If you’ve been taking photos for a long time, you’ll agree with me when I say that light plays an important role in each photograph. It can set the mood, create shadows and, yes, illuminate specific areas. It helps create shape and dimension on the subject. The perfect light, albeit ambient, for that perfect composition can also be very elusive.

Another photo session had taken placed last Friday for a few of my blogs. It started out as a simple photo feature of a costume idea, an angel wing. Then it progressed into a beauty feature before I wrapped things up.

I had initially planned to use the morning light streaming in through a set of windows in my room like I always do. I would normally be satisfied but that morning, I had a hard time producing something that I was happy with. So, then came an answer to my quiet prayer to ease my frustration — mirrored sunlight.

I was blinded by the light coming from the rising sun that bounced off from one of the mirrors in the room. But seemingly like the blinding bright light, my face lit up in surprise and delight when I saw the first few sample shots.

From the cold, white light to warm, yellow ones, I was able to take photos that flattered and highlighted the colours of the makeup I was wearing. I had snapped photo after photo like a mad woman for as long as the light was present.

The photo on the right is a sample of a photograph taken without the mirrored sun. It pales in comparison, eh?

From experience, I would’ve come up with a different set of photos had I been under direct sunlight. It had worked to my advantage that the reflected light only illuminated particular areas of the space and kept the rest in shadows. Had I used a flash, even if it were a speedlite capped with a diffuser, I still wouldn’t have been able to take these sort of photos.

Trivia: Session was for an FOTD (Face of the Day) at Beauty Bento Box; Fashion features seen in Style Manila and Tops 2 Bottoms. Taken between 6am and 7am in my room; October 2008.

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Best viewed at 500

This is no original concept for a product photo. I admit that I got the idea from the product photo seen on Sephora. I had wanted to photo document the arrival of NARS Super Orgasm in my hands — subsequently blogging about an FOTD — for Beauty Bento Box.

My photo mimicked the original product, which brought about the thought of copycats. Chatting with a friend, she had reminded me that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Annoying, yes, but flattering, nonetheless.

Like what I had done, copying the photo concept, it translates my admiration for the photographer’s style. I reckon this can also be applied wherein situations are reversed. A person can take credit for my own original idea but that person and I know the truth. Bottomline, that’s all that matters.

After the initial irritation, I had calmed down and saw the brighter side. I am, after all, where I should be and I’m happy. Perhaps this is where they want to be at, too.

Explore:

• Anonymity and an open letter

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Yes. Let’s call it a severe case of narcissism. But isn’t it fun to take your own photo, sometimes?

Out of something that can be categorised as ordinary, I had found myself having fun in the process. This is one of the moments wherein I love what I do and that’s not just because I get to take photos of myself but rather to explore the idea of confidence and inner acceptance.

Can you smile naturally while worrying if your imperfections will lay bare for the world’s scrutiny? Will you be able to produce self-portraits with ease and comfort? Will you be able to look at your photo and see what a beautiful creature you are?

All of creation is beautiful and it’s true that it’s only through your own eyes will you be able to see it and believe. Without such faith in that truth, the picture you paint in your life will only reflect the ugliness of its absence.

Life is beautiful. Live it. And learn to love the beauty in you.

Trivia: Session was for an FOTD (Face of the Day) at Beauty Bento Box. Taken around 9am in my room, I must say that there’s gorgeous light streaming in around that time in that bit of space; October 2008.

Explore:

• Anonymity and an open letter

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Best viewed at 500.

Day in and day out, I’d find my fingers tapping on the keyboard. Seems too technical, too boring. But there’s this certain spark which drives me to glide through the letters incessantly. Forming words then sentences till a full thought has been formed and effectively transcribed.

Art is not seen at face value. Thoughts take shape; emotions expressed. With boldness; in abandon. It’s quite fascinating if you think about it, and I mean, really think about it. Out of the ordinary, something beautiful comes to life.

These keys are like my way to connect with other people even when I’m simply sitting in front of a machine, feeling the little squares under my finger tips. Feels like they make it possible for my world to come within reach of friends and strangers.

I reckon this is what they mean when they say that the world is within one’s reach. At least, personally, it’s one way of I’d like to look at it. This realisation had made me smile.

Explore:

• Anonymity and an open letter

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Yes, I do love shoes. And it’s been a trying task to take that perfect photo that would convey the very emotion. Call me sentimental over something so trivial but I do consider it important. It’s not due to vanity but the need to let others see them they way I see them. That shoes are works of art, too.

I have reason to believe that photographs are reflections of how a photographer sees his or her subject. If it were people, capturing the emotion will not be as hard but if we are talking about objects, it will entirely depend on how the photographer will use other elements to convey the emotion. I reckon one of the important things in composition is emotion.

Best viewed at 500

Still working on techniques. Still experimenting. Still learning. I guess when you truly love something, you won’t give up on it, yea?

Trivia: This pair has a name, Lauren.

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

As you can see on the watermark, this photo was used for a post over at the Asian beauty blog I manage, Beauty Bento Box, under b5media.

Due to the nature of my work, I’ve taken on an interest in bettering my product photos. It’s quite satisfying to work with light plus trying out concept photos like the one seen above.

Without expression or movement, rigid and almost linear proportions, it’s up to you to make them look at your photo. You are left to work with shapes, colours, light, and the environment. That’s why concept photos are more interesting.

I’m venturing into expanding such concepts, taking the benefits of macro then mixing it with landscape; maximising light and textures. At least, I’m willing to go as far as my skill can take me, that is.

Everything is still raw but I am looking forward to seeing the fruits of my efforts. For now, I’m having fun in pushing myself to do more. Fantastic feeling, actually.

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.