A couple nights ago, I came across a Toronto Facebook event where several keynote speakers were to speak on social media, for what happened to be the universal “social media day.” I contacted the organizers and before you knew it, Wednesday night rolled around and there I was, taking photos as well as listening to what these 3 specialists had to say about social media.

Our first speaker was Dimitar Popovski (@DDNMedia) from DDNMedia.com (Toronto-based developers of mobile apps Stylish Girl and Cool Guy), who got us started with an informative look at how social media has affected the fashion industry, both from the standpoint of big brands as well as consumers. Next, we had the privilege of a featured speech from social media guru Scott Stratten (@unmarketing) himself, who quickly highlighted the importance of social media using his own unique, engaging approach and several rousing real-life examples of social media’s profound value to our society. Last but not least, Much Music’s social media personality Casie Stewart (@CasieStewart) spoke about her own extraordinary involvement with social media on a professional level – masterminding several of Much Music’s popular social media accounts at once.

Besides being able to hear these professionals’ insights on social media, those of us in attendance also benefited from having a chance to meet and mingle with some of the other social media enthusiasts in our community in a casual, social environment. I wasn’t able to meet as many of you as I would’ve liked to (I had to leave early for my next gig), but I still found the night extremely productive – special thanks to Dan Levy (@Dan_L) and Netfirms.com (@Netfirms) for making the event possible, and also to the featured speakers, who made the event what it was!

For those of you who’d like to stay connected with upcoming Social Media Day Toronto Events / Mashable Meetups, please follow & add yourselves to our list @kevinchung/smdayTO

Without further adieu,

Grand Opening of Skybar Fridays @ Skybar (Guvernment) | Featured KP Weekly Event

SKYBAR is BACK by popular demand! Enjoy the vibes with Toronto’s biggest promotions companies on Guvernment’s legendary rooftop patio overlooking Toronto’s famed skyline. We get it started this Friday with DMC World Champion DJ Dopey, DJ C-La & go-go appearances from STEPH LY, JENNY CHU (LA) & TRACY NOVA (Las Vegas) – don’t miss one of the hottest parties this summer!

Get in on the madness, or ease on the cool – VIP bottle service is strongly recommended, bookings should be made at least a week in advance due to high demand. Dress code is in effect.

Put yourself on the Kayce Guestlist TODAY for reduced cover charge & shorter lines! Guestlist privileges end at 11:30pm – please arrive early to avoid disappointment.

** $4 Drinks | $150 Bottles ALL NIGHT LONG **

Skybar (Guvernment)
132 Queens Quay East
Downtown Toronto

Music by: DJ DOPEY | DJ C-LA | MC E.N.G
Hip-Hop/R&B
House
Mash-Up

VIP BOTTLE SERVICE STRONGLY RECOMMENDED – Bookings should be made AT LEAST a week in advance due to high demand. Bottle prices start at $150 with a 3-bottle minimum per booth. Skybar & The Drink features 25 luxurious VIP booths – bookings come with reduced cover/bypass!

Info, Photos & Guestlist: http://www.kaycephotography.com/events.php

Within hours of officially releasing details/specs/promos for their iPhone 4, Apple has already created a sensational buzz about their new product.. We know about Apple’s talent with revolutionary product engineering, and we know about Steve Jobs’ transcendent genius with practical innovation, so maybe this shouldn’t surprise us.. except, it really does.

Developed with “Facetime” or video calling in mind, iPhone4 will boast two cameras – 1 for video calling & a 5MP still camera that also records HD Video. Apple’s already industry-leading display is also significantly upgraded, with 4x the pixel count and a higher contrast ratio on a 960×640 display – making the iPhone4 display effectively the “sharpest” phone screen ever.

Throw in a faster new processor, improved ergonomics & engineering (ultra-durable commercial-grade glass + stainless steel binding) & (useless) improvements to the iPhone’s already impressive general user interface & gaming capabilities.. Then keep in mind that the 16gig version of the iPhone4 is entering the market at a $199 (or around there) price-point, and you’ll know why I’m so impressed..

I’m a Blackberry guy, and probably will always be one. Having access to browser-free integrated email has changed my life & increased my productivity in a way I never thought possible.. and I don’t use my phone for any “useless” things like web browsing, listening to music, watching video, etc.

But for the average consumer? (aka every 16-80 yr old who just wants the most out of their phones & isn’t hellbent on uber-productivity & world domination?) The iPhone4 looks like an absolutely amazing product.. Don’t be too surprised if it changes the face of the mobile web/phone market forever..

A lot of companies & their CEOs talk about changing the world with their products.. Apple & Steve Jobs now have quite the history of actually accomplishing exactly that.

As I write this, it’s 2:25am, Vancouver time. In exactly 3 hours, I’ll wake up to begin the next chapter of my life.. It’s a chapter I’ve been waiting to write for over a year, a chapter that I’ve been preparing for for as long as I can remember now.

Why wedding photography? I love being able to see the joy in other people’s lives. I love being reminded that we’re all so different in our own wonderful ways, but also so similar, both as individuals, and also as members of different families/societies/cultures. I love photography. I love being able to isolate a moment in time, and being able to reproduce that little tidbit of inspiration using my own vision so that others can share in that moment as well, long after that moment has passed. I love challenges. I love knowing that there’s absolutely no room for error on my part, and I pride myself on being prepared for anything so that surprises could only bring out the best in me.

I started taking photos for fun about 5 yrs ago.. And while I’ve never put it into words until now, I’ve always felt this – the world as I see it touches me. That might sound weird to you, but it can’t be truer to me.

And so, from my first experience shooting a wedding, I fell in love with idea of wedding photography. For a day, I was invited by the bride & groom into the sincerest & most treasured parts of their lives. I was able to see & capture all the subtle expressions of genuine appreciation for one another that we all usually take for granted in the midst of our busy world. The tears and the smiles on their faces reflecting the pure, unadulterated moments of happiness shared between the bride & groom, their families, and all of their loved ones. On that first wedding assignment, I was only asked to shoot the tea ceremony & wedding reception, but the day was already an unforgettable & inspiring experience.

Since then, I’ve shot hundreds of live events/concerts – many featuring your favourite best-selling artists & DJs. I’ve shot hundreds of paid model sessions – many with models that either you or your boyfriend would be jealous of me for even knowing. I’ve shot dozens and dozens of product catalogues & restaurant menus/flyers at very, very healthy hourly rates. But nothing’s come close to the rush I felt that day, over three years ago.

Which brings me to May 29th, 2010 – the date of my first full solo wedding commission, a day I’ve been quietly but excitedly preparing for.

I think being a wedding photographer is a tremendous privilege as well as a humbling responsibility, so I can’t be prouder to tell you that I’m ready for this challenge. In the coming years, I look forward to being inspired by each & every one of you, alongside your lovers & loved ones on the most special days of your lives.

If you like what I’m about & also the photos that I take, please contact me for a complimentary wedding consultation where I would love to get to know you & your partner better. I’d love to speak with you about your collective vision for your special day, and I would even love to be a part of the planning process. I have a wide range of wedding investment options that I’m offering for a discounted rate until the end of 2010 while I continue to work on my wedding portfolio/website. Given the standards I have of myself, I have no doubts that I will surpass any & every expectation you may have of a wedding photographer, and it would be my honour to be your wedding photographer of choice.

Yours truly,
Kevin Chung | Services & Rates | Contact