How time has past!

Oh I know it has been such a long time since I have posted. Of course it has also been such a long time since I have seen the light of day. Well almost.

As of this Saturday, I have just finished my 2 year journey at Gwinnett Technical College earning my Commercial Photography Degree. Myself and 18 other students were able to hit the ground running and finish our portfolio in 5 weeks (normally 10). Such a crazy thought!

I some how squeaked by and also won "Best Portfolio" for the class. Yea me! I have to be able to celebrate a little right? Anyways, overall there were a lot of people who finished with great work and I am very happy for all who managed to hang in there and finish along with me.

Vida!

I went and did a shoot with Vida, a model that I had also found through a casting call. We decided to go to a local train museum and have a bit of fun. This was the first time we had shot together and I thought it went well.
Of course my favorite shot of the day was taken inside a very reflective, metal lined hallway. Oh and did I mention that you almost had to walk down it sideways because of how narrow it was? And Jeremy had to stand behind him with a flash? Good times! Well in the end, I think we got some really fun shots.

I definitely used some of my Photoshop skills that I had learned from my Digital Imaging classes at Gwinnett Technical College from Mr. David Jones. Two shots in particular were the ones with Vida in the hallway and the one of him inside the bus. Both shots have multiple images composited into each one. It was a lot of work, but in the end I think it worked out.

I guess you can let me know what you think.

Ahhh Aga!

I decided I need to put more of my updated pics on here for all of the one person who reads my blog. Just kidding. Over the past few months I have been trying to do a lot of model shoots. Since portfolio is rapidly approaching I need to step up my game. Or at least that is what I keep telling myself. So, instead of trying to just sit and ponder ideas, I decided to try and be proactive.

I meet beautiful Aga through a model site. I put a casting call and she answered. Yea! I ended up going to a secret awesome location with my friend Jeremy Barton, as my awesome assistant. Aga is fairly new to the modeling scene, but she did great. It was freezing outside however she was very professional. Although she was covered in goosebumps she did not let you frostbite show.

Overall it was a great shoot. Thanks again to Aga and Jeremy.

KISS! (Keep it simple stupid)

OK! We are nearing the end of the quarter, but still have a TON to do. Next week we have a product shot due and I have been tirelessly searching for ideas.

I just came across this photographer Kevin Van Aeist by searching around on the web. He has a very unique way of looking at the world and putting ideas into great photos. The funny thing is, his photos are relatively simple ideas. He uses things you can find around the house and composes amazing photos. Kinda makes you just sit there and go...I with I would of thought of that.

If you have a free moment or two I would highly suggest checking him out. Might even make you rethink the way you look at things yourself.

Super Mamika by Sacha Goldberger

I was searching for new ideas for my product assignment at school and was cruising on the web. I came across this site called Koj Koj Koj. Then I saw this awesome photography piece by a photographer Sacha Goldberger on their site. It is called Super Mamika.  It is about his grandmother who he convinced to dress like a superhero. I think it is really great and just had to share.

http://koikoikoi.com/2010/12/super-mamika-by-sacha-goldberger/

VICA! 1st Place!

OK. I know this is a delayed post, but better late than never right. A few weeks back at school, we had the VICA contest aka Skills USA. This is a yearly contest that is held at Gwinnett Technical College (for photography students). It is first at our school, then you go compete against another GA college, then if you win, that you go to Nationals.
Well anyways I am pleased to announce that I placed first in the first leg of the competition. Yeah!
Needless to say I was very surprised. Well I am glad that I placed and am eager to go to state and see what happens.
Here is my image below...can you guess the theme we had to shoot for?

Congrats Phoenix Atl!!!!!!!!!

On Feb 3rd, 2011 Phoenix was put out there for all the world to see on David Magazine of Atlanta. She is a wonderful Drag queen in the Atlanta area and is on the current season of RuPaul's Drag race show.
Here is the link to see her beautiful face. http://davidatlanta.com/?p=1218

Although I am very happy for her, I must admit I am a bit happy myself. The picture on the cover is MINE. It is my first published piece/s. Phoenix and I did a wonderful photo shoot back in the beginning of December and it was awesome. Poor Phoenix was freezing because of the weather that was about 30 something degrees. She rocked it though and I think you would agree. The photos turned out great!!! I have included some that were not in the magazine just so you can see more of the awesome pics and great location.

Congrats again to Phoenix. You are amazing and can't wait to shoot with you again.

Through the Looking Glass!!!

I have been trying to get back in the swing of things with school now that the snow has melted. Between the moments of excitement and blowing steadily in a brown paper bag, I try to gather my thoughts and lay out the things I need to accomplish.
I have recently looked at Portfolio cases for my future works of art. I found a really awesome case on www.looking-luggage.com. It is called Looking Glass.
There is an awesome one that has a acrylic clear front and another with a great felt front. I really like both, but can't decide yet.
Either way at least I have narrowed down my decision...I think. If you have thoughts on why or why not I should get one or another, please feel free to weigh in. After all this is my first time doing this...I can always use more advice...

Snow Day...I mean Week Project!

With the crazy weather in Georgia I have been stuck at home. I have decided to work on a calender for my grandma in Cali. Since, I have been in school I have not been able to send her updated pics of my son. I know I am terrible! However I am going to try and make it better with the calender.
While putting together the pics I came across this one. It is from last year, around Easter on a camping trip. Memphis loves to fish and it just so happened that he would get water in his boots and on his pants almost every time he did it. Hence, the pants hanging from the tent.
Yes I know it is not the smiley picture that you may think should go in a calender, but I just really love it none the less. So now I am sharing it with you and you can see what you think.

Whatcha been doin?

I have recently finished my 5th quarter at Gwinnett Tech. I am doing great and at the same time fearful that the end is near. In the mean time I am trying to sharpen my skills and get a lot of practice with various shoots and models.
Recently, I meet Nick and Nate. They are brothers who are great, awesome, and new upcoming models. I have been able to practice my skills on them and they have been practicing their skills with me. I can't wait to shoot with them again because they are just so much fun to shoot and be around. Here are a few pics from a couple of our shoots.

I've got time for that...(learned part 3) (image from internet) OK. If you have meet me you would realize that I don't like to spend to much time in front of the computer. Yeah that seems a bit strange since I have been posting a lot as of late. Well I have, but that doesn't mean I enjoy it. I would rather be shooting or spending time with my family. Can you blame me? So you can only imagine how excited I was when Mr. Jones told us about Pixelpipe. This awesome sight allows you to link all of your sights like Blogger, Facebook, Twitter, Flicker, YouTube, etc, etc all with one click of your mouse. It makes all my posts go directly to all of my blogs at one time sent from one place. Basically a one stop shop like a SuperTarget. Yeah! I am sure glad I learned of this awesome tool in my Multimedia class. It hopefully will save me lots of time in the future.

(image from internet)

OK. If you have meet me you would realize that I don't like to spend to much time in front of the computer. Yeah that seems a bit strange since I have been posting a lot as of late. Well I have, but that doesn't mean I enjoy it. I would rather be shooting or spending time with my family. Can you blame me?
So you can only imagine how excited I was when Mr. Jones told us about Pixelpipe. This awesome sight allows you to link all of your sights like Blogger, Facebook, Twitter, Flicker, YouTube, etc, etc all with one click of your mouse. It makes all my posts go directly to all of my blogs at one time sent from one place. Basically a one stop shop like a SuperTarget. Yeah!
I am sure glad I learned of this awesome tool in my Multimedia class. It hopefully will save me lots of time in the future.

One thing I figured out...You know before I started my Multimedia class this quarter I was very intimidated by blogging and actually a lot of technology in general. Then Mr. Jones threw, I mean introduced us gently into the word of blogging. He opened my eyes to how many websites are out there that make it super easy to tell the world all about you. Oh and its mostly FREE! I have been introduced to Blogger, Wordpress, Pixelpipe, Tumbler, Twitter, Flicker and even new stuff on Facebook. I never knew that people out there knew about people like me and created such dumbed down sites that virtually anyone can use. Awesome!

You know before I started my Multimedia class this quarter I was very intimidated by blogging and actually a lot of technology in general. Then Mr. Jones threw, I mean introduced us gently into the word of blogging. He opened my eyes to how many websites are out there that make it super easy to tell the world all about you. Oh and its mostly FREE! I have been introduced to Blogger, Wordpress, Pixelpipe, Tumbler, Twitter, Flicker and even new stuff on Facebook. I never knew that people out there knew about people like me and created such dumbed down sites that virtually anyone can use. Awesome!
I have learned to not be afraid of blogging anymore. It is my friend and only wants to help me succeed. Maybe next I will take on power tools.

(P.S. pic from the internet)

Let's take a moment to reflect...

As the quarter is coming to an end, lets take a moment to reflect. I have now been at Gwinnett Tech for a 1 year and a quarter in the Commercial Photography program. During that time I have taken many classes with a one, Mr. David Allen Jones. He has thought me many things that I will take with me for many moons after our classes together come to an end.
One important thing that I have learned while under his wing is that people will not find out about you, what you do, or what you create unless you tell them via blogs, tweets, Facebook, and any other way that you can shout it from the rooftops...or at least the internet.
People need to see that you are working and producing a product, otherwise it can all be just hear say. And I know we all have people in our lives that are just the talkers and not the doers. I have learned that you must be a doer and constantly tell people that you are one as well. It is the fastest and most efficient way to grow your business and success. Well at least it helps a lot. So get out there and talk about yourself! It may just make you famous...

Phoenix - Fashion Shoot

Yesterday I went to shoot my Fashion shot for my portrait class at Gwinnett Tech. Phoenix of Atlanta was my lovely model. We had the idea of beauty in a decaying place. Phoenix rocked it and was beautiful. My friend/classmate Jeremy was an awesome assistant and a big help.
I think the image turned out great. Can't wait to shoot with Phoenix again.

Contact my Flicker

Here is the link to my Flicker Photo account. http://www.flickr.com/photos/starrpetronellaphotography/

another check...1...2

Hey everybody I am now on Tumbler

http://starrpetronella.tumblr.com/

Let me Fill Your Flash!

Hey everyone it is almost Turkey Day. I hope everyone is well and ready to pig out. As for myself, I am sick. Yuck. Well I have been trying to take it easy and do some research online about speed lights and fill flash. I came across a simple video online by 365daysproject  on YouTube that gives you the first baby steps on how to get a nice look with flash. Hopefully it will be helpful to some or at least start your interest in the subject for the ones who need it.

What da Tumblr?

OK after I posted my last post I realized that many people may not even know what Tumblr is yet. After all I had no clue and am just finding out about this new and upcoming phenomenon. Basically, it is a blog that has similarities to Twitter and Facebook and a blog and website. Tumbler is basically building and fine tuning media that is out there and making it their own. On their site they have 30 reasons to use Tumbler . Here you can get a sneak peak into what they can do.

If you still need more info I found this article on Fast Company by Chris Tannen, that also talks about Tumblr a bit more.

I am not necessarily recommending anyone to use this, I am simply introducing you to it. Who knows you may use it and love it. Then you can thank me for introducing it to you. Just kidding! If you don't like it blame my instructor, Mr. Jones.

Tumblr Your Muthar...

For my Mutimedia class with Mr. Jones we had to research some blogs on Tumblr.  I had not heard of the site before so I went to investigate further. I went to the directory and searched for photographers. I then noticed that there are tags that different members can post on a blog to say how much they may like it. I thought this was a neat feature. The blogs are also similar to some Wordpress sites in the simplicity that they show. I found some blogs I fancied. I don't necessarily love all the site, but there are certain features I found interesting.

1) The - Photographist - I like the header with the photo on the top, title included. It also seems easy to navigate.

2) Mr. IG Art & Photography- Simple, could be a bit easier to find contact info though.

3) Aviram/Lerner Photography- The feel of this blog is very simple and easy to navigate. They also had other ways to find them on Twitter, YouTube, and Vimeo. Easy to find contact info. They also had videos on their blog with pictures.

4) From Me to You - Has a different design and vibe. Neat little designs for the links, archives and blog things on the right side. It still has a simple feel to it.

5) DK Photoblog - I love that this site is just black and white with a splash of gray. Click on the Archive link on the left and then you get a screen full of pictures and links to past posts all in one page. I really like the way this looks. Another thing I like is that the posts are tagged with key words. When you click on a key word then it pulls up all posts tagged with that word. I thought this was a nice feature.

Hopefully after looking at all of these sites I now have a direction to make a Tumblr blog/site if I want/have to...