William Chang | New York City Wedding Photographer - RSS

South Street Seaport Photos | Jeevan + Roshani

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 12:34:02 -0500

To celebrate their 3rd wedding anniversary, Jeevan wanted something really special to tell Roshani how much he loves her. So instead of opting for the usual flowers and gifts, Jeevan planned a photoshoot to remember the moment forever. Set all the way downtown at the South Street Seaport, Jeevan and Roshani had a romantic stroll and revisited the moments when they were last there.

There is no feeling more comforting and consoling than knowing you are right next to the one you love. Throughout the shoot, you can really see how comfortable Jeevan and Roshani are with each other. It is really great to know that after several years of marriage, you continue to strengthen the bond that you share, and continuing to grow closer and closer.

Congratulations to you both on your 3rd wedding anniversary and to many more!

Stillmotion Workshop | Canon Cinema NYC

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 11:27:42 -0500

I've always been a big fan of Stillmotion work and luckily this year "Canon Digital Learning Center" teamed up with Stillmotion for a workshop tour around the U.S. Stillmotion's first stop was New York City and I was able to engage in this wonderful learning experience. Thanks to Patrick Moreau for teaching us his techniques used to produce some breathtaking cinematography and thanks to Canon for providing us with all the camera equipments. It was fun to be able to use all sorts of Canon lenses.

Below are some images from the two day Stillmotion New York City Workshop. Part of our exercise was to make a Canon commercial using all the techniques and tools we've learned. A big thanks to my wonderful team who helped put this awesome special video together.

Our team:
First camera man: William Chang
Second camera man: James M Hall
Director: Gregory Heisler
Audio and Video editor: Albert Oh

Bridal Pictures - Brian Douglas + Anissa Tong Bridral Portrait Session

Tue, 25 May 2010 10:00:56 -0500

Having been a New Yorker all my life, it never stops to amaze me how many beautiful locations there are within the city. Take Central Park for example, I've had many shoots there before, but each time I go I feel like I find a diamond in the rough. We ventured off from the West 70's entrance right before sunset and found ourselves beautiful wooden structures, bridges, and of course, the beautiful Central Park lake.

Of course our set up was amazing as well. The bridal photo shoot for Lotus Bridal was creative and well organized. With so many beautiful wedding gowns to choose from at Lotus Bridal, the Maggie Sottero Tatiana was a beautiful match for Anissa.

Enjoy some of the photos from the shoot below. For all brides out there looking for a great selection of wedding gowns and other formal wear and accessories, please visit Wendy @ Lotus Bridal in Brooklyn, NY.

Central Park Engagement photos | Dinh + Bryan

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 11:17:35 -0500

From a snowy blizzard day at one park to a sunny and warm day at another park here in New York City, it was quite a change in scenery. We started the first part of the engagement session down by the meat packing district at High Line Park. As the forecast predicted, we should be expecting a huge snow storm starting in the afternoon. The weather delivered exactly that, of course, but did not stop us from going through with the shoot anyway. Shooting while it snowed definitely adds warmth to all the photos. I can see how Bryan held Dinh closer and tighter as the temperatures dropped. This was definitely a fun experience for all of us, but the snow started falling much quicker and I was forced to end our shoot earlier. Another key lesson learned - snow within pictures adds an excellent wintry touch, but damp people and equipment leads to a slew of other things.

We rescheduled for a future date and decided to shoot the next engagement session at Central Park. The day started with a great brunch in the Upper East Side. Once we were full and energized, we started venturing through the Park to find prime locations for pictures. Finally, we finished our photo shoot at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Thanks to Dinh and Bryan, I was able to visit the Met again after so many years. This is why I love my job! Not only do we get to hang out with our clients and spend a fun day exploring the city, we get to revisit places we haven't been to in a long time! We zipped through several of the exhibits, snapped away, and even brushed up on some of our history knowledge.

A special thanks to Bryan and Dinh for being such a great sport! We appreciate all your help and look forward to your wedding in March.

Please visit Bryan Berio's amazing art work @ www.hawkstonedesign.com

Staten Island Engagement Photos | Irene + Jeff

Sun, 31 Jan 2010 21:34:09 -0500

We started the day with Irene and Jeff meeting at my house. Thanks to Irene, she chose two wonderful locations for photos. Our first location was at Snug Harbor and with 83-acres of land. We had so much to work with - gardens, historic buildings, and even Greek revival architecture! It was definitely a great place for a photo shoot. Half-way into our photo shoot we were stopped by security and was kindly asked to purchase a permit to continue our shoot. It was really convenient that we were able to purchase a permit on the day of the shoot. From my experience, there are plenty of places in NYC that require permit requests to be submitted as early as 2 weeks in advance for approval. But not at Snug Harbor! And as we made our way across the park to purchase the permit, we took advantage of the long walk and happened to finish all the photos needed for that session so no permit was needed after all.

After staying out in the cold at Snug Harbor, we moved to our next location - St. George Theatre. It was a nice change of environment compared to Snug Harbor. While I am a huge fan of outdoor shoots, I have to say it's quite a toss-up when comparing to indoor shoots. St. George Theatre was a perfect indoor location because it was controlled, warm, dark, and open. I was amazed with all the beautiful details that the theater had. It gave the place a really grand feeling. There were no performances taking place when we visited, and the theater manager was kind enough to let us use the theater for our photo shoot. We explored the entire place and were able to work with different lighting and angles. I have been living in Staten Island for ten years and am still surprised by how many gems there are here. A special thanks to Irene for doing her research and finding this spot.

Congrats Irene and Jeff! I hope you both had a wonderful trip in Costa Rica!

NYC Photog Shootout | Meat Packing District | Behind the scenes by William Chang

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 19:49:30 -0500

Photog Shootout:

The purpose of the NYC Photog Shootout is to connect photographers with different strengths, abilities, and talents to learn from each other, network and make new friends.

We are a part of the global Photog Shootout network. We are planning on spreading all over the world, so no matter where you travel to, you will know what your fellow photographers are doing! This will be your one stop to find workshops, photographer GTGs and other photography related events!

January 23, 2010 was our first Photog Shootout event of the year. I had the pleasure of planning this event and all the coordination and work was worth it! Below is a video of the behind-the-scenes from our recent event. After taking Jason Groupp's Fusion workshop, making this video was easy. There were so many questions answered that I would have never figured out on my own. This is what Photog Shootout is all about!

I want to thank everyone who participated in the Photog Shootout event. It was a blast and it was great meeting so many of you!

And of course, special thanks to those that helped make the event such a success!

Rob Ninja Nicholson - www.humbledeyesphotography.com www.photogshootout.com
Jason Groupp - www.jasongroupp.com
Neil Van Niekerk - www.planetneil.com
Josh Lynn - www.joshlynn.com
Peter Quinn - www.quinncophoto.com
Chris Chen - www.chrischenstudios.com

Jina Pak - www.jacbeauty.com
Alexa Prisco - www.theglamfairy.com
Katia Hroncich
Valentina Gonzalez

Haley Eve Kasenetz
Yelena Kim
Kate Wang - www.katewang.com/blog
Danielle little
Deana Tart-Spiotti
Kendra Andrews

Photography locations in New York City

Sun, 24 Jan 2010 17:02:05 -0500

Top Five Locations for Wedding Photography in New York City

Determining the top five locations for wedding party photography in New York City is formidable but it can be done. Here is a quick guide, in no specific order, to elite sites chosen for bridal party photographs in New York City, New York.

With 52 acres of breath-taking outdoor scenery and structural landscaping, Brooklyn Botanic Garden is a memorable bridal party photography site. Couples can pick from the Japanese-Hill-and-Pond Garden with its architectural elegance, the Cranford Rose Garden with a horticultural showcase of over 1,400 rose varieties, or the aesthetic artistry of the Italian style Osborne Garden, for a rare and unforgettable wedding photography session of romantic portraiture.

Photography sessions are limited to 45 minutes, must be booked in advance, and require a $250.00 permit fee (20 people maximum). A rain date valid for one year is given in case of rain outs. To make a reservation call: 718-623-7220.

Central Park is the largest and best-known scene for nuptials and wedding photography in New York City, and with 843 acres from which to choose, there is a sentimental site for every couple. Bridal parties can select one of the three Conservatory Gardens: French, Italian, or English, but should reserve early to ensure booking the garden of choice. Ceremony permits cost $400 while photo permits are $100. Wedding parties may use the Central Garden lawn for 30 minutes, but are limited to 25 people. Central Park has explicit guidelines regarding photo and film shoots on the property so be sure your wedding photographer is familiar with all regulations. To schedule a photography session, visit: www.centralparknyc.org.

The Foundry in Long Island City is another favorite wedding photography site in New York City, and wedding parties can choose from the Foundry (inside), the Courtyard, the Foundry Terrace, or a mix of these venues to fit their matrimonial and photography expectations. Call 718-786-7776 for booking, permit information, and details
about wedding photography.

Valentine's Day happens just once each year, and so does the opportunity to be married at the Empire State Building in New York. For those craving an atypical location, an effortlessly remembered anniversary date, and a novel venue the Empire State Building's once-a-year nuptials is difficult to outdo. Comprehensive details are on their official website:

For a sensational wedding venue, consider exchanging vows at the Angel Orensanz Center. The Angel Orensanz Foundation has kept the neo-gothic attractiveness of this previous synagogue and the environment delivers a extensive range of options for wedding photography and marriage ceremonies.

Windy + Albert

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 01:49:19 -0500

12.25.09 | Linden Place, Flushing New York

An American author once said, "The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree, is the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other". For Windy and Albert, it was the gathering of both their families and closest friends on Christmas day to witness and celebrate their union. And to top that off, the biggest gift of all, Windy and Albert's vows of love to each other forever. Christmas 2009 was definitely a Christmas to remember.

The day started full of excitement as Windy and her bridesmaids began preparing for the wedding.   After everyone was ready, we went back to Windy's home and waited for the groom and groomsmen to arrive. My favorite part of any Chinese wedding is definitely the games played before the bridesmaids allow the groom to see the bride. Of course, I'm not sure I would say the same thing if I was the groom trying to pick up my bride, but it certainly is more entertaining from the other point of view. How many push-ups did you have to do again, Albert? Regardless, it was clear nothing was going to stop Albert from getting to Windy.

As for any wedding, some outdoor photos are a must! Despite the recent snowstorm we had in New York City, the weather didn't dampen anyone's spirits. We started off at Fulton Ferry Landing for some beautiful images of the East River and Manhattan. After that, we hopped across the bridge and continued our session at World Financial Center Plaza. The trick to staying warm - coats on between shots, hand warmers, and a whole lot of love!

It is truly amazing how couples work so hard together to do all the necessary planning for their wedding. On top of that, the effort and time that goes into coordinating such an event should not be underestimated. A special kudos to Windy and Albert for their great time management skills. Without it, all the shots at the different locations would not have been possible.

Windy and Albert, congratulations again and I wish you the very best!

Shawn + Amy | Empire Fulton Ferry State Park

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 20:40:12 -0500

Shawn + Amy | 1.09.10

Here's the setting: a cleared-sky Saturday afternoon with a temperature of 22 degrees (real feel: 15 degrees) with a beautiful couple that has just the right amount of sparks (both chemistry-type and static-type). It was unbearably cold after staying out for a few hours, but from a photography standpoint, that's just more excuses to cuddle up and pose closer together! Shawn and Amy were really fun to work with. They had such a great attitude and you can really feel and share the fun and laughter in their relationship.

We originally planned our location to be around Fulton Ferry Landing and Empire Fulton Ferry State Park in Brooklyn, but started a little bit to the east, right past the Manhattan Bridge. Shawn and Amy were open to different locations and different shots, and we just went with different spots that we saw. The rest just flowed from there.

At one point, we were so cold we had to stop for something hot. And what did we find? A cafe serving hot chocolate! HmmMmmM...hot chocolate! I honestly can't remember the last time I had a good cup of hot chocolate. I know I always have a cup whenever I go to Wollman Rink, but I also know it's been many years since I've gone ice skating. That first sip just brought tons of memories flooding back.

My favorite part of the shoot was the underpass we found right beneath the Manhattan Bridge. We tried different poses with different lighting and angles. There was so much you could do in there. I had Shawn and Amy pose nose to nose for one shot, and a loud shock went off right as the tip of their noses touched. I was not kidding when I said they had all the right sparks for each other! It was too bad the picture didn't capture it! No worries, I should probably focus on capturing the chemistry sparks only.....it's probably the painless way to go!

Wedding Memories-Worth Every Penny

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 21:29:26 -0500

For most of us, we'll only get married once. We'll only get to experience all of those brand new wedding details once. And, whether we like it or not, wedding days always go by much quicker than we wish. Not to mention the fact that we'll likely be so consumed with the actual marriage that we may miss many details along the way. Hence, the addition of wedding photographers.

The job of a wedding photographer is to capture every detail, from the smallest to the largest, of your wedding day. This includes photos of preparation time, the ceremony, the wedding party, and the reception. Your photographer will have to capture the look of excitement on the groom's face as he is waiting at the end of the aisle or the meticulous way the bride applies her makeup. After the wedding, you'll want to see photos or the quirky expression the best man was making or the way your father cried during the first dance. All of these things combined help you remember your wedding day and see it in an entirely different perspective.

Choosing a wedding photograher is going to be one of the most important aspects of your wedding plans. Don't allow yourself to sink into the mindset that cheap is better. For some things, cheap can be beneficial. You can cut corners in the food, bridesmaid dress, or even disc jockey department. But, when it comes to wedding photographers, inexpensive prices usually mean less-than-professional quality. Generally, cheap wedding photography is not only cheaply priced but cheaply taken.

Because your wedding photographs will be so important for the rest of your lifetime, it is essential to choose an excellent wedding photographer and make sure both parties understand exactly what is desired. When you meet with a photographer, don't just look at the price. Ask to see a portfolio of work, and be sure you love what you see. You also want to be sure you can create a good relationship with the photographer. You'll be spending a lot of time with whomever you choose, so it's good to get along with the photographer, communicate effectively with them, and love the photographic results.

Considering price is not an absolute sin, but it should be one of the last areas in which you cut costs for your wedding. While the cost of good wedding photography may seem a bit hefty at first, especially when you're writing the check, you will not regret the extra money in the coming years. If at all possible, don't choose your wedding photographer based on price but rather on the quality to of the work and communication you observe. If you choose in this way, you will receive one of the best wedding presents that will last a lifetime!

Children's Photographer - Valverde's family portrait session

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 18:08:20 -0500

Valverde family session 10.31.09

The long wait was well worth it. Beverly and I planned for months and finally settled on waiting until fall to do this shoot. We wanted the fall colors and October was the best time for this family photo shoot in Long Island. Beverly found a great spot near her home - Manhasset Valley Park, which had a playground, softball field with bleachers, a lake with a stone bridge, and tons of beautiful fall leaves. That combination is like a photographer's dream setting (not to mention a kid's dream playground as well).

Jacob is so adorable and such a great sport. He was not shy at all and didn't need any time to get comfortable in front of the camera. A true natural! He was full of energy and at times it was hard for me to keep up with him. I think his favorite moments were the leaves or the tossing in the air shots. There were so many colorful leaves on the floor, Jacob was extremely excited when I asked him to throw leaves at me while I photographed him. I think he was enjoying it so much he didn't want to stop even when the shots were done. Needless to say, I was covered in leaves by the time I finished. Afterwards, we had some pictures of Jacob being tossed in the air. It's not everyday that a 3 year old gets to fly, so no more explanations necessary as to why that was one of his favorites!

What a great way to start Halloween minus the trick or treats! After the shoot, we enjoyed a wonderful lunch at Hinata Japanese restaurant for some delicious Japanese food. There's no better way to end a photography session other than with great food. Especially Japanese food, one of my favorite cuisines. I'll be remembering that sushi pizza appetizer for a long time...

Shawn + Sabina engagement photo shoot | Battery Park, NY

Sat, 09 Jan 2010 10:54:53 -0500

Shawn + Sabina 9.26.09

Shawn and Sabina were one of my favorite couples to work with. They were easygoing, carefree, and just full of energy. They had a lot of chemistry together, and this can be seen throughout the pictures by the way they look at each other and hold each other.

My favorite part of the shoot was the taxi shots. We're moving around Battery Park, taking advantage of the last bit of available lighting, when we thought, wouldn't it be fun to have some shots with a taxicab? Whether it's getting in or out of a cab, or just posing in front of it, the bright yellow gives the image an extra pop and reminds us of what it means to be a New Yorker. And speaking of what it means to be a New Yorker, it took us well over 15 minutes to catch a cab. But once we finally did, it was smooth sailing from there. And I want to give extra props to Sabina for hopping onto the hood of the taxicab. It's not everyday that we get to do that and the pictures are one of a kind. Bravo!

Here's my attempt at "Fusion". Videos have greatly helped me document my work and what I love to do. I am excited and can't wait to brush up on my skills after I take Jason Groupp's workshop. For more information on the workshop, please visit link below.

https://www.jasongroupp.com/fwf/

Welcome to William Chang's Photography blog | New York City Wedding Photographer

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 22:50:49 -0500

Happy New Year Everyone!! They say the New Year comes with many new things. For me, that's my new blog and website! After working closely with the developers, my new blog and website is finally here.

I am absolutely excited with the new layout and all the new features. There's a new client proofing section and resource link for references to different photography topics. There is also a link to my new website, please visit www.williamchangphotography.com

I hope you'll be as excited as I am and check back frequently for posts and updates. My blog has been in the works for a while, but I didn't stop shooting or writing. There's plenty in the pipeline, so don't forget to bookmark me and visit! And while you're here, don't forget to leave comments. I'd love to hear your thoughts and suggestions because you are all my source of information, motivation and growth.

Regards,

William Chang