Sawako Tribal Bellydance

Over the weekend we had the chance to shoot Sawako Ama. Tribal Belly Dancer. 
Photographer Ed Carly assisted me in this shoot and we had a blast.  We shot at her Dance/Yoga Studio.  Her studio had a beautiful aroma of incense in the air.. 

We shot for about 3 hours altogether and we got some amazing images.  Sawako is from Japan. She was born and raised in a Buddhist temple in the south part of Japan, Later in life she traveled and settled in Sacramento.  She teaches Belly Tribal Dance in her studio in Fair Oaks, California.   She was featured in the Sacramento Press News. “Sawako Ama was my favorite. She kept my attention,” said Merssia Enriquez.

You can read more about her and get direction to her studio here: http://www.meetup.com/sawako-tribal-bellydance/members/12330600/

We shot lots of action images of her dancing.  For now here is a standing portrait for her files.  Lighting, One 45 degree back camera right and one Soft Box Spot in front.

Belly dance or Bellydance is one of the most exotic and can be one of the most erotic forms of dance.

Western-coined name for a traditional Middle Eastern dance, specifically Egyptian ghawazi dance in the 19th century, and raqs sharqi (Arabic: رقص شرقي‎) in the 20th century. The term is sometimes extended to include all traditional Middle Eastern dances.
The term "belly dance" is a translation of the French danse du ventre which was applied to oriental dance in the Victorian era. The term is somewhat misleading, as every part of the body is involved; the most featured body part usually is the hips. Belly dance takes different forms in different regions, both in costume and dance style, and new styles have evolved in the West as its popularity has spread globally.
Other traditions either included under the term, or often cross-trained by belly dancers include Romani dance, Persian dance and the dances of Central Asia.

2010 Gulf Photo Plus :: The Shootout with David Hobby and Joey L.

Photography Clubs in the Arab States...!
http://www.zarias.com/gulf-photo-plus-the-shootout-with-david-hobby-and-joey-l/

Some of the Biggest Photography events in the world happen in the Middle East.  Positive Information about Arab states are cencored all over the US.  Why?  Because politcal forces in the US need a boogy man for you to fear.  So you don't hear about event like this..!!!

While I was stationed in the middle east on military duty I discovered Glamour, Commercial and Middle Eastern Boudoir Photography..

Here is a Photo Shootout..! Dubai Studio City in Dubai, sponsored a Photographers Shootout featuring some of Americas Editorial/Commerical Photographers. Here is a video featuring one such shoot out with american photographer David Hobby.
http://www.zarias.com/gulf-photo-plus-the-shootout-with-david-hobby-and-joey-l/

Also, WPPI Convention has its counterpart in the Middle East sponsor by GPP..
 http://www.gulfphotoplus.com/

What Do I Need in a Model Portfolio?

Portfolios and Comp Cards

 "What do I need in a model portfolio?".

Whether you are looking to be a fashion, commercial, or glamour model can effect what images you decide to use. Preteen, teen, female, and male models also might want to focus on different types of shots. There is a lot of room to be creative and to help yourself stand out and get noticed, which can help you get work. There are some types of shots that are typically included.

Pictures in Your Book
Great photos of yourself in a wide variety of poses or situations so that you can showcase your versatility.

The standard shots include a head shot, a full body shot in some fashion (usually taken in a swim suit), and a close up shot (can be shot indoors or outdoors with ambient light and with little or no makeup ) at the very least.
Usually you want to include some sort of artistic shot as well.

There is no fast set rule either about whether the images should be black and white or color, so you might want to use a mix.

Get noticed!!
Only the absolute best should go into your portfolio, and you want to limit the number to a reasonable amount, such as something between eight and twenty photos tends to be considered optimal.

Image Print Size
Usually 8 x 10 or 9 x 12.  Bigger is better.

Include your resume as well.  Usually its attached on the back of your head shot.  If you don't have much of a resume' don't worry.  Any experience to good. Have a good atitude, be on time for you shoots, appointments and be happy. 

What are Comp Cards?
Another related question has to do with composite cards commonly known as comp cards. These are usually 6x9" cards with a headshot on the front. Flip it over and you'll see anywhere between 4 to 6 images on the back along with the model's statistics. A sample of the stats to include is ...

• NAME
• ADDRESS
• CONTACT PHONE NUMBER
• EMAIL and/or WEBSITE
• TYPE OF MODELING ( i.e. commercial, fashion, runway, event, glamour, artistic, etc.)
• HEIGHT
• WEIGHT
• BUST SIZE (WOMEN)
• WAIST SIZE
• HIP SIZE ( FEMALE )
• SHOE SIZE
• EYE COLOR
• HAIR COLOR

These are things the modeling agency or talent scout will be interested in. Comp cards are great because they are very inexpensive (+ or - $125.00 per hundred, full color) and give them to the agent to keep on file. Professional models use them and so should you.


It is also a good idea to check out the submission requirements of the agencies that you are hoping to work for before creating your modeling portfolio. Ford, IMG, or Elite, for example, might require something specific ( especially geared toward tall girls and guys ) and you want to make sure that both you and your portfolio fit what they are looking for.

Practice your posing so that you'll be ready for the photographer to create a killer modeling portfolio you'll be proud to show. The first step to success is to make it happen by being prepared. Contact me of any additional questions.
http://www.dandmstudios.zenfolio.com/

Promotional Portraits

All the guys in the picture is me..! 

I been working on promotional portraits using one person lots of time in one photos.  If your a Musician and need a CD cover with something unique then you might like this.  This is also a great fashion promo if your a model. 

Got an idea?  Email me and we will give it a try...!
Here is my self portrait with that concept.
I can do this for you.  In the city, at the park, in your home. at a club.  Whats your idea?

Funny Pictures

AAAhh...!!!! GIANT BABY...RUN..!!!!

I love photographing kids..!    They can't keep still..!!!    So just go with the flow.  Move around with them..!! 

But if a MOM does want a sitting portrait of there little one. I do have a few tricks in my camera bag including toys.   The key is to be patient and wait for a few right moments.  Get down at their eye level. Take all the time you need to get the right shot.  But in between the right shots. HAVE SOME FUN..!!!  

Here is GIANT BABY...AHHHH...!!!  SHE WANTS HER BA BA....!!!!  RUN...!!!!

Head Shots

My friend Lynn who is also a photographer by the way.  Wanted to shoot with me. We were taking a class on Fine Art Wedding Portraiture Photography.  I had learned all about loop lighting, butterfly, split and  Rembrandt lighting.  

I wanted to try some shots without the 4 lighting classics.  I abandoned the ratio associated with lighting too and elected to light straight on.  The problem with this type of lighting is that you can wash out the definition of the subject face.  So you have to have make up on extra heavy AND you have to make sure the exposure is totally correct.  Yeah, yeah yeah, I know...!  You can shoot, adjust the exposure, Shoot, adjust, shoot adjust.
But when you are at my level of experience you do it right the first time, small adjustments and then adjust to get the effect you want.  Hey thats what I get paid for. Not by time to do the shoot but by my experience to get the shot right..! 

 Lynn was the model and we brought in a make up artist to make her up.  Oh, did I mention she is also a photographer?  Lynn photograph families portraits, children and pets.  She is also a great model as you can see. We shot pin ups too..!!! 
Anyway, If you need her services let me know. 

Ok, So we shot a series and I put these together as a acting head collage.  I LIKE THIS LIGHTING..!  :)

 Lynn did some acting to make this photo pop..!!!  Very little retouch.  Now I added this to my lighting technique for models and people.  What do you think?    I want you all to try it and send me your result.!  I will post it if you like..! 

Modeling | Acting Portfolio

Tiffiny graduated from Sac State and the weekend she left she called me up and wanted to know if I can do a Acting / Modeling photoshoot for her. We shot and the next day she left for LA. She is attending law school and auditioning for commercials or what ever she can get.  She liked her portfolio alot and used the images I shot to give to agents. 
 If your an Actor, Dancer, or Model you will need a portfolio.  I have photographed Head Shots, Comp Card images and Portfolios for people to build their ports for themselves and for casting agencies. Some of the agencies in town want you to go to their photographers.  Pay them $600.00 or more and give the agencies a kick back.  Your in and out in 45 mins what they shot is what you get.  Don't fall for that. Come see me and I will shoot till you get the images you like.  Lets see what we can do for you.

Funny Pictures

I love funny pictures. If you have some send them to me....  Don't have to be politically correct...!!

Photo Session with Rob Slusser...! Photographer

Rob and I are taking Advance Studio Lighting classes at CRC. We are in our last classes to get our certificates.  We both been shooting for years but we always wanted to catch that elusive certificate in Photography, Fine Art Photography, etc
Anyway, Janna was in town and wanted to shoot.  Here is a before and after image of Janna.  I always retouch all my images.  This is just a quick touch up but you can see some differences.  Take look what do you think?
Michael