so much to plunder that I think I'll stay in bed
on california, and magic hour sessions
This week I’m photographing families along the California coast. Out of all the great California songs written, I’m semi-disappointed that the first that ALWAYS comes to mind is this one by Rufus Wainwright.
“California, California
You're such a wonder that I think I'll stay in bed
Big time rollers, part time models
So much to plunder
That I think I'll sleep instead.”
But it's a near perfect description of my morning. Albeit a little sad.
Here’s something not so sad about my California trip: I LOVE PHOTOGRAPHING CHILDREN. I love ages one to four especially.
This isn't something I talk about much when it comes to my career, but my call to work with children has been one of the loudest of my life. I don't talk about it because of how sacred I carry the call and connection within me.
I also don't talk about it because it feels weird and even creepy to brag about how good you are with kids. Like, why? Aren't most people?
Not like this. Finding words for it is tricky.
While I have the same self-doubts most artists do in every single medium I work in, when it comes to creating with kids, I have no doubt. Zero. Zilch.
A bird flies.
A fish swims.
I create with kids.
I respect them, and they sense that. They rise to that respect. Together, we make a palpable force field of sight and delight. A wild world unto itself. There we are, alive and free in a way too many children are not lucky enough to know, and that the world forgets is possible.
When I work with kids, our spirits get as big as they can. Every emotion, sound and expression is welcome. We communicate without words. It feels like honesty and forever. And in this place I have this sense that just as the kids are filling me with the purest gratitude and love, I am filling them with a confirmation of their essence they will always remember even as they grow up and forget we ever met.
To be honest, I'm doing the same thing with adults when I photograph them. I'm working with the inner child in us all.
Because of my love for kids, I graduated from college with a degree in elementary education. Disappointment in our educational systems and possessing little to no organizational skills meant I never found myself in the classroom.
But with a camera, I found my way back to kids.
I'm so lucky.
I’m so lucky.
I’m so lucky for that.
So far these days in California have not been full of glamour, but full of kids, and the closest thing to real magic I know.
It's high time I bring the magic I experience on the road home. For most of my career I’ve preferred keeping my home life and my photographer life separate. I like to be fully with my own children at home, and fully with my clients on the road. But as my children need me home, and as they are teenagers, I’m missing so much magic by not taking clients in Utah.
Plus, as per usual, despite feeling inwardly rich, I need cash.
So I am officially opening Magic Hour sessions in Utah for the fall!
I hope you'll make magic with me. And yes, I know I talked all about how the magic is with the little kids. While that’s true, trust me when I say we will find it together. That kid in you never left, never stopped being free and beautiful no matter what happened, or how grown-up you got.
Magic Hour Sessions
One-hour session. Photographed on film. For families, couples, or individuals.
An intimate, one-hour experience among the golden hours of fall in Utah, where time slows and the world softens.
Have you ever wanted photos to feel easy? Have you ever wanted a photo shoot to unfold like life itself, or a river flowing? These sessions are for the seekers, the soul wanderers, and those drawn to capture the magic hidden in the spaces between—whether it's a personal journey, a creative collaboration, the essence of your family, or a long-held vision finally brought to life.
What you’ll get:
One hour of photos on film. 40% portraits. 60% artistic captures
30 original, fine art film images and 15 candid in-betweens
Location of your choice within 50 miles of Provo
Digital files and rights to print
How much does it cost?
$888 until October 6th, then $999.
Sessions are limited to 6 people, and spots are first come, first served.
This offering is limited and precious, like the golden hour itself. Trust the unfolding, and let’s create something timeless.
How do I book?
All the details are right here. Riiiight…here! Scroll down, pick your date and time and pay, and voilà. You’re in. Can’t wait to make something special with you.
xx,
Yan