Candor Studios

A few pictures from my latest set of edits -- these are for high school seniors Diana and Petra. We shot these at the Carmel Mission, and I couldn't help smiling remembering how funny these two friends were.

This beautiful pictures was taken for a mother carrying a rainbow baby -- a baby conceived after a previous miscarriage or stillbirth. Photographs can be works of art designed for others. And many times, they are created for own selves to celebrate, mourn, learn, and change.

I know I don't usually get political when it comes to Candor Studios, but I wanted to share these photographs for several reasons. 1: Ansel Adams is a legend who's known for his landscape shots. That he did these photos of humans during a time in America's history that most of us look back on with regret makes this -- at least for me -- mindblowing. 2: Those who forget the past are doomed to repeat it. A lot of families lost their homes, livelihoods, and their loved ones due... to an irrational and ultimately unnecessary fear. Yes, the nation was at war with Japan. But considering the aftermath -- I don't recall there being any actual issues with Japanese-Americans (please correct me if I'm wrong) -- so much damage was done for nothing. 3: Photographs can tell future generations so much. And right now, these photographs may influence how you treat someone today. It might influence how you expect a candidate to behave once in office if said person is elected. I'm not going to tell you who to vote for. Whoever the President -- we as Americans must hold that elected leader accountable. And we must never let our fears destroy the lives of innocent citizens who are our neighbors, friends, and family.

A friendly reminder: High school senior portraits due dates are coming up. If you know a senior who's looking to put their best face forward, let them know Candor Studios has openings.

It's been a long time since I've updated. But that doesn't mean I haven't been working. A year ago, I started teaching Cinema Arts and TV Media for Mission Trails ROP. I'm hosted at Alisal High School, and I've been so busy that I've basically neglected my own website. This year, I'm teaching Computer Science in addition to CA and TV. I'm still incredibly busy, but I still have some weekends free to do some senior portraits. If you know a high school senior at Alisal or Nor...th High, have them call, message, or text me. For now, here's a set I did from last year. Thanks for your support!

This bride decided to take her bad wedding photos and release them to the Internet wild. When you're booking a photographer for your wedding, make sure you are on board by looking at your potential photographer's portfolio!

Take one subject and a handful of photographers with their own perspectives -- you'll see how different people can view the same thing. When it comes to hiring a photographer, make sure to take a look through their portfolio to get a look through lens.

Beautiful photographs.

Country singer Mo Pitney rocked Sherwood Garden with some great country music.

Senior pictures taken at Taco Bell? These look awesome!

Ruthie Collins and her band played their hearts out for the Salinas crowd. An amazing concert! For high-res photos, visit the Candor Studios website. http://candorstudios.com/trainwreckin/

I love comics, and these photographs taken by Jay L. Clendenin at SDCC are beautiful. These were taken with a '60s Polaroid Land Camera, proving it's not about the camera -- it's about the photographer and subject.

Had an awesome time taking photographs at the Cam concert this past Monday. Tune in to 92.7 KTOM for more announcements about upcoming events in the Free Summer Concert Series!

A man goes and buys a bunch of negatives for $380 and discovers a hidden artist. He went on a search, looking for the woman, but she had already passed away. The photographs have been put on display, and they are beautiful.

Cam played the first of iHeartMedia's summer concerts at Sherwood Park. Check out the high-res pictures on the website. http://candorstudios.com/iheartmedia-presents-cam/

Free concert today featuring the amazing Cam! I'll be there taking photographs from the stage. See you there!

Just in time for wedding season -- wedding dresses made out of ... toilet paper? Check out the newest fad in wedding designs.

Had a blast at the Toro Champions game where I got to see baseball in its purest form. Thanks to all who attended and congrats to the players who showed us how the game is really played. Find the high-res photos here: http://candorstudios.smugmug.com/Sports/Champions/

Here's an interesting project. One photographer captured photographs of his friend before and after her weight loss, then created images with the contrasts. See the awesome photos.

Something fun for today. The "Also Shot on iPhone 6" takes Apple's new marketing drive and adds a bit of humor to it while proving it's not always the camera -- it's the photographer that counts.

Upcoming country artist Cam stopped by KTOM for an interview and a private concert. Keep your eyes and ears open for this brilliant songwriter/singer.

Updates! Finally! I've been adding more content to the site and Facebook.. Not even a quarter through, but I'm working on it!

A selection of photos from my high school senior shoot with Brenda. Check out the website for high-res photos. http://candorstudios.com/classic/

A selection of photos from my wedding shoot with Kaylyn and Aaron. Check out the website for high-res photos. http://candorstudios.com/ocean-view/

I know, I know -- updates have been few and far between. Worry not, I've got a tons (digital) of photographs to showcase in the coming weeks. Last year ended with a super busy schedule, and I hope 2015 is even better!

Recently, I was featured on a podcast with BNI founder Dr. Ivan Misner after our director Randy Borden passed along one of my education minutes at a recent network meeting. In case you wanted to check it out, here it is.

A selection of photos from my high school senior portrait with Kimberly. Check out the website for high-res photos. http://candorstudios.com/if-by-sea/

A selection of photos from my high school senior portrait with Eduardo. Check out the website for high-res photos. http://candorstudios.com/dust-and-rust/

Someone asked me, "Why aren't you updating your Facebook?" I'll answer that with a post on the website and some photos from a recent shoot. http://candorstudios.com/baby-overload/

We took a trip to Spreckels for a morning family portrait shoot.

"Photoshop allows us to achieve our unobtainable standards of beauty, but when we compare those standards on a global scale, achieving the ideal remains all the more elusive."

Give a photographer an idea, and they'll run with it!

Went out to a scenic point near the Golden Gate Bridge for some family portraits!

Please do not be that person...who ruins the wedding photographer's photographs.

Here is the Facebook edit for the Tatum's Garden video. Watch on your mobile devices, share it to everyone who volunteered, and go the park on opening day -- 12/8/2013!

It's been a crazy month, and though I wish I could split myself into five different people, I'm glad I spent my time working on a project near and dear to my heart. Thanks to the Bakkers, the donators, the builders, volunteers, and supporters. Tatum's Garden is our song.

Happy belated Thanksgiving. I got my turkey on with some friends and family. I'm very grateful for an amazing year filled with blessings.

For all my photographers out there. Thanks, Phil!

Money isn't always the best form of payment.

We got another perfect review on weddingwire.com from one of our clients! "We hired Ji from Candor Studios to take our engagement photographs. It could not have worked out better. He worked around our schedule (we were coming in from Boston for the weekend) to take photographs in Carmel-by-the-Sea. His selection of locations and back-drops was great. We are not used to having our photograph taken, but he made us feel very comfortable in a hurry and things seemed quite natural after that. Following the photoshoot, he sent us our touched-up photographs in a few weeks. We are so happy about them and have gotten so many compliments about the images. Thanks, Ji!"

Check out build day two of Tatum's Garden on Youtube!

Tatum's Garden is nearing completion, and more volunteers are needed! To see how far the playground's come, check out the first time-lapse video from day one!

If you were involved with Tatum's Garden and you took photos/video, please share with the rest of the community. Check the blog post for links to the upload page and the gallery!

James and I went over to Toro Park where we used Salinas' natural beauty as a backdrop. Congrats James, Class of 2014!

See how much was done for Tatum's Garden pre-build day one!

For a few days, volunteers and construction workers swarmed the Tatum's Garden site for pre-build. Lots of work was completed, but they still need help for build week. Volunteer your time at www.tatumsgarden.com. Build week begins September 10 and finishes September 15. Will you help Salinas build its first all-inclusive park?

The Bakkers celebrated with friends and family. Build week begins soon. Sign up at www.tatumsgarden.com!

A Candor Studios first -- One of my favorite artists, Ace Continuado, used one of my photos for a commission. Check it out!

High school seniors! Are you looking for a senior portraits photographer? I'm offering a $150 digital package. One hour. All the clothes changes you want. An online user gallery and a disc of digital negatives. You pick the location, I'll bring the camera. Share this, and let's get to snapping!

Higher-res photos @ http://candorstudios.smugmug.com/Engagem/Stacey-and-Michael.

Families came together to rehearse for the big wedding. Had a lot of fun photographing two people, madly in love. Congrats to Johanna Lo and Donald Yang! Excited!

Just got back from photographing a wedding. Congratulations, Nicholas and Adriana! Had a lot of fun, and looking forward to giving you your photographs. Cheers!

Pau Gasol looking to release a book of photography with inspirational quotes. Interested in seeing the perspective he plans to share.

Looking for a place to travel to? Check out these beautiful places and some awesome photographs!

Busy with work and my own wedding plans. In the meantime, check out this video. Dove's been working on an ad campaign for the past few years that's less about making women feel ugly -- rather, their messages are uplifting, supportive, and sincere. This new ad has an interesting perspective you might enjoy.