Marlena + opening business

Taken of Marlena a month or so ago. It’s been so long since i posted here!

Many changes in my life have happened in the past month.. allowing me to pursue my photography full time. I am finally taking the plunge into making a business for myself in doing something that I love and am truly passionate about. I have the skills I just need to get my name out there a bit more and I think that the future could look quite bright for me =)

I am really looking into doing more of my creative, conceptual work. It’s something that I absolutely love doing but with client work… I never quite have the chance to put it together. Hopefully this week I will have time to do such things.

Look for my updates coming soon. I told myself I will use this thing more often!

 

RIP MICHAEL TURNER

Taken from http://www.aspencomics.com/

Hello all,

Unfortunately it’s with great sadness that I must inform everyone that Michael Turner tragically passed away last night, June 27th at approximately 10:42 pm in Santa Monica, Ca. Turner had been dealing with recent health complications arisen in the past few weeks. More details concerning Turner’s passing, and services, will be given shortly.

Anyone wishing to send their condolences to Michael Turner’s family is encouraged to send to:

Aspen MLT, Inc.
C/O Michael Turner
5855 Green Valley Circle, Suite 111
Culver City, CA, 90230

Aspen also encourages anyone wishing to make a charitable donation to please send to Michael Turner’s requested charities:

The American Cancer Society

Or

The Make-A-Wish Foundation

Official Contact: Vince Hernandez

When I was younger and was a traditional artist – Michael Turner was an inspiration. I would spend hours and hours drawing, trying to get even close to his talent. It’s him that kept me loving art for years and years and led me to who I am today. It’s truly sad to lose such a creative talent like him. Not only was he the creative mind behind the visionary works of his comics – he was a brilliant writer.

Rest in Peace, Michael.

 

Photo update

Been so long since I had an update. Been busy busy busy with photoshoot after photoshoot!~

First off I went up to the Jackson Rancheria last week. Since California has been having so many fires.. it made for a perfect shot with the added smoke.

And I also met this kitty outside my grandmother’s home in Ione.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3255/2607945610_7ea7b1b799.jpg
This here kitty… lives by no one else’s rules.. but his own. He just laid there and posed for me on the no parking space. What a little ham =)

A few days ago I did a model call in Tracy via myspace because I had this horrible urge to shoot. I got a response from Brooke and Dawn and showed up at Brooke’s old Victorian apartment to set up. The feel of the house gave a nice background for the photos. I think they turned out rather nicely.

Some candids from shooting Brooke…

And here is my favorite from her set :

And my favorite of Dawn <3

Dawn had never modeled before and was a personal friend of mine. She was so nervous – but I love this shot of her.  For lighting I brought over 3 of my lights : 2 soft boxes and my barn yard doors.

Last night I had a client shoot with Lizz. I gotta say she is by far one of my favorite models I have ever worked with. Her photos are definitely some of my proudest work =) All shot in my home studio!

Jewelery is by Dragon Designs.

For a more complete collection of my most recent photography – make sure to keep up with my Flickr page!

 

I like bandannas

Quick self portrait today. Nothing special. Sunny sunny happy days. And… crooked teeth.

Drove down to our East Bay store today to take photos of the place for the website.  Was nice that the staff was feeling very friendly today – got so many cute pictures of them to post on the site. I work with awesome people!

And here is one of the happy people I found at the East Bay store today <3

 

Leah is made of stars

I met up with Leah the other day – a beginning model. Her only other photographer had been my friend here in Tracy so she was quite nervous…. but I think I captured some beautiful studio shots of her once she loosened up.

Not gonna lie – putting the rhinestones on was very time consuming.   Thank goodness Krystal was there to help me out a bit =) She did Leah’s make up and hair. She gave me exactly what I was looking for.

More to come soon – So many beautiful shots from this shoot.

 

Don’t ask me

Don’t ask me if I’m ok.

We’ve all had that moment. When it’s completely and utterly clear we are not ok… and we hear that amusing question…

“are you ok?”

“Oh.. yes…. Just fucking peachy.”

So I had to fake smoke 2 cigarettes for these shots. And… my throat is killing me. Tried not to inhale but sometimes it just happened. But I think the shot was totally worth it – at least I’m amused by it.

Shoot tomorrow. Time for sleep. ~

 

Sweet Virginia

Client shoot – Virginia

She was SO very nervous. She’s a dancer – not a model… so she wasn’t used to being in front of the camera. We only took about 80 shots before she was tired and felt like she got the shots.. and I think we did in fact get them =)

This so far has been my favorite ~

 

Engulf

Self Portrait. Added grunge textures. Turned black and white. Dootee doot.

I went to do my daily check of Digital Camera Magazine Online and I found my older piece, Adversion on the main page!  I know it’s not a publication or anything… but it’s nice for anyone to recognize me.  I just wish it was one of my newer images!

I end up taking the fact that my work isn’t popular on a place like DeviantART as that my work isn’t good. It’s been really killing my confidence lately. I see my work.. am proud.. post around and it feels like no one takes notice. It might be due to the fact I don’t post until 1am

Client shoot tonight for a go go dancer. I’m excited!

 

Glowing

So I don’t have a perfectly symmetrical face.
So sue me! =)
I have so many choices with lighting now. So much to experiment with. Truly the best money I have spent in a long time. 2 Soft boxes, back lighting, and 1 reflector.

It’s not the best… but I’m proud.

 

Lighting Test~

3 different light sources. Just playing around and seeing what I am capable of =) I am personally in love with all the shots I took from this set.

Model is : Big brother Matto~