Multiple Uses

For my photo shoots I usually have to use what I have on hand.  I don't have a big budget for props, styling, set productions, etc.  So when I actually do buy something, I have to think about how many uses I can get out of it.  One of the most useful thing I've purchased is a whole roll of white tulle.  At first I wasn't sure what I would do with it all, but it has become a very versatile item.

It can be cut and pulled together to make a poofy dress.

How about using it to create airy flowy-ness?

Or just use it to create a soft background as well as utilizing it as sheer texture in the foreground.

Sometimes it's just plain pretty.

All in all, always keep in mind the many different things you can do with just one simple item.  It's how you can keep your creative juices flowing while on a budget.  I wouldn't think about ever throwing this tulle out.  Who knows what else I would do with it.  

One Woman Show

I call myself a one woman show because in my photography work I do everything from start to finish (unless I am specifically collaborating with others).  It's easy to see a photo and not fully understand all the hard work behind it.  Whether it is mental work or physical work.  

It's a long list, but when I say I do everything from start to finish I really do have to start from the beginning, which is visualizing and putting the concept together before even reaching out to models.  Once I have an idea down, I'll contact the people who I think would fit the concept.  From there on I'll do hair, make-up, styling, directing, lugging heavy equipment around, setting up lighting and then finally I get to click the shutter.    

   

After I finally get the images captured, then comes the fun of editing and post processing.  I get to view all the photos and look through the different shots to see which ones grab my attention.  If a photo does not grab me, I will not work on it.  It could be a simple beauty shot like the one above, but behind that are hours of work.

Depending on my mood, sometimes I prefer to finish the photo with a more playful and whimsical finish.  On this rainbow colored photo, the hair alone took about one and a half hours to do because her hair was so long (down to her waist).  I curled it with a half an inch curler and then teased the bejeebus out of it.  If I remember correctly, it took her about an hour of conditioning to get it back to normal.
  

In this colorful swimming suit shoot, I decided to incorporate the traditional Hmong sashes.  It was my way of making an ordinary beach shoot different.  In my mind I saw the beautiful vibrant colors flowing in the wind and sought to create the vision.  Despite the bitter cold, super strong winds and having to lug a super heavy battery pack for my strobe light through the beach, it was all worth it to get images that I love.

This Kid Named Kami

I had the most wonderful time taking photos of this little boy over the weekend! It was about a 45 minute session. Kami is so adorable and makes the best facial expressions.

This four shot black and white set was when he sat down at the dinner table and his mom was standing behind me saying "Aiiyeeee" to make him laugh. He was distracted because his dad had food and was giving him little bites in between too. So he had to split his time between taking photos, eating, laughing, and making faces.

For this shot I used my soft box on the right and then the window as ambient and back lighting.

This shot was lit only with my softbox on my left hand side raised to about a 45 degree angle. Again, his mom had to keep saying "Aiiyeeee" and I'm sure that as she was saying this she was making a funny face. I couldn't see her since my back was turned to her, but I can just tell.

Here is one of my favorite shots from the session. Kami's stance and expression makes me think about a tough little boy who is standing on his turf and seems like he totally owns this back yard.

It was so fun to shoot this and he really has such a great smile. I'm looking forward to having the chance to take his photos again as he grows older. It was so cute a couple days later when his mom told me that Kami said "I have a new friend named Pao! She takes photos."

Family Portraits Are Important (and fun)

I may be biased when I say this since I am a photographer, but photos are so important in helping you to remember life and to help preserve your family history. We all grow older and travel where life takes us. Sometimes siblings can live on the other side of the country or maybe even on the opposite side of the world. No matter what, I cannot stress how much a photo means 30 years down the road and sometimes it is sad when you realize that you don't even have a full family portrait or a portrait of all the siblings together. Take the time and make the effort to get everyone together because it is worth it!

So I had my say on that subject and on a happier less serious note, below are a few shots of the Vang siblings. My very last shoot of 2011. See....family portraits can be very fun. Also, it may lead to epic posing.

Black Trash Bag Dress

A simple trash bag can be the star of your wardrobe if you give it a chance. It gets a little sticky if you are someone who sweats a lot so maybe only consider wearing it in the winter time. However, it works wonders when trying to accomplish the look of a glossy poofy dress.

One of the best things about being creative is learning how to take some of the simplest things you can find in your home and make something completely different out of it. Here is an example of taking an ordinary black trash bag and transforming it into a dress. The glossy quality of the trash bag lends itself to performing well in direct sunlight at the beach. The contrast of black against the lighter solid colors of the sky, ocean, and sand makes the model stand out from her environment.

It took a couple snips, twists, and ties and the trash bag was transformed into a dress. I added a simple black belt to define the waist and added a metal slinky as a large bracelet. With an hour of hair and another hour for makeup (all done by myself) the look was complete.

A little bit of breeze that day helped to create the poofyness on the rump and added some drama to the composition.

With a setting sun, there was plenty of beautiful warm lighting and wonderful sun flare to add just a little bit of color and interest. Some people hate sun flares and I agree that sometimes they work and sometimes they don't. Whatever the case, it only matters that I like it. I hope you all get a chance to do your own trash bag photoshoot. I might have a go at it again just to see how different of a dress I can make out of it.

Time Flies

It is amazing how fast time flies by. I can't believe that my last post was from June of 2008. Well...I guess I CAN believe it since I'm the one not posting. To be honest though, I actually haven't posted because I couldn't remember how to log in and wouldn't take the time to try. At last, here I am again!

It's time for me to pick this back up. I have a renewed energy in life, in my art, and my photography. There were changes in my life and tough choices that I made which brought me to where I am today. I am the happiest I've ever been and can see that I have a blessed life.

Onwards to amazing photographic adventures and creation!