Not too long ago, I photographed Karla + Jeffrey in Hong Kong. One of my favorite images from their shoot was a photo of them cuddling underneath a banyan tree.

Karla is an amazingly talented graphic artist, and she made this rendition of my image which I thought was too cute not to share. Check out more of her work on her tumblr.

I really do have the greatest clients

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? )

I watched as he anxiously fidgeted with his chopsticks, then the napkin, and take a sip of water. He cleared his throat. I grinned. I had known Jeffrey since high school, and I had never seen him as such a nervous wreck. But then again, I had never seen him smitten before. Our food arrived and we chowed down. Well, I chowed down. Jeffrey talked.. and talked… and talked about this mythical creature. I imagined something of a mermaid or an angel. Maybe a unicorn.

I leaned on my elbows and went into Eva Chan, MD mode. As in Doctor Looooooove. I’d like to think what emerged was this mind-blowing fount of wisdom, but I suspect it was more of a feminine and slightly hyper version of Asian Dr. Phil.

I’m not sure how amazing my advice-giving was, but a year later over dinner, I was introduced to Karla by a beaming Jeffrey. The man was literally unable to sit still because he was so excited. And who could blame him? She’s his angel.

Karla and Jeffrey, it has been such a blast hanging out with you guys. I have never in all the years I have known Jeff, seen him so happy. When a couple is so in love, I believe my job as a photographer is to just get out of the way. You guys radiate happiness, and it’s infectious.

Doesn’t she have the most gorgeous eyes and hair?

This is the Jeff that I know and love. Couldn’t help but sneak a shot in

Positively angelic.

Much love to you both.

xox,

Eva

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

It was the first day of school. He shifted his weight in his seat and fiddled with his pen, waiting for the professor to walk in. His eyes scanned the room before resting on an attractive, raven-haired girl seated several rows in front. A girl who was playing with a PSP under the table. “Hmph.” He thought to himself. “That’s rather disrespectful to the teacher” the irony not lost on him, as they were both starting teacher’s college.

But first impressions can be deceptive, as Anson would soon come to learn. Because there was something about Claudia that he couldn’t ignore. She wasn’t your average girl. She impressed him with her teamwork and leadership in class projects. He found all her quirks undeniably adorable and there was a strange correlation between her smile and his racing heartbeat. And before long.. there was no denying that he was smitten.

Claudia and Anson are one dynamic duo. They joined me in Yangshuo recently for their engagement shoot and I couldn’t have been more thrilled or honored to photograph their amazing relationship. There is a wonderful sweetness and innocence in their love for one another. Claudia seems made to fit in Anson’s arms. Anson can’t stop his fingers from caressing her hair. Combined with the stunning natural beauty of being in Yangshuo (one of the most romantic places I have ever seen, might I add!) it was the sort of day that made your heart burst with wonder. And I’m just the innocent bystander.

*sizzle sizzle*

Are they not just the cutest couple alive???? Claudia and Anson… sitting in a tree..!!

Those incredible carsts in Yangshuo.. I could not have asked for a more jaw-dropping backdrop..

I had to put this one in.. Anson is a complete riot to be around. Remember when I said they are so freaking cute?? Yeah, here they are sneezing in sync. IN SYNC for crying out loud. You guys are too much.

And once the sneezing fit is over.. they’re back to their gorgeous selves. See??

If you looked up the word “adorable” in the dictionary, this is the picture you’d see:

Quite possibly my most favorite set of photos EVER.

Eskimo kiss!!!

Rawr.

Claudia and Anson, thank you so much for choosing to share your day with me. There is not a shade of doubt in my mind that you two were meant for each other. I wish you both a lifetime of happiness

xoxo,
Eva

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…

I love shooting in fields. But sometimes, there isn’t one in sight. In such cases, a bamboo forest or two will also suffice.

Shot at Tsinghua’s lotus pond – which is the inspiration of many a classical Chinese poet.  (Can you see why this girl is such a rockstar??)

Giulia reminds me of Audrey Hepburn in Paris When it Sizzles. I think it’s those big, magic eyes of hers.

LOVE the light. This one is straight out of camera. They don’t call it golden hour for nothin’

Some weeks ago, over dinner, I found myself looking into the expressive and slightly nervous face of a rising new model in Beijing’s hot new fashion scene. I met Mike a few months ago through a mutual friend and was quickly taken aback by his easy-going charm, talent and humility. Sometimes you meet people and instantly want to be their friend. Mike is one of those instantly likable guys. Initially coming to Asia to pursue language and education, it wasn’t long before opportunities were knocking – nay, pounding on his door. But what else would you expect from a martial arts champion with a ninja-like entrepreneurial ambition?

Mike, I hope these shots further your portfolio and help carry you to greater heights. You were a real pleasure to work with!

And yes ladies, I do believe he’s single. Leave Mike some love in the comments box below.

I could not have possibly done this without all the other shooters from EventPod that night. We truly had a blast and brought the crazy to the party. It is one thing to suck up your courage and walk up to total strangers dressed to the nines and engage them in front of the lens, but another to get them to ham it up in front of all your photographic get-up. And BOY. You’ve never seen a party like this one.

LOVE their expressions. The gentleman on the left introduced himself as Krusty the Clown.

A little bit of Asian allure..

The sweetest couple ever. LOVE that dress.

Interact kids show us how to pose…. China style!!!!!

I love this girl. She kept coming back. I love people who love the camera.

See more of the images here on facebook

I worked with actors a lot when I was in New York, and photographing them has always been a huge pleasure. I love and admire the way actors can bring such depth when they model. Kae was no exception. This girlie has the face for close ups!

Kae, thanks so much for a wonderful shoot. I had a blast hanging out with you. All the best in your acting career in the UK! I hope you enjoy your preview

Some of you might remember my family portrait of the Camerons. Here’s an adapted version

Only a true pro would take to lying on hot pebbles and STILL LOOK GORGEOUS. Kae, you’re such a trooper! (.. and maybe I should learn to be nicer to my models. But I do love the texture in these shots)

Aaah, golden hour. My favorite time of the day

When I took this image, I didn’t tell Kae but I had a particular image in mind. Lattice work always reminds me of old Shanghai, where my family harks from. My grand parents have one of the most romantic stories I’ve ever heard. Between them, they have two revolutions, and a decade-long separation because of political events. This image reminds me of the stories my grandmother would tell me about seeing her husband-to-be. (… and they lived happily ever after)

And just for fun, a few behind the scenes shots, courtesy of Marco!

My family has always known me to be a monkey.  And it’s no surprise to anyone that I’m an avid rock climber. Evidently this translates into  photography as well. I am ALWAYS climbing on stuff to get the best angle.

What happened to my other shoe?!… I guess it didn’t fit in the lattice

Emilie, Marco’s wife had but one comment when this appeared on facebook: “where did Eva steal that chair from!?!” … heh.

Girls just wanna have fun!

I had an absolute blast shooting the Fu family yesterday. The girls were amazing and braved the heat and humidity of Hong Kong in August, and we shot in one of my favorite locations in the city.

This shoot was really special not only because it’s been weeks in the making, but because it’s the girls’ birthday present to their mom, Ruby. I can think of no other way to celebrate a mother’s birthday than by creating awesome images that I hope will grow to become part of your family’s visual heirlooms.

Ladies, thank you for the privellege of capturing your family. I hope you guys enjoy your preview!

Catherine is one of those types that looks like a model without trying. I love the processing on this.. a real classic beauty.

Like mother, like daughter

Ruby’s smile can melt any one’s heart…. or lens.

It’s always a good time when you have fairy wings!

Once upon a time, there was a girl named Jacqueline…

Family LOVEMUFFIN!!!!!!!