Counter-Maternity

Usually, if someone looks different than the norm, excessive focus is placed on the difference. For example, if a Hollywood actor is Asian, they are more likely to be cast in films specifically about Asian culture or requiring Asian characters because of something specific in the plot. This is slowly starting to change, as Asian actors play roles that have nothing to do with their ethnicity.

The idea behind this shoot with Sophie was to subvert the cliche maternity shoot tropes by treating it like any other portrait shoot…

Portrait Photoshoot, Blog, MaternityDavid LeongJuly 16, 2026portraits, photoshoot, photography, maternityComment

Best of 2019

I took a lot of photos in 2019, some of which have become my new favorites. Thanks to everyone who shot with me this year!

Portrait Photoshoot, Blog, MusicDavid LeongMarch 29, 2026portraits, photoshoot, photography, 2019, 2020, best ofComment

Surface, Shapes, and Shadows

I caught the last light on a warm Autumn day in Palo Alto with Belle and Sam.

Portrait Photoshoot, BlogDavid LeongNovember 26, 2019portraits, photoshoot, photography, palo alto, stanford, stanford university, richard serraComment

Oakland Portrait Shoot: Katelyn

I did a shoot with Katelyn Tarver when she was in town opening up for The Rocket Summer on their West Coast tour dates.

Portrait Photoshoot, BlogDavid LeongOctober 31, 2019portraits, photoshoot, photography, katelyn tarver, oakland, downtown oaklandComment

The Wind and the Waves

One Spring morning, Irina and I took a short drive down the coast to take some photos.

Portrait Photoshoot, BlogDavid LeongAugust 30, 2019portraits, photoshoot, photography, daly city, beachComment

The Best of Chicago

In May of this year, I visited Chicago for the first time. This was a fun and fulfilling trip for a number of reasons, one of them being the great pleasure of spending time with and photographing Anna. She’s a talented singer, performer and model, born and raised in the Chicago area. Little did I know when I first met her that we would take some of my favorite shots of all time together.