Xander Angeles's Creative Lens Series - Boudoir Photography

I was like a kid in a candy store. It was like my first day of school again when I got the chance to be with my idol Xander Angeles and his protege Niko Villegas. Two of the best fashion photographers in the world. Doing this to give back something to the craft that made them who they are today is commendable. I was in for something big and I know how lucky I am to even get to know these people; let alone shoot with them this weekend. I wasn't disappointed because they delivered as expected on the workshop. Who am I to second guess the Jedi Masters (ha-ha!) I REALLY learned a lot... and here's a rundown of the day.

I woke up around 6am (not excited huh?! =P ) and to tell you honestly I did read off a couple of things a few weeks before I got the slot. It pays to be prepared and I don't wanna look clueless right off the bat. Xander Angeles, Niko Villegas and Daryl Quioge was at the door of The Picasso Boutique Residences when I arrived. I think I was a little late (around 10 mins) which I apologized for (thanks to Makati City's one way streets!). It doesn't take a genius or a lot to research about what boudoir photography is; and I would pretty much get this combined with wedding photography packages in the future. When asked one by one about what it is and what's it all about, I think I had the right idea what it was used for in the olden days. Boudoir is French for bedroom. This is a "suggestive" and sexy shoot made for soon to be wives as a present to their husbands right after ceremonies. This is something for them to remember too on what they looked like before they get into the motherhood business of it all.

Starting with this concept, we need to make use of lights. It is important to set the mood in photography and you use this to enhance her assets and create drama. Doing the make up for us in this shoot was Ms. Michelle Literal, if you are going to shoot something exquisite as our Brazilian Model (of which I'm going to show you after minor post processing) you need to have a make up artist that can do it flawlessly. Every setup and shot we had the MUA went in and retouched the model probably to create consistency to the overall look and get her hair in place. It is so important to also have art direction and styling involved even before you execute the concept. We had so many lights to use but I chose to have one light done on my first setup. To be able to create the drama and shot that I want I wanted her to lean on a wooden plank and have the light have some well lit and some covered in shadows. Emphasis would be on her face and body. I had a really yellow to near orange background and I didn't choose to have it softened. I blatantly had it on hard lights so the shadow didn't get diffused light but total cuts with it. It ended up with details still but I had the darkness I was going for. The light became so bright that I thought I had sunshine inside the room. It was nice to see the whole perspective of the first shot done sunny since my foreground had that color I mentioned. Some problems with posing cutting off of other body parts off the frame but I still had to have her shot there so I could get post process wise details of what would be sexy and attractive in print. I was planning a layout and it is important to have those done first. In 10 frames or a little more than that I had to do it. I wasn't rushed but I chose to be inside the limits of the challenge and get me some of the money shots without thinking that I can manipulate them on the computer after wards. The result in this case were photos that I couldn't do anything with anymore because they were already good right there and then. To say the least, I was happy with that but if I had more time I would probably have had her pose more in different frames. This was actually the second time that I used gels. I never had one of my own and since they just had their creative lighting session last week they had this shoot using those for the background. It was nice to see the effects while lights were being diffused by glass over at the bathtub. I was looking at the others who had their lights setup differently and I learned a couple or two from that. The output was awesome; we got the best shots uploaded on the computer for post processing I guess. I'll wait for that too.

What have I learned?! There's a lot actually.

1.) Create Drama with Lights
2.) Getting gels and using them on creative setups. I learned where to buy them too! ^_^
3.) Maximizing all details before shooting, getting the best MUA, Stylist, Hairstylist and Production Design, Location
4.) Planning schematics of lights
5.) Posing to accentuate body
6.) Deconstructing Photos - which is important so it would be second nature to you!
7.) Lighting makes a difference
8.) Using same set of lights but on a different angle
9.) Using Fill Light and Soft Lights to see details of the subject
10.) Making photos 3 dimensional
11.) Using warm and cold lights
12.) Rim lights
13.) I used some of the lenses Nikon had there too, you should definitely switch to Nikon if you haven't done that yet! =)
14.) Meet Joe Black can change your life! Ha-ha!

I wouldn't want to go into minute details anymore because it would spoil the fun if you guys plan to have the seminars with the masters. There's another one this weekend and I hope you guys try to get that or any of their future ones. It's all worth it believe me!

I would like to thank the other photographers who attended this Boudoir Workshop. I must say you have lots of great shots too. I had a really nice LEARNING time with you guys. Thank you also to Sir Niko Villegas for teaching creative ways in shooting, I'll never forget the water bottle and Vaseline! Thank you also to my idol Xander Angeles, you just don't know how much you have inspired me and my work. I'll definitely do my best from hereon and get to the NEXT level. I know there are still new things to learn but I'm glad to get the best of them from you guys at Elite! =) Thank you!

PS
Thank you also to Sir Nick Tuason and the people behind Digital Photographer Philippines for hooking me up on this awesome opportunity! I'll show my shots later! =)

Increasing Your Word Power

I always knew that there was a bigger world out there for me! It's one that you can find in books and literary work. It would not be the same in reality and evidently there is a big difference; a huge difference. I learned that early on when I was a kid when I began to write essays. It makes me think so much more of my life and ideologies. I learned a lot when I was growing up. I was dreaming of getting laurels of my own since I got into writing and I knew how important it was for me. It took me off some dangers in my other subjects and compensated me in words. I guess only half a brain works but it’s really good that it concentrated on what I think matters most. I got into a job easier; I got all my reports well written and have lots of friends since my communication skills are above average human understanding to say the least. I became more of a warrior with words and I did put it to good use. I was able to write for a couple of essay contests in high school... and people took notice. If they needed essay help they would rather go to great minds on line or people like me. They probably chose the first one since they are easier to deal with. I wouldn't blame them believe me! Ha-ha!

I like writing more of an education essay since it would deal with theories and how to prove them rather than something fictional. I was a fictional writer too in college but I never won any contests of that nature. I think I did a pretty good job with it but I excelled in topics that dealt with real people. It can either be autobiographical or what not just as long as it serves the purpose. Maybe I can get in it as a ghost writer if the price is right for me. I would not be surprised to get my own criticism essay someday if that day comes but I figured that it’s just part of the drill. If I need professional looking ones I would look for institutions in the industry like Essay Champions and seek improvement in this craft. People in the educational system might need their help too. It would be best to consider giving them the job instead if they wouldn't be able to do it themselves. Quality wise it’s going to be grand since folks from universities in the UK would do it! I’d rather let an expert do it than have myself seen ridiculed by other people. Wouldn’t that be something you would want to have?! It’s an easy life and peace of mind!

That’s one of the reasons why I love what the one above gave me; a working brain and liberty to write as anything I wish to be!






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The ELITE... X Factor

Tomorrow is one heck of a nervous day for me. I am going to meet my idol in photography again. This time it's not just for the ordinary autograph but I'm going to be there shooting with him in a workshop. I hope I get to justify my photos and be at par with the best ones there. I think I can, I think I can ahaha!

The reason that I'm nervous is that I probably don't have the same cameras or lenses that they have. I have proven to some that its really not the camera but dang they probably have full framed ones and professional grade too. I probably will harness doing the shoot with my prime lens and the kit lens but I will ask how to do portraits with my long ziggy too. Ziggy btw is my tele lens which is a 70-300mm. It's last hundred is pretty good in bokeh or depth of field views. Though the drawback is the shake I will have to take a little more effort reminding myself how it would actually affect the image. I think I'd be better off with the prime lens. I'm charging my camera the whole night so I won't run out of batteries. I need this to last the whole day... and so does my flash. If my hunch is correct its quite near the Salcedo park where there is a whole eating extravaganza. I want to really do this and OMG please help me to do this right. I hope I won't be shy... I really want to learn. Tomorrow is going to be weird... I'm going to be a nervous wreck and I hope this doesn't jeopardize my chances of learning with the great Xander Angeles. I'm even nervous tweeting him hahahah!

I just hope this 18K worth of a workshop will be well worth it and get me to a level that I haven't been in before. =)

You Can Help!

I am a trained Red Cross volunteer and it has been a passion for me to be here since I was in 7th grade. Imagine the number of years I've spent with peers and medical professionals. I'm not in that field since I got a Computer Engineering degree in college instead. Although a geek, I never stopped going to various organizational causes that the PRC starts. If you know how it feels to help someone in need when disaster or calamities strike then you probably have a clue of what I'm talking about. The importance of disaster preparedness and providing health care to the less fortunate should be a priority of every public or private corporation. I always make it a point to do my share and help out. I also try and educate my friends by exposing them to activities like medical missions and relief operations. The local government and my own congressman are putting funds to make sure their constituents are well taken care of. This is one lesson we shouldn't forget because if you got healthy people, your workforce is also the same.

They also got me to take charge of the first aid supplies. In some instances we have to even travel 6 hours by foot in order to reach remote areas in the province since there are no formal roads built for them yet. It is a hard task but if there is no effort from the government and foundations that dedicate time and resources; they would not be able to survive. In times of natural disasters, calamities where lives are at stake we all need to help out each other. Getting them proper protective equipment and materials to save more lives is necessary to prevent the inevitable. I feel the need to get more people involved by sharing what I have and getting the information out. God made us human so we could think and fend for ourselves; and that includes getting the best supplies for these situations. Places like 1staidsupplies.com would be a great place to start! They've got one of the best sets I've ever seen so if you want to start and help please get us one of these!





Disclosure Policy

I Give My First Love to You

Sounds kinda confusing how this post ended up here huh?! Well let's say I've been watching something the past few days. A Japanese movie of the same title. I don't want to give away the plot of the story but it is kind of a drama where you first don't get it but glad you went through watching the whole thing. I'm not into these kind of movies but to tell you honestly I liked it a lot. If you are however going to watch this on youtube don't read the comments since they all want to be spoilers from the get go.

Try to start from this first episode. It all starts with the cute kids and their promises for each other. See how they get through life and love while facing the reality of death. I think that about sums it up but please do take some time to watch it. If this were a book I'm sure it would also be a hit. I've been watching Japanese movies from way back and I think this really is a good one. Rated PG though because there are some scenes not intended for children. It's for teens probably in Japan. If that was their target audience I'm sure a lot of them would have cried. I didn't but hey its still a good thing to watch!

Play Around in Memphis

This is a sponsored guest post written by Memphis Travel on behalf of Memphis CVB. Post powered by Sponzai.

More than just the home of the blues and barbeque, Memphis gives you plenty of ways to play around, with fun things to do no matter who you are or what you like. Of course, if you’re into Elvis, rock-and-roll and mouth-watering ribs, you’ve got to check out Graceland, Sun Studios, and the Rendezvous. But Memphis has much more to offer than this holy trinity of southern culture, with enough to see, do and eat to make it the perfect location for your next long weekend getaway.

The families out there (or the wild at heart) should be sure to check out the Memphis Zoo, one of only four U.S. zoos with giant pandas. Recently ranked the #1 zoo in the U.S. by TripAdvisor.com, the Memphis Zoo lets you get up close and personal with the animal kingdom. And with the recent addition the Northwest Passage, home to Polar bears in a see-through underwater exhibit, and the zoo’s newest section, Teton Trek, kids and adults alike are certain to have a blast.

Don’t let your midtown experience stop at the zoo; the Cooper-Young and Overton Square neighborhoods are just down the street. Ask a local Memphian where to find a tasty bite to eat, great local music and ice cold beer, and they will probably direct you here. Speaking of beer … the environmentally conscious visitor can enjoy a locally brewed beer by Ghost River Brewing or walk through the natural landscape and educational facilities at the Lichterman Nature Center.

Memphis has museums for just about everything. From the Civil Rights Museum, Cotton Museum and Fire Museum in downtown to the Brooks Museum, Children’s Museum of Memphis and the Pink Palace Museum further east, the number of places to have fun while you learn are as bountiful as the barbeque restaurants. Families, friends, sports fans, history buffs, self-proclaimed food critics – Memphis has everything you need to keep everyone happy.

So when you visit Memphis, stay a few extra days. Even the locals don’t run out of things to do. And to make it easy, memphistravel.com is launching a new travel guide to help you plan your next vacation. Simply choose from a list of interests and you’ll be given a sample itinerary with lots of great ideas. You can also register for a chance to win one of twelve trip packages that include tours, gift certificates to Memphis’ favorite restaurants, hotel stays and more. Go to itinerary.memphistravel.com to get started.

Management Notes

Today I think it is but a good thing to learn about what I do for a living. I need to analyze a few things before I start the whole work related subject I am going to discuss about on this post. I am in management so I'm going to try and discuss this without going overboard and the private details of where I work. Let's get the basics first:

Personal Needs

What are my personal needs?! What are the personal needs of my people?! It is going to be a balance between the salaries, perks and everything else they are going to get in exchange for the work they do. If these are reasonable enough and the projects are not having negative income then it would be okay. The problem areas would be the unaccounted over time pays and work rendered. Aside from that, it would be the adjustments for payment annually. Facilities like computers and resources like Internet are also volatile.


Practical Needs

From my point of view, the practical needs are also almost the same with personal needs. Since I have already made a point of streamlining operations, they almost come up to be the same as the resources indicated under that. Problem areas are natural disasters, operational expenses and holidays. Out of the budget allocations are there but out of the question usually.

Interaction Process
An open door policy is still in tact. Relationships and work related cooperation are highly suggested. Anything that would be able to get things rolling as far as execution is concerned should be relatively free. If the process in place concerns a positive revenue for the business then it is good. Personal interaction among co employees would be uncontrollable though.

Key Principles

Principles?! I ask myself that every now and then. I guess my principles change according to the situation at hand. Variable but not overboard. It is also within limits and achievable. If there is a time to be adventurous then it would also apply. It's not going to be that preposterous looking with other people but still impressive.

Process Skills

Skill set is upgraded every time there is a chance to do so. Expertise lie on training and resources that could go with that thought. There is an existing fraction of a cost in operation which goes to this particular segment. Although there are no externally hired individuals doing this as of now, management styles can be taught and done a certain way. It also differs from person to person. Problem areas would be how they are going to be accepted as internally learned concepts and if there is actual data or information sufficient enough to be considered as an area of expertise.

Discussion Planner

There are only a couple of areas that need to be inculcated with your peers and followers. There are only certain areas where they could all learn. Planning how to get the job done and achieve higher than expected output is tantamount to impress clients and get successful in any business. The more your client trusts you the more they will in turn have investments done.

Pretty impressive for a few minutes of brainstorming ha-ha!

A Look into David Yurman Jewelry

Women love jewelry. The right piece of jewelry can turn any plain outfit into a fashion statement. Jewelry makes also a wonderful keepsake jewelry that can be transformed into a family heirloom passed on from mother to daughter. It is perhaps this reason why despite the crunching after-effects of the recent financial crisis, women would still find it worth it to purchase a piece of fine and expensive jewelry.

David Yurman rings and David Yurman earrings are a definite favorite among women of all ages. These finely crafted jewelry pieces have been designed by David Yurman, a successful jeweler who established his own jewelry line back in the 1960s. Today, there are 18 David Yurman jewelry establishments all over the United States. There are also a number of different stores and websites over the Internet serving as retailers of David Yurman Jewelry. His line of jewelry pieces have also become widely used and patronized by some of the top artists in Hollywood.

All of the jewelry pieces offered by David Yurman are crafted using only the finest sterling silver and 18k gold. Many of his jewelry pieces would often utilize these two metals combined together, usually in a twisted cable pattern, a designed that many have pointed to be responsible for Yurman’s secret to his success. In addition to this, David Yurman also utilized other precious metals and stones in the design and production of the different jewelry pieces that make up his product line. From simple, elegant pieces to bold accessories, you can be sure to find something that you will love here at David Yurman jewelry.

Aside from rings and earrings, David Yurman also carries a wide array of bracelets, necklaces, chokers, and watches. While the prices of these jewelry pieces do not come in cheap, they are, nevertheless, a great investment that you can not only enjoy, but pass it down for generations to come.

Happiness in Twitter!

I felt really good this evening even after that whole riot outside Eastwood because 4 Jeepneys full of SONA protesters were stopped by the police and decided not to let any vehicle pass at C5. I have composure... therefore I will try and shy away from all of that brouhaha with traffic and politics and talk about something that made me happy these past few months.

I know its kinda corny but I have been addicted to twitter. I mean who doesn't in this day and age. I admit I have this habit of being online 24/6... because that one day less is when I get some rest through photography.

I am so glad though that I've met such wonderful people in cyberspace. I'm going to tell you something about them and I hope you take time to understand why I follow them religiously.


If you watch TV and love local TV shows, you have to make sure you get to connect with @kbrosas. She's hilarious and over the top when it comes to making people laugh. She doesn't reply that much to people but I understand why, its because there are too many who follow her already and getting to do that would take weeks. Her everyday antics include a "Dear Teh" portion which could rival the giant TV network shows when it comes to love advises. Funny, Witty but very real... That is K Brosas for you. She's one fine woman too so if you single guys are planning to find one; try your best to impress her! PAK! and visit her site www.kbrosas.tk!

Of course! She does everything! An icon of Fashion, Print, and Multimedia; she does it all. She's got one of the most prettiest faces to ever grace the Philippine Movie Industry and I wasn't surprised why Hollywood also got her for several stints a few years back. Doting mother to Lorin and Venice she has been an image of strong, powerful womanhood bar none. If you follow @iloveruffag you'll understand why people adore her. Ms Ruffa as I call her always made time to answer tweets no matter how busy her schedules are. She's very articulate and down to earth. She shows how fabulous life could be and how to balance it with a glorious family life. She knows how to love... and I envy people who could do that despite of the hardships in life. She's an amazing woman and I'd marry her if Nigella Lawson doesn't accept my proposal! (just jokin! =) ) Find out the latest in Philippine show business from her too! Thanks for inspiring people and the DM's you sent Ms Ruffa! =)


Now what is this beautiful Italian lady doing in my list?! She quickly can crack a joke, she's a mermaid, a unicorn she's everything you want her to be. She's got no boyfriends but she's got a rap album. She's a jejemon and a classy sassy person all in one. She's a seasoned international actress and a multi awarded one at that fact but you can never ever take out her great personality. If you don't know what I mean, just go ahead and follow @msderossi and you'll constantly be amused by this gorgeous woman. I never knew she could be that funny the first time I saw her tweets; lo and behold... she does make me happy. She's really active and appreciates humor when she sees it. I think I did make her laugh a couple of times too. It shows how intelligent she is and I'm sure anyone would definitely consider this picturesque, modelesque lady to be a catch! I would want to have her shot too, no not with a gun but with my cam... She's a dream model... and why not?! She's after all Alessandra Derossi! You can also catch her at http://alessinwonderland.com/ I'm sure you'll enjoy her company every bit of the way!

Now here goes the person I call habibi... for all the right reasons and all the great guys I get to still have that certain IQ or EQ equivalent he's certainly on that level. He's funny and straight to the point... he won't stop telling you a spade is a spade and I like people like that. Hence, here I am following @umakhouny on twitter. You should do the same if you dig people who are good but not over acting. He innocently is funny. I wonder sometimes if he was a long lost brother or something (but I'm probably just thinking too much hehe =) ). He's not like other artists who just because they are artistas already "had a license to become an airhead". He's really a good guy and he never wants to alienate you from the way he sees what the Philippines is. I often watch his show Trip na Trip and I must say he has definitely improved over the past few years since he's been here (from his stint with PBB and all!). He is so gracious and answers back on twitter which is so important to people that follow him. I think he takes time to do that because he knows how it is important talking to people. I personally want to thank him for the friendship, even if its just here. You'll go places Uma! I know you do! =)


Ms Daphne Osena Paez is one of the few people who I love so much in cyberspace. From her flickr photography stints from way back until she put up a blog and eventually this twitter account, I really love where she's heading. I think I joked about it once that she's a MOGUL already but I think things are definitely taking shape. She had the monumentally successful F lifestyle program with Cher Calvin and Angel Aquino then and today she's working with News and Current Affairs with UZ aka Urban Zone showing the greatest and grandest houses the Philippines has to offer. We are after all not behind design and architectural wise. I learned a lot from the few episodes I watch in the office because yeah I have to run and get break times allotted on her time slot since I work in the gravey. She is so sweet and endearing. She has so many causes up her sleeves and I applaud her for that. She has been so good to people who frequent her blog and twitter... minus some detractors as she says but it never even bothered her to still do good things. She's like a fresher, soooo much younger Martha Stewart and if you ask me why I follow her... I know a good person when I see one! Thank you Ms. Daphne for everything! I'll never forget the Olay package I won too! Teeeheee! Follow @DaphneOP!

Now guys, if that is not enough information on why you should follow these people I adore I don't know what else would convince you. They are the best ones so far in the Philippines, I'll let you know the international ones later on. Again thank you so much to these people that inspire me! =) I'll let you know a couple more soon!

Image credits go to them. (It's their Current Twitter Avatars)

Get Furniture and You Won't Regret It!

I often complain about how my life ended up like this but I'm not complaining why I'm currently single. There are a lot of things that I got to think about because of this situation and in retrospect one of them is how to keep a lasting relationship. I confuse myself most of the time but it all boils down to pleasing the woman in your life. This concept is simple yet complicated but I don't argue with what's natural. There might be a couple of exceptions here and there but if you think about it they are not that different at all. You have to get them flowers every once in a while and you have to treat them right. You also need to figure out how complicated their world is and squeeze in buying rustic bedroom furniture so you have that hint of a marrying type of person. I'm no relationship expert but when it comes to getting a point across I think I have so much experience in that department.

There is also certain nostalgia about giving people high ticket items such as furniture. It comes to them as a security blanket so you won't fear they would be just left hanging anytime. I usually buy them when the time comes to live together. You get to see how she is in her natural environment. I also get to see how different she is after the dating phase where you mostly see only the best foot forward. In hindsight, you get to have your apartment or house redecorated with the best natural wood which I love so much in that shabby chic feel I usually see in lifestyle channels. I love how my room ends up even after the relationship fails. I get to have what I need on investment furniture and have my partner happy at the same time. It's hitting two birds with one stone; who am I to complain?! So make sure you get them that bar or bed you love when the need arises. I got the best of both worlds and you should too!