SFMONA's photostream  

************************** Abridged Bio **************************

I went through three quarterlife crisises before finally deciding to quit corporate America and persue my creative side. Three years later, I graduated with a second undergrad degree in 2006 with a BFA in documentary photography from the Academy of Art Univ in San Francisco... a far cry for this ABA (Asian Bred American) who grew up in Birmingham, Alabama.

My first book is available for pre-order (see second image above): unConventional, YearlyKos: Citizens, Focus and Action. All proceeds goes back to the cause, I donated my time and images. Hard copies are for sale

Currently freelancing in San Francisco. If you are interested in commissioning my services or licensing any of my images. Please feel free to contact me via my website.


************************** FAQ **************************

I get many emails asking for tips I want to share a few answers:

Q: Do you have a tips for amateur photographers?
A: Go here Ten Tips for Finer Photography

Q: Do you think I should quit my job and go back to school (or not go to school) to pursue photography?
A: I can't answer that question for you because I don't know you. I needed structure and a schedule so I chose the school route. Some folks learn it on their own and assist for 3-5+ yrs and make it okay too. I also know many classmates that graduated from my school who are baristas or dog walkers.

First and foremost: go into photography for the passion, "art for art sake". That is hard considering it's a lot of money and hard work to go into this industry, I'm very lucky I have a very supportive husband.

Q: What's your gear and lighting you use?
A: I've always had my gear listed on my profile (see below) and if I didn't shoot with natural light look at lighting info with each image I post.

Q: Do you sell prints or enlargements of your images?
A: Yes, just ask.

Q: May i use your images for "X" website
A: Please feel free to ask, and more than likely I will say yes IF you're writing about me and my work.. The border with logo can not be altered.

************************** GEAR *************************

Canon 5D
Canon 20D

Collecting dust:
Rebel 2000, Holga, Lubitel, Nikon FM

Selling Hasselblad 500c/m kit

Lenses for Canon:
24mm-70mm L, 70-200mm L IS f2.8, 85mm f1.8, 50mm f1.4, 24mm Tilt-Shift

Borrowed or rented:
14mm, 15mm fisheye, 16-35mm, 20-35mm, 200mm, 100-400mm

Lighting:
- Mostly natural, I may use the 550EX and 580EX II Speedlite
- See details at the bottom of each image that artificial light was used.

************************** GOAL *************************
To become a White House photographer for the first woman US president. Or I'd settle for Barack Obama's photographer.


************************** LINKS *************************

- www.monabrooks.com
- Photoblog on sanfranmag.com
- facebook
- Twitter
- Phoot Camp participant