This was the first time Lelan and I went to see the New Year parade as photographers and not just spectators. The streets were packed, the sky was clear and finally NO RAIN!! Rain or shine, this parade still ran!

Lelan and I camped out near a nice spot on the street to shoot the scene. Thank goodness for the monopods though. It definitely came in handy for the low light situation we were dealt with. Without a doubt, we will be going next year and hopefully we can be selected to get to be dedicated photographers for the event!

This is rated one of the top 10 parades in the world and one of the few parades that ran at night. You can find more information about it here: http://www.chineseparade.com/

For now, enjoy the pictures! Mahalo!

Classic Chinese instruments played by performers. From left to right: Guqin, Banhu and Pipa

Teenagers preparing for the show

Kids smiling for the crowd with their gitd sticks

Fanfare kids playing with strings

The colors on the floats and costumes were amazing.

Riding on the OX for good luck!

Nothing says parade like a marching band! Here, a performer plays the trumpet

Kids waving to the crowd. Too bad they were on the McDonald’s float. Don’t brainwash them!

The. Most. Genuine. Smile. Ever.

Chinese dolls exciting the crowd!

Love the coordination and symmetry here from the Tai Chi performers

Colors rule!

Waving the flag of the Kung Fu performers

Choi sun - Fortune God float brings everyone wealth and prosperity.

Former Miss Chinatown queens

Tim’s sister is on the float! Hi Tiffany!

2009 Miss Chinatown

One of many dragons during the parade

Chinese drummers making noise!

San Francisco Lesbian Gay Freedom Band performing

Cows giving high fives to everyone!

Do you Kung Fu?

Firecrackers to end the night

Another sunny day in San Francisco. This time, Lelan decided to be the model and we had a blast shooting around Golden Gate Park.  Thank you for your patience in working with me!

Kneeling. Nice lake

Classic headshot pose with natural light

In the shade look at me here!

Nice waterfall.

Sunday afternoon. Sun is out, great “winter time” weather in San Francisco, CA. Best way to take advantage of it is to enjoy the outdoors. Lee and I had a blast chillaxing at Yerba Buena Gardens in Downtown SF. Enjoy!

Lee basking in the sun

Enjoying the sunset

Lee shooting me shooting her

Bam, caught me!

Did we mention reflections are awesome?!

Like Obama’s hope poster