Life through a lens

For the uninitiated, ‘Gung Hay Fat Choy’ literally means ‘May prosperity be with you’ in Cantonese. On the occasion of the lunar new year, people wish each other with this greeting.

San Francisco has a sizable Chinese community and the largest Chinatown outside of Asia. In 1849, with the discovery of gold and the Gold Rush in California, a large number of people moved to California to seek fortune. Among these were many Chinese, who came to work in the gold mines and on the railroad. Today, Chinese New Year is celebrated in San Francisco with street festivals and a big parade with dragons, dancers, people carrying colorful flags, banners, lanterns, and drums and firecrackers to drive away evil spirits.

Whenever possible, I try and go to a Chinese New Year parade, for it gives me a glimpse into an ancient culture and its modern adaptations.

I photographed these Beijing Opera artists on the occasion of Chinese new year a couple of years back.

Gung Hay Fat Choy! Embrace the old, explore the new.

After photographing the Carnaval Junior King and Queen contest in San Francisco, I was shooting an impromptu drum circle outside the venue. I noticed a hispanic musician with a pan flute and guitar watching the proceedings with interest from the other side of the road. The colorful graffiti mural at the back and the musician appeared a very appealing subject for a street portrait.

I lifted my camera, smiled and waved to him gesturing if I could take a picture. He smiled back and nodded and posed as I clicked a picture. Scanning both sides for oncoming traffic, I crossed the road to compose tighter and then clicked a couple of pictures. I wanted to ask his name and address so I could send him his picture but he spoke no English and I spoke ‘poquito’ Spanish. We spoke by gestures; I would show him what I wanted and he followed my gestures.

After shooting some colorful street portraits while he played some flute and guitar for me and my camera, I handed him one of my cards hoping he would email me but he didn’t. At times like these, I feel I should learn more of Spanish; even though a smile always conveys happiness and one’s good intentions. If you know this musician, let me know ‘cos his portrait certainly made my day.

A few months back, I photographed the wedding of my friends, Amber and Pratibha. It was held at Palmdale Estate in Fremont. ‘Was a very hot afternoon and the heat was quite unbearable. Regardless, both of them looked really colorful in the traditional garb and I wished there was more time after the ceremony and lunch for portraits. Happy, tired and sweating, they gave me about a half hour for portraits before relatives and friends started asking how much longer would it be as the limousine waited. Here are some of my favorite portraits from the quick portrait session…

Here’s wishing the beautiful couple - Amber and Pratibha - a very happy married life!