Skyline Engagement Photo

Skyline Flyer in Santa Cruz, originally uploaded by Lannys Photos.

Here's a peek from the engagement photo shoot I took in June. Loved how it came out.

Childhood

Coronado Beach, CA June 2010

When my cousins and I were younger, summer was our favorite time of year. We would be dropped to our grandmother's house and that's when the adventures would happen. Some days we would pretend we were super heroes and run around the house with our capes made from blankets. Other days, we'd build huge forts with blankets, chairs and couch pillows. We'd "cook" our food over the fake fire and make up dangers that were outside the protective walls. 

On the special weekends when the family would make a trip to the beach, we'd bolt out of the car, run towards the sands and eagerly wait for permission to plunged carelessly into the cold northern California water. Throughout the day we would hunt for seashells and jump the waves. Once we were done running away from waves, we started the process of building the perfect sand castle. This required some engineering and most importantly water for the dried sand on the shore. 

We'd each take turns to run out to the water and scoop up buckets of water to bring back and wet the sand to mold our towers, walls and eventually carve out a moat. By the time we would finish our castles our parents were calling to us signaling it was getting late and we it was time to get cleaned up.

When I saw these three girls this past weekend, I thought of my two cousins and I felt sadness. I miss those summers with them. Now we don't talk as much anymore and I wonder if they ever think about those summers when we were all worked together to build our castles, forts, imaginary world and our relationships. 

Day 153: Mon professeur, mentor et ami. (My Professor, Mentor and Friend)

(Campbell, January 2010) 

Yesterday, after spending time with Xochi I was able to meet with my former professor in advertising, George Coakley. 

It is always inspiring to sit down with Professor Coakley. The life he has lead and is leading keeps me motivated to pursue my dreams and aspirations. He started his own advertising firm with less than $1,000 in his pocket and a family to feed and from there he had three offices in California. His company is the oldest advertising firm in San Jose and although he has retired from the profession, his passion is very much alive. He continues to practice advertising by teaching and doing consulting work. 

We met at Starbucks and we discussed our current projects and what we were planning for the new year. I was able to ask his advice on several issues and share my photography with him. I brought my Hasselblad with me to photograph him and as he was looking over the camera, I caught this great smile. 

It's very important to have mentors in your life because they have gone through many life experiences and asking for their input or advice is extremely valuable. I was fortunate to have met George who is not only my mentor, but my friend. 

Day 101: "How Could it Hurt You When it Looks so Good" -Hollywood, Madonna

(Hollywood Blvd., December 2009) 

While my friend was in town, we took a trip to Hollywood Boulevard for her to see the area and the stars on the sidewalk. As we were driving there, I warned her that Hollywood Blvd. is more gritty than glitzy. How it's portrayed on television is completely different when you see it person.

To me, Hollywood Boulevard is where dreams come to die. It is evident in the faces of many of the street performers who don on costumes and pose with tourists. Spiderman, Batman, Superman, Catwoman, Yoda, Spongebob, Indiana Jones, etc. These characters gather in front of the famous Chinese Theater and solicit visitors to take pictures with them. After a picture is taken, a tip is usually given for their "services." They do not work for an agency and are there on their free will.

Cat Woman became hostile because nobody wanted to pose with her. She started demanding people take her picture and said "Are you going to make me stand here all day? Somebody take my picture and pay me."

The more popular characters had plenty of people to take pictures with them. Others, walked around, edging their way closer to big crowds, many did not understand the boundaries of personal space. There were more than 4 Spiderman, all standing a few feet away from one another.

As the sun was setting and we were getting ready to leave, a man who was we had seen earlier jumping around in Spiderman costume, pull his mask off. He was not the 19 year old Peter Parker we've seen in the movies, he was a rail thin 40 something year old man with straggly hair, deep set wrinkles and pale skin with unfriendly eyes. He saw someone filming a project and yelled at them saying, "You are not allowed to film me, I don't want to be filmed. You have to pay me!"

Taking a closer look, I saw the costumes were not as bright and new as I had thought. They were tattered and dirty and many did not fit properly. But they continued on, walking the street, making their rounds with the thinning crowd.

"Ready, smile!" Flashing lights, picture after picture, these people are a part of many families vacations pictures which they will show their family and friends. And their friends will think of Hollywood as a wonderful and fun places because you can find Spiderman and Batman readily available for pictures.

When I pulled out of my parking spot, I wonder, what is the story with these street performers and do they enjoy doing what they do?

Honeysuckle, she's full of poison
She obliterated everything she kissed
and now she's fading
Somewhere in Hollywood
I'm glad I came here
With your pound of flesh

-Celebrity Skin, Hole

Day 100: Happy 100 Days of Photography and to Many Many More

(Huntington Beach, December 2009) 

You may recall my ongoing project that started in October. The concept was to capture shoes in their environment with the intent of telling a story about the person based on their shoes. I am at the conclusion of my project and I feel accomplished and proud of it.

This project required me to interact with a variety of people and I have learned that one of the easiest way to break the ice with strangers is asking, "Can I take a picture of your shoes?"

A puzzled look usually follows my question and a few have asked if I have a foot fetish. I just laugh and tell them about my project and then my models seem more relaxed about the idea. So many people have patiently waited as I photograph their feet and when I'm done have wished me luck. I am grateful for these strangers and their patience.

I am most thankful for my family and friends who have gone through this process with me. Shot after shot of their feet and they still keep me around as their friend. They have given me ideas, advice and encouragement, especially when I felt defeated with the project.

I have realized that when you fully immerse yourself into a project and see it day in and day out, you have to take a break or you will want to hate your project. I was fortunate to have friends tell me this and encourage me to keep going.

Now that this project is concluding, I am brainstorming for my next one. We'll see where it all takes me.

P.S. Thank you to all my followers and supporters of this blog. Please leave me your thoughts and suggestions on photography, the blog or just a hello. Here's to many more days of photography!

Day 92: How Far We Have Come

(Los Angeles, January 2009)

Happy first of the month!

This goes out to my friends and family who have experienced a tough year. We are down to the last month and we are still standing. We are better than we were and for that we should celebrate.

Today we celebrate our good health and how fortunate we are despite everything we have experienced these past few months. We can only continue to go up from here and we will take on all challenges with a positive outlook.

I post this picture because it was from my first black and white roll in January. I've come a long way from the time I took this shot and I am grateful for my journey despite all the low moments. We are who we are today from our experiences.

Cheers to you all and may optimism find its way to you when you feel there is no hope.

Day 78: Going Back...

(NYC Subway, 2008)

Everyone has a breaking point when you just go go go and go without stopping and reflecting. Yesterday was that day. I felt defeated creatively and questioned my abilities. However, with the help of friends and family, I was able to talk it out and understand that we all get burned out and it's normal.

I was able to take a step back to appreciate everything. We can only come back stronger and better.

I'm ready for more.

Day 64: Matt's Photo Shoot Contact Sheets

These are some of the contact sheets I developed from Matt's photo shoot. I am happy I was able to capture a lot of his mannerisms. The lighting came out how exactly how I wanted.

What made this photo shoot flow so easily was talking to Matt as I was taking pictures. We talked about our friends back home (we're both from the same area), work, life, family, goals, his girlfriend (which you can tell when we were because he would have a huge smile on his face) and so on.

I enjoyed this assignment and would like to pursue doing more portraits along with other fields.

Day 58: Old World Photo Shoot Day

Today we shot the Old World Portrait. It was my first time working with Tungsten lights and I thought it went well. The clothes, hair, props and mannerism came across exactly how I had envisioned it.

This image is from instant film using the 4x5. I'll post the final one when I develop it.

Day 55: Over Propped

Today we turned in our CD covers and had a critique. Although a lot of people were receptive towards my picture, the instructor thought it was heavily propped which took away from each element that was in there.

After stepping away from it and looking at it, I can see where she was coming from. There were so many things going on, it was hard to appreciate one thing.

I learned a lot from this assignment. Learned that I am good at finding props when needed, so there may be a future in styling and props. I learned to step back and look at the subject in various ways, sometimes the best shot is the one where there is only one thing. I learned that I am capable in envisioning a scene and seeing it all the way through. This has been a problem for me even when I was doing art. I didn't allow myself to sketch out ideas for paintings and I never saw the value in it until now. I was able to see understand my abilities and I appreciate them much more now.

Day 54: Old World Run Through and Idea

(Westminster, October 2009)

A few weeks ago I did a test run with the 4x5 camera for the Old World Style Portrait assignment using the instant film back. I was able to try different poses and lighting styles and see them right away. This also helped me become more comfortable with the camera. It is indeed a gentle giant and requires an immense amount of patience.

Doing the run through also helped my model, my roommate, become more comfortable with the setting.

The theme for my old world is Old World Vietnam during the early 1900's which was during the later years of the French Colonization of Vietnam. During this time Catholicism was introduced to the country.

My portrait centers around the idea of holding onto tradition and religion which will be portrayed through the model wearing the traditional ao dai and holding the Buddhist prayer beads and prayer book.

Day 43: Studio Work

(Costa Mesa, October 2009)

Yesterday I helped Shannon do a run through to practice working with lights and getting her model and friend, Megan comfortable with having her picture taken. We used instant film back which is very helpful to get more practice with using the 4x5 and seeing how the lighting looks. Digitally it doesn't seem to come out the same.

This practice was for our "Old World" project which is take a portrait of someone with the 4x5 camera and stylize it to feel as though it was taken before 1920's.

The idea for my portrait is to feature my roommate who will be wearing a traditional Vietnamese dress sitting at a table. I will post up test shots once I get them.

Day 40: More Lighting

 I like the way the light filters through the leaves and onto these patrons.

Day 39: Calm in Chaos

(San Jose, September 2009) 

After a week of readjusting my schedule and life to focus more on photography, I can say that I haven't felt this passionate or happy about doing something for a long time. I don't look at this as a chore, a project in which I dread, but force myself to do. This has grown far beyond being a hobby for me. I want to pursue this and continue to do this for a long long time. I know I have a great amount to learn and try, but I am ready.

I have become obsessed some may say with all this and I don't look at my projects as dreadful, but as challenges in which I know with dedication and effort I will be able to do.

In the past I dived into a good number of activities, done my best, reached a peak then shelf it. I felt comfortable knowing I had the skills  should I need them.  I always told myself I would come back to it.

WIth this, I don't think I'll be doing that. I have found something that I have integrated into the fibers of my being and I feel this is what I am to be doing.

(San Jose, September 2009)

Day 38: At The End of It All

(Lake Tahoe, September 2009) 

Day 37: What I've Learned About Lighting

(Joe, Lake Tahoe, September 2009) 

Last night in class we learned about lighting and how we as photographers need to learn how to work with it and sculpt it in a way that will allow us to get the shots we need. Lighting tells the story and by understanding the light you are in control of your story.

Things I learned:

Kelvin (Color temperature)- I needed to understand this a little more so I wiki'd it and this is what they said: "Color temperature is a characteristic of visible light that has important applications in lighting, photography, videography, publishing, and other fields. The color temperature of a light source is determined by comparing its chromaticity with that of an ideal black-body radiator. The temperature (usually measured in kelvins (K)) at which the heated black-body radiator matches the color of the light source is that source's color temperature; for a black body source, it is directly related to Planck's law and Wien's displacement law."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Color_temperature

Two Principles of Light: 

1- The Rule of Fall Off: The closer the light source is to the subject, the quicker the light falls off the subject. Also, the closer the light, the more drastic the difference between shadow and light will be.

2- Angle of Incident- Angle of Reflection. If you want to light up a subject on the right side of the wall, but not put a direct light source on them, then direct the light on the left side of the wall. By doing this, the light will reflect directly to the right side. Up to down, down to up, right to left, left to right and so on.

Three Rules of Lighting: 

1- Side Lighting: The light source is either on the right or left of the subject and the camera is directly in front of the subject. This creates a drastic shadow on the opposite side of the light source on the object or person. Exactly half the object is in the shadow.

This type of lighting is used to create mystery and drama in the photo.

2- Rembrandt Lighting- The light source is above and on either the right or left side of the subject and camera is directly in front of the subject. The shadow that is cast for this is a perfect triangle on the opposite side of the light source.

The side in which the light is cast affect the subject. The left side is called the Short Rembrandt, this is used for people who have a rounder face. The right side is called Long Rembrandt, this is used for people with a long, narrow face with a defined jaw line.

3- Paramount Lighting (Butterfly lighting)- This is the most flattering of lighting. The light directly centered   and above the subject. With the light shining down, shadows are created under the eyes, and nose, which makes the facial structure especially the jaw line more defined. The camera is also directly in front of the subject.

Props to Help Sculpt Lighting: 

1- Silk Screen- This is a screen made with white silk. We use this to diffuse the light which creates a softer glow on the subject. The shadow lines are more diffused.

2- Black Board- Cuts the bounce of light off. This is to prevent reflection of lighting.

3- Fill Card (White board)- This bounces the light and is used to fill in the shadows.

4-Cookaloris- this is a board that has amoeba shapes cut into the board. This is used to break up the light and can help highlight the subject. This is reminiscent of sunlight filtering through the leaves on the tree.

5- Scrim- this is mesh like material that is used to change the quantity of light.

6- Flag- A board that blocks the light, this can be used to only light one side of the photo and not the other.

7- Snoot- Directs the light into a spot.

8- Barn Doors- Placed in front of the light source and shapes the light.

Other Points to Note: 

1- Direction of shadow=Direction of lighting

2- Definition of Shadow = Intensity of lighting

The most important thing I learned was that all these concepts and tools does not just apply to studio lights but all light sources. It's how I work with the light I am given that can make my shot. We don't need expensive equipment to get the shot, we just need to understand light and with a little imagination and hardware, we can create our own props to sculpt the light.

After learning this, I am less intimidated by lighting and with some practice I will be comfortable to work in the studio. I can't wait to get out there and practice  shots with lighting.

Below are some sites I've found to help me understand more: 

http://www.essortment.com/all/photographyli_rawq.htm

http://www.cheapshooter.com/

http://www.lowel.com/edu/light_controls/cookaloris.html

http://www.diyphotography.net/light-falloff-cheat-sheet-card

http://strobist.blogspot.com/2006/02/welcome-to-strobist.html

Day 36: Peace

(Lake Tahoe, September 2009) 

Although Tahoe is known for their beautiful blue water, I still decided to use black and white film. We went after the summer season was over and it was quiet and peaceful.

Day 26: What's Your Style?

It has been mentioned before that I have developed a certain style when in pictures I take. I really enjoy creating perspectives and angles in my shots. I also seem to prefer the lower right hand side more than the left side. I like to use the rules of third as well. 

What style have you developed?