Do you know your lifetime dream(s)? - Los Angeles Portrait and Fine-Art Photographer

I still remember in the days of my corporate life, I'd say things like "when I retire, I would ...".  It seemed that I was saving the best things in life until my "golden years".  It seemed as if the life before retirement was supposed to be lacking, and suffering through it was part of the "package" that came with life. Well, things do not always go with plans and who would have known that I could change?  I changed, way before I reached retirement age.  Somewhere along the line, I started looking within to search for happiness and contentment.  So today, when I read the blog post "Before I Die - What is Important to You" by public installation artist, designer, urban planner, and co-founder of Civic Center  Candy Chang, I felt a sense of relief.  As I tried to reflect on the things that I wanted to achieve over the years, I am happy that I did not wait for a "perfect time" to act on them.

We may be able to plan our retirement; we won't know when our last day is in this world.  So what's on your list the things that you always wanted to do and yet life gets in the way?  Since waiting does not seem to be a good option, make plans to start allowing room to act on your "dreams".  

So what my dream life was like years ago, you may ask.  I wanted to lead a creative life and travel around the world.  And today, far ahead of my supposed "retirement age", I am creating as a photographer and oil painter (and many other ways of creating to come), and my passion for travel has taken me to many corners of the world.  And yet, what's more fulfilling is that I'm able to contribute to a positive life experience to my clients by bringing beauty to their lives or reminding them of such beauty.  I wouldn't have asked for my life any other way.

So today, allow yourself 5 minutes of your busy life to sit down and complete this sentence: "Before I die, I want to ____________".  Look forward to your sharing!

P.S. As I was deep in the drafting of this post, a friend that hasn't called for years rang.  As you would've expected, she was shocked (to say the least) at my changes.  It'll be interesting to find out her husband's reaction when she tells him first thing back home.  Hehe...

Peaceful Little Village being Brought back in Fine Art Photography - Los Angeles Fine Art Photographer

They say photographers like to travel.  I'm no exception.  And when designing the itineraries, the choices of locations are largely revolved around whether there are photographic opportunities. I've longed for a visit to the ancient village of Hongcun, China, one that was founded in the Southern Song Dynasty (about AD. 1131-1162), with a history of about 900 years.  This village was touted for its water system that runs through all residents and provides daily water usage.

At the heart of the village is the Moon Pond, which is surrounded by houses and ancestral temples.  As a person being immersed in the facilities of a modern country like the US, it's amazing to watch residents of the village carry on their daily lives by the water, starting early in the morning washing clothes.

This image was taken in front of an ancient residence, exemplifying the traditional architectural style of the area and the little village life.

This image would make a beautiful decoration to your home, bringing peacefulness to your daily life, when processed on a piece of aluminum (i.e., metal print).  Please contact me if you are interested in more details.

Please visit here for more images that are perfect for your home.

For more information about the amazing Hongcun and the surrounding area, please visit my travel blog.     

Spring at Descanso Gardens (Part 2) – Los Angeles Photographer

Spring is such an exciting season.  The nature has waken up from its dormant condition and everything seems to be alive, including me.Meeting nature at its best, my camera couldn’t be happier – it wouldn’t stop blinking. :-)

Check out the beautiful flower field:

I’m sure my camera is not alone in exhilarating.  Oh, how I wish I can join this little girl:

or be as elegant and colorful as this young lady:

And you know I won’t give up an opportunity when there is a Japanese Garden:

Let’s celebrate life, even if it’s the small things that are offered.

P.S. For Part 1 of the Descanso Gardens series, please click here. 

P.P.S. Any image in the Fine Art Photography category can be purchased to adorn your beautiful home.  Please contact me for sizes and presentation options.  Many ready to hang solutions to be recommended.