Liz Ashley

I had some time over the holidays to clean up some old pictures of Liz from about two years ago.   I am making it my new year’s resolution to create something epic with Liz this year.

Francesca for Eye Sparkles

I am so thrilled; it’s been a while since I’ve had this much fun.  I have been in contact with Ann off-and-on over the past year.  I am actually embarrassed to even contact her because I’ve canceled on her too many times.  This time, I am determined to see the project through.  Ann agreed to collaborate with me to shoot some accessories for Eye Sparkles fashion outlet.  To sweeten the pot, I recruited the amazingly captivating Francesca.  She is simply wonderful; I could shoot with her all day.  So many looks, so little time.

We decided to start with a clean natural look with Francesca’s hair tied up.  This way we can showcase the accessories without too much distraction.  But seriously, how could you not be distracted by Francesca?  Ann and her assistant Trang Le quickly went to work.  Watching Ann work is like watching a maestro perform.  Every move is crisp and confident; it must be such a pleasure to be doll’d up by Ann.

Meanwhile, I started to prep the set.   A white seamless paper is used for background.  For lighting, I started with the following:

• PCB Einstein with white beauty dish.  Center, above eye-level.
• PCB Einstein with softbox.  Behind Francesca, pointing down for hair and rim light.

A quick test shot.  Not bad, but rather boring;  too catalog-ish.  

Hannah

Shooting Hannah (and Wen) was quite a learning experience for me.  I had limited gear (speedlights, umbrellas, eBay softbox, and reflector) and tight space (my hotel room).  To be fair, I knew my challenges before I set out on my trip; but I didn’t realize how little I knew about lighting in small spaces.

Singapore Sands Casino – In the Rain

It was my last night (of two) in Singapore.  I sat there at the Fullerton Bay Hotel, drinking my Asahi, contemplating how I was going to capture the casino without tripod.  Then it occurred to me that I had my light stand, which had a 1/4″ thread.  I could run it through an adapter and secure my camera on the light stand!  Yes!  Nothing could stop me from finally getting some decent pictures now; right?  Well, not quite.  Just as the sun start to set, it started to rain.  I stood there under a porch in front of the Oyster Bar; taking a snap shot every minute to check for light balance.  Mean while, the rain got heavier and heavier.  The wind got stronger and stronger… you get the idea.  Finally when the sky and the casino light reached the balance I liked, I dashed out to the edge of the quay, took some quick shots, then ran back to the Fullerton Bay to finish my dinner.  All soaked.  May be next time…

Shanghai through the Window

It was my first trip to Shanghai.  I packed my best lenses, lighting gears, trigger cables… Dragged the heavy luggage across three different countries.  But guess what?  Forgot to pack my tripod.  Argh!

Sea to Summit Workshop – Santa Cruz

I finally got around to join the Sea to Summit Workshops in Santa Cruz ran by Jim Patterson and Josh Cripps.  They hold landscape workshops up and down California coast; and every once in a while, they venture out to the sierras.  Boy, did I learn a lot.

Wen and Only Wen

About a month ago, I had the chance to spend a weekend in Taipei.  To kill time, I decided to scout for models via Modelmayhem.  Since I was traveling, I was only able to bring limited gear.  The other restriction was location;  the temperature outside was 90+degF with high humidity.  Given these two challenges, I decide to do a glamour set in my hotel room.  I chose Wen because her portfolio shows she is experienced with my theme;  sure enough, she did not disappoint me.  She is full of energy and always excited to improvise on my ideas no matter how dumb they were.  The excitement she brought made the shoot extra fun.

Nemuro Wine – 2009

A couple years back, I wrote about photographing the Nemuro wine bottle; which turned out to be a lot of fun because I was able to do it with only 2 lights.  I received the 2009 vintage a few days ago.   My first reaction after seeing the bottle was: “*%^$*!, black label on black bottle…”

Liz Ashley – Corset

Same setup as Liz in jeans.  But with Storano red gel on the back.

Liz Ashley – High Key

Well… let’s call it a high-key attempt; I didn’t over-expose it enough to fit the description of classic high-key.