds a little finesse to the photo haha!  It’s not extremely creative or anything and its definitely not a logo but its simple and it works.  And I am happy with that. 

So I have another interview coming up next Tuesday and I hope I do well for this interview because it’s a actual reputable position and job.  I wont say what position it is or where because I know I’ll probably get criticized for it but thats ok.  hahah!  Lets just say I presume a watchdog type position to sustain the Integrity of people, which I happen to find very important.  Anyways, pray for the best and I’m really trying to have a Godly perspective on this and I’m praying if this is a window of opportunity that He would open this door for me.  If not I also want to accept the fact that it’s a great experience and to know He has greater plans for me.  It’s not all God because you can’t expect God to do his part if you don’t do your part.  Thats the way I see it and it’s pretty black and white.  Laziness doesn’t get you anywhere.  I’ll be studying each day to gain more background knowledge but sometimes I wonder if I should be worried about how much I know or more of how to present myself better.  I was reading once that people spend countless hours preparing for something but not enough time rehearsing over it.  Perhaps its true but I still have a lot to learn.  I guess what I’m getting here is I want to be able to present myself in a way where I want them to know I am teachable, willing to learn and expand my horizon; even if I’m not fully qualified or the most ideal candidate.  Granted that I do qualify its the experience that I don’t exactly have under my belt.  It’s probably been one of my greater weaknesses now but never the less I’m going to give it my best shot. 

Yay, towards the end of next week I’ll be in Indianapolis for a good friend of mine’s wedding.  Well, I’m actually in it but I am very much excited and can’t wait to visit that state since I’ve never set foot there.  For me its such a random state to go to but never the less I hope for a awesome experience and perhaps for some decent weather that wont chill my bones. 

What a simple way to market yourself well for a starting photographer?  I know knowing people and basically word of mouth is probably one of the most efficient ways as a starting photographer but what else has proven effective?  Someone said Craiglist.com is somewhat legit.  What do you guys think?  Oh I do probably want to screen my quality in terms of the types of photography I would be interested in. 

Cheers, Steve

-Stephen Anthony
Photography- ?????

Lingering Aurora

In regards to my previous post, I would like to thank everyone for commenting on my work, supporting and encouraging me along my journey as a photographer.  I have been having a joyous time doing what I do and the ride has been sweet so far.  I haven’t even begun to breach my potential as a photographer but I am very eager to learn more and as much as I possibly can.  While the digital photography world grows competitive it is easy to lose people among a sea of photographers.  I know I am still developing my style and consistency but I’m not sure if its exactly up to par.  In fact, I am no where near where I want to be.  My way to learning and expanding my photography comes through with learning from some of the best and inspiring artist on the market today.  Scott Robert & Becker Photography has been among many other artist that inspire me to take my work to a higher level.  There also many other fresh new artist on the market who inspire and encourage to follow dreams and do what you love.  Junshien’s Photography and abilities to deliver powerful imagery go beyond just looking through the view finder and taking a photo; rather his ability to see and capture life as it comes.  Many of these people I’ve connected with I have not yet met in person but they and especially YOU are my support group, my life line to success.  However, ultimately my success is driven by the one who created all things, God.  I may not become famous, I may not be even known for any of my work but I’m still going to snap away.  Why? Because I LOVE IT!

On another exciting note, I will be given an opportunity to learn from one of the nations top premiere wedding photographer, Scott Robert.  I am thrilled to have an opportunity to attend one of his workshops in the following month.  Can’t wait!

While I am looking to jump start my career in photography, I am also interviewing for jobs around where I live to support myself, photography wont happen for me without a little investment (proper equipment) so I’ve been funding my photography accessories with my current job all while looking for another job/career while starting my photography career too! =)  Many of you have encouraged me that its doable and I believe so too.  If fact, I should know so since I know some people currently doing it now haha!  Now the only thing I am not fully equipped with yet is wedding photography experience.  I would easily want to jump on a opportunity to shoot a wedding but the idea of never shooting a wedding scares me a little.  Never done it before, been in tons of weddings but never from a photographers stand point.  I thought about shadowing before I ever jump into this area.  I guess, what I’m really getting at here is how on earth do you get started?  I know I’ll find more at Scott Roberts workshop but the question dangles over my head still.  I mean, why would anyone want to hire me if I haven’t even shot a single wedding yet?  Perhaps I’ll have a chance to shoot a family wedding or a close family friend, who knows.  But having someone picking up my business card and asking about my photography is a bit intimidating, especially with no experience! =)  Or maybe I should just adopt Nike’s motto, “Just Do It.” =)

Meanwhile, my priority right now is thinking of a name for my photography that is marketable.  You’re all probably aware that I use a strange signature on all my photography work, “KUTSUJUH.”  Now what on earth does Kutsujuh mean exactly?  To tell you the truth, I have no idea myself, haha.  I pretty much made up the name myself and thought it sounded awesome but it was never intended for my photography work.  It actually first appeared as my AIM screen name and later I adopted it to my photography work.  Some of you might like it but its definitely not marketable and no one would take me or my work seriously.  So for starters you might notice that I have a new tag or signature on my photo above…“[SA] Photography“ aka – Stephen Anthony Photography.  I have not fully decided if this is the name I want to use for sure yet but so far its my best lead(not very creative but it works).  Some of you whom I’ve asked have felt that its a solid name some of you thought it sounded like a law firm or a financial institution or even something catholic, haha.  Yes, catholic but whatever.   People are entitled to their own opinions and those were some honest responses.  What do you think of the name?  I’ve thought of names but all these patents were taken by other photographers.  I know I don’t have to use my name but so far I don’t have anything creative enough, striking or that simply not taken yet.  Comments warmly welcomed!

On this journey of life, the most amazing part of what I’m doing in photography is that my parents fully support me along with the rest of my extended family.  Beyond what I do or what careers I’ll pursue, they have been my backbone.  There is something about my parents supporting me that powerfully moves me even more.  I am truly blessed!

Oh, one more thing.  How do you accurately calibrate your monitor to give your photographs their true color.  How can I be sure what I see is what other see.  I’ve had a comment or two on some of my work and sometimes I wonder if what I’m seeing or editing is what I really want people to see!  I really need to take a look at my work on other peoples computers because I have no idea!

Live While You Live…because you only live once and it goes fast!

Thanks for reading, Steve

Oakland Asian Culture Center
Lunar New Year Event

WARNING:  Lots Of Photos

This photo is my favorite one.

Vietnamese Dance

I found the 5th girl in the back attractive!  Just thought I’d share that with all of you!  The smallness of the photo doesn’t do it’s justice for her! =)

 

Try doing that, talk about flexibility!

…no words can even begin to describe how this guy channels the pain!

 

Green

Videographer

Fellow Xangastas…I apologize in advance for the delay on a overdue post.  I’ve had a rather busy week and have only been able to edit and filter through photos when I have a window of opportunity.  Anyways, I am finally excited to say “I got paid to do something I absolutely loved and enjoyed.”  So I had the opportunity to be the designated photographer for the Oakland Asian Culture Center and boy was it a blast.  I learned so much, got a even great perspective of event photography and most of all I had fun all while actually getting paid.  Even though it wasn’t much, it was hard to believe I got paid to do this.  More props to professional wedding photographers; I sort of got a feeler for how it must be mad crazy for you moving around capturing every moment of a wedding from morning till night.  I was only a photographer from 11am till about 4pm and boy was that some workout.  I don’t think I was stationed in one area for more than a few minutes at a time.  But thats ok, I don’t mind moving around so much, especially for the shots I wanted.  All in all, I had a blast and it was a awesome learning experience. 

So what’s been going on with me lately, well I’ve been working a lot and still on the job hunt.  I’ve had number of interviews which have been both good and some not so good but thats ok.  I learned a lot about myself and obtained better ways of presenting myself.  The funny thing about interviews is you have to try and convince the employer why you are so great.  For me thats just one of the most uncomfortable things to do.  I don’t like to brag or uplift myself in anyway or at least I try not to.  It just funny and since I haven’t been used to marketing myself it was definitely a learning experience.  I learned a lot from my mistakes and approaches I’ve taken.  My Saturday interview went very well and yes I know it was odd having a interview on Saturday but hey whatever floats the boat yeah!  Aside from all the business during the week I manage to get some photo work in a hour or two each day which explains why I’ve lagged on updating the photos. 

I’ve also started consistently praying and reading the Bible a lot more lately and I must say God has really been transforming my perspectives more than ever before on things I deal with in life and just how I see the future.  I almost feel like I’m always relearning how to TRUST and put my faith in Him.  Another thing, Proverbs is so rich in wisdom, I knew that but rereading through it again each day is just powerful! 

CHURCH UPDATE: I’m still checking out different churches/fellowships and so far I still like my option, Laguna Christian Center.  I’ll be trying out a couple other churches in my area and I’ll keep you all posted on how those go. 

Random thoughts from this past week…

So were any of you shocked about Anna Nicole Smith’s death?  I was!  However, I wasn’t sure how to react to the heartbreaking news.  But somehow I’m sure people who follow the media might expect something like this.  The most disappointing news is she left behind her little daughter =(.  For starters, she wasn’t the brightest woman on this planet in fact she was probably one of the dumbest, contributing nothing all that great to society, her shows were garbage but all at the same time I can’t help to feel sad and compassion for her.  A girl confused, at daze with what is right and probably wrong, coming from a broken home and working class family sometimes I wonder where she went wrong.  Immediately, the parents come to my mind.  I think the root of many problems the way people turn out is the parents fault.  You may more may not agree with me and thats fine but I want to voice my opinion here.  When I see Anna Nicole, I see a woman who was lost, exploited by the tabloids for profit and completely trapped in a position many women in this media saturated industry fall in.  Her life, character and dignity as a women had been torn down by what people have probably told her, what she saw on her own and most of all no guidance from someone who could show her the smallest of love.  I don’t know her whole story but I see LOVE missing in her life and most of all a Savior to rescue her. 

Do you think the America would be ready for a woman president?  I don’t think so but I don’t have a legit reason why, I just don’t think so.  Not disrespecting women here in anyway but I just don’t know if America would be ready for that change?

Ok one last blurb…do you think it’s possible to pursue wedding photography while holding another full time job?  I know it really depends on what the full time job is but say the full time job is a 9-5 sort of job M-F.  I some how think I could balance a full time job and do photography until demand for me kicks off but then again I don’t really know since I’m not in that situation.  I guess well see…

note: some of you might notice that a variety of my photos seem dark or the lighting is bad but I’ve intentionally did some of this to focus on the part of the iimage I want to emphasize.  Just my style.

Thanks for reading – Steve

Super Bowl 41
BEARS VS. COLTS
COLT’S HAVE PROVEN VICTORIOUS THIS DAY
So defense doesn’t always win games! haha

I love this commercial! haha

EDIT: Boy are job interviews nerve racking.  I think I did decent but I can’t help but be nervous!  Anyways, a real update soon on my 1st photography job I had this past weekend.  Pictures to come…