The “It’s So Cold And I’m Still Being Photographed” Award

This one definitely has to go to Ms. Aglaelle N. She braved 30 degree temps and snow on the ground (and in her heels) to get her first photo session and I really do thank her for braving the elements. Models (or models in training) shoot all season long, not just when the sun is out shining; so thanks Aggie for that January day.

The “Like A Good Neighbor, Statefarm (I’m) Is There” Award

This one would definitely have to go to Imōto-Chan, Rebecca H. Whenever I wanna try out a new photo technique or outfit idea, she is always excited about being in front of the camera. 99.9% of the time we schedule to shoot, she is there and ready to go. So I must give her credit and her props with this award. Amazing young lady, very talented, and very mature for her age. Looking forward to 2012 and seeing what new images we can get.

The “Swiss Army Knife” Award

By Swiss Army Knife, I mean someone who is talented in more than just one thing, and Ronnie D. definitely is a Swiss Army Knife. When she is not modeling (yes, I am bringing you out of retirement), she is a good MUA (make-up artist) and a good poses coach. Whenever I get stuck with a pose for a model, in comes Ronnie and the results are amazing. Ronnie(ng), you are such a good friend and I value what you have done this year with all three of your skills and 2012 will be no different.

The “How Were You Able To Do That Pose In Those Shoes?” Award

Andreana O. (aka &reana), I still don’t know how you were able to pull this off, and I still don’t know how I was able to time this shot right; but I’m glad that we were both able to achieve this together. She did an amazing job during the photo session, and I definitely will remember this pose for years to come (hopefully the li’l bruise you got won’t remember that li’l tumble you took). Can’t wait to collab with you one more time.

The “Eats, Shoots, and Leaves” Award

This one would definitely go to Damaris P. because after our last photo session, she left the greater NYC area. #profoundSADNESS But we definitely got some images. When you come back to NYC, the assistants and I await your presence and the comedy you provide. Sidenote: Do you see that tie!!! Compliments of Gabby.

The “XY” Award

Big shout-out to Kimbo G. He rolled up to the photo session knowing he was going to get some pretty good pictures and the SWAG was ever present. I think this was one of the most hilarious sessions ever, non-stop jokes and laughs. Thank you Kimbo for being you and being willing and able to do photos. 2012 another session perphaps?

The “I Have A Guitar in my Hand, Why Don’t You?” Award

After doing a shoot in 2010 with a friend who could play the cello, thought I’d do another shoot with another friend who is musically gifted and Damaris G. would be said individual. After getting the guitar situated correctly these series of images came out the way that I hoped it would. Thanks Damaris for allow your guitar and yourself to be photographed by me. Hope to work with you again in 2012.

The “You Are Amazing” Award

Kitanya, thank you so much for not only being in front of the camera this year and the last couple of years, but for supporting me every step of the way in this journey o’mine. All those times that I thought about throwing in the towel, all the times I had a photographer’s block (equivalent of Writer’s Block), all the times I wasn’t sure if I was a good enough photographer, you’ve always encouraged me, helped me out whenever you can, and prayed for me; and that support is very much appreciated. Thank you so much for all you have done in 2011 and 2012 will definitely be a year we both won’t forget.

Other Thank Yous

Assistants: Shout out the people who have assisted during these sessions, Jonathan, Mohan (Mo-B), Jason M., Gabby, Jimmel, Dan, Rebecca, The Guillens (Damaris and Priscilla), Ronnie, James (Rico Ratchet), Linda C. and Brittania. Thank you for the few hours of time that you have donated to me to be able to help like reflecting light, hold the flash, or sometimes doing both. It really means a lot and I appreciate greatly.

Those In Front of the Camera: Without these people, the images would contain just the location, so a huge thanks to the following: Aglaelle, Brittania, Dania, Kitanya, Kimbo, Aubresha, Jason J., Damaris G., Priscilla, Damaris P., Natalie, Ronnie, Cassie, Jessica T.C., Andreana, Rebecca, Samantha, Hilcia, Aminata, Elizabeth (Luna), Nisla, and Blanca B. If Ihave left anyone out (I believe I did not), please let me know and I shall add thee to this list.

Those Not In Front of Camera: Shout out to Amina M. for supporting my work this calendar year. I know we didn’t get a chance to work together in 2011, but I very much appreciate the comments that you left for me and the feedback that was given. Also to Iris S. for doing the same. The support means a lot Iris, and thank you for supporting me through out the years. Your li’l one will soon become a better photographer as well. And thank you, kind viewers, for reading this blog and sharing with your friends and your loved ones. I pray that you have seen some progress made from January to now, and hope that you will come along for the ride in 2012 to see more progression.

See you in the 2012, and have a safe and prosperous New Year, and may your dreams, goals, and needs be fulfilled and met.

[JRP '11]

I pray that as we draw closer to Christmas, that each of my readers are in (or will be in) the company of loved ones, friends, and extended family. Please remember that the gift of family and friends is a gift that should be cherished and is more value than any iPad, laptop, eReader, car, clothing (especially $180 sneakers that people will beat up other people over), jewelry, etc. that you will get this holiday season. Gifts come and go and lose value over time, but friends and family don’t and only increase in value as time goes on.

I wish you and yours a very Merry CHRISTmas (Jesus Christ being the reason for the season), and very prosperous New Year that is 2012. Here is my holiday gift to you, some Christmas themed images. Enjoy!!!

Click to view slideshow.

PS: My 2011 Entry of Thanks is coming soon. This entry will be dedicated to some very special people so you do not want to miss it!!!

[JRP '11]

Welcome to another edition of the Unblogged Photo with yours truly, and I hope everyone is enjoying the middle of the week. I thought I’d stay within the year 2011 and pull out an image from the Unblogged folder. This time, it’s Kitanya’s turn to see herself featured in the segment, and in her “naturelle” beauty caught off-guard in front of the camera. I believe Jimmel and Rebecca were the ones responsible for making her laugh whilst the shutter went off. Enjoy this black-and-white image and enjoy the rest of the week.

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1. Should Photoshop be used on portraits and how far should one go with utilizing this program?
2. When does it become a tool or when does it become a crutch?
3. When does one make the decision to leave an image as is or utilize Photoshop?
4. Does the debate about Photoshop become a non-factor if it is part of one’s personal style?
5. If a photograph (digital or scanned analog) goes through Photoshop, should we even consider it to be a photograph?

Would love to hear your responses to these questions, especially the last question; and would love to respond to your answers given. So viewers, what say you?

Oi, mina! I just wanted to take this opportunity to say God is so good, and He deserves all the glory for all that He has done, doing, and is getting ready to do. That is all. It’s time for another installment of “Imoto-chan’s One Photo.” Ikuzo!

Isn’t this image so darn whimsical? Ya’ll already know I’m a nature lover at heart (at least, I’d hope you would. Considering how many times it’s featured on this blog). This is one of those incredible moments in life that we can so easily miss, yet this magnificent and favored photographer managed to capture and share with the rest of the interwebs! What I love about this pic? A few things; The misty blue/green background that I can’t quite make out, the fact that the image lady bug brings a whole lot of analogies to mind, and the shine off the back of its closed spotted wings. As you can see, I am very much impressed by the little things in a photo that create the overall emotion/perception. What makes this picture so worthy of mention is the fact that it reminds me of a witch on a broomstick making an escape, a cowboy riding its trusty steed, a little person with a big imagination going on incredible adventures into the infinite unknown! Lemme stop before I go off and turn this blog post into a novel of my own.

 The name of the photographer of this cute and unique pic is Lentilcia Jagoda, or simply Letilcia via DeviantArt. She’s a Poland native and has an extensive portfolio of beautiful nature shots and impactful portraits. On a side not, I’m really digging her skills with photoshop. According to her info, she utilizes Photoshop CS2 for her editing needs. See people? You don’t need the most recent program to make good quality images (run and tell that!). This particular photo is titled Impossible is nothing. An inspiring image like this could very well make you think so, ne?

Link to Lentilcia’s DeviantArt: http://lentilcia.deviantart.com/
Link to Lentilcia’s website: http://www.photoblog.pl/lentilka/

Until next time,
Ja ne!
Imoto-chan

Thanks again to model Samantha for being willing to go in front of the camera (and restarting your modeling career at the same time ^^) and shout-out to Kitanya (my assistant/general manager/insert title here) for assisting for this session, helping me with holding equipment and providing some jokes to keep the mode light and fluffy. Oh, and before it is not mentioned, shot out to Ms. Trina Charles, CEO and Founder of Lisse Clothing for making the glove that you see the model wearing. Please check out her MM account to see more of her talent. Enjoy!

[JRP '11]

Welcome to another edition of the Unblogged Photo; brought to you by me. This week’s offering doesn’t go to far back in the archives, however it is an image of a good friend of mine that is has been in the digital darkroom awaiting to be finalized. So I figured that it qualified for the title of Unblogged. The image was captured in front of one of the meeting spaces during the retreat I was able to go on earlier this year in Glen Spey, NY…YES, during that hurricane weekend (best 5 days ever!!!) and besides the fact the image is a black and white offering, I’ll let the image sing on it’s own. Once again, another Unblogged Image has been blogged. Enjoy!

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They say that there is a first time for everything, and for my friend Hilcia, modeling in front of the camera would be her first time moment. Earlier this year I had the opportunity to meet her after a Tuesday Night Prayer meeting thanks to some friends we have in common, and instinctively (because of the height, lol) I asked her if she would assist me in being a model for test shoots so I can get better with portraits. With a simple yes, it was off to shoot. During the month of October (I believe) she finally got a chance to get some practice in and for me it was another opportunity to play around with natural lighting and the use of a reflector. I’ll let the photographs do the talking from here on out. Tell me what you think of the images and where room for improvement can be made.

[JRP '11]

Konichiwa, mina! I hear you guys are in for a load of updates this week, excited? I sure am…considering I get to see an entry that I’ve been anticipating for WEEKS. *clears throat* Eh…right, anywho. This year is so totally over, I can tell this month is gonna be gone faster than u can say Akemashite omedetou (happy New Year). Of course I have a new piece of eye candy exclusively for your viewing pleasure. I know you’ve been waiting with baited breath all weekend. It’s time for another installment of “Imoto-chan’s One Photo”.  Ikuzo!

Do you know who this is? Don’t worry, I’ll wait. Take your time to recollect for a moment.

….Anybody? No?

I am seriously disappointed. This fair beauty is, in my opinion, one of the BEST female cosplayers out there. Normally, I would discuss the image then the photographer, but in this case I have to talk highly of this particular model.  Her name is Alodia Gosiengfiao, A.K.A blackmage9 on DeviantArt. She’s a Philippine beauty with a portfolio that could rival Kanye’s ego (to all the Kanye lovers out there, *kanye shrug*). Alodia is quite popular on DA, and as I previously alluded, is best known for her experience in cosplay. She has done such animes/mangas as Death Note, WitchBlade, Final Fantasy, Yakuza, DOT, and so much more. Her career has most definitely taken off since last I saw her a few years ago up until now.

This photo is called An Elven Fairy’s Backyard.  This serene sprite is gazing peacefully at the beautiful playground she has set up for herself. Living amongst trees with such gorgeous pink blossoms must be the ideal for such a fantasy character. I’m a big fan of matching, don’t get me wrong, but I do dislike when people overdo it. Whether that be with clothes, furniture, photos, whatever. I would have to say that this pic is just to my liking, though. The blurry background does not take away from the elegance of the Fairy’s overall appearance. I also like how the headdress goes along with the surroundings; it all seems to fit together. It probably helps that all of the colors are relatively neutral, nothing bright or distracting throwing off the balance of this shot. I really would like to know the secret to designing and creating such elaborate costumes. The lighting is highlighting her features perfectly, giving her skin a soft and surreal glow. According to the model, all of this was done with natural sunlight. Things like this encourage me in my desire to do some cosplay later on. After all, I am quite the anime lover myself.

I know that I usually don’t do this, but I intend to let the name of the photographer remain hidden until a later time because I wanted to highlight the model specifically. Gomenasai~ ^^;

Link to Alodia’s DA: http://alodiagosiengfiao.com/
Link to Alodia’s Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AlodiaGosiengfiao

Until next time,
Ja ne!

Imoto-chan

Hey all. Welcome to another edition of the Unblogged Photo on the JRP Blog. This image is a 2010 edition and was done in the studio space at my former college. An old co-worker of mine was gracious enough to be in front of the camera for this session, and after a year of the set sitting in the archives, this image intrigued me. It’s a different type/kind of pose and it seemed to evoke some sort of emotion; after going through the set a couple of times I came back to this image and decided that it had to be blogged. I do hope that you enjoy this week’s entry and if possible provide feedback on what elements of the image seem to work and what doesn’t.

[JRP '11]

Konichiwa, mina! Last you may have noticed (or not, that’s cool too) that there was no Imoto-chan entry. That was completely done on purpose…I so did NOT forget to make an entry. Pssh, what? Anyway, hope you all had fun eating up all that good food over the weekend. This is the last week of November, which means what? That’s right-CHRISTMAS TIME! Expect to see a few entries celebrating the holiday spirit, ne? Any who, it’s time for another [belated] entry of Imoto-chan’s One Photo. Ikuzo!

So being that we’re about to transition from November to December, I decided to take this last moment to honor the beauty that is autumn. This is my favorite time of year and once it’s gone, I won’t be seeing it for about three more seasons. I have this grave suspicion (after what occurred late October with our winter wonderland incident) that winter snow will be greeting us before the year is through. Just my theory, don’t quote me on that because I’m hoping that I’m wrong. This image is like the perfect Kodak moment, still life and embodiment of all that is Fall. Golden leaves descending into a luminescent lake below a wooden bridge under which little brown ducks float by. I love the draping, overcastting trees that border the lake. You can still see some green leaves peeking through their rusty colored neighbors. MY favorite thing about this picture is how the gold in the leaves makes the water itself look orange, to me that’s pretty freaking cool.

This beautiful photo is called Amber Autumn, and was found during one of my trips down DeviantArt lane.  The onlooker behind the capture of this image doesn’t state his name, but on DA he goes by Oer-Wout. From perusing through his other pieces he seems really into photographing still life and scenery, mostly nature shots. He hails from the Netherlands, as does this beautiful shot which he shared with the DA community. I’ll probably be posting up some of his other work in the distant future because he’s obviously really good at what he does.

Link to Oer-wout’s DA: http://oer-wout.deviantart.com/

Until next time fam,
Ja ne!

Imoto chan

Welcome to another edition of the Unblogged Photo, brought to you by yours truly. Sorry for the week hiatus with this segment of the blog, but I wanted to sift through the archives and pull up a really good photo instead of just posting for the sake of just posting. This week’s Unblogged comes from the 2009 folder on my hard drive, it was a photograph taken after completing my studio lighting course at City College. The model who was in front the camera was willing to shoot three different looks in a span of two hours and I really loved this shot a lot. It may just end up on my business cards…hmmmmm. What do you think? Successful or Unsuccessful? And do you think that a shot like this can wind up in a magazine? Anyway, enjoy this week’s Unblogged and see you next time. And also, enjoy the Thanksgiving Weekend, Black Friday, and time spent with your loved ones.

[JRP '11]

I know that 2012 will different from 2011, but how different will be determined by what I do with my photography and myself. Before 2012 begins though, I shall reflect some more, read up on some photography books, and practice some more with the 2011 that I have left.

PS: There will be an Unblogged Photo tomorrow at midnight. Be there or be square!!!

[JRP '11]

Konichiwa, mina! This year, autumn has turned into a season of revelation and enlightenment for me. I’m beginning to see some things in myself that I was blind to back in January. It’s a hard pill to swallow, but that happens sometimes when it comes to change. Any who, I’m hoping your November has been going swimmingly so far. It’s time for another installment of “Imoto-chan’s One Photo.” Ikuzo!

Hold on, stop reading if you please. Let’s pause for a moment. Look at this picture, really look at it. What do you see? If all u can think is “I see some person standing in the middle of water looking at nothing.” Then you, my friend, need to expand your thinking just a bit. I cannot describe to you how this photo makes me feel. Wonder, joy, awe, tranquility, and a few other things I can’t quite pinpoint. I found this image whilst clicking away on DeviantArt and felt the title suited it perfectly. It’s called What’s Ahead. I wish I knew the secret to getting such a gorgeous panoramic shot like this. Your eye gets a really good grasp of the location versus the being that stands in the middle of it all. A dark silhouette against the vastness of what I can only assume is some type of lake, completely void of any greenery. I can’t get enough of that incredible powder blue sky with soft streaks of cirrus cloud as the mid-day sun gleams through.

I don’t know if I said it before, but I have this thing for images of skies. I find the sky to be so unique and breathtaking. I really want to know what the person was thinking as they stared off into the distance. Were they simply admiring the beauty, or was their mind racing with dreams and goals and aspirations for their future? Heck, maybe they were just like “Hurry up and take the shot!”I know very little about this photographer-mainly because he doesn’t give a whole lot of information about himself. His name is Robin, he is German, and his DA name is const-de (whatever that means). He seems to enjoy photographing Cosplay, Landscapes, Scenery, and Portraits. Hopefully we can see more gorgeous images from him in the future.

Link to Robin’s DA: http://const-de.deviantart.com/

Until next time, Ja ne!
Imoto-chan

Welcome to the middle of the week and welcome to another edition of the Unblogged Photo. I hope you are enjoying this wonderful weather (to all my readers in the NYC), and I hope that wherever you are reading this from the weather is just as good there. Thought I’d share an image that was in hiding for sometime and see what sort of feedback I get from the image. Successful, unsuccessful, indifferent? Let me know what you think and enjoy this week’s Unblogged Photo.

[JRP '11]

Hajimemashite, mina? I’m trying to expand my resources for where I get pictures. If you know any photographers or websites where I can find more material that would be greeeeat.  I can’t wait till the time comes where I can put some of my own work on here. That won’t be for a while though, since I work exclusively with film. Anyway, it’s time to discusses and dissect another beautiful photo in this week’s installment of “Imoto-chan’s One Photo.” Ikuzo!

Peepz, I don’t know if you know this but…I’m a BIG fan of ominous scenery-dark gradient skies, foggy nights, and gloomy atmospheres. *Dreamy sigh* they are so beautiful and mysterious. That being said, I found this awesome pic while surfing Flickr. This place is known as St Thomas a Beckett Church. As quoted by the photographer:

“Fairfield lies between Brookland and Brenzett on a minor road in a deserted part of the Walland Marsh”.

Apparently the history of this place is just as interesting as the location itself.Demo, I won’t get into that. Instead I will talk about the different dimensions of this picture that makes it truly epic.

This is a very difficult lighting to capture. Dark, stormy skies have always been my favorite. The church is engulfed in shadow, with the fading sunlight illuminating it from behind. And yet the field is into in complete darkness. The rows of grass/hay look almost like crashing waves as the naturally formed roads curve at odd angles. In the distance all you can see is the wooden fence and the rolling grey clouds. I adore pictures with powerful simplicity. There was nothing that could contribute to this image to make it anymore breathtaking than what it is. This perspective gives us a really great scope of everything. The man behind the lens is Daniel Hannabbus, A.K.A. Tired but Willin on Flickr. Based on his work, he seems to enjoy taking shots of beautiful scenery. We get to see the world around him through his eyes via his camera. I hope that I can do something like this as I become more experienced and knowledgeable!

Link to Daniel’s Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/tired_but_willin/
Link to Daniel’s affiliated website: http://www.dartphoto.org.uk/

Until next time,
Ja ne!

Imoto-chan

Hope you all enjoying your week, you’ve made it to the middle of the week and the weekend it fast approaching, so pat yourself on the back and break out the celebratory cupcake and feast on it. The middle of the week also means it’s time for yet another Unblogged Photo to be blogged. Sit back, relax and enjoy the image.

What do you think? What are your thoughts about this image? What elements do you enjoy and find to make this image successful and/or what elements did you think were to distracting and made the image unsuccessful? Leave you thoughts, comments, and suggestions below in the comment box. I would love to know what you think of this Unblogged (now Blogged) image.

[JRP '11]

Konnichiwa, mina! I’m sorry for the late update. I have really been slacking lately with my online commitments. I don’t even go on facebook as much as I used to (le gasp)! This weather has been crazy as you all have seen, and the fact that I’m feeling a little under the weather isn’t helping. Oh well, that won’t stop me from making another awesome entry. Ikuzo!

The moment I stumbled upon this picture I stopped surfing DA immediately and stared in awe. Look at the colors! Look at them! This bird is so absolutely breathtaking. Such an amazing shot, I think the photographer was lucky to get a picture of this rare bird. Yes-this bird is very real. It is called a Gouldian Finch or the Rainbow Finch. This beautiful creature is an Australian native on the verge of extinction. You know how people are, when they see something unique and pretty in nature they try to take it and domesticate it. I wonder how many other incredible creatures have gone extinct due to human error.

The photographer behind the lens of this camera is a talented female by the name of Karin Eberhard. I sifted through some of her other photos and she seems to be really into Nature and expressive Portraits. I really enjoy most of her work; the soft and dramatic images are all quite captivating.

Link to Karin’s website:  http://karin-eberhard.jimdo.com/

Link to Karin’s DA: http://karisca.deviantart.com/

Until next time, Ja ne!

Imoto-chan

Welcome to Winter in October. We hope you are enjoying this interesting weather and capturing every moment of it. This is looking like an indoor day with some jazz music and some hot beverages for me.

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[JRP '11]