Via Flickr:
dude, this baby is so cool! For being my first prototype I have a few improvements I want to address in the next DIY softbox, but this is a very good construction that goes flat for travel and transport.
If you are interested in the directions I used, see here
I changed up a few things because I couldnt find some materials.
I used 12 gauge wire from Joann's or Micheals (or your local craft store) which was a better and easy wire to use. It set me back about 4 dollars but I messed up my wire hanger and didnt have another one lying around.
I also made the diffusion part cutting out a 1/2" frame of coroplast that fit the edge of softbox and spray glued a white piece of shower curtain I bought from the dollar store. I also covered part of the edges of the softbox with soft side velcro to help with the side spill of light - guess it didnt work out - I'll have to address this with the next soft box. Plus the sign guy I bought the corrugated plastic from didnt have black, but he said he could order it for me when I needed it. For being so cheap for such a large size (ten dollars for half a sheet, which is at least 5'x5') I can make at least 4 more of these. Its a great size. Mine is 10"x10" of light.
I took some sample photos of it in use (See below), and cant wait to use it Saturday on my model shoot :)
PS. Kerry says I need to start a blog of all the photography stuff I make and talk about. All I do is ramble on and on about what I learn and what I do. I think hes getting tired of me talking about it lol
What do you guys think?
Project 365 Year 2: Day 44
Thursday, June 23, 2011
DIY Speedlight Softbox | Day 44/365
Monday, June 20, 2011
Ghostbusters | Day 41/365
Via Flickr:
I have no idea what day it is in my 365Y2. I'm sure Im way behind because I always seem to find myself without either A) my camera (shame on me!) or B) my card reader (again, shame on me!)
I owe you guys a few more photos and to figure out if I am still in order. Life has been either very slow (more sleep!) or very fast (a few back to back shoots). I cant wait until it gets a bit more steady.
I'm still looking for work, but a lot of my friends (including some of you) have suggested I build up my photography business, so until I find a pretty interesting career - I'll be Zee Anna Photography!
It would be great help if you all at least became a fan so we can keep in touch since Ive been on and off flickr lately - and if you have a fan page - by all means LET ME KNOW so I can go become a fan too!!
I have been jamming out to the ghostbusters theme song and changing all the words to suit my creative flow while editing photos - it is awesome and yes I am weird.
Im hoping to stay in contact with you all as soon as I can steady up my life and realize that I am not a college student anymore :)
Project 365 Year 2: Day 41
Back to the normally like to shoot: Simple & FGR: minimalistic
Sunday, June 19, 2011
voyeuristic
Via Flickr:
that is exactly how I described this idea to Alyssa and Myles this evening. We had a safe engagement session around sunset, it was super cute - then we got really creative.
We thought it was going to rain so we took all the "safe" photos first and planned on playing in the rain, but it never hit!
Then we all went out for dinner and drinks and I kept seeing all these awesome photos in my head as we were walking around. What great sports! Together, we totally got some sweet shots.
I am SO EXCITED for their wedding next month. They are awesome and Im hoping to be their neighbor come August!!!
More to come :)
Monday, June 13, 2011
Lips | Day 33/365
Via Flickr:
It's out of order, but I'm making up my lost 365 days.
dude, I have serious lips. that is insane!!
Project 365 Year 2: Day 33
Monday, May 30, 2011
I Know Your Girlfriend Hates Me | Day 22/365
Via Flickr:
"I know your girlfriend hates me
I see it in her eyes
The way she looks right on me
It opens up in time
I know your girlfriend hates me
See you know it’s true
The way she hangs upon you
And watches every move, come on
Girl you think you’re something
But have I got news for you (who)
I don’t mind
If it’s the cold and sadistic you like
But now I’m thinking
Who’s wearing your trousers now
She’s no good
Oh stop pretending she’s misunderstood
I heard her saying it’s either me or her
Smell the coffee, boy, and open your eyes
Life’s too long for you to get it wrong"
I Know Your Girlfriend Hates Me by Annie
I stumbled upon Annie as I was searching Grooveshark for songs to listen to since Pandora ran out of hours this month. I'm in love.
I have this thing about Euro Pop, I love it hahaha.
anyways, there is some buzz going on over at 500px (http://500px.com/gsalicki/blog/3994) regarding their ability of keeping copyright law intact and not annoying people. I think it is a necessary read, especially since a lot of us are over there already.
This is an evolving issue, the ability to protect photographers. Not every image can be protected, we can all place our own measures of protection (overlays, copyright notices, embedded information, metadata information, watermarks) but the avenues that we use to help express our art is being threatened. Should we give up everyone that views our images the ability to use them for personal use? (because apparently our servers are doing that)
Every time something creative is posted or shared on the internet, it is up for grabs for anyone. Those that find value in their work tend to go the extra mile to deter would-be infringers. Education is key to keeping everyone happy regarding this issue. But not everyone knows copyright laws.
This is the frustrating part in the debate to post anything on the internet. As for how I would like my images to be shared with the world through flickr? I disabled blogging of my images, I disabled the ability to download the images, sometimes on important images I watermark, but that is not going to stop someone from taking my image. I understand that and am prepared for those people who just dont understand copyright.
Flickr has turned into the new image search engine for marketing depts looking for cheap photos. But Flickr has acted as well as they can to address this issue. You can see the license status of the image, and you can request use of it if the user has enabled this feature via Getty Images.
For now, 500px seems to be for the viewer, for the user, not necessarily for creators of art or images. That is such a shame, because I really liked that site.
At least Flickr is, for now, for the photographer.
The world is changing as we have to change with it.
PS I am looking for a copyright lawyer who can help explain to me certain aspects of the law. One of the users from 500px brought up some interesting issues regarding the copyright law and I am willing to make trades of photography for some advice. If you can help me I would like that very much and it would be greatly appreciated!
Until then, strobist info: Lumopro LP160 bare, 1/16 zoomed 24mm, boomed camera right 45 degrees.
Project 365 Year 2: Day 22
Saturday, May 14, 2011
rolling in the deep | day 7/365
Via Flickr:
"There's a fire starting in my heart
Reaching a fever pitch, and it's bringing me out the dark
Finally I can see you crystal clear
Go ahead and sell me out and I'll lay your shit bare
See how I'll leave with every piece of you
Don't underestimate the things that I will do"
Rolling in the Deep by Adele
30 Day Song Challenge: a song that reminds you of a certain event
Project 365 Year 2: Day 7
This song reminds me of a series of events in my life last summer when I was deeply betrayed and thrown under the bus. Because of those events I am more selective on who my friends are, who I work with, and in general, who I bring into my life. What happened last summer was a very difficult time and not a lot of people knew what was going on. I didnt talk about it, because it wasn't necessary. THEY talked about it - nonstop - about how they were "fucked over" by me, how I was the "bitch" and how I made everyone "hate" them. All this happened after I told them I did not want to work with them or be their friend anymore.
Don't worry, when it got to that point, I had already suffered enough emotionally, and had enough of their childish ways. Now I am glad they are out of my life, because they would have brought me down.
strobist info: AB800, behind camera, shoot thru umbrella, 1/16 power.
Ring: Cupcake Ring (given to me by Kerry! <3) by Amanda Jaron: www.ajaron.com
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boys of summer | day 6/365
Via Flickr:
"out on the road today
i saw a dead head sticker on a cadillac
a voice inside my head said don't look back
you can never look back
i thought i knew what love was
what did i know
those days are gone for ever
i should just let them go..."
Boys of Summer by Don Henley
30 Day Song Challenge: a song that reminds you of somewhere
Project 365 Year 2: Day 6
This is not what I had in mind for this song, but it will do for now until the weather cooperates and I can actually go do my other photo idea.
Today was great, slept for 13 hours (making up for the lack of sleep for the past 3 years while in college), did a two hour event coverage for Photographic Images by Jim, and had dinner and went to bike night with Kerry. Tomorrow we're going to a photographer friend's birthday party - he turns 30 :)
strobist info: AB800, behind camera, shoot thru umbrella, 1/16 power.
Ring: Cupcake Ring (given to me by Kerry! <3) by Amanda Jaron: www.ajaron.com
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Friday, May 13, 2011
sultans of swing | day 5/365
Via Flickr:
"And then the man he steps right up to the microphone
And says at last just as the time bell rings
'Goodnight, now it's time to go home'
And he makes it fast with one more thing
'We are the Sultans... We are the Sultans of Swing'"
Sultans of Swing by Dire Straits
I was having a hard time figuring out what song to play when my very good friend Sultan called and his ringtone played - sultans of swing.
a few months ago we thought it would be hilarious if this was his ringtone - so I did it. Because it was so uncommon for me to meet someone with a name like Sultan, it's not hard to forget him. When sultans of swing plays I always think of him.
I got an e-mail reply saying that a phone interview will be scheduled next week. I take it this is good news, but I'm so out of practice and it makes me nervous. Things are looking good. :)
30 Day Song Challenge: Day 5 - a song that reminds you of someone
Project 365 Year 2: day 5
*This is in the walk in humidor at one of the cigar bars I frequent. It's also part of how Sultan and I became friends in the first place (Sultan is pictured with me)
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Project 365 | Year 2
Since then, I have graduated from Florida Gulf Coast University and have finished that chapter in my life. Now that a new chapter is forming, I want to document this; project 365 | Year 2 was born.
On May 9th, 2011; I took my first photo of a year long personal project that is much more to me now then it was when I attempted this again last year. This time, it's much more personal to me. It's not a story of my life, but glimpses into my day and my mind. I won't bore you all with long blog-like posts on my photos. I want my photos to convey their own stories and emotions.
So enjoy my good AND bad days, follow me on my journey, join me as I grow up and become a legit adult.
Day 1.365.Y2
dreamwork | day 3/365
Via Flickr:
"I've never dreamt the dreams Im dreaming now
I feel like kissing you
Pushing back your pretty hair and place it behind your ear
Im downtown dreaming with you
And man I feel like, fell like I can reach the sky oh I
Just grab you when I know its right tonight
And just dance the night away just going with what you say
And now I dont feel the pressure and now I just need a refresher
Oh and you, and you, just do what you do"
Dreamwork by Kill Paradise
30 Day Song Challenge: a song that makes you happy
I love this song. I had heard it first on pandora, and forgot I had downloaded it into my itouch until it just played one day - and I was hooked.
my friend told his two bosses about me and they told him to tell me to skip the recruiter altogether; the guy in charge with my application is going to e-mail me back some time this week with the job description. I'm very nervous and anxious. I really want this, I actually want to grow up.
I created my gift certificate/gift cards today, sent them off to moo to get printed and cant wait until they get here!
Things are looking up, but I dont want it all to seem too good to be true and come crashing down on me. wish me luck - I'm attempting to be a grown up.
p.s. i left my camera gear at home so Kerry so happily loaned me his gear to snap this. He's so sweet. :)
Project 365 Year 2: day 3
strobist info: lamp light front camera right.
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Tuesday, May 10, 2011
stay | day 2/365
Via Flickr:
"I've been sitting here staring at the clock on the wall
And I've been laying here praying, praying she won't call
It's just another call from home
And you'll get it and be gone
And I'll be crying
And I'll be begging you, baby
Beg you not to leave
But I'll be left here waiting
With my Heart on my sleeve
Oh, for the next time we'll be here
Seems like a million years
And I think I'm dying
What do I have to do to make you see
She can't love you like me?"
stay by sugarland
I. absolutely. hate. this. song.
and dont get me wrong, I love love love sugarland. I just hate the idea about this song. I have this thing about cheating. I hate it, I dont condone it, and I have very little respect for people who do it. But I'm not here to tell someone how to live their life - I just need to live mine.
I put in my resume for a position that I have been eyeing since before April and it's finally in the works to be posted. My friend pulled a few strings and got me to get my things in early. I'm so thankful for the friends I have in my life and I really really really really am excited AND nervous about this job. I REALLY REALLY REALLY want it.
I hope I get it. Dont worry - I wont stop being a photographer just because I have a day job. :)
30 Day Song Challenge: Day 2 - your least favorite song
Project 365 Year 2: day 2
May 10, 2011
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Monday, May 9, 2011
the good life
Via Flickr:
"Sometimes there's airplanes I can' t jump out
Sometimes there's bullshit that don't work now
We are god of stories but please tell me-e-e-e
What there is to complain about
When you're happy like a fool
Let it take you over
When everything is out
You gotta take it in
Hopelessly
I feel like there might be something that I'll miss
Hopelessly
I feel like the window closes oh so quick
Hopelessly
I'm taking a mental picture of you now
'Cuz hopelessly
The hope is we have so much to feel good about"
Good Life by One Republic
new hair cut, new graduate, new chapter in my life.
I'm enjoying this.
Photo for Day 1 of the 30 Day Song Challenge - Your Favorite Song
Photo Info: Lighting - Bare Bulb about 6ft high 45 degrees behind camera 1/16 power AB800 | Idea - I wanted to go vogue-ish and show off my new hair :)
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Let the Show Begin!
Via Flickr:
Last spring, I took Miss Bunky to see Circus Sarasota when they visited Fort Myers. I have never been to the circus so this was a big treat for both of us. I finally got around to editing photos, but as I was looking through them, I couldnt help remember how it felt to re-experience this time again.
it was awesome.
see some more below.
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Saturday, April 23, 2011
Mini Me
Via Flickr:
This little girl has some sass!!
it was freaking me out when I finally met my little cousin Kati. She's three and a few months now, but jesus does she act like me, talk like me, walk like me, does the same expressions as me and uses her cuteness to her advantage - basically ME.
We had a little run in when she got off the plane: "Listen little girl, there is only room enough in this household for one princess and that is me"
Kerry laughed and told me I was getting jealous.
Later, i said something to her about her being too much like me and it was freaking me out, she goes "I know, I'm a lot like you."
hahaha she's so cute, but that girl strikes poses like nobody's business.
A photographer's dream I tell ya (sound familiar? ;P)
anyways my family is all funneling in, in the next two weeks and it's getting exciting. I get to babysit Mini Me for a week, so I'm going to do the mommy-thing. then realize I never want children. HA.
more to come, and some more in the comments.
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Thursday, April 21, 2011
Little Blue
Via Flickr:
Ah, so Alibubba wasnt feeling very happy a week or so ago, so Kerry and I made her a care package - well she already had a blue wig, so I decided to keep it for myself - since my blonde one was destroyed and ended up on our miley cyrus pumpkin (joke, we're not big fans).
anyways, since I earned those beads a while back, I had this genius photo idea that I didnt quite execute, but it's good enough.
finished my last project and paper today. Going to finish my last grant proposal and I'll be smooth sailing until graduation. My family is funneling in tomorrow, my older brother is leaving Iraq as we speak and in a week everyone will be here for the big walk.
super excited. now I'm just exhausted and ready for bed.
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Sunday, April 17, 2011
A Midnight's Summer Dream
Via Flickr:
yeah, I did it. I totally just played off Shakespeare. lol
This was a total impromptu shoot, it was actually more like, hey you guys are together and I want to try this out at 1.8.
Jason and Tabby are two amazing people. I am so glad that Kerry introduced us.
This weekend has been so much fun, Kerry and I went back over to Miami to attend a baby shower for my best friend's sister's new baby, we hit up Tate's Comics to stock up on comic books and we met up with Burnt Umber (who gave me a bad ass steampunk nerf gun) and David Pulgar and GC for dinner and some street photography.
Finally home, had to upload some photos. then off to bed for work early tomorrow.
I really do love my life.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Gulf Shore
Via Flickr:
Gulf Shore - "Preserving the Fun in Life"
Had a blast doing this truly, impromptu photo shoot with one of the "founding fathers".
be sure to check out Gulf Shore's facebook page: www.facebook.com/gulfshore and "Like" them!
Please let me know what you think! I'm very excited to announce that Zee Anna Photography (me) has been asked to be the exclusive photographer for Gulf Shore!
Big things are in store for the coming months. Very excited! :)
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More in the Comments!
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
8 on the Break
Via Flickr:
Okay so the 8 was not made on the break, but bare with me :P
So, this is an outtake from the Cigar Bar Calendar I did last year for 2011. It's been long enough and I want to post photos. :)
I had such a great time photographing all the gorgeous women who made me laugh and made my job easier.
More to come as I edit them. :)
Strobist: funny thing, I had to improvise using a Strongbow bottle box as a snoot. It was pretty badass and gave me the right lighting because I did NOT want to get rid of this gorgeous ambient light.
I think it was 1/16 power. I cant be sure lol
Sunday, April 10, 2011
"You are the Faith that Makes Me Believe"
Via Flickr:
Sigh, I love Slumdog Millionaire.
anyways, I had a great event at Burn by Rocky Patel today for their private locker members party. It was so nice again to be back and see everyone.
Even though I was hired to photograph the event, I could NOT help myself when the sun was beaming through the open doors like this. And Karina, Rocky Patel's friend was perfectly positioned to be my subject. She's gorgeous and this song struck me immediately.
"Dreams on Fire" From Slumdog Millionaire
Saturday, April 9, 2011
In All Flickr Glory
Via Flickr:
Had a BLAST visiting long time friends and flickrs Invisible Cirkus and Shannon Jax with Kerry in Hollywood today. We met the ever spunky SooSee.Q, her husband Maando, the gorgeous The Lady Margaret and her Husband Paguma! I had such a great time and it was so long overdue.
There is something about flickrs that is distinctive different than any other "photography related group". I have never felt inadequate, out of place, or an outsider when I meet new flickrs.
and the best part - we all become lasting friends.
I cant wait until the next time I see these AMAZING people again!!
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
President's Lecture Series featuring Former First Lady: Laura Bush
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Can You Relate?
Via Flickr:
I'm very far behind in Project SoulPancake. I'm just now catching up on Week Three while everyone else is already on Week Nine. I'm far behind on my journey to help develop my soul, and I've been left behind. Sometimes I hate when life gets in the way of my creativity.
There have been moments in the past 6 weeks that I have felt that I'd rather have someone punch me really hard then to deal with those issues. Life is handing me so much more than I thought I can handle, and my priorities have been shaken.
School or work? Photography or a real job? The realization that I am an adult now and have responsibilities freaks me out. The idea that all my friends are getting married or having children freaks me out. I feel like I'm being left behind while everyone else is "growing up".
I felt really depressed last week. I'm better now but it lasted a few days. It was the feeling of emptiness and the feeling of being "good enough".
I felt this feeling after the awesome wedding I shot last Saturday with Audrey Snow Photography.
At first I didnt know why I was so depressed and upset. Why all of a sudden I hated all of my photos, all of my photography and I hated seeing other people's work because I felt that I sucked so badly I should just stop doing photography altogether. And then I realized why I was feeling that way...
I felt empty because I did not get to edit my photos, I was not able to fulfill my creative need.
There was always this question: are you a photographer for the sake of shooting, or the process of the image?
I realized that I was a photographer for the entire process. When I have an idea in my head, I want to see it executed from when the shutter clicks to delivery. It was very hard for me to get over this boulder in the road until I realized exactly why I was feeling the way I felt.
Strange, I've hired second shooters before where I personally took their RAW files and edited them myself for my clients. I wonder if they felt the empty feelings I did.
What do you guys think? Let me know I want to know your thoughts!
Monday, March 28, 2011
Hi There! Want To Be My Friend?
I started my love for photography when I bought my first camera in 2005. It was a badass sony cybershot 7.2mp camera. (It still takes better pictures today then most cameras on the market, except I gave it to my little brother and it's gone now). Now, at the time, I just thought it was so cool, my first big purchase (I was 16 and paid for it with hard earned cash) and my first digital camera. I remember in 2005, having a digital camera was just starting to get semi-affordable (the sony was $400), and I was just taking pictures left and right - I loved it. With the creation of myspace and photobucket, sharing photos was easy and fun. But I wasn't a photographer, I was just someone with a camera.
In 2008, I bought my first used DSLR, the A100 (another Sony), and was absolutely terrified of it. It had so many buttons, knobs and do-hickeys. I thought it was SO BIG. (Ha, you should see some of the gear I lug around now. A100 below)
I have then become known as "the girl with the camera." I took pictures of birds, bugs, and plants. Things that didn't move. I soon started getting competitive among some photography friends, but then I got bored and my camera got packed away.
For the next few months it sat in my closet, untouched, unloved, unnoticed, until my trip to Chicago, and eventually meeting James Greco, my mentor.
I panicked when I found out I got into his class. I was completely worried that I would suck so badly everyone would laugh, because I thought that the photography class would be filled with photography students who wanted to do this kind of art as a living, and all I wanted to do was take better pictures.
So I started preparing over the summer for his upper level digital photography class - I started my Project 365 - self portraits. As it turned out, I was one of his best students (ever) and his expectations of me kept me pushing the envelope and creating better and better pictures.
Day 1/365
