KayceOnline.com // A Day in the Life: The Official Blog of Kevin Chung » A Day in the Life

Today’s Randomly Self-Prescribed Photo Challenge

Kayce Online — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 22:15:18 +0000

Was an exciting day today! After picking up a Canon EF-s 18-55IS kit lens to complete my assistant’s 40D “practice” kit, I decided to take her new (super-compact and super-light) lens for a test-drive, shooting without any of my fancy (read: expensive & actually good) equipment as a crutch. Jokes aside, photography shouldn’t be about the equipment anyhow & the key to being/becoming a good photographer is almost a conscious choice above all else – choosing to project & share what we see as opposed to wandering around our fascinating & diverse world as mere passengers. For those enough fortunate enough to make a living off of photography, it’s a profession – but strip the $$ away, and photography is simply the skill & art of being able to tell stories through powerful images.

The weather was brutally cold today, so I didn’t really stick to my normal (read: obsessive & insane) walk-around photography habits of shooting absolutely eeeeverything interesting in my proximity while changing lenses 195 times (only a slight exaggeration). I simply walked home in a direct path & shot anything I felt like shooting on the way, using only her 40D + the 18-55IS kit lens (yes, my 1D3 & 85L were indeed sad). The goal in my head was to make 10 usable images while limiting the # of photos taken: I ended up with these 12 (+ 1 fun one at the end) & I deleted 5 images in camera & another 4 images after seeing them on the computer – all in all, not my greatest walk-around collection but not bad either for a 30-min walk with 22 total shutter actuations.

And as for that assistant? She’s been training steadily over these past few weeks & tomorrow night, after doing a great job for me last Saturday, she’ll shoot her 2nd formal gig at XS as my 2nd shooter. Many of you have probably already seen her taking photos with my equipment on Fridays – now you’ll see her walking around with HER camera (note: I can’t believe she named it :/) during our busier events. To come – a formal introduction of her in the form of her best images debuted on this site in a few weeks!

Adelaide & York

Richmond & York

Bay & Queen – Story: I tweeted @raptorsspacekat the other day that photography was awesome because it changes the way you view things, to which she replied that it was essentially like “seeing the world through rose coloured glasses.” well, I came across this abandoned pair of glasses left on a cement ledge so it seemed only natural to shoot it – although this was one occasion I wished I was allowed to use one of my usual fast primes instead of the POS kit lens hahah.. full version w/ EXIF data at ADDICTEDTOBEAUTY.ca – Rose Coloured Glasses

Bay & Dundas

Bay & Gerrard – Landmark Location for Brad J. Lamb’s routine comedy slash lame advertisements

Bay & Gerrard

Bay & St. Joseph

and finally.. I just had to include this one because I thought it was cute/funny. It’s a terrible & altogether meaningless photo – “don’t judge me, don’t judge me.” (inside joke)

Sneak Peak from Arisa & Josh’s Engagement Party

Kayce Online — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 20:55:50 +0000

While I knew Arisa since our school days at U of T, I first met Josh at his birthday party last summer where I was working. When I saw Arisa and came up to say hi, one of my first thoughts was actually, “Wow, Arisa & her boyfriend make a great, natural couple.” We caught up a bit, Arisa asked me what I was up to so I filled her in – I had just accepted my first few wedding commissions & was extremely excited to be on my way to becoming a full-time wedding photographer. Fast forward a few mere weeks & voila, our gorgeous couple was engaged! Naturally, when Arisa asked me if I would like to be involved in their special occasion, I jumped at the opportunity. Congratulations to Arisa & Josh, you guys really do make an amazing couple & I couldn’t be happier for the two of you – the engagement party was absolutely wonderful start to finish, I’m ecstatic to have been part of it! On behalf of my lovely assistant Hanako (who did a great job as my 2nd shooter on Saturday), many thanks to Arisa, Josh & the entire Sookman family for having us – you guys are a lot of fun!

Below is a sneak peak from this past Saturday’s event – the full gallery from Arisa & Josh’s beautiful Toronto Engagement Party at 6 Degrees will be posted shortly! If you’d like to receive an email notifying you when the photos are posted, please contact me here & I’ll be happy to email you when the password-protected gallery is up =)

The full gallery from Arisa & Josh’s beautiful Toronto Engagement Party at 6 Degrees will be posted shortly! If you’d like to receive an email notifying you when the photos are posted, please contact me here & I’ll be happy to email you when the password-protected gallery is up =)

- Kevin

Social Media Day (Toronto) – June 30th, 2010

Kayce Online — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 12:50:24 +0000

What exactly is social media? By now, you’ve probably heard the term thrown around numerous times – in the news, in TV ads, you name it. Usually the term is used to reference popular websites like Facebook, Myspace & Twitter, but specifically, social media is better defined as “internet-based applications that allow and encourage the creation and exchange of user-generated content.” Building on the technologies of web 2.0, social media now affects each and every one of us on a daily basis, from big businesses to governing bodies to individual consumers. Regardless of how each of these entities chooses to use social media, in an age where attention spans are shorter than ever, social media utilization has pretty much become the driving force of our current generation.

A couple nights ago, I came across a Toronto Facebook event where several keynote speakers were to speak on social media, for what happened to be the universal “social media day.” I contacted the organizers and before you knew it, Wednesday night rolled around and there I was, taking photos as well as listening to what these 3 specialists had to say about social media.

Our first speaker was Dimitar Popovski (@DDNMedia) from DDNMedia.com (Toronto-based developers of mobile apps Stylish Girl and Cool Guy), who got us started with an informative look at how social media has affected the fashion industry, both from the standpoint of big brands as well as consumers. Next, we had the privilege of a featured speech from social media guru Scott Stratten (@unmarketing) himself, who quickly highlighted the importance of social media using his own unique, engaging approach and several rousing real-life examples of social media’s profound value to our society. Last but not least, Much Music’s social media personality Casie Stewart (@CasieStewart) spoke about her own extraordinary involvement with social media on a professional level – masterminding several of Much Music’s popular social media accounts at once.

Besides being able to hear these professionals’ insights on social media, those of us in attendance also benefited from having a chance to meet and mingle with some of the other social media enthusiasts in our community in a casual, social environment. I wasn’t able to meet as many of you as I would’ve liked to (I had to leave early for my next gig), but I still found the night extremely productive – special thanks to Dan Levy (@Dan_L) and Netfirms.com (@Netfirms) for making the event possible, and also to the featured speakers, who made the event what it was!

For those of you who’d like to stay connected with upcoming Social Media Day Toronto Events / Mashable Meetups, please follow & add yourselves to our list @kevinchung/smdayTO

Without further adieu,

Meet Apple’s iPhone 4 // 06.08.10 Update

Kayce Online — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 04:56:57 +0000

Within hours of officially releasing details/specs/promos for their iPhone 4, Apple has already created a sensational buzz about their new product.. We know about Apple’s talent with revolutionary product engineering, and we know about Steve Jobs’ transcendent genius with practical innovation, so maybe this shouldn’t surprise us.. except, it really does.

Developed with “Facetime” or video calling in mind, iPhone4 will boast two cameras – 1 for video calling & a 5MP still camera that also records HD Video. Apple’s already industry-leading display is also significantly upgraded, with 4x the pixel count and a higher contrast ratio on a 960×640 display – making the iPhone4 display effectively the “sharpest” phone screen ever.

Throw in a faster new processor, improved ergonomics & engineering (ultra-durable commercial-grade glass + stainless steel binding) & (useless) improvements to the iPhone’s already impressive general user interface & gaming capabilities.. Then keep in mind that the 16gig version of the iPhone4 is entering the market at a $199 (or around there) price-point, and you’ll know why I’m so impressed..

I’m a Blackberry guy, and probably will always be one. Having access to browser-free integrated email has changed my life & increased my productivity in a way I never thought possible.. and I don’t use my phone for any “useless” things like web browsing, listening to music, watching video, etc.

But for the average consumer? (aka every 16-80 yr old who just wants the most out of their phones & isn’t hellbent on uber-productivity & world domination?) The iPhone4 looks like an absolutely amazing product.. Don’t be too surprised if it changes the face of the mobile web/phone market forever..

A lot of companies & their CEOs talk about changing the world with their products.. Apple & Steve Jobs now have quite the history of actually accomplishing exactly that.

Pre-orders June 15th – more snapshots & specs at: http://www.apple.com/iphone/

Kevin Chung: Wedding Photographer // 05.29.10 Update

Kayce Online — Sat, 29 May 2010 09:41:03 +0000

As I write this, it’s 2:25am, Vancouver time. In exactly 3 hours, I’ll wake up to begin the next chapter of my life.. It’s a chapter I’ve been waiting to write for over a year, a chapter that I’ve been preparing for for as long as I can remember now.

Why wedding photography? I love being able to see the joy in other people’s lives. I love being reminded that we’re all so different in our own wonderful ways, but also so similar, both as individuals, and also as members of different families/societies/cultures. I love photography. I love being able to isolate a moment in time, and being able to reproduce that little tidbit of inspiration using my own vision so that others can share in that moment as well, long after that moment has passed. I love challenges. I love knowing that there’s absolutely no room for error on my part, and I pride myself on being prepared for anything so that surprises could only bring out the best in me.

I started taking photos for fun about 5 yrs ago.. And while I’ve never put it into words until now, I’ve always felt this – the world as I see it touches me. That might sound weird to you, but it can’t be truer to me.

And so, from my first experience shooting a wedding, I fell in love with idea of wedding photography. For a day, I was invited by the bride & groom into the sincerest & most treasured parts of their lives. I was able to see & capture all the subtle expressions of genuine appreciation for one another that we all usually take for granted in the midst of our busy world. The tears and the smiles on their faces reflecting the pure, unadulterated moments of happiness shared between the bride & groom, their families, and all of their loved ones. On that first wedding assignment, I was only asked to shoot the tea ceremony & wedding reception, but the day was already an unforgettable & inspiring experience.

Since then, I’ve shot hundreds of live events/concerts – many featuring your favourite best-selling artists & DJs. I’ve shot hundreds of paid model sessions – many with models that either you or your boyfriend would be jealous of me for even knowing. I’ve shot dozens and dozens of product catalogues & restaurant menus/flyers at very, very healthy hourly rates. But nothing’s come close to the rush I felt that day, over three years ago.

Which brings me to May 29th, 2010 – the date of my first full solo wedding commission, a day I’ve been quietly but excitedly preparing for.

I think being a wedding photographer is a tremendous privilege as well as a humbling responsibility, so I can’t be prouder to tell you that I’m ready for this challenge. In the coming years, I look forward to being inspired by each & every one of you, alongside your lovers & loved ones on the most special days of your lives.

If you like what I’m about & also the photos that I take, please contact me for a complimentary wedding consultation where I would love to get to know you & your partner better. I’d love to speak with you about your collective vision for your special day, and I would even love to be a part of the planning process. I have a wide range of wedding investment options that I’m offering for a discounted rate until the end of 2010 while I continue to work on my wedding portfolio/website. Given the standards I have of myself, I have no doubts that I will surpass any & every expectation you may have of a wedding photographer, and it would be my honour to be your wedding photographer of choice.

Yours truly,
Kevin Chung | Services & Rates | Contact

To all my bad girls, shining in this mad world – “Rude Boy” (Remix) // 03.04.10 Update

Kayce Online — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 23:29:10 +0000

AddictedtoBeauty.ca’s Photo of the Day for March 3rd 2010: Stop at Fort York

catharsis. that’s the word of the month. leading up to what will undoubtedly be one of the busiest (if not THE busiest) months of my life, i’ve been thinking a lot.. about the past, about the present, about the future. planning obsessively, thinking about any and all possible pitfalls while weighing my opportunities – the way i usually do.. lately though, in the midst of all that angst, my passion for photography has been the constant..

meaning? you should see lots of AddictedtoBeauty.ca updates in the next little while.. i’ve given up on trying to post a photo a day, but expect random updates at all hours of the night/day when i need an outlet..

as for the Rude Boy Remix.. i wrote my verse immediately after being sent the original track, and i recorded the track about two weeks ago, thinkin that the instrumental was bouncy enough to hit radio airwaves.. now, two weeks later, i don’t like the instrumental as much, and i definitely don’t think this is the most inspired i’ve ever been on a remix.. regardless, i had fun with it and it serves a purpose i guess – enough of my dj friends have asked for exclusives to play on their mix shows to let me know that my intuition was right when i heard the original..

the intro is a bit empty by design for me to shout out djs/crews/radio shows – to other djs looking to play this, get at me for a radio edit. kayceproductions[at]gmail.com

without further adieu – you can listen to my remix of Rihanna’s “Rude Boy” at:

Reverbnation

full info & lyrics: http://www.kayceonline.com/blog/2010/03/04/rihanna-ft-prizm-rude-boy-remix/

Kobe Bryant’s (Hilarious) New Shoe Ads – Nike ZKV Bruce Lee

Kayce Online — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 18:14:57 +0000

saw this first thing in the morning haha.. huge fan of Kobe’s work on the court and also a huge fan of Bruce Lee, but these ads are pretty comical. Kobe imitates a series of Bruce Lee posters, and i can’t really decide if he’s being serious or if he’s doing it as a spoof…….. at least he (and Nike) will enjoy the boost from the viral marketing that’s sure to follow..

the Nike Zoom Kobe Vs should be killer as always, but i’m not sure i’d ever want to rock a pair of yellow kicks.. the four iconic scratch marks on the side of the shoe are a pretty dope tribute to Bruce Lee.

Eminem – “Beautiful” (MP3 & Lyrics)

Kayce Online — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 05:27:23 +0000

the perfect song for this moment.

Eminem – “Beautiful” (MP3 format)

play | download

Eminem – “Beautiful” Lyrics

(Eminem)
Im just so fucking depressed
I just cant seem to get out this slump
If i could just get over this hump
But i need something to pull me out this dump
I took my bruises took my lumps
Fell down and i got right back up
But i need that spark to get psyched back up
And in order for me to pick the mic back up
I dont know how or why or when
I ended up this position im in
Im started to feel dissin again
So i decided just to pick this pen
Up and try to make an attempt to vent
But i just cant admit
Or come to grips the fact that i may be done with rap
I need a new outlet
And i know some shits so hard to swallow
But i cant just sit back and wallow
In my own sorrow but i know one fact
Ill be one tough act to follow
One tough act to follow
Ill be one tough act to follow
Here today gone tomorrow but you’d have to walk a thousand miles

Chorus

In my shoes, just to see
What its like, to be me
Ill be you, lets trade shoes
Just to see what id be like
To feel your pain, you feel mine
Go inside eachothers minds
Just to see what we’d find
Look at shit through eachothers eyes
Don’t let them say you aint beautiful
They can all get fucked just stay true to you
Dont matter saying you aint beautiful
They can all get fucked just stay true to you

(Eminem)
I think im starting to lose my sense of humor
Everythings so tense and gloom
I almost fee like i gotta check the temperature of the room just as soon as i walk in
Its like all eyes on me i try to avoid any contact
Cuz if i do that then it opens the door for conversation like i want that
im not looking for extra attention i just want to be just like you
Blend in with the rest of the room maybe just point me to the closest restroom
I dont need no fucking man servant tryin ta follow me around and try to wipe my ass
Laugh at every single joke i crack and half of them aint even funny like Hahhhhh
“Marshall your so funny man you should be a comedian god damn”
Unfortunately i am i just hide behind the tears of a clown
So why dont you all sit downn
Listen to the tale that im about to tell
Hell we dont gotta trade our shoes
And you dont gotta walk no thousand miles

Chorus

(Eminem)
Nobody asked for life to deal us with these bullshit hands we’re dealt
We gotta take these cards ourselves and flip em dont expect no help
Now i could have either just stayed at home sit on my ass and pissed and moaned
Or take this situation with which im placed in and get up and kick my own
I was never the type of kid to wait by the door and pack his bags
And sat on the porch and hope and prayed for a dad to show up who never did
I just wanted to fit in in every single place every school i went
I dreamed of being that cool kid even if it meant acting stupid
And edna always told me keep making that face and it’ll get stuck like that
Meanwhile im just standing there holding my tongue trynwa twalk like dwis
Then i stuck my tongue on that frozen stop sign pole at 8 years old
I learned my lesson then cuz i wasn’t trying to impress my friends no more
But i already told you my whole life story
Not just based on my description
Cuz where you see it from where your sittin its probably 110% different
I guess we would have to walk a mile in eachothers shoes at least
What size you wear? i wear tens
Lets see if you can fit your feet

Chorus

In my shoes, just to see
What its like, to be me
Ill be you, lets trade shoes
Just to see what itd be like
To feel your pain, you feel mine
Go inside eachothers minds
Just to see what we’d find
Look at shit through eachothers eyes
It dont matter saying you aint beautiful
They can all get fucked just stay true to you
Don’t let them say you aint beautiful
They can all get fucked just stay true to you
So
It dont matter saying you aint beautiful
They can all get fucked just stay true to you
So

(Music outro)

Eminem

Yeah
To my babies
Stay strong
Daddy will be home soon
And to the rest of the world
God gave you shoes to fit you
So put em on and wear them
Be yourself man
Be proud of who you are
And even if it sounds corny
Dont ever let anyone tell you you ain’t beautiful

The crazy (ridiculously talented) white boy does it again.