Week 44: Slowly


With Anna Van Sambeck


I'm trying to improve myself as a photographer. I'm trying to add my meaningful images than content. All my work looks the same and little crappy compared to other photographers.

So instead of shooting with 3-4 models a week, I'm going to focus on one model for the whole week. This week I'm working with Anna Van Sambeck.

Same location I've shot before and kind of the same look but I'm trying.





All done with available light. In my quest to better myself I'm going for the minimalist approach on photography and using what I have already.

That's it for now. I have to get back to post production on a bunch of pictures.

PEACE!!

All images can still be seen on my Flickr account.

and don't forget to check out my website for all your photography needs. LordSpam.com

Full post here.

Week 43: My Laziness


This is Melissa. Really cool pinup style. I never seen that with dreads.

I felt super Lazy this week but manage to squeeze in some shoots.

I Shoot with Melissa MM # 775421 (image above) on Sunday 10/25/2009, make-up by Sabrina MM # 1333872. I was actually going to shoot 3 models on Sunday, Melissa was the first and 2 other later in the day at the same time. The 2 others cancelled which was a good thing for a change because the make-up and hair took longer than I thought and we didn't even start till a couple of hours later. I have't done any other images from that shoot yet.

Then my next shoot would be on Friday 10/30/2009 at Town Square with 2 models. first would be Kira M., her second shoot ever according to her. The available light that day was really good so I just didn't really use any strobes. We just around Town Square for a bit and stay out of the way of heavy traffic areas. Didn't really have a problem this time.



Later that day I shoot with Nicolle S. She needed some casual headshots for her portfolio and I offer to help her. Shoot at Town Square again and did the same incognito type shoot.



That's it for the shoots this week. I did however finish some edits for a few models and trying to hone my skill as a photographer. Learning more about composition and lighting. I'm going to lay off the lights for a bit and see where that takes me. All photos above were taken with Natural/ambient light.

PEACE!

All images can still be seen on my Flickr account.

and don't forget to check out my website for all your photography needs. LordSpam.com


Full post here.

Week 42: Work the Business


This is Andrea E.

Several shoots lined for this week. Only one cancellation and bound to re-schedule.

Sunday Oct. 18, 2009
My buddy Joel was in a power lifting event at the Rivera Hotel and he ask me to take some pictures for me. Since I'm such a nice guy I say yes and head over there early in the morning. My first notion is to put my 50mm f/1.8 and just take available light pictures. I had to get fancy and bust on the long lens. 70-200mm f/2.8. I didn't want to use a flash because I might bother with some of the contestant while lifting so I turned up the ISO to 1600 open the aperture to f/2.8 with a shutter speed of 1/100 so it doesn't catch my hand shaking.

While taking pictures of the lifters I was approached by a couple of people to take their or family member participating pictures. I didn't think I was going to be working this event but just to make a quick buck, even to get my entrance fee back I say yes.

All in all I made a little scratch and got to hang out with some buddies in the process.

Here's Joel Squatting.


Monday Oct 19, 2009
Model cancelled because she had to get her car fixed and didn't have enough money to pay for the studio fee. Still waiting on the re-scheduled date.

Wednesday Oct, 21. 2009
Shot with Andrea E. (photo above) at a familiar location. Just trying to hone my skill but I need more work than I thought.\

Friday Oct 23, 2009
Criaglist' actually works for getting some gigs. I was contacted my a Marketer and chairman of his own business to take his photos. Shawn is he's name, I work with his ideas. We hit the dry lake bed in Jean and then to Lillie's studio. Real cool guy. Very down to Earth. I wish all Chairman were like than.

One of his idea. Came out pretty good I think.


That's it for this week. PEACE.

All images can still be seen on my Flickr account.

and don't forget to check out my website for all your photography needs. LordSpam.com

Full post here.

Week 41: Editing Frenzy


Miss Nancy Monsay. Shoot last Sunday.


Didn't really do much this week. I shot with Nancy on Sunday and Ergesta on Friday. I wanted to spend my off days catching up on editing I'm suppose to be doing. I'm such a slacker.

There's going to be a massive update to my Flickr account soon.

I'm re evaluating my photography skill. So I deleted a bunch of pictures from my model mayhem portfolio. All images can still be seen on my Flickr account.

and don't forget to check out my website for all your photography needs. LordSpam.com

PEACE!

Full post here.

Week 40: Losing Track of time.


Lillie's says I shoot a lot.

So I have been shoot a lot and falling behind on the other aspect of digital photography, post production (editing). I'll catch up soon or later.

Well on Sunday Oct. 4th I shoot with Elizabeth Par at the Xquizit Pix Studio. She contacted me through email first because her model mayhem account wasn't approve yet. So I accepted the offer and we started setting thing up. As her model mayhem got approved I found out she's only 17. Not a problem as I don't shoot nudes much or even implied for that matter. I'm focusing on more fashion editorial images now. She of course said she'll bring a escort which I didn't mind either. Shoot day come and her escort is her mother which I find pretty appropriate since she is a minor. Her mother was a big help with styling her daughter getting props and coming up with general ideas. Lillie was a big help too with everything really.

Shoot ends and as usual I have an image or two ready that day and sent it to miss Elizabeth. I take a look at her model mayhem page and come to find out she re-edits the photo I sent her and has them up on her portfolio. It kind of bothers me and I tell her she needs permission before any work can be done to the photos. She apologizes and offers to take it down but I'm not a hard ass (and I kind of like what she's done with them) so I let her keep it up. It's kind of a good thing because now I don't have to edited her pictures.

Anyway here's another.

Lillie was telling me that she was talking to Elizabeth's Mom and found out she only 16. I don't have a problem with that but this kid is pretty big at 5'10". Whatever.

Then on Monday Oct. 5th I shot with Ysania at my usual spot in Las Vegas. No big story here other than the fact I got up really earlier to shoot with her.


Wednesday Oct. 7th I had schedule to shoot with a brand new model at Xquizit Pix Studio but she cancelled last minute (That morning) but I pick up another shoot for that afternoon. This was a reschedule last minute shoot because I have some free time and don't know how to say no.
Lisa Marie. Still working on her photos.


Thursday Oct. 8th Shoot with Lindsey Mitchell. Got booted out of one of my best location because I can't take professional pictures without a permit. Bastard. Only got off 200 shots, that includes the one I did when I was waiting for her.


Yeah, I do shoot a lot. Crazy, huh? But this is one of the only things I enjoy in life. Might as well be happy for a little while.

I'm going to slow it down a little and work on the technique and style of things. There are a hella of a lot of photographers younger then me doing big things. Hopefully I'll make it in this world.

Full post here.

Week 39: Almost


I almost completely space this week blog.


So it was suppose to be another busy week for me well on my days off anyway. I was suppose to shoot with a new model but of course something else came up and she had to reschedule. She reschedule to a different day and then something else came up again and said she has to reschedule another time. I haven't heard from here yet.

I did a shoot on Sunday but I'm not really happy with that one. I don't even want to look at the pictures.

Then comes my super Wednesday where I would shoot Megan Jane and then trek up to Mt. Charleston to Shoot with KelsiRose.

Picture are not done yet other than the ones in the pervious blog before this one.

Thursday I didn't do anything but edited all day. Later that night I saw Zombieland. I don't care what critics say, I enjoyed it.

So that Friday was the frist Friday of the month which means I get to go to First Friday. I haven't been in a couple of years. That morning I was cruising the casting section on model mayhem and I found out one of the make-up artist I worked with before put a casting for a photographer. She was doing a live body painting event and after she was done she wanted pictures taken. I hit her up and since I was going to be there anyway. I got to take pictures of them doing there thing. You know there are a lot of people that have pretty decent cameras.

Here's one of the pictures.


I didn't do much on Saturday but I did shoot on Sunday but that a whole new week.

Till next time. PEACE!

All photos and more can be seen on my flickr Page.

Also. please check out my little place on the interweb LordSpam.com. A photographer's website.



Full post here.

Random Mid-Day Blog: Fun day Wednesday


Megan Jane MM # 880846

Make up by Christa MM # 1067381 (the house MUA in the studio) Styled by Lillie K MM # 871282 (Xquizit Pix herself).


I had a long day today. I got up early to Shoot with Megan Jane at the Xquizit Pix Studio.

Here's a lighting set-up


For this shot.


After all the fun at the studio. I drove down to Mt. Charleston and ran out of gas going up there. I actually coast almost all the way down the mountain on neutral till the road started straightening out.

Went up there to shoot this. I think she's an angel. This is Kelsi.


That's it for now. PEACE.

All photos and more can be seen on my flickr Page.

Also. please check out my little place on the interweb LordSpam.com. A photographer's website.

Full post here.

Random Mid-Day blog: The polaroid has died.


I really love the style of polaroid.


Since I don't have a premium account anymore on Model Mayhem I was trying to decide which photo I should delete to make room for newer ones. I keep going back and forth with a couple of them and decide that I really don't think I'm going to shoot polaroid anymore. I really love the style and feel of it since they stop making the 600 film it's hard to find. If and when you do find some it's not very cost affective. I've see some 600 film (a pack of 10) on ebay go for $50.

I still got 3 polaroid cameras (I had 5 at one time) and one pack of 95 film which I'm sure is expired. If I ever do run across some 600 film I'll try and do more good with it.

Here's a link to my polaroid project:
Polaroid Project

I wish I used my money and the film wisely and shot more interesting things. I have a bunch of them I still have scanned so I get to that soon enough and be adding them to my flickr page.

I still shoot 35mm film on occasion. I have 3 manual 35mm film camera and I'm wanting to use them everyday.

Till next time. PEACE.

Full post here.

Week 38: It's a bust


Thanks for to good ole' Craiglist, I found first time model Michelle. who save the 52 weeks.


I was suppose to shoot several times this week and because of cancellation due to flakey model and MUA's. Also not have enough time to shoot because as much as I want it to be, photography is not my life and I have other things to take care of. So I was in dire straits to find a model the complete this weeks project assignment. I could have just taken a picture of anything and put it up but I want this project to actually mean something to me. But I want to state that I don't have to take pictures of models nor does this project have to be all about models. I made this so I can take a picture every week. With that picture, I wanted to take the time to think about what I'm doing. See the scene and get the exposure the way I want it. To better myself as a photographer. That's what this project is about.

So all week I was lolli gagging around and all of sudden it's Friday and I haven't shot a model or anything worth wide yet. I hope on CL and put out a casting to see in I could salvage this week. I got a handful of responses and decide on first time model Michelle. She actually did better than some model I work with. Very open to ideas and willing to try new thing. And no that doesn't mean you can get her naked. She did however decide on her own to wear an kind of corset top for the first outfit. Who am I to say no to that. Since this was only yesterday I'm still in the process of post production with you set. But here's photo of her in her first outfit.



Oh, and my site went live this week. lordspam.com. Go check it out.

All photos and more can be seen on my flickr Page.

Full post here.

Week 37: Kevin smith's 37 special


I suck in the dark. Title of the blog doesn't mean anything. If you ever watch all the Kevin Smith movies the number 37 comes up a few time. His new book come out on Tuesday the 22nd the September.



I wanted to do some night shots with Danielle. But it was Really dark and my lens nor myself couldn't focus the camera properly to get some decent picture. Well maybe 2 decent pictures.


I was so frustrated that I ended the shoot early and offer to shoot with her in a Studio. Lillie K opened Xquizit Pix Photography Studio this week. Well I used it Friday afternoon. We (as in the other photographers that were there) were fiddling with lights for a little bit. I think we got some good shots.



I also shot with Brittany Eddy for zivity and Carla Marquez for a portfolio shoot. Still working on those images.


All photos and more can be seen on my flickr Page.


Full post here.

Week 36: 3X Wednesday



Shoot with 3 models on 09/09/2009

This week was supposed to be one of the busy weeks I've ever had in my photography life. I was schedule to shoot on Sunday, Monday, 3 models on Wednesday and to do a fashion show on Thursday night.

Well the model from Sunday's shoot didn't show so she actually flaked. I called her the time of the shoot and it went straight to voicemail. Then about 4 hours later I texted her to see if everything was okay. She texted back with "I slept through the alarm because I was out all night, This is my first time Vegas" She wanted to reschedule and I told her I don't think I have the time.

The model for Monday's Shoot just totally forgot and got some work for her that morning. I sent her a message to remind her about the shoot the next day and she came back with "I'm sorry but I forgot that we were shooting together and I schedule another paid shoot with some else." I did want to reschedule with her but she never got back to me.

Both Models were from Arizona.

Then Super Wednesday came and I had a early morning with Miss Shelby Valine.

She new to modeling and Super fun to work with.

Then I had an earlier afternoon shoot with Miss Jaimie B.

She an Experience that's been out of the game for over 2 year. I'm the one tasked to bring her back to life in modeling industry. I don't think I did that bad.

Final my last shoot of the day was with Miss Brittany Sutton for zivity.

(Photo above)

I drained 4 sets of rechargeable batteries for my lights and one of the batteries I had from my camera. Drove almost all day while I wasn't shooting. Sweated a lot, got down on the ground and got dirty. Fucked up one of my shirts but I had a great time and got some awesome images. I really like doing this.

As for the Fashion show. I didn't make it. My foot starting giving me problems and I was trying to wait it out but it didn't get better. I didn't want to be the only one hobbling around in pain at an event so I opted to skip it. I Really wanted to go too.

Till next time, PEACE.

All photos and more can be seen on my flickr Page.

Full post here.

Week 35: Getting into it


Trying to do more Fashion with editorial feel.

Shot with Megan Again. She leaving for California to make as a model out there. I believe in her.


And the day before I shot Megan, I shot with Mr. Ivan Cazares. An agency model looking for more prints.






Full post here.

Week 34: Right on time.


Rockin' the Jump with Ashley! And the story I promised you from last week.



Well here it is.

As you well know that last I shot with Miss Emerald Wood, who is an agency model. Her agency gets her runway job on a regular basis and some them happen to be at the Fashion Show Mall.

Here's the story of my run in with security..

I was at the Fashion Show Mall last Sunday to try and get some practice with my runway photography (apparently they actually have fashion show there).

Anyway I was waiting for the fashion show to start but before then they had some kids do some entertaining. I took a couple of pictures of the "youngest DJ" and had no problem. Then an 11 year old singer went on I was just messing around with my camera at this point (adjusting ISO for light since I wasn't using a flash) and was approached my some dude with the mall saying I can't take any pictures.

I then said "What about all the others taking pictures and videos?" He said "They're don't have professional equipment". I went on and said "You can buy all this stuff at best buy if you wanted, you call that professional?" Which he went on and said "You can take it up with my boss and security if you want" And of course I reply "Sure, I would love for them to explain why is it so wrong that I take pictures and everyone else can".

Security came over and without any explanation told me I'm not allowed to take pictures and ask me to leave. I was then escorted out of the fashion show mall. At the exit they told me to delete (the actually said erase) the pictures that I all ready taken. I told them "that's not going to happen" and kept walking.

They may have got me that day but this isn't the last time I'm going to go over there with camera in hand.

I wonder why is it so wrong to take pictures? This isn't the only time I've been asked to stop taking pictures at an event or show.

Well this week I also shot with Miss Julie Nguyen from New Mexico. She's only 17 years old.



And I did a burlesque show on Thursday night featuring Roxy Rogue. (Those pictures coming soon).

Til next time. Peace.

All photos can be seen on my Flickr page.

Full post here.

Week 33: One model, Same location, Police..


The cops showed up for this shoot.

This is Emerald Wood. She an agency model here in Vegas.



I only shot with Emerald for a little bit before Metro (police) showed up. Emerald park in front of the location I frequent and Metro saw that and thought that was kind of suspicious being that it's an abandon house. they found us shooting in the back and after being questioned and a background check they let us be. told us to be careful because there's a lot of vagrants around that area. Hell that area is better then the place I live now. That prompted the end of the shoot. I guess a first for everything.

I actually have another story to tell you about being interrupted while shooting. Kind of involves Emerald again. But I'll save that for next week. Till then, PEACE.

all photos can be seen on my Flickr page.

Full post here.

Random Late Night Blog: Shoe Product shots



Nice Kicks.


My Pops bought me some a pair of basketball shoe from K-Mart the other day. I let you know that he's taste in footwear is not the same as mine. He mean well, He know that the only sport I really watch is Basketball and I have big feet.

So the first thing that popped in to my head was "This was be great for a production shoot."

I had taken my Elinchrom out in a while so I decide tonight (morning rather) is the time.

Here's another one for you guys. These are my everyday shoes. I wore these to a Wedding. That's how I roll.


Here's the set-up shot.


That's an Elinchrom D-lite 2 on a manfrotto 3333 lightstand with a medium softbox. High above the shoe ( wish I had a boom arm for this). Power was set on 2.0. Trigger with Cactus wireless Trigger system.

Actually wanted to use a reflector to bounce light back in to the shoe but I left that in the car. So I had a SB-800 on SU-4 mode fill in some light.

For the protege shoe the SB-800 was on camera right set on 1/32 power with the diffuser dome on.

For the Chuck's the SB-800 was on Camera left set on 1/16 power with the diffuser dome on.

Camera settings are:
Camera - Nikon D80
Lens - Tamron 70-200 f/2.8
Manual setting
ISO - 100
Shutter speed - 1/160
Aperture - f/8.0
focal length - 70mm


Full post here.

Week 32: A Day late (as usual).



Trying more Fashion with Alexandra Y in my now Favorite location.


So I did have a busy week. I shot with 4 models and now I'm super back up with editing.

On Sunday the 9th I shot with Anais

Shot with Natural/ambient light. It's simple and easy. Love the soft light.

The on Wednesday I shot with Lynn.

It was a kind of the spur of the moment shoot.

Here another one of Alexandra on Thursday.

She from russia and she's says she about to retire for the modeling game. She's only 28. That's my age. Got back to old habit and shot with some strobes. Off camera flash on a light stand with an umbrella. Have to get back it to it. I need more dramatic images.

Then on Friday I spent some time with Sara Boucher.

I've been wanting to shoot with her for some time now. We've got some good images.

If you notice that van is in every shot except the first one. It's a great location and pretty quite and secluded. All kind of creepiness out there. I love it.

As you can see, I have a lot of post processes to do a I've been procrastinating as of late. I've been tried when I get home from work and decide to I want to sleep more than anything else. I'll get it done though. Still have to do my online Traffic school. I wonder if it really counts.

This is usually where I end with "All photos and more can be seen on my Flickr page." but I recently had to put it on moderate and other without a flickr account can't see my page anymore. I think everyone should join flickr. It's free.

I'm in the process of making a website. That's where I can showcase my recent work. So keep on the lookout for that. Till next time.


Full post here.

Week 31: Completely Spaced it.


I was actually waiting til the next time I can post to the "Project" and I completely lost track of time. Shot with Jade this week.

So yeah, I was lost there for a second and now I think I'm back up to speed. Shot with Jade, who is a super cool person. Lives in Las Vegas but goes to school in NY city. We had to re-schedule several times and I'm glad I did. I would love to shoot with her again, if she has the time.

I think we got some really great images out of our shoot.


That's at a secret location. Ask me nicely and I'll tell you where that's located.

Also Mikey (Polarpics) left for North Carolina this week. I talk to him already and he's made it there safely. There goes all the late night movies, shoots, and eating.


Updating this Saturday. (Hopefully, if I can remember).


Full post here.

Week 30: In pain and forgetful

(photo above taken with an iphone and the camerakit app)

So my foot problem came back and it hurt more than ever. This is how I deal with the pain.

I went to work on Sunday like a dumb ass with my foot hurting really bad. Tough it out and had to call in Monday and Tuesday to re-cooperate. I had to use a walker to get around the house. I'm still limping around with pain in both my legs but I can put weight on my foot so I can still go to work.

I shot one set with a Model named Lizz. Great concept and I'm not done with the pictures yet. Was going through look at other website and I just realize that I didn't put up a blog last Saturday till yesterday and that's way this is so late.

I got the camerakit app for my iphone and I've been taking picture with it everyday now since I got it. It gave me a idea for a 365 project that's simple and easy. Keep a look out for it on my Flickr page.

Here's what I edited a photo of Megan with the camerakit app.




Full post here.