A few weeks ago I was asked to do a series of mini portrait sessions. I was more than happy to help out and the shoots were a fun break from studying. Everyone was happy with the results – except one. It wasn’t the quality of the images, the lighting or post processing – it was wrinkles, aging and ugliness. I was floored. What? Here was a woman, easily one of the most beautiful girls in our class – and brilliant too. Someone I secretly had a huge girlcrush on. And our perception couldn’t be more different.

As a photographer I’ve had the privilege of shooting some truly beautiful people over the years – beautiful inside and out. But working with women sometimes can break your heart. Because looking through the lens often reveals years of insecurity, worry and self-doubt. Where I see beauty and vitality, others only see wrinkles, freckles, chubby cheeks and dark circles.

My greatest photographic triumph isn’t an exhibition, a major client or capturing some show-stopping image in a remote corner of the earth. When I was just starting out, I photographed a gorgeous girl and on sharing the images with her, she told me “I never though I could be so beautiful.” To this day, hearing that is such a thrill. To allow someone to see them as I see them, to give them confidence, reminds me why I do what I do.

I came across this awesome video this morning and couldn’t wait to share. It’s a commercial by Dove, but it also poignantly captures how critical we can be of ourselves – especially women.

And just because I know I can use a reminder to be kinder to myself, here’s my favorite self portrait. It is not perfect. My hair is blowing over my face, my lips are tinged blue, and I’ve got dark circles from sleep deprivation. My skin is breaking out and feels terrible. I feel like crap because I’ve been trekking in Tibet and have been really struggling with the altitude. But when I look at this, I remember dawn breaking over Nam-Tso lake and relive the entire experience. A few years ago, I would never have imagined traveling so far on my own, or that I could endure such a physical challenge. So when I look at this image, instead of all my imperfections I want to see courage, endurance and fearlessness. We are capable of so much. Beauty and limitation begin with our thoughts and end with self perception.

When Jake met Sarah, they were both in their diapers, and their parents have the pictures to prove it. They say the greatest romances are built upon a solid friendship, and theirs already stretches over decades. From rambunctious children to the awkward teenage years they’ve seen each other through thick and thin, until one day Sarah was no longer just a family friend but a beautiful and talented young woman, and Jake a strong, handsome man. They complement each other’s characters and quirks, and make each other laugh while dancing and sliding across a frozen pond. In the years I have known Sarah, I have never seen her smile so radiant or filled with joy. Theirs is a love so obvious that even strangers stop to take pictures – and that’s when you know that even from infancy, Jake and Sarah were always meant to be.

Jake and Sarah, thank you for the privilege of photographing your relationship. You guys are amazing individually and incredible together. I wish you both a lifetime of happiness.

Been a while since I’ve had a chance to post, so I’m delighted that this update has good news!

If you’re in Toronto by any chance next week, swing by the exhibition being held by Wokai. Wokai is a great microfinancing NGO that I came to support in China. They’re featuring some of my work, proceeds of which will go towards creating micro loans for the rural poor.

I am a big believer in sustainable development, and am blown away by the amazing men and women that make Wokai such a dynamic organization. Wokai means “I start” in Chinese and has been making great progress in rural areas in China.

I am so thrilled to be supporting their effort. And it really brings together my biggest passions: development, China, and photography. I’ll be in Hong Kong during the exhibition (unfortunately), but if you are able to make it, I’d love to hear your thoughts :) (and maybe see a few snapshots of the venue? :D)

They remind me of classic Hollywood. Elegant and timeless. An abiding love and romance that lasts for a lifetime.

He was tall, handsome and a baseball player. She was a good-lookin’ blond who he couldn’t keep his eyes off of, nor get out of his mind. They met one day at a ball game. It was the first she’d ever been to. “She was perfect” he told me. “Except this one annoying flaw: she couldn’t see we were meant to be together.”

It took a while, but eventually Nancy came around. She saw that Don not only stood head and shoulders above others in stature, but also in character. And when she did, Don told himself he wasn’t going to let her go. And he hasn’t. Not for fifty years.

Don and Nancy, I am so blown away by you two. I am a hopeless romantic and a dreamer. It is something wonderful to be around two people so obviously into each other, who know each other inside and out. It is a privilege and a blessing to see God’s faithfulness in your marriage. I am honored beyond words to photograph your fiftieth anniversary. It means so much to me. I hope you love these images as much as I do.

Don reminds me so much of Cary Grant. There is something very debonair and strong about his expression in this image. Or maybe it’s because he’s got Nancy in his arms.

I am so tickled by how gleeful you both look here. My favorite part of this shoot was seeing how much Don enjoyed cuddling up to his lovely wife :)

Don and Nancy, thank you again for sharing your day with me. It has been pure delight getting to know you both and photographing your love. Happy anniversary!!

xox,

Eva

A year ago, when I first arrived in Beijing, it was the dead of winter. And I do mean dead. Beijing’s arid climate was a shock to my system, having flown in from a tropical island. Not only was it cold, at times it was plain miserable. I’m the sort of girl who is made for spring and summer. So when the first signs of greenery crept up, my creativity (and fingers) finally thawed and my imagination came out of hibernation.

For the past year, I’ve been at Tsinghua University in Beijing. I’d heard of Tsinghua’s reputation as one of China’s top schools, but I was unprepared for how lavish the grounds were. It may not have red-bricked, ivy-covered buildings, but it is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful campuses I’ve ever step foot on. The grounds were once part of the imperial summer palace, and Yuanming Yuan (the old summer palace) is a mere ten minutes’ bike ride away.

I cannot imagine how much I am going to miss these grounds. It’s utterly massive and I frequently bike off to random nooks to hide from the world with a good book and a blanket. No better way to spend a sunny spring afternoon.

My awesome friend Giulia joined me a few weeks ago for a quick shoot. The light was just gorgeous, and being among so much greenery made the Canadian in me uber happy. Perhaps it was Giulia, or my fondness for fairy tales, or the magic that is shooting during golden hour.. but the entire experience was like capturing the Secret Garden :)

Would you believe that this is just a random patch of greenery on the side of the road? Giulia, you are such a trooper. Thanks for being such an awesome model. Even when I ask you to climb barefoot onto a tree… :)

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