Photos from Terrence's 3rd Birthday

More photos from the digital camera. Terrence's 3rd birthday in March. How time flies.

White Bavarian cream cake at European Cake.

This bus goes round and round, not just the wheel.

Film: 3rd Birthday at Adventure City

Some photos taken on my film camera at Adventure City. Adventure City is a little kid centric amusement park in Anaheim. I never knew a place like this existed and it was a perfect location to let the little one work off their energy. The place isn't too big so you can definitely split up and still be able to locate each other when needed.

Terrence was too busy riding on the rides to pose for a photo. LOL Anyways, here are some.

Life's event documented...

One of the thing I appreciate more and more as I mature as a photographer is the historic record a photograph maintain. We hear that the years fly by faster the older you get. And I think it's more apparent when you have your own kids and another birthday arrives.

So despite it being some effort to try to document an event like I would on a paid shoot, I feel that the value of the photograph will be shown 10-20 years from now. And that's important enough to put the effort forth and capture moments and memories like these.

I have started shooting more and more film and my processing follow the beautiful, organic look of film. I am mixing in the best properties of each medium to evolve as a photographer and offer the best of the technology out there to my clients.

I love a properly frame candid. The symmetry of the colors adds to the frame.

Calvin ran off and met another group and came back with a slice of watermelon. Just about as good a food begger as Terrence and the dog from Bolt. :)

Just wondering, why is it so hard to work with family? They like to dictate where I take the photo instead of leaving it up to me to find the best lighting with foreground to background element that adds to the picture instead of compete. We are not taking vacation photos, so no, I am not gonna get the ocean backdrop or planted roses. Simply because the light is harsh in those direction. Please let me enjoy my craft. That way, you get flattering images like these out of the camera.

I love these next couple of images of the birthday boy and his grandparents.

I am never sure who is leading who when Susan's taking care of the kids. ;)

My youngest cousin. Such a cutie.

Family and friends, please dress you kids as cute as possible when you come to an event with me. My camera gravitates towards cuteness.

The mom and her daughter.

Miia turns ONE.

Between the job relocation and move back overseas to London, Phi and Juha was able to throw a 1st birthday bash for baby Miia. Aside from pictures, this will be the first time I get to see and meet the cutie. Here are some photos of the cutie on her big day.

Disney Fairies theme birthday party. Am I disclosing too much to say I like the Tinkerbell movie and awaiting part two later this month?

Here is the little fairy herself.

And her dainty little fairy feet.

Grandma just can't get enough of this cutie. I don't blame her.

Neither can her aunt Thao.

Can you say CUTE!

Kids don't like looking at the camera. That's good, because I love capturing little kids as they are. There's just a certain focused look they all have...

These are the moments I aim to capture.

But I do capture the traditional, look at the camera photos as well. But I like it done my way. For example....

Love the lighting. A glowing fairy.

Yes, this is my idea of a family photo.

I just love this series of shots with the family.

Dad's little girl. Just a precious moment.

Here's mommy and her little girl.

Flying high...

But uncle James can go higher. Mia squealing in delight.

The sisters with Miia.

Bathe and time for bed.

I adore smiley babies with their baby teeth.

Phi said Miia does this only during bed time. Very acrobatic this little one.

Happy Birthday Miia, we feel sadden that we won't get to see much of you as you move overseas. Which means it's even more important to get you in front of uncle's camera to document your growth beyond year one each time you come back to visit.

You can view the rest of the photos here. Access code is the family's last name.