May Your Heart be Filled with Songs of Joy - Jean Huang Photography

How do you say "my heart is full" in English?

It's that time of the year and I have so much to say to you that I'm tongue-twisted and word-stuck.  I am lucky to be surrounded by nice souls and great spirits.  And I continued to be blessed this year.

Earlier this year, I had my first photography exhibition.  One thing leading to another, I started participating in international photography contests and winning awards.  Some of my winning work even brought me to Europe.  And there, my luck continued and now I have a sister in Barcelona and a mommie in Málaga, Spain.  Before the year ended, I had my second exhibition in the US.  And it all began when I started working with MR (yes, he's a mister).  He may not know it, I think he's an Angel. :-)

I am not about bragging accomplishments but about expressing gratitude.  My path this year has been strung by people that we are lucky to call friends/family/clients when the lines among these identifications are blurred.

In the harsh conditions of Morocco (both physically and mentally), we had the pleasure of getting to know Ali and Ali.  No, they are not related.  They don't even know each other.  But they both happen to be Berbers.  I will write about them in my stories later.  If not, please remind me.  But you have to specify which Ali in your request. :p

Spain, oh, Spain.  What can I say?  We went to Spain twice this year, intentionally and unintentionally.  I once said that although lacking art and history that rivals those of my beloved Italy, I'd go back to Spain again for its food and flamenco.  What I failed to mention is that her people would be right up there with food and flamenco.  Thanks to my sister Vannessa, Sevilla has a special place in our hearts.  And in the least expected city that's home to the ancient Iberian archaeological remains, David won Spain a star.  And Marc, the deep voice that led us successfully to where there's no more road and people drink wine for breakfast.  Your carquinyolis was not only good for the road, but also for when we are back to the US.

My Assistante, the one that's always there in the background, and some times just being the background.  Thank you for being there with me, whether it being the driving trips where I give directions (and criticisms on your driving skills) or the sickness in the family.  I know you've got my back.

Last but not least, my incredible support group that tirelessly read my stories and give encouragement.  You know who you are.  I've personally thanked you and I want to thank you again for being there when I struggle to grow since I started this creative journey many years ago.

I wish you a warm and memorable celebration with the ones that you most care about.  And safe trips when you are treading snows and fighting winds. 

Happy holidays!

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The Land is Speaking - Los Angeles Travel Photographer

Vegetation that grows/survives the Arctic environment makes for a unique crowd.  The rocky ground is characterized by permafrost, which is frozen year-round.  Only a thin layer of soil thaws and refreezes each year.  The resulting shallow root systems, along with low temperatures and short growing seasons, are not discouraging enough for these low and slow-growing plants (although, some are not technically plants, e.g., lichens).  

When I met these tough little beauties that had withstood the harsh elements and found themselves home in the (shallow) shelter from strong wind, I felt that they are speaking to me about their stories, the slow and long ones.
 

Arctic-Plant-En-route-to-Kerlingarfjoll-Iceland-Copyright-Jean-Huang-Photography-(2).jpg

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Beauty in the Eyes of Beholder - Los Angeles Travel Photographer

Ben Youssef Medersa in Marrakesh, Morocco, was once one of the largest theological colleges in North Africa.  At the entrance when we were ready to admire the touted Islamic architecture, I turned around.  My eyes lit up as if they've seen gold.  But wait, there's a guy taking photograph of his girl friend, occupying all the vantage points for my gold.  So I decided to wait a little.  So I waited.  And I waited...  And... still waiting...

When I realized that they were having a full-on portrait session, I caught a break in their flow of poses and got what I wanted.  Yes, the beauty in my eyes, at that moment, was the old man. :-)

What's the beauty that you are beholding at this moment?

Old-Man-at-Ben-Youssef-Medersa-Marrakesh-Morocco-Copyright-Jean-Huang-Photography

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