HELLO + WELCOME!

I'm Eileen, so nice to meet you! I am a Los Angeles based photographer, passionate about people and a huge fan of love. I truly believe photography is God's gift to me; through it I am able to share life with some of the most amazing people. What a privilege and joy it has been!

Click on the next page for more on me or take a peek at my own wedding day here.

Thanks so much for stopping by. Blessings!

photo by Shelley Paulson Photography

RANDOM FACTS

I use way too many exclamation marks, but I'm really just that excited!!!! I want to know what moves your heart. I say "that's so funny" quite a bit, but it can mean a number of things. I am a lover of donuts and tea. I floss every night before bed! I love the idea of being spontaneous, but rarely do things unplanned. I am the youngest of four girls, but I'm taller than all my sisters. I would love to open a cafe someday. I am fascinated by the bridegroom God and his ravished heart for all of humanity

photo by Shelley Paulson Photography

eileenliu@eileenliuphotography.com

    THANK YOU!

    Archive for the ‘Portraits’ Category

    Hannah and Jeremiah’s Engagement Session!

    When Hannah and Jeremiah got together in October of 2010, I don’t think they knew just how fast things would fall into place. These two got engaged in February..as in 3 months ago February (and in case you missed Jeremiah’s very special proposal, you can check it out here!), and will be getting married this July! How crazy and how fun! : ) I feel honored to have witnessed the coming together of this relationship and to be a part of their journey as they prepare to be husband and wife (ahhhh!).
    Hannah and Jeremiah wanted to return to the place where Jeremiah proposed for their engagement shoot. I love love love shooting at places that are significant to the couple and so this session was extra special! Hope you guys enjoy the photos- there were so many good shots of these two it was hard to choose which ones to post! Prepare yourselves, this will be long… Hannah, you are altogether beautiful and I’m so happy that you found a man who sees that. Jeremiah, you’re not bad either..haha, jk. You look studly in these pictures and Hannah is so blessed to have you!
    these two lovebirds made my job so easy. Are they not the cutest thing together? And since their engagement was a travel theme, we brought it back for this shoot! And finally, one more to show you how silly Hannah and Jeremiah can be! hehe
    Can’t wait for your wedding in July! : )

    Photography as a Healing Art

    About a month ago during Portraiture from the Heart, a portraiture workshop I attended in Sacramento, Shelley Paulson read to us a part of the introduction from God Is at Eye Level, a book by Jan Philips. The introduction talks about photography as a healing art, healing in three ways. I was so moved by what she read I quickly ordered the book when I got home. I’m still going through it, but wanted to share with you what was shared with us at that workshop.
    One fall day, while I was splitting maple logs into firewood on my farm in upstate New York, a neighbor pulled up in his ’57 pickup, rolled down his dusty window, and shouted above the rumbling engine, “You know, that wood’s going to heat you three times.”
    “Oh yeah?” I replied, wondering what he was talking about. “Yup,” he said. “The first time is now, when you’re working up a sweat splitting it into firewood. The second time is when you’re sitting in front of the fire, toasty warm as it crackles away. And the third time is when you haul out the ashes. Can’t ask much more than that from a tree,” he laughed as he roared off down the road.
    The neighbor loved wood-loved to work with it, walk through forests full of it, talk about it. His observations were as deep as the passion he held. When spring came, and I was wandering through the forest hunting for images with my 35mm, I thought of that neighbor. I thought about his passion for the woods, how it nurtured him, brought him to life. And I thought about my passion for photography, how it comforts me, brings me to life. Photography, I thought, heals three times.
    The first time is when I am in search of the image, present only to that which is, focused on the moment at hand. By virtue of this absorption in the now, I am released from the often painful grip of past and future. The second healing belongs to the person being photographed, the honored recipient of pure attention, healed by an artist’s loving gaze. The third healing occurs when we view a photograph as an outside observer and are moved by its power or beauty. The chance to see the world through another’s lens, to be transported to another time, another place, another reality, can heal and transform out own.
    (photo from portrait session with Loretta Wang..more coming soon!)
    Photography is such a beautiful thing and I feel so blessed to have it, to be able to use it, to give it.

    Family Session with the Lams!

    The Lams live in the same apartment complex as my sister Eunice. She is always telling me how cute their two little boys are and how they love to press their faces against the windows as they say hello. So funny! I’ve met them maybe once before our shoot while I was leaving my sister’s place, but I’m so glad I was able to get to know them a little bit better through our session. Everyone, meet the Lams! 
    Are you ready for some major cuteness?! Prepare yourselves! Here’s cutie #1! This is Micah and he’s quite attached to his car  : )
    now here’s cutie #2!
    Isaiah was a little bit more on the shy side that morning, but I love how his mommy was able to get some laughs out of him : ) There were some very sweet moments that day…
    and of course, we took some pictures of just Mommy and Daddy. I always love to do this during a family shoot, because some couples never have pictures of themselves, just them without the kids, after their children are born. These are so sweet : )
    When I finished taking these photos, I turned over to where the kiddies were and this is what I found…
    haha, love it! : ) And finally, some pictures of just the boys…
    To the Lams- thank you for such a wonderful session! I loved hanging out with your whole family and hearing your story. Bless you guys! Hope to run into you guys again soon : )

    IT’S A BOY! Introducing Baby Daniel…

    You guys must remember the Durretts from the maternity session I shot back in March. Cheryl was absolutely adorable with her baby bump and Dustan was such a trooper for sticking through the whole shoot. There were only two of them then, excited and eagerly anticipating the arrival of their new baby..boy..girl?! The Durretts had wanted to keep the gender of their baby a surprise and so they brought along two balloons for the shoot- one for the baby if he/she was a girl, and another balloon if the baby was a boy. This time when I went over, there was a new balloon floating in their living room…
    Ladies and gentlemen, it’s my honor to announce…a baby BOY!  Welcome to the world, Daniel Riley Durrett!
    I really love these next shots…
    look at the way baby Daniel is looking up at his parents in the picture above..SO CUTE!
    and finally, I’ll leave you with this last picture. You might remember this teddy-dog from Cheryl and Dustan’s maternity shoot- the Durretts want to take a picture of Daniel with this stuffed animal every month to see how much he grows…I love that! I’ll be seeing this sweet family again in just a few months and I can’t wait to see how much bigger baby Daniel will be! : )

    Shelley Paulson’s Portraiture From the Heart Workshop

    I can’t believe it’s been over a week since Shelley Paulson’s Portraiture From the Heart workshop. What a blessing and privilege it was to be there! Shelley is an amazing woman with such valuable insight- I learned so much from the time we spent together.
    Thinking the workshop started at 12pm, I showed up at 11:55am, apologizing for being a little early as Shelley and Susie (who hosted the event at her beautiful home) welcomed me in. I wondered why I was the only one there when there were seven others registered for the workshop. I didn’t realize until 12:55pm that the workshop started at 1pm! I was SO embarrassed for coming in an hour early, but Shelley and Susie were so kind and didn’t say anything! haha. I did, however, enjoy the extra hour with Shelley. We talked about my work and her work, some of the amazing weddings she captured, and even some things to look out for as I start photographing weddings this year. I learned so much in that hour alone!
    As other photographers trickled in we introduced ourselves over veggies and dip and all sorts of yummy snacks. Shelley had us sit around a large screen where she began teaching and sharing her experiences. We went over the different types of light, basic posing, composition, and what spoke to me most- the heart behind photography.
    I love the way Shelley talks about photography. She was so passionate and so sincere; During out time together I think she cried at least three different times while sharing about the heart behind photography. Hearing her speak really changed my view of photography and it made me value what I do that much more. Shelley shared how photography needs to be rooted in caring for people, valuing them, and seeing the true beauty within each individual. She also spoke on how photography is a form of healing for us as photographers and for the people we photograph. Wow, what a beautiful thing! All those who attended the workshop got to see Shelley work firsthand and her values definitely showed through the way she interacted with the people she photographed.
    For the last two hours of our workshop we were able to put what we learned into action. We were provided with models and got the chance to direct and photograph them as Shelley came around to give us advice and feedback. Here are some of my favorite images from that day…
    Thank you Shelley Paulson for such a wonderful workshop! You inspire us all! : )
    for more photos from this workshop check out my facebook album here!

    Portraiture From the Heart with Shelley Paulson

    In just a few hours I’ll be driving up north for a portraiture workshop with Shelley Paulson, one of my favorite photographers! I had emailed Shelley at the end of last year to ask if she would be coming to CA anytime in the near future and was just THRILLED when she replied with information on her upcoming workshop in April, Portraiture From the Heart. I signed up right away, waited and waited,  and now it’s finally here!
    I don’t remember when and how I discovered Shelley’s work, but I do remember spending late nights with my roommates (when we should have been studying), looking through pages and pages of her blog. We were all so moved by Shelley’s images and very impressed with the way she captured emotions so well.
    What a privilege it is to learn from Shelley herself! I can’t wait to post pictures from the workshop and share everything I learn with you! : )
    And a HUGE thanks in advance to my mom who is coming with me so I don’t have to drive alone! THANK YOU MOMMY! : )

    Happy 3 Months Anna!

    It’s not always easy following your dreams. Of course there are days when I feel like I can just fly and conquer the world, but then there are those other days when it all gets overwhelming and even something fun like editing photos, is difficult. It’s during those days when I am reminded of how important it is to be around supportive and uplifting people..people like Judy.
    I’m super thankful that I was able to spend the morning with Judy and baby Anna two weekends ago. I can’t believe how fast her little one is growing! This was the first time we met up in the morning for a shoot and I was so excited because Anna was in the best mood ever! See for yourself : )
    so funny, Anna was very focused on the ruffles on her pants…and this wonderful backdrop?! Judy made this quilt for Anna. I love all the colors!
    And now, the many faces of Anna Beth Chen!
    Anna was born with a lot of hair. Can you tell? We took a little break from taking photos to water it down and tie it up. Tadaaa!
    Thank you for such a wonderful shoot Judy and Anna! And thank you Judy for all your prayers, encouragement, and words of wisdom. I am so blessed to have you! : )

    Senior Portraits with Jenn

    Jenn and I met for the first time the morning of our shoot. We had been talking through email for some time, but kept having to postpone our session because of all the random rain. It was such a pleasure finally meeting Jenn and her mom Rita, who Jenn asked to tag along the morning of. I had a great time getting to know the both of you! : )
    Jenn, you are beautiful!… and I do love those boots! I’m so glad Rita joined us that day. She stood behind me for most of the shoot and made Jenn laugh with funny comments and silly poses .
    We found this log towards the end of our shoot and I love how these turned out.
    silly Jenn : ) hehe Jenn will be graduating from USD this May…GO TOREROS! Good luck with your last few weeks of school and all the best to your bright future! : )

    Photoshoot Giveaway Winner Kelly Lee

    Everyone Meet Kelly, the winner to my Valentine’s Day photoshoot giveaway!
    Kelly and I met up shortly after the winner to my contest was announced. We met up over tea one rainy night and I think we were both so thankful that this photoshoot helped us reconnect (it’s been about 4 years since the last time we caught up!). I really do love that about my job : )
    Kelly decided to have her family photographed for the free session and so we met up last weekend to make it happen. The Lees are such a fun bunch! There was so much laughing during our time together and I really enjoyed getting to know this family on a whole ‘nother level.
    And now just the sisters. I think I have a soft spot for sisters since I have so many! They’re just so much fun : )
    aren’t they silly?! hehe
    Thanks for such a wonderful shoot, Kelly! I love your family! I’m really looking forward to your move back home. We will definitely have more catch-up sessions! : )

    Maternity Shoot with The Durretts!

    Make-up and hair by Cherry Le.
    The Durrett’s are expecting a baby this Spring! Hip-hip-hooray! : )
    Cheryl and Dustan are the perfect pair. I had so much fun getting to know them during our maternity session. Cheryl is petite and super cute pregnant. When I first met her over the phone I automatically fell in love with her Australian accent and spunky personality. Her husband Dustan is tall and really funny. I love the way he made Cheryl laugh the whole time we were together…you guys are going to be such fun parents! : )
    How fun that Cheryl blends right into these blossoms with her flowery shirt!
    They’re really so much fun : )
    We stopped to take a picture every time we spotted trees that reminded them of Australia. The two of them visit every year, because all of Cheryl’s family are still living there. And you might be wondering what’s on top of Cheryl’s head and over Dustan’s neck…why, it’s just these fun accessories from their baby shower! Of course, it was Dustan’s idea to put them on!
    We ended our shoot with a few fun props that Cheryl and Dustan brought along. Since we weren’t allowed to bring them into the Arboretum we saved them for the very end, outside the park. By the way, the Durretts are not expecting twins! They decided to keep the gender of their baby a surprise so they brought a “It’s a GIRL!” and a “It’s a BOY!” balloon! How fun is that?!
    These are the two names they picked out..I wonder which one it will be?!
    While I was talking these pictures with Cheryl, Dustan knocked out in the back..poor guy. You were such a good sport, Dustan!
    Thank you for such a wonderful shoot, Cheryl and Dustan! I can’t wait to meet your little one in April! : )