Littlest Details Photography

The blog has MOVED!

2008-07-30T12:51:00.000-07:00

My priority is to constantly be updating rather than juggling photos with text content. And unfortunately, BlogSpot is just too much blog for me. Then I discovered Tumblr, a minimalist blog site! This is the perfect venue for me to keep up with my latest work without any fuss!

Please visit my new blog here:
vivianchen.tumblr.com

Two Ritz Weddings!

2008-06-05T15:23:00.000-07:00

Shelley & Skip's wedding at the Ritz Carlton, San Francisco.

Yvette & Djaya's wedding at the Ritz Carlton in Half Moon Bay.
Not only was it a Muslim ceremony, but the bride and groom worn traditional Javanese outfits.

Maker Faire 2008

2008-05-08T15:54:00.000-07:00

When my friend Carl Alviani mentioned that he was going to be making a visit from Portland, OR to the Bay Area to cover the Maker Faire for Core77.com, I had no idea what he was talking about. Little did I realize that this year's third annual Maker Faire in San Mateo was kind of a big deal. Brought to the public by Make Magazine, the Maker Faire is more than a convention for crafters, designers and science enthusiasts. It's a gathering place for creative energy that doubles as a catalyst for stimulating the love of all things scientific for the younger generation.

On May 3rd, I joined Carl to photograph the Maker Faire for Core77.com. Be sure to check out the website for Carl's write up as well as video footage from the Faire. As for my photographs, you can view the gallery here.

Ginger & Tom: My first published wedding!

2008-05-08T15:36:00.000-07:00

Remember Ginger and her amazing chocolates? Well, last October, she got married to the equally lovely and talent Tom in Sacramento and I attended as their wedding photographer. This past month, the Sacramento Bee released their Summer/Fall 2008 wedding magazine "California Weds" featuring Ginger's wedding (and my photos) as the cover story! Many thanks to Ginger (the only bride I know who MADE her own wedding cake) & Tom for submitting this wedding and a big thanks to Angelica Pappas for running the story!

(Click each image to enlarge.)

Marina & Richard {for Michelle Walker Photography}

2008-04-30T13:31:00.000-07:00

Another wedding with Michelle Walker Photography! Marina and Richard were married on April 26 at the adorably rustic Swedenborgian Church and celebrated with about 60 of their closest friends and family at the Penthouse Suite of the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco.

Jun & Stephen {for Michelle Walker Photography}

2008-04-30T12:39:00.000-07:00

With the start of the wedding season, I've begun to second shoot for Michelle Walker again. Michelle is an amazing wedding photographer with a modern photojournalistic style. And she's just a generally all-around sweet, funny and genuine person!

On April 19, we shot the fabulous wedding of Jun and Stephen. The ceremony took place at Grace Cathedral and the party went on into the evening at the Mark Hopkin's hotel. Jun and Stephen's wedding was hands-down the most fun wedding I've ever worked. A kind couple with great design sense! Three ice sculptures, traditional Filipino folk dancing and a Cocoabella chocolate tasting bar? Calling it a "party" doesn't do it justice.

Art Show: March 2008

2008-03-13T19:00:00.000-07:00

Looks like I'm spending a lot of time in Sacramento! For the month of March until April 11, my recent photography work will be on display at Cuffs Urban Apparel at 2523 J Street in Sacramento. It's being displayed in conjunction with my friend, Tyson Robert's watercolor collages/sketches/paintings.

As it may be a bit difficult to see via these photos, my recent work features six 4x6 photos of the same image repeated and glued to a 12x12 piece of plywood and then sealed/glazed with resin. Each square hangs away from the wall for a floating illusion.

All of these pieces are for sale! Feel free to contact me if you are interested!

Here's a closer look at 12 of the pieces:

Ginger Elizabeth Chocolates

2008-03-13T18:27:00.000-07:00

If you find yourself in Sacramento, you have to go check out Ginger Elizabeth Chocolates. Her store is located at 1801 L Street in Suite 60 in Sacramento and it's definitely worth wandering in to. Besides the fact that Ginger (an amazingly talented and ambitious woman) hand makes each chocolate product in the store, the chocolates are simply delicious. It's very easy to go overboard indulging your sweet-tooth.

Ginger recently revamped her website and opened her boutique and called on me to provide the images. Here are just a few. You can see more at gingerelizabeth.com (But trust me, seeing and tasting the chocolates in person is a far better experience!)

The store which features a window into the kitchen.

Ginger Elizabeth

Ginger working in the kitchen

YUM!

Café Cremeaux

Hot chocolate to DIE for!

Art Show!

2008-02-24T13:59:00.000-08:00

You're invited to an art show featuring new work by Tyson Roberts and me.

Saturday, March 8 from 6-9pm
Cuffs Urban Apparel
2523 J Street, Sacramento, CA

Catherine

2008-01-31T00:10:00.001-08:00

This was one of my more challenging shoots. Impromptu timing, running around the alleys of Union Square and trying to make sure Catherine didn't freeze on this brisk San Francisco autumn night. (Model: Catherine Gray, Styling: Owen Buenaventura)

Hieroglyphics

2008-01-30T23:05:00.000-08:00

For the fourth issue of Stash Magazine, I was asked to photograph the members of Hieroglyphics. It was a difficult task assembling everyone together (this involved multiple failed trips to Oakland) but it all worked out in the end.

(I know this isn't everyone... If you want to see them all, check out the fourth issue of Stash Magazine.)

Stash Magazine - Issue #3

2007-06-20T18:30:00.000-07:00

The latest issue of Stash Magazine is available for consumption! For those who can't pick up an actual copy, you can read the virtual version here.

When I shot San Quinn in front of SF's City Hall, I was able to see how much he's changed since the first photo shoot I did with him over two years ago. Here was a guy glowing with confidence. I barely had to give him any direction.

Also in attendance was his four year-old son, Zackee. No question of confidence in this kid. Ever seen a four year-old strut? I have. It's pretty darn cute.

Heather & Daniel: May 5, 2007

2007-06-15T13:39:00.000-07:00

Last month, I personally shot a wedding for a friend of a friend. Heather and Daniel got married on May 5, 2007 at the Grandview Pavillion in Alameda. (Thanks to Rocko Bitterman for second shooting for me!) You can view the slideshow from the wedding here. They were such a sweet and cute couple, and it definitely shows!

SF Bay Guardian

2007-05-30T11:07:00.000-07:00

It's been a week since I found out, but work has been hectic so I'm a week behind in scanning in the cover of May 23-29's SF Bay Guardian cover story on Mistah FAB.

Who woulda thought a little photo shoot last October would lead to such big things?

Vintage Joy

2007-05-21T01:12:00.000-07:00

It was a fashion inspired weekend. On Saturday, I got to work with my all-time favorite designer, Joy Fan Knutsen of Vintage Joy. My very first photo shoot was for her first line of clothes and now three years later, we've joined creative forces again. Only this time I'm not using my point and shoot.

Big thanks to Choncy, Juliana, Katie and Victoria for modeling, Laila for make-up and Nish for opening up Etiquette for our private photo shoot!

Now I can't nor do I want to give it all away, but the shoot was so fun and inspiring that I have to share just a few... And these aren't even the best ones! (I saved those just for Joy!)

Doing this shoot and then going to the deYoung to see the Vivienne Westwood exhibition was the perfect way to re-energize my mind. This kind of excitement is the best fuel.

Happy Birthday to...

2007-05-14T19:17:00.000-07:00

All the May babies! Monica and Soerha! (from Saturday's BBQ at China Beach.)

Sorry Helen, I didn't bring my fancy camera to your birthday dinner! But we still got some worthy shots with Stacy's camera nonetheless...unforunately, I can't post those on this blog. (Wink wink.)

Rescheduled shoot

2007-05-12T12:54:00.000-07:00

Due to the massive Warrior's traffic headed to Oakland yesterday, we (Stash Magazine and I) never made it to our photo shoot. Luckily we were able to reschedule for Wednesday. And we still got to do two individual shoots. However in the interest of confidentiality, I'm not going to post or reveal the subjects of current editoral photo shoots until after the publication is released.

But regardless, it doesn't mean I post photos related to the day.

The Baydestrian

2007-05-09T15:35:00.000-07:00

Arlene and Nino of Stash Magazine, surprised me yesterday with an advanced copy of Mistah FAB's latest album, The Baydestrian. While I do enjoy his music, the surprise wasn't so much the new tracks on the CD but the CD's packaging...

Yup! That's my photography work right there! (In collaboration with Shemp from Photo Doctor Graphics who added the suburban background and lunch box.)

Here's my favorite, the back of the CD (click any photo to enlarge):

Back of the liner notes:

And liner notes (click to enlarge):

You want proof? My photo cred!

(I do believe Shemp and I make a lovely visual aesthetic team...) I was VERY happy to see it all come together. Definitely a day well spent last October hanging out by the pier with FAB.

Speaking of which... I know it's last minute, but better late than never:

Tomorrow evening, STASH MAGAZINE is celebrating its third issue release! Along with Mistah FAB's Record Release and the artists/record labels/producers/DJ's that will be in attendance - this is definately the spot to be at! It's going to be a great event perfect for networking and chillin! In the mix we got Rick Lee, Spair and Platurn of the Oakland Faders, DJ Rah2K and Tito Bell serving up the slaps all night! Free giveaways all night!

Here's the basic info:
@ Fat City (Studio-Z)
314 11th Street, San Francisco
Guestlist til 10PM, (Email your list to: guestlist@stashonline.com)
21+ / 9PM-2AM / Dress code and Security enforced!

I hope you can make it!

Two Travelers

2007-05-08T22:03:00.000-07:00

During the whole month of May, the photography of:

ROCKO BITTERMAN
and
VIVIAN CHEN

will be showcased at:

Magic Window
3578 Mount Diablo Blvd
Lafayette, CA
(925) 284-8802

Featuring photographs from Norway, Zimbabwe, Nicaragua and Taiwan!

Be sure to join us on the evening of Friday, May 25 from 6pm - 9pm for an open gallery event with free food and wine!

And don't grumble about not being able to drive the non-existent 580E to 24 to Layafette...You can save gas and the planet by taking BART. Get off at the Layafette BART station, walk south on Oak Hill Road (toward town) and head west (AKA turn right) on Mt Diablo Blvd. Magic Window is 400 ft from the Oak Hill Rd/Mt Diablo intersection! It's that simple!

We'd love to see you there!

PS Please tell all your art loving friends!

Last Sunday

2007-05-05T14:23:00.000-07:00

I went out shooting with Monica...

This is Monica.

And here are my some photos from that lovely day in Mill Valley...

I love my 60mm prime lens.

Blogging again

2007-05-05T13:52:00.000-07:00

I used to write in a blog all the time. It was a form of therapy as well as a forum for posting my latest photography. Unfortunately, my blogs became a bit too personal and soon I found myself mixing business with my personal life. Which isn't always ideal. So I stopped posting for a good six months. I just didn't feel like sharing. But as a photographer, I'm in the business of sharing so here I am again.

I've started a new blog strictly for the purposes of my photography. Sure, I have my own website (www.littlestdetails.com) but it's not updated as frequently as I'd like. So until then, this will be the best place to keep up-to-date on my latest work/projects/shoots. Photos only!

Once a blogger, always a blogger.