Film photography requires a careful and deliberate approach to capturing each shot.
Playing Dominican Guira
Correcamino Guira
What an instrument this is!
It’s light, shiny, and sexy. I played it for many years since I was a teenager and still after all this time the special feeling I get when I execute the instrument has never faded away.
There is a lot I can say about this Dominican instrument “Guira”, and I think I already have, which is why this blog won’t be structured around the instrument or the person playing it. Do feel free to visit, share and subscribe to my YouTube channel if you wish to learn more.
This short post will revolve around this picture, the subject’s body language, energy, attitude, and physicality which to me as a fellow Guirero myself, hit home.
The red you see in the shot was natural, not photoshopped, and it allowed me to make my subject stand out, hence I raised my ISO to achieve a dramatic punch. My intentions for this composition were to disregard the noise, forget about the grainage and focus on creating a dramatic effect, and for that, you have to compromise a bit. Whenever I shoot concerts, I try reading the style of the lights being used, their trajectory, color, and basically their behavior which helps me understand how they will project on my lens. The challenge is to anticipate the moving lights while adjusting exposure and placing myself on an angle that can help tell my subject’s story.
What’s the story about this picture? This frame is a moment in a Guira player’s life cycle.
This is where we are:
Listening without using the ear.
Playing parts in time but fast forward the song in your head.
In front of a universe of people, but we’re alone in our own world.
Talking and expressing ourselves without using our voice.
Smiling internally not externally
In the moment, present, connected, happy, and fulfilled.
There are a few of us that play this instrument, that just like me will celebrate and unpack this image, and feel the same way I do. Perhaps not a great shot, but a great moment in time.
Architectural Photography
Architectural Photography is the latest challenge I’ve faced in my career as a photographer. Definitely a quieter and more peaceful process, unlike fashion, or editorial projects where you have moving subjects and a crew to direct. These factors have made this style of photography special, as it allows me to reflect and understand the amazing energy and details of Architecture Design. Concentration and planning are essential, especially when you don’t like to crop, and rather use every single pixel the sensor has to offer to make the composition at the moment you take the shot, vs fabricating it post-editing.
My approach to a massive operation like this one is to simplify what I’m looking at, in order for my brain to process things easier.
I start by setting my camera in monochrome to avoid getting overwhelmed by the variety of existing bouncing light, and then I use the good old squinting technique which tends to pull out more visual contrast, by doing this I can:
Expose better.
Avoid getting distracted with the overall lighter and brighter parts of the composition.
Deal better with mix tricky lighting.
Identify the segment and parts of the visual space better.
In conclusion, by taking all these extras away, I feel that the structure is the only one that remains.
“New ideas often need old buildings”
Photography: "Purpose & Composition"
How are the elements of your photo arranged? Well, that depends on you and what you wish to convey in your composition. There are several ways to display a message in a frame. These are a set of rules that would enhance the aesthetics of your work, and when used properly, would help present a more interesting and compelling impression to the viewer. These rules are generally known as the “Main Composition Rules Of Photography”. Personally, I don't always respect the rules as I try to stay away from tradition, and besides, rules are meant to be broken and are for me to abuse or respect at my discretion depending on what I want my audience to feel. I won't list them all here, since the purpose of this article is not devoted to teaching techniques, but to provide a sense of "Purpose". You see, the idea that you have to get everything right is absolutely contradictory to what photography is meant to be. Purpose has nothing to do with principles and calculations such as the rule of thirds, negative space, symmetry, depth, triangles, and even colors. Purpose is the one objective that will supersede the technical principles, since putting more focus on the human aspect, emotion, description, and portrayal of your story will instinctively help you express your creativity. With your purpose in place and reason to be, we can finally include the rest of the fundamentals for aesthetics, but don't let your ambition for perfection in composition hinder your intentions.
“Now, to consult the rules of composition before making a picture is a little like consulting the law of gravity before going for a walk.”
Nude Photography
Chemistry
The thing about nude photography,
I think photography is a way to manifest an expression, starts internally, and eventually makes its way out on to the world. Now, expressing your vision to the talent or crew you’re going to work with could become tricky, and if not done correctly, it could impact product value. It’s recommended, that the presentation of a project of this nature should be clear and to the point to help everyone on board understand your intentions, goals, and vision. Trust, honesty, and integrity are the main goals for a project of this kind. All these principles will be the ones photographers lean on to help create chemistry with the parties involved in the photoshoot. With all these factors already in place, we can finally proceed to do the photo-shoot session. For me, the true meaning of a creative nude shoot is to express and empower everyone whose craft is on display, in particular the person who you will depend on most. Your subjects!
“He who does not master the nude cannot understand the principles of architecture.
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Smartphones and Photography
Every year, smartphone companies seem to be pushing the limits and boundaries of photography. Not only can they take a properly exposed image, but they’re able to retouch them in the blink of an eye. Bright colors, high dynamic range, low light sensitivity and image stabilization: all layered in a composite that once is processed end up getting closer and closer to traditional digital full sensor cameras.
But what is the definition of a good picture?
We could argue that cellphone companies have trained us (consumers) to accept that brighter saturated colors are better, and should be considered superior quality. Perhaps smartphones have transformed our point of view on what’s considered a good or a bad picture.
The truth is that these mobile devices are shaping the way we see, judge and feel about photography. With thousands of YouTube influencers using their expertise in photography providing millions of followers with smartphone camera picture reviews, mobile companies have no choice but to push the limits of what we consider beautiful or acceptable quality. Smartphone technology goes as far as to reshaping your face on the spot, and make the front facing camera give you a subtle slender look. All this happens before you even snap the shot as the software will compensate and decides all the characteristics of the shot right out the gate.
The smartphone industry understands our insatiable need to look full of life, healthier and younger. It is no secret why most selfies are taken slightly above the head as we think this phenomenon makes us look flattering. We seek what we want to see, and smartphones provide us with that and a little bit more.
Facts: Your smartphone is a computer with a lens and a dedicated chipset along with a GPU that automatically decides how the image will look based on preset algorithms, altering facial features and skin as well as finding a sort of golden ratio which in return makes you feel awesome. Yes, we can say that our smartphones lie to us on the spot, and we choose to look away from it.
“The illusion has become real, and the more real it becomes, the more we want it.”
With all this said, there is no better camera than the one you hold in your pocket. As photography is not all about the focus or sharpness but more about the moments.
Runway Photography - Bad habits to avoid during fashion week
Runway fashion photography is one of the most exciting and challenging styles of photography there is, but also the most rewarding. The job is hard and requires patience as photographers have to endure long hours in positions that are not favorable to the body, and are restricted of movement due to lack of space. Below I will go over the most important things to avoid if you are planning to shoot a runway show from the photographer’s pit. More details Here
Moving: Constantly hitting others while in the process of moving the camera away from their face to review their shot (For each and every shot).
Arm Spreading: Adopting a considerable extended placement of the elbows outward versus inward, hence becoming an obstacle for others.
No mono-pod: Photographers who don’t have a support system will forever remain struggling to hold their telephoto lens and constantly have to readjust their position due to fatigue.
Flash: Placing a speed-lite on the body of the camera even though there is no need for it or using flash when no flash is allowed in the event.
Tripod: Using a tripod vs a mono-pod for stills. Big no-no.
Attitude: Not being kind to others and not cooperating fully.
In general these are the few things that may be of nuance while the work takes place, however the good always will outweighs the bad.
Placing your eye in the viewfinder, composing your shot syncing, and anticipating the models subtle movements and getting the shot is definitely worth the discomfort mentioned above.
“Overall the honest truth is that shooting the runway will keep you sharp and disciplined and I recommend anyone out there that has not done it enough to continue to subscribe to their local fashion shows and or fashion week in their city. Eventually you will learn from your mistakes and challenge yourself in the occasion.”
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No a pasado nada. Solo lo que tenia que pasar y ya!
Seconds Before LRAD
When the inevitable happened and the name on this building came in to play in politics I grabbed my DSLR camera, got on the subway and headed towards 59th street in New York City. I found myself with what I knew would be the first protest of this magnitude. As I struggled to make my way in to the crowd I was able to get this vantage point that overlooked the Trump building head-on, and in that very moment I overheard a police radio call that gave the order to the man to the right of this picture to use the long range acoustic device to disperse the crowd immediately.
Not knowing what to expect seconds after the order was given, I quickly took out my camera and shot the very moment the officer grabbed the controls to execute (LRAD) towards the crowd in front of him.
Eventually the device was never triggered, as the officer received a consecutive radio call ordering him to stand down and wait for further instructions literally just a seconds after been given the green light to engage the crowd and disperse it using this high frequency speaker. I can definitely say we got lucky.
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No DSLR, No Problem
No DSLR ? No problem! All you need is your imagination and the good old phone you got in your pocket to achieve these unedited images
Geometry
Sometimes cool ideas and weird imaginative perspectives can manifest themselves completely out of nowhere and just like that, in a blink of an eye one can start to be more in tune with everything that surrounds us. This is certainly what happened to me this past weekend as I was in the process of visiting my sister and while waiting for her to pick me up from the train station.
After realizing I was the only left in the station, I decided to focus my attention to everything that I was neglecting to embrace. The dark night, lights on the street, shadows on the wall, shapes and angles. My first instinct was to look for my DSLR camera and I realized my intentions were not to be a photographer over the weekend as all I was looking for was to have downtime with the family.
No DSLR ? No problem! I started to clean the lens of my cellphone and simultaneously envisioned a nice solid surface to use against an object I can over and under expose what I had in mind. I placed by bag on the bench walked over to this light post and using manual mode settings on my Note 8 cellphone, I was able to get cool composition that would have never taken place if not me being outside by myself under this quiet and underrated location.
“Don’t think for one second you need a full frame, and or Photoshop to achieve these results. You already have a camera on your cellphone, that is more then enough to compose or document a beautiful and interesting shot that does not need retouching.”
Settings
F-stop f/1.7
Exp 1/6sec to 1/20sec
ISO 64
White Balance - whatever you feel
Focal Length 26mm
Flash Mode No flash
A painting of a Queen
Embrace greatness and recognize the power
This portrait is probably one of my favorites and it actually means a lot to me.
For a long time, I wanted to create this image and take a digital photo that resembles a painting. But to achieve this style and texture I had to put together the right amount of light and color, in addition I had to make sure I get my settings in my camera just right. The challenge was to take an image without having to edit it. Here is the results of my latest work raw straight from the camera.
There is always a way to create something dope and produce a narrative that has not been retouched with software. In my case, the idea was to step outside the box.
And finally as a Latino I take pride in my ancestry and for me this beautiful model demonstrates the true raw power that all black and latino females possess inside and outside.
This was one huge reason why I did not want to corrupt this image and manipulate this vivid representation degrading its purity with Photoshop.
"To me what is pure does not need to be edited." Embrace greatness and recognize her power.
“To any black woman or afro latina that can see this.
Remeber you are beautiful and our history is rich”
Chemical Bonds
The wonderful thing about photography in this digital era is that you can engineer your own reality and practically render whatever your vision and your mind desires.
For centuries we been compelled to respect and build a relationship with fire and its properties. But enough about that. This is not a science lesson.
The meaning of the image is what is most important here.
As the subjects appeared to have a moment and are simultaneously connected by the very properties that fire has to offer, this picture in some ways manifests two similar categories within the subject of chemistry. The relationship and harmony between two people that have good chemistry using the very fire which in it self is the very definition of chemical bonding.
“The meeting of two personalities is like the contact of two chemical substances: if there is any reaction, both are transformed”
Smoke
Even though we are lucky the human eye can see reflections and a few forms of bouncing frequencies of the light spectrum (colors), I've come to the conclusion that in photography, a black and white allows us to render more intimate adaptations of artistic creativity.
“A picture with no colors is a picture with a louder voice ”
Transformation
A glimpse behind my latest work and what motivated me to do it
Light
I've always been inquisitive about light bulbs and electricity, maybe that's why I chose to study it and become an electrician before exploring photography.
I recall walking the streets as a little kid and always searching for parts and pieces of discarded broken lamps, all in hopes that I find a light bulb in intact conditions.
I'd eventually picked these up and inspected them thoroughly as my curiosity was to see up close what was really going on inside the properties of its resplendent crystal quartz.
I guess after all these years I'm still drawn to carry out my research, to the point that I decided to shoot the actual light while it's on.
This image shows the very chemical reaction that takes place as electrons invisible to the naked eye are put through so much friction, that it's energy in return emits a visible electromagnetic radiation which we call light.
“We all know what light is; but it is not easy to tell what it is”
Why you need photography equipment transportation
Believe it or not photography is a laborious trade, definitely not as easy as some people think.
Connoisseurs of the business understand that in order to achieve a shoot one most be ready to deal with unforeseen circumstances that can hinder the process of the assignment or the task at hand. And in order to be most effective you have to learn how to work smarter, not harder. This includes avoiding needless physical labor and learn how to buy equipment that will make your life easier and effortless.
I myself have paid the price of injury and physical agony after neglecting and failing to recognize that lenses, stands or sand bags do add up and can easily turn into a hefty load to handle, especially when it comes to transporting equipment while shooting on location. So do yourself a favor and get yourself some wheels.
One of these folding trucks did the trick for me.
Summary
Don't overwork yourself. Read and investigate what tools can make your production flow smoother
Learn how to transport your equipment effectively
Stop by Home Depot or B&H, or, search for a folding truck in Amazon. The one I purchased is by Flatform.
“To be a good photographer you must be physical but also be effective when buying the tools to help the flow of your process.”
Published in Latina Magazine
Look what I found!!
January of 2017 marked a very important date for JohnGuira Photo Studios
JGPhoto was commissioned for an exciting shoot and I was humbled to learn that one of the images was selected by non other than Latina Magazine. The image was featured in their style and beauty segment called #LatinaStyleWars. I am happy to announce it was published in the January issue of 2017.
I'd like to thank Miriam Morales from OITNB, makeup artist Sabrina Mercedes, and wardrobe stylist Sandra Mercedes for their ingenious artistry and dexterity handling the shoot.
The image above is a selfie I took in two places as I happened to stumble by a NYC newsstand and decided to procure my own copy right there and then. So I got really excited and decided to take a stroll straight to Barnes and Noble, and yes, there it was.
“Definitely a good way for me to start the year =) ”
Photographer vs Selfie
Whether you like it or not photographs are the first step to becoming relevant as a content creator.
A good blogger will quickly understand, the selfie should be used as a quick aid and not the official process to render visuals in a blog post or even Instagram.
Is a good idea to know what is your social identity, as this is a key factor that will help your followers understand, identify and relate with your style/brand. Which leads us to take in to account that once again, photography matters.
Selfies feel cool plus they are simple that's for sure, however blog posts are another ball game. If you are serious about your brand, you have to put in the work behind it, and yes invest in your production.
Hire a photographer, or if you are lucky, find a friend that owns decent equipment and knows how to compose an image. No matter what, as times change and sponsors move on to Instagram, Facebook or Twitter to search for the next big influencer, you must realize that you too must evolve with the industry and try to stay ahead of your competition. Drop the cellphone and use a photographer.
Summary
Selfies are average common and poor in quality
Understanding your social identity will help followers relate with your brand
Ask around for friends that know how to operate a camera
Hire a photographer for very important posts or special events.
Some photographers will do collaborative shoots (TFP) meaning for free
“It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you’ll do things differently”
Creative Photography
Creative photography assignments are pretty much on the top of the list of most photographers interested in expanding their skill and exploring their range.
Ideally you may want to reach out and share the set with other experts in hopes you can combine their craft with your vision. This will not only improve your imagery and product value but will definitely make the process of production a lot easier then if you were to shoot on your own.
If you don't get lucky and are not able to receive expert help such as makeup artist, wardrobe or hairstylist do not be discouraged.
You'd be surprise to find out in photography everything goes. Makeup, beauty and hair do not depict or explain your creation. Yes, these resources are convenient and beautiful to have any day, however the creativity and reason of the story are the true fundamental components that will help drive your creation to a true work of art.
Summary
Play around with creative projects, work in uncomfortable settings on your own.
Make up and wardrobe should not be the reason for your creation.
Inspiration, creativity and story telling should be the engine of your visual concept.
“Art is not what you see, but what you make others see”
100
As the sport of cycling has nothing but aggrandized in me, so has my curiosity to find out what my mental and physical limitations were/are. So I decided to train hard over the fall and shoot for something I've never done before.
The results?
In cycling terms, riding my first Century, & conquering my first mountain.
So... how did it all go down?
Well, making my way out the door I didn't know where I was going. I had no gps guide, or spare tire or tube in case of a flat, or even company to share the journey with. Worse... I hadn't prepared or made any plans to take on such a task, but in the end it only took a split second decision to steer my course throughout the rest of the day.
Apart from the road signs, my help was depending on an internal compass guided by curiosity which was later fueled by sheer will, determination and fear. Who'd knew..
Without knowing it, I was writing history for myself by myself. This unexpected adventure was opening a new chapter in my life by creating one more story to tell, a story that to this day keeps me humbly satisfied. I had officially subscribed myself to a private mission, one that included, serious distance and altitude.
After 3.5 hours of constant pedaling, I had reached phase two of my independent journey. Perhaps bringing both this writing and my cycling trip to its climax, all thanks to the elevation climb the mountain road demanded.
No more cars to see, no more road signs to read, nothing but the good all sounds and sights this enormous and steep grounds had to offer. It was Newtons Law at its best, this is when they say "gravity will do a number on you," specially when you reach exhaustion at a high level.
And what happened?
Bear Mountain happened.
A steep climb that exceeds 3.22K in distance with an overall steady incline of 5 grueling miles that take you up to about 8000 feet above sea-level. I certainly got lucky that day, that's for sure. And I acknowledge I was at a disadvantage from the very start, one can say it was not a wise move to take such a risk under the circumstances.
But to experience the feeling after defeating the mountain, turning around and gliding down only to see your bike computer read 52mph, making it home and reaching 100 miles for the first time?
Priceless.
“You will never do anything in this world without courage. It is the greatest quality of the mind next to honor.”
2015 blog
So yes, I did fall off on my personal blogging page this past year. I can't deny the fact that I've been dying to write for a longtime but finding the window to do so proved to be difficult. 2014 was good to me. I learned a lot more about myself on so many levels, hence now there's more material (experiences) to share. With that said, I promised myself that part of ONE of my resolutions for 2015 was to let you in and experience my journey "live" LoL like we say in DR, "En Vivola"
I hope to accomplish what I have planned for this new year, let's see how we do.
“The woods are lovely, dark and deep. But I have promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep.”