Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Software training & tutorials - The lynda.com library

Here is a great resource that has been very helpful to me especially when it comes to photographic techniques and image software skill development. I think it is worth the price because learning to hone your craft is essential for getting full satisfaction out of your passion. Enjoy  Software training & tutorials - The lynda.com library:



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Strobist

For those of you who are struggling with lighting and more specifically..small strobe lighting or are having a rough time understanding the whole concept...Here is a great resource to help you along..Enjoy  Strobist:



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18 Great Photography Blogs You Should Be Reading – Resource Magazine

Here is a great resource for the aspiring photographer. Enjoy  18 Great Photography Blogs You Should Be Reading – Resource Magazine:



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Wednesday, December 16, 2015

My Home Studio Photoshoot 2015





It's always a great pleasure working together with creatives. My recent Photoshoot with the beautiful and talented Ashley Flores was no exception. This project was conceived with the goal of bringing creative minds together for the purpose of achieving artistic photographic expression. It all starts with a passion within that calls to you. Collaborating with people that have the same desire and passion as you, makes any endeavor a much richer and meaningful experience. I had the privilege of working on this project with some pretty talented and creative individuals. Hopefully these images can tell the story better than I.




This project was a team effort. Each member of the Team contributed and put their heart and soul into making this project a success. My Stylist and creative genius Suzy Chavez put her passion where her mouth is. She brought with her an impressive collection of jewelry, dresses, hats and other assesories including a pirates hat and sword. She told me that she has been collecting these items since she was eighteen years old. I am not exaggerating , she brought three luggages full of her wonderful collection  of baubles, trinkets and things. It was a treasure trove of stuff that can be incorporated in any creative Studio Session and I certainly took advantage of her talent and creativity and the results show. 




Ashley Flores is my Hair and Makeup Artist. She brings to the Team an impressive set of beauty skills. Her passion and joy is making people beautiful. She has been perfecting her craft for some time now and she hopes to continue learning new skills and techniques. I asked her if she would like to work in front of the camera for a change. She excepted and I am glad she did. For this shoot she did her own hair and makeup. She did a great job modeling for me. Watch out world, here she comes. Enjoy the photos and my other stuff. Comment if you like this blog and become a follower.


















Thursday, December 10, 2015

Latest Photo Shoot 2015


 I had a blast photographing the beautiful and multi talented Ashley Flores. She is a Hair and Makeup artist extraordinaire and now she is branching out into the world of modeling, fashion and style..AshleyFlores.  We shot this session at one of my favorite locations ..Brite Valley in Tehachapi Ca. There are many spots just off Brite Valley Rd that are ideal for a Photoshoot. One in particular is the old shed (barn) at the west end of Brite Valley..just below the old Historic house on the hill. ( this house is being lovingly rebuilt to its original glory) . There is also an old structure nearby that has totally calapsed and serves as a great backdrop. My favorite spot is an old platform that was used at one time to off load cattle... It just screams for attention!! Overall I think we managed to create some pretty nice images. I want to thank my crew Suzy and Julio Chavez for helping out with this project..you guys are awesome. For my lighting set up I used a Gary Fong lightsphear at the end of a painters stick. This is the first time I have tried this method..very lightweight and easy to manipulate and I don't have to worry about wind knocking over an umbrella on a stand. I kind of like the modifier on a stick idea except you will always need an assistant. ( thanks Julio). All in all we had a great time and the images came out awesome. I want to also thank Ashley for braving the cold  and being a good sport and having patience with me. Looking forward to our next project together. If you enjoy this blog and its content, leave a message or better yet become a follower. Until next time ..smile and be Happy !! 



The image above was captured while Ashley posed sitting down on the edge of the Cattle Shute. I positioned a speed light just behind her to separate her a little from the background. 


I really like the background on this one. I asked Ashley to pose in front of the collapsed Barn which is right across the road from the Cow Shute. She did a great job . 


Ashley brought along a few props like this nice colorful umbrella . I think it really adds a whimsical touch to the photo. 

Props are an important addition to any Shoot. 


  Having an assistant or two really makes for a more effortless and enjoyable photo shoot. Here my assistant Suzy is helping Ashley put on some flat shoes...Ashley was wearing heels and had a hard time walking without the heels digging into the soft soil. 

Here I am posing Ashley and trying to achieve the best angle and composition. That is my light on a paint stick in action. I always use my speed lights off camera for better dimention and drama. Highlights and Shadows create mood and sculpts the subjects face. Thanks Julio for being my voice activated light stand ! 




This is Ashley posing on the Cow Shute. I really like working this location because it offers many options for grabbing some awesome images.
Julio and I doing what we love..capturing awesome images. Don't forget to leave a comment if you like my blog and while your at it ..become a member.