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Bellydance Photo Shoot with the Bellydance Trance Group - March 18, 2007

A few weeks back, I got to shoot promo photos for Laura's new bellydance troupe. Remember I photographed Laura back in January. Here's some cool shots from the shoot.

Gina's Bridal Shower - March 17, 2007

A few weeks ago I photographed the bridal shower for one of my upcoming brides. Gina is actually a good friend of one of my best friends, Tanna.

The bridal shower was held at Chadwick's restaurant in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn.

One of Gina's gifts was a wedding cake made of bath towels. I thought it was so cute.

Tanna and Gina's cousin, Bernadette.

Tanna having fun with a bubble blower.

Gina and her fiancee, Alan (just before he escaped the shower).

Gina and her mom.

Gina starting to open her gifts. This gift was a sliky and sexy robe.

We all loved Gina's funky hat.

One of Gina's most practical gifts.

I'm so excited to be photographing Gina and Alan's wedding at the NYC Marriot East Side Hotel in June.

Bellydance Performances at Taj Lounge - March 16, 2007

I love to check out live bellydance performances whenever I get a chance. My good friend Tanna along with her boyfriend Andy hosted a bellydance showcase at Taj Lounge in Chelsea, NYC. Here's a few shots I took during the event.

First up was Jackie, a fantastic dancer who's probably the tallest bellydancer I've ever seen, standing at over 6'6".

The exotic Dipa was next.

My good buddy, Tanna.

The legendary Jehan.

Santi Budaya Theatre Dance Performance - March 11, 2007

The day after Jenny & Pete's wedding, I drove to Washington DC to check out the Santi Budaya dance performance held at the Dorothy Betts Marvin Theater. The theatre show was produced by my good friends, the talented Calmes triplets who I've photographed numerous. The dance performances featured many styles and cultures of dance from around the world. I was blown away by all the amazing dancers. I love dance and dance photography which was my first art subject when I first got into photography when I was a kid. I took some photos during the performances and here are some of my favorite shots.

Before the performances began, I was backstage getting some preparation shots.

The live musicians did a great job for the production. Here they are setting the tone for the upcoming performances.

The Calmes triplets here on the left side playing stringed instruments.

The first dance performance was the Santi Budaya Dance Fusion. The beautiful dance originates from Indonesia, my home country and features gorgeous brightly colored transparent wings.

The Topeng Klana Dance. This dance also originates from Indonesia and depicts the enamored king, Raga Kelana with a regal mask, yearning for the love of a princess, Dewi Sekar Taji.

The Sahara Dance Group performed a traditional bellydance medley with veil, drum solo, and finale.

Azin Mahoozy performed a exotic Persian dance routine.

The Calmes triplets performed a playful, energetic bellydance piece interpreted by master Egyptian choreographer, Yousry Sharif.

Mangolian dance piece featuring fluid wavelike movements honoring the Green Mother Goddess.

"Pal Pal Hai Bari" performs a choreography that borrows elements from classical Indian dances such as Bharata Natyam and Kathak.

The Cipat Cipit Dance. This whimsical and fun dance showcases how a man flirts with a woman and how she entertains her man. This piece was inspired by Indonesian dance celebration from East Java.

Bayat dance originating from Mongolia.

Semishigure is a dance originating from Japan.

Pencak Silat is a traditional fighting art system from Indonesia dating back hundreds of years. It mimics animal movements that conform to the human anatomy.

Chinese ribbon dance featuring dynamic and beautiful movements in harmony with the colorful ribbons.

Jenny & Pete Wedding After Party - March 10, 2007

The day after Jenny & Pete's wedding, they had an after party held at Jenny's dad's Chinese restaurant, Tai Hong Lau, in China Town, NYC.

Jenny's dad giving a speech.

The food was delicious.

Getting ready.

Jenny & Pete Wedding - March 9, 2007

Last month I shot a great and fun wedding at Marina Del Rey in the Bronx, NYC. I had a blast. The wedding featured a multicultural ceremonies, a western and an easten ceremony. Here are some highlight shots from the wedding. At the bottom, there a link to check out a whole bunch of more shots.

Jenny getting her hair and make up done.

Jenny's pet dog was observing the bridal preparation process.

Pete getting ready with help from his groomsmen.

When we got to Marina Del Rey, Jenny's sister helped her get into the wedding gown.

Jenny looked so beautiful and we took some portraits of her around the grounds of the venue.

Jenny's dad escorted her down the aisle.

Pete's expression while Jenny walked down the aisle.

Pete's mom.

Jenny's mom and sisters.

They look so happy and cute here.

Exchanging rings.

The kiss.

After the Western ceremony, they had a traditional Chinese tea ceremony.

Giving tea to the parents.

After the wedding ceremonies, we took some twilight portraits around the grounds.

Pete has a toast with his buddies during the cocktail hour.

The ballroom.

The grand entrance.

First dance.

Toasts.

After the toasts, the party got live.

Cake feeding.

Parent dances.

Check out some more pics below:
more photos

Celebrating Julie's BirthDay - March 7, 2007

At Lina Jang Photography, we celebrate everybody's birthday because everyone who I hire to work for me is special and I consider them my extended family. Julie's been with me now for almost 4 years and I've watched her become an extremely talented photographer. We celebrated her birthday at my favorite Mexican restaraunt Crema, located in Chelsea, NYC.

Here's a pic of the whole team. From left to right: Julie, O.B., Me, Mary, Ania, and Jenny.

Julie sipping on a margarita.

My girls.

We got an awesome chocalate cheesecake from Veniero's for Julie's Birthday. Absolutely delicious!

Bellydance Photo Shoot with Jehan - March 4, 2007

After the shoot with Tanna, I got the opportunity to photograph the legendary Jehan. Hundreds of the best bellydancers around the world have studied under Jehan in the last 20 years. She was one of Tanna's teachers and Tanna hung around during the shoot. Here's some of my faves from the shoot.

Bellydance Photo Shoot with Tanna - March 4, 2007

After the shoot with Shoshana, I did a quick shoot with Tanna, one of my best friends. We did the shoot on the rooftop of my Manhattan apartment building.

Bellydance Photo Shoot with Shoshana - March 4, 2007

Last month, I photographed Shoshana, of NYC's premier bellydancers for the last 15 years. Many of the younger generation of bellydancers in NYC studied under Shoshana and learned their craft from her. Here are some of the cool shots from our shoot.