A Chinatown Engagement Session Inspired by Wong Kar-wai

Some love stories unfold like cinema—full of color, mood, and the electric energy of the city. This Chinatown engagement session in downtown Calgary was inspired by Paige and Zac’s love for movies and cinema.

Setting the Scene

When Paige and Zac envisioned their engagement session, they wanted something different, something that felt like a film—specifically, a film by Wong Kar-wai. Inspired by his collaboration with cinematographer Christopher Doyle, we set out to capture their love story in the heart of downtown at some of their old stomping grounds, and through the neon-lit streets of Chinatown.

The Palomino holds a special place for these two, so it was only fitting for it to be our first stop before heading up to Chinatown. The original plan was to take a couple photos in the basement at the Palomino, but since there was a show happening that evening, they were kind enough to let us use the patio for a couple photos.

Play of Light and Shadow

Wong Kar-wai’s films are known for their dreamy lighting and striking contrasts, and we embraced that aesthetic with bold compositions. As the sun began to set, I really wanted to lean into using some neon signs that Chinatown had to offer. As we walked down the street, a light in an alley caught my eye and I knew it would be perfect for the vibe. Paige and Zac stood under a light in a dimly lit alleyway, their faces softly illuminated by the glow of the overhead light.