“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma- which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.”
-Steve Jobs
When my instructor for Design Lab I asked us to come up with ideas for our first semester final project, I immediately knew what I wanted to do. It could be the countless hours of TED talks I listen to or Tony Robins voice telling me how I need to be the greatest version of myself, but I decided to photograph people and their dreams for my final project. Mainly because I am inspired by people and their stories.
Although being General Manager at Phoenix Asian Cuisine for 
the past twelve years has been a blessing, it was never my passion. I never woke up dreaming about being a manager of an upscale restaurant, nor was it ever a childhood dream of mine to become one. Life kind of happens and you roll with it. I will say, one of the perks of working in the restaurant industry is that you get to meet so many fascinating people; employees and guests alike. I always made it a point to get to know each and every staff member and the one question that always seems to come up is; what do you want to do with your life? With guests, it was always; “So, what do you do?” Seeing their eyes light up when answering these questions is what inspired me.
Most of our staff comprised of college students so I was always inspired by the young working college student. Serving tables to support themselves while trying to reach their dreams and aspirations. In this series, each individual I photographed has one particular dream they aspire to be. My idea was to photograph them in the restaurant “After Hours”; which I titled the project. I wanted to capture each individual in a raw moment where they are alone in a restaurant after it has been closed. The spotlight on them after a long day’s work committing their time, after hours, to work on their dream job.
DavidKoungPhotography 
Love this quote David, but I am curious if this is one of those situations where it is much easier said than done. I believe there is an incredible stigma of self doubt within the world of creativity and passion; a feeling I am very familiar with. I think the hardest thing about pursuing a career like we are is the ever present feeling of “Am I good enough?” that lays rest in the back of our minds. Something I hope to conquer eventually, but quotes like this always trouble me because there is so much more to overcoming self doubt than just acceptance. Hopefully you can help shine some insight on your personal experiences from this quote! Awesome photo too!
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Thanks Art! Self doubt is no stranger to me and by no means have i conquered it. Like all quotes, it serves as a purpose to guide your thoughts and to also question it. Each reader can interpret its meaning differently just as one word could be misconstrued by the pitch or tone in which the person is vocalizing it. Imagine your entire life is a series of these pitches and tones, all of them being vocalized by everyone but yourself. Your voice drowned out by static that is everyone else’s opinion. I titled this blog “Wake up” because it was sort of a wake up call for me to start listening to what my voice had to say. Problem is, it’s hard to have a voice when you haven’t been able to hear it for so long. The point is, you have two choices in life; you can either sit back and watch as it happens to you or you can get up and have the courage to struggle a whole lot- fail and still have hope that it will all work out somehow.
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From the very beginning when we started last fall, I have continuously been impressed by your photography! You are already an amazing photographer, and I am very excited to see where your work takes you. I can only hope to one day be half as talented as you. I loved both of your portfolios from last fall and this spring!
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David,
Your photography has inspired me personally since day one. However, I especially loved your final project for design last year. It’s so relevant because so many people are stuck doing jobs they don’t love because of life circumstances. It takes a lot of courage to go out on a limb and enter a field like photography because there are so many “what ifs?” I know you’re going to do big things though!
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David, you never disappoint. I have always kept my eye on what you put out, and I am eager to see you grow in the program!
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I loved this project so much. I love how dramatic the lighting was, and how you executed the whole thing. The photographs were fantastic and you’re so talented. I’m excited to continue to see your work grow!
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That is cool listening to TED speakers. Though I have never had a job, it is always interesting to hear what others do to reach their dreams.
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Great series with a good tie in with that quote. I really enjoy seeing the thought and detail you put into everything, and I really love the attention to getting to know your subject. Can’t wait to see more work!
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