Hong Kong Newborn, Baby, Maternity & Family Photographer, Portrait, Photography

Garthe family visited Beijing!

noreply@blogger.com (Garthe photo arts) — Sat, 16 Oct 2010 18:47:00 +0000

Would you believe that it's been almost a month since we visited Beijing and I haven't even downloaded the photos from the camera? That's how busy I am these past few days. But...I thought of taking some down time and edit some of the photos. Granted that I was behind the lens most of the time and we spent most of the trip chasing our 20 month old toddler, I did manage to capture some good shots.

We certainly enjoyed the week long trip. Ava, in her terrible two stage, did spend her time running around and being photographed by curious on lookers :)

The photos below are just some of the few that I managed to edit...there were more than 400 Raw files that I still have to check.

The Great Wall of China

Ming Tombs

Aisin Gioro Yumin, nephew of the last Emperor of China Puyi and famous Chinese Calligraphy artist

Garthe Family with Aisin Gioro Yuming (we had him do a personalized Calligraphy for $$$$!!!)

After chasing Ava around, I managed to make her pose for me (whew!)

Summer Palace Diorama (miniature) effect

Lovely time! I highly recommend you guys visiting Beijing! More photos coming up!

5 Month Old Eye Candy / Hong Kong Baby Photographer

noreply@blogger.com (Garthe photo arts) — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 03:47:00 +0000

Ok...who wouldn't love this baby?!! The first time I laid my eyes on little Mr. K I knew I'm going to have a great time freezing the moments and capturing them. He was all smiles during the session and we (me, mum and dad and nanny), behind the scenes were just having a blast. I didn't think we were having a session at all because we're having way too much fun watching K laugh and flaunting his ohhh sooo cute baby rolls LOL.

Enjoy this beautiful eye candy! I know I did :)

Yummy yummy fur LOL

Awww!!!! Baby rolls!!!

Future heartbreaker alert!

Will's tale / Hong Kong Baby Photographer

noreply@blogger.com (Garthe photo arts) — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 08:51:00 +0000

One warm July day of 2009, I did a session for a family who just welcomed a three week old little man to this world. I was so happy that I got the chance to capture his first few days of life. His name is Will.

Will and Daddy in July 2009

Fast forward 15 months later, the E family is back for their family pics and I'm elated to capture them again. Look at Will...all grown up! He really is such a charmer :)

I do feel that I'm part of the family already! It's like being a part of their reunion. Since then, our babies would play together, and me and Ms C would go out for lunch, hikes and dance classes, and regularly keep in touch on Facebook. Uncle L even interviewed me for a magazine and will someday go for some Karaoke with yours truly (lol).

If not with my biz I wouldn't have met this beautiful family. I wish I'll be in HK for a long time to see Will grow. But hey...the world is small :)

Will and Dad, September 2010

Will and his beautiful Mom

With Uncle L (I'll miss you!!! You get back to HK soon and go for a Karaoke!)

With dearest Granpa

1 1 Day Old Baby strong legs! / Hong Kong Newborn Photographer

noreply@blogger.com (Garthe photo arts) — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 02:11:00 +0000

Mr. C is one strong baby! During our session he would make our hearts pitter patter with his signature strong kicks :) He even wanted to jump out of this hanging planter (see the hanging planter shot below)!

His family arrived in Hong Kong from Manila and I'm privileged to capture his first days of life. I even was able to catch up with his parents about the goings on in my country of birth.

My big congratulations to his family!!!! He is such a pure sunshine!

Indian Classical Dancer Ms Oxana Banshikova / Hong Kong Photographer

noreply@blogger.com (Garthe photo arts) — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 14:17:00 +0000

Gracious movements...colorful costumes....a beautiful and talented individual with a class all her own. It is an honor capturing the images (and being a friend) of Ms Oxana Banshikova, Hong Kong's very own Indian Classical Dancer. I was very much in awe with her talent and personality that even my daughter Ava didn't hesitate to watch and enjoy the session :))

Oxana is a Bharatnatyam performer, teacher and choreographer from Kazakhstan. She is a scholarship recipient of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations and holder of a four-year diploma in Bharatnatyam Classical Dance from the world famous Kalakshetra College of Fine Arts (Chennai, India).

Oxana has performed and taught this dance form in India, Kazakhstan, and Armenia, and has been promoting Indian Classical and Fusion Dance in Hong Kong for the past four years through teaching Bharatanatyam to local and foreign students and by performing on a number of occasions.

For classes, performances and workshops contact Oxana at:

info@cosmic-dance.com

www.cosmic-dance.com

www.oxana.tk

Beautiful (and talented) Mama to be! / Hong Kong Maternity Photographer

noreply@blogger.com (Garthe photo arts) — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 05:40:00 +0000

Rarely do I come across a client who was into performing arts and, being once into acting myself, I have a greater sense of appreciation to people like Ms. D. And I've to say...she is an absolute stunner! During this session she was about 31weeks in the family way and she's a natural...I mean come on, she's from the acting and modelling world!

Her husband R is just as stunning and looking really happy for the upcoming arrival of their little one.
I wish them both all the very best in their journey to parenthood and looking forward to the newborn sesh!

37 Weeks / Hong Kong Maternity Photographer

noreply@blogger.com (Garthe photo arts) — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 02:12:00 +0000

A baby is something you carry inside you for nine months, in your arms for three years and in your heart till the day you die- Mary Mason

Ms. S arrived to Hong Kong from Macau for the maternity session. In this photo she was 37 weeks...her little bub would have arrived anytime now.

They are full of love as one of my Facebook friends commented. (Yes this post is on my Facebook page!) and the photos speak for themselves.

My congratulations to both of you! See you in the newborn session!

Day 7 / Hong Kong newborn photographer

noreply@blogger.com (Garthe photo arts) — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 13:10:00 +0000

What a joy this little one brought me! Only 7 days old, little Mr. J has certainly been a wonderful newborn model. I have used vintage props (one of them is 104 years old) and I couldn't be happier having to utilize these to him. Special thanks to his mom for such a wonderful job "behind the scenes".

I took advantage of the beautiful natural light that we have today. And I couldn't tell you how beautiful it looked on his skin. Would you agree?

I love his photos I used all of them on my website. Feel free to browse the rest on my site!

My 104 year old scale prop

This scale was created in 1942

Not quite sure how old this bowl is...but it sure looks vintage

My beautiful sleepy head :)

Chocolat! / Hong Kong Photographer

noreply@blogger.com (Garthe photo arts) — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 11:48:00 +0000

After a wonderful lunch with my friends, we went to Vero chocolates in Fenwick Pier for the chocolate tasting. I thought I just died and went to heaven!!!! Their exquisite chocolates are to die for! I especially love their hot chocolate which is like hot, melted chocolate. Their cakes are beautiful...almost too beautiful to eat. We felt so giddy with the whole chocolate experience. I would like to thank my wonderful friends for the nice treat (it'll be my birthday on the 17th)! Ray, the manager and my dear friend Ifat ...thank you thank you for satisfying my sweet tooth:) Ahhh...life couldn't be any better ( and sweeter!).

Thank goodness I brought my camera with me so here are a few shots of the indulgence! Enjoy!

Here's to perfect chocolate....and Italian sparkling wine!

The most beautiful cakes I've ever seen!

70% Dark Chocolate drink....heavenly

Passion fruit cake

Chocolate Raspberry

Caramel chocolate....my fave!

TINY HEARTBEAT / Hong Kong Maternity Photographer

noreply@blogger.com (Garthe photo arts) — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 09:15:00 +0000

A mother's joy begins when new life is stirring inside... when a tiny heartbeat is heard for the very first time, and a playful kick reminds her that she is never alone.

-- Author Unknown

This stunning beauty couldn't look any better. Her "bebe" boy will be arriving in November and I'm just as excited and happy for her and her husband. She has that natural beauty that emanates from inside and out. All I can say is that pregnancy agrees with her.

Good luck on your pregnancy sweets! And may you and your husband have a wonderful journey into parenthood.

JOY / Hong Kong Baby Photographer

noreply@blogger.com (Garthe photo arts) — Sun, 12 Sep 2010 17:59:00 +0000

The only joy in the world is to begin - Cesare Pavese

9 month old Ms. G. is by far one of the most joyous babies I've ever captured. She brought life throughout the session and her signature "woooohhh" sound (as evidenced from the first photo below) really reminds me of the importance of just letting go and having fun.

FLOWER / Hong Kong Family Photographer

noreply@blogger.com (Garthe photo arts) — Sun, 12 Sep 2010 05:39:00 +0000

Love is like a beautiful flower which I may not touch,

but whose fragrance makes the garden a place of delight just the same. - Hellen Keller

I was looking back into my sessions from last year and I came across this beautiful, innocent image. I pondered on the innocence of this little girl as she checked the flower. We sometimes go about our days without stopping and appreciating the smallest things that matter. Thus capturing this moment is like stopping and taking a breather.

The B Family

ALL GROWN UP! / Hong Kong Children Photographer

noreply@blogger.com (Garthe photo arts) — Sat, 11 Sep 2010 19:47:00 +0000

"Children are the hands by which we take hold of heaven." - Henry Ward Beecher

Time does fly. It was just yesterday when she was sleeping in my arms. Now at 19 months Ava never fails to mesmerize me.

Michelle is featured in AWAre magazine Sept 2010 / Hong Kong Family Photographer

noreply@blogger.com (Garthe photo arts) — Sat, 11 Sep 2010 16:28:00 +0000

I am one of the featured entrepreneurs in the article "Women in Business" for the American Women's Association of HK magazine September 2010 issue.
For the complete article click the PDF version here and scroll down on page 20 (article) and page 5 (quarter page ad). Thank you Dimple Shah and Anne Roberts for the great article! Congratulations to everyone involved. Please support AWA and its causes. Visit http://www.awa.org.hk/.

American Women's Association of HK Magazine Sept. 2010

PURPOSE PIES / Hong Kong Photographer

noreply@blogger.com (Garthe photo arts) — Sat, 11 Sep 2010 14:29:00 +0000

Ms. Shannon Ng founded "Purpose Pies" in 2009, a Christian-centered organization which aims to fight hunger, one pie at a time. For every pie you purchase, proceeds will go to charities in Hong Kong. I support organizations such as this and thus I donated my photography services to capture her pies for her Purpose pies website. I say it's a win-win situation....you get to enjoy those fabulous pies and the proceeds will go to a good cause. To see more photos of the pies I captured, please visit my Facebook page here and click the Purpose Pies album.

I thank Shannon for this opportunity. We also had a fun time during the session---taste testing the pies--had a taste of heaven :)

Purpose Pies Caramel Apple Pie

Country Apple Pie

CUSTOM SKINS WITH YOUR PHOTOS ARE HERE! / Hong Kong Photographer

noreply@blogger.com (Garthe photo arts) — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 03:41:00 +0000

You got the photos and now you want to brag them. Why don't you "stick" em on your phone? Custom skins for Iphone, Blackberry, Nokia and other cell phone brands are here! Printed on Premium 3M Vinyl material. The skins are removable adhesive backed vinyl covers to protect your phones.

Priced at 195 HKD! Shipping in HK is free. Contact us by visiting our site for details.

So what are you waiting for? Show 'em some skin!

My brother just joined the Photography world!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Garthe photo arts) — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 03:28:00 +0000

My kid brother Gerald and his lovely wife Nikkah are two very talented individuals in the medical field (both are nurses), yet they surprised me with their innate talent on photography.
I love, love their documentary style, naturally lit photos! Being in this business for a while, I'm usually my own worst critic. I'm very impressed with their processing techniques, composition and ability to tell a story.
I highly recommend you and everyone from Orange County CA to see their works and experience what it feels to be special.

Please visit their website at The Blue Sky Creations Photography.

MEET LITTLE MISS CLAIRE / Hong Kong Newborn Photographer

noreply@blogger.com (Garthe photo arts) — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 09:41:00 +0000

11 day old Claire was such a delight to capture. She slept in most of the session and really made it through despite of the rain and thunder outside. I am happy to capture her and make use of my newest prop: the hanging basket.

Light and Magic!

noreply@blogger.com (Garthe photo arts) — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 14:03:00 +0000

I loooove to experiment on photography. There's way too many things you can do with your camera.

This evening, to the delight of my little girl, I created this series of light and magic using a pen light and a flute glass.

To my sis in law, Mary

noreply@blogger.com (Garthe photo arts) — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 16:53:00 +0000

My sister in law Mary is battling cancer for the second time. I dedicate this image to her as it reminds me that life is beautiful and that it's worth the fight. We are praying for you Mary. We love you.
This photo was taken in Cheng Chau Island, Hong Kong.

Out and about---Cheng Chau Island, Hong Kong

noreply@blogger.com (Garthe photo arts) — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 17:01:00 +0000

Captured this afternoon while riding the ferry en route to Cheng Chau Island in Hong Kong. I thought this was a wonderful opportunity to photograph the majestic ICC tower (International Commerce Centre) which is the highest building in HK at 464 meters.

My husband Lou is not the type who likes to be photographed, but hey I thought since he works out 2 hours a day, I thought he deserves to be captured this way....dynamic and sporty!

And finally a look at the waters surrounding Cheng Chau Island. We had a fabulous dimsum dinner after a 10 km hike. And what a picturesque scenery to watch after an exhausting day.

LAUREN, 36 WEEKS / Hong Kong maternity photographer

noreply@blogger.com (Garthe photo arts) — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 15:39:00 +0000

I've been so far behind with posting photos on my blog but I couldn't resist posting these lovely maternity photos of Lauren. She was 36 weeks in a family way in these photos. Let's all wish her and husband all the very best in the arrival of their little one!

Michelle won Grand Prize in Earth Day Photo Competition 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Garthe photo arts) — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 06:33:00 +0000

US Consulate General of Hong Kong awarded Michelle Garthe the Grand Prize in the Earth Day Photo Competition 2010. Awarding ceremony on April 22nd.

Two of her photos made the Grand prize and three others made the Honorable Mention. Below are the photos: Grand Prize winners (from top) Mt. High West and Deep water bay boat. Honorable Mention: (from third from Top Pokfulam Reservoir Road, Explosion of clouds over Lamma Island and Bird in HK Aviary.

Garthe Photo Arts joins the celebration of International Women's day 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Garthe photo arts) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 08:51:00 +0000

March 8, 2010 marks the celebration of International Women's Day. Michelle participated in the photo exhibit at the US Consulate Hong Kong. The theme is to honor the domestic helpers who selflessly left their own families to support us in our every day lives. We salute these wonderful women who made such a difference!

Michelle's photos of Ms. Edmalyn Agub and 12 month old Ava Monique are on display at the US Consulate Hong Kong.

Congratulations to Huan and Sammie!

noreply@blogger.com (Garthe photo arts) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 08:19:00 +0000

Congratulations to Huan and Sammie for the birth of their baby girl on February 25. In the meantime I am posting some of Sammie's maternity photos taken on January 3,2010.