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Greetings ... (skipping the narcissistic self-introduction, who reads that anyways) Objective: This blog is dedicating to all the asp...
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Learn to earn, make Fashion your passion.
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| WORKSHOPS DETAILS: Duration: 2nd Oct, Sunday 1pm - 5pm Topic: Fashion Lingerie Shoot FULL WORKSHOP OUTLINE will be emailed upon requests. Cost: $199 ($149 for students) |
| Time | Sunday, October 2 · 1:00pm - 5:30pm |
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| Location | |
| Created By | |
| More Info | Learn to earn, make Fashion your passion. *** 15 places only *** WORKSHOPS DETAILS: Duration: 2nd Oct, Sunday 1pm - 5pm Topic: Fashion Lingerie Shoot FULL WORKSHOP OUTLINE will be emailed upon requests. Cost: $199 ($149 for students) Price includes: Studio hire & lighting equipment, professional fashion model, stylist, and hair/makeup artist, refreshment & snacks; as well as 4 hours tutorial with Perth's Most Talked About Fashion Photographer & Entrepreneur - Luo Qi's sharing all his knowledge and experiences. Workshop by: Luo Qi @ Fashion Heir Enterprises http://www.facebook.com/LU BOOKING INQUIRIES VIA: luo@fashionheir.com.au or 0433 581 857 Payment Method: 1. Paypal to - luo@fashionheir.com.au 2. Direct Banking - Invoice upon requests STRICTLY PRE-BOOKING ONLY!! Sign up for your Fashion Heir workshop, and realise your true potential in the exciting and rewarding industry of Fashion photography. Email us today: info@fashioheir.com.au Fashionably Yours, http://fashionheir.com.au/ xx |
Monday, January 24, 2011
Daily Inspiration ... ABBEY LEE
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My favorite fashion model of the moment: ABBEY LEE
Agency: 2pm - http://www.2pm.dk/women/model/abbey_lee_/
Abbey Lee in “The Space Cadet” photographed by Emma Summerton and styled by Charlotte Stockdale for i-D Magazine April 2010 issue.
Abbey Lee photographed by David Bailey for i-D Magazine Winter 2010 issue.
Lighting tips 1 - don't trust your eyes ... (photographer tips)
Daily free tips - 24/01/2011 -
How to work with flash lights in studio?
I won't get into great details, as there are about 5,120 results from YouTube on Photography Lighting.
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=photography+lighting&aq=f
Instead, I am going to talk about the issues that I have come across that's helpful ...
Whenever you are shooting with flash lights, or a combination with multiple artificial lights; you should NOT rely on your 'naked' eyes anymore ... simply because, flash lights fires somewhere around 1/125 of a sec; hence, always pre design your lighting on a floor plan prior the shoot; and then adjusting the setting accordingly by viewing from the display screen at the back of your digital camera ... if you are still old school enough to shoot 35mm film, then I strongly suggest to have a light 'reader' in hand.
Important questions: Is the model male or female? Is it a hair/beauty shoot or full length? Are we focusing on the body(skin) or the clothing?
Tips for photographers:
Traditional 3 points lighting: (my favorite) - key light, fill light, & hair light (back light)
Easiest lighting/camera settings (digital SLR only):
1. Set your camera on M (manual), shutter speed -1/125 sec, iso -100, aperture 12-15 ...
2. Set your key light (300W flash) to full power, or 2/3 power for 500W flash light ... shining from 45 degree top angle, 30 degree left or right angle, 1.5 - 2M away from the model's face.
3. Set your fill light 2/3 power as to the key light, or 1/4 power to create 'film noir' shadow (giving the fact that the key light has a 'honeycomb' cover) ... preferably using a larger soft box or 'umbrella' shining from 45 degree top angle, 1.5 - 2M away from the model's face.
4. Set the hair(back) light 3/4 to the key light, shining from 45 degree top angle, and directly opposite to the key lgiht, 2.5 - 3M away from the back of the model head; try avoiding cross-lighting on the model's cheek and shoulder.
5. I always put an additional light that I call - legs light - 2/3 power as to the key light, 0.5M above the floor level, with a small soft-box or a small beauty-dish, shining directly to the model's lower legs (especially female model)
6. SYNC all lights, and fire a test shot!!
7. Makes sure the model know his/her 'mark' and doesn't move around too much ...
8. Jump into the model's position and look around whether all lights are pointing at you!!
What is a perfect balanced exposure? have a look at your display screen ...
How to work with flash lights in studio?
- Personal experience, and problems -
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| Taken by: Penny Ngu Studio: Padlock Studio (Perth) |
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=photography+lighting&aq=f
Instead, I am going to talk about the issues that I have come across that's helpful ...
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| Taken by: Penny Ngu Studio: Padlock Studio (Perth) |
Important questions: Is the model male or female? Is it a hair/beauty shoot or full length? Are we focusing on the body(skin) or the clothing?
Tips for photographers:
Traditional 3 points lighting: (my favorite) - key light, fill light, & hair light (back light)
- Key light - the 'hottest' light, normally pointing at the model's better side; or the focusing part.
- Fill light - a 'softer' light on the opposing side of the key light, to reduce the shadow; normal at 2/3 power (unless you're trying to use shadow to create a 'film noir ' look, you can simply use a reflector instead)
- Hair light - normally a spot light with 'honeycomb' shining direct at the model's hair, to separate her hair from the background.
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| 'THREE POINTS' LIGHTING Model: Anja Dragovic Photographer: Luo Qi Hair/Makeup: Penny Ngu Styling Advice: Luo Qi @ fh. Luo Qi © 2011 |
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| 'FILM NOIR' LOOK Photographer - LUO Qi @ Fashion Heir Makeup Artist - Andjelka Matic Model - Jordi Levin Jewelery Designer - Katarina Louise Fashion Heir © 2009 |
1. Set your camera on M (manual), shutter speed -1/125 sec, iso -100, aperture 12-15 ...
2. Set your key light (300W flash) to full power, or 2/3 power for 500W flash light ... shining from 45 degree top angle, 30 degree left or right angle, 1.5 - 2M away from the model's face.
3. Set your fill light 2/3 power as to the key light, or 1/4 power to create 'film noir' shadow (giving the fact that the key light has a 'honeycomb' cover) ... preferably using a larger soft box or 'umbrella' shining from 45 degree top angle, 1.5 - 2M away from the model's face.
4. Set the hair(back) light 3/4 to the key light, shining from 45 degree top angle, and directly opposite to the key lgiht, 2.5 - 3M away from the back of the model head; try avoiding cross-lighting on the model's cheek and shoulder.
5. I always put an additional light that I call - legs light - 2/3 power as to the key light, 0.5M above the floor level, with a small soft-box or a small beauty-dish, shining directly to the model's lower legs (especially female model)
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| 'THREE POINTS' LIGHTING + 'LEGS LIGHT' Model: Joy Allen Photographer: Luo Qi Hair/Makeup: Penny Ngu Styling Advice: Luo Qi @ fh. Luo Qi © 2011 |
6. SYNC all lights, and fire a test shot!!
7. Makes sure the model know his/her 'mark' and doesn't move around too much ...
8. Jump into the model's position and look around whether all lights are pointing at you!!
What is a perfect balanced exposure? have a look at your display screen ...
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| UNEDITED images - under exposure, perfect exposure, and over exposure Model: Joy Allen Photographer: Luo Qi Hair/Makeup: Penny Ngu Styling Advice: Luo Qi @ fh. Luo Qi © 2011 |
Under exposure - it kinda gives you a feeling like that's your living room's light bulb is about to die, and it is a bit dim ...
Perfect exposure - the model's face should be slightly brighter than the rest of the picture, there should be NO 'wash-out' or 'white' part on the skin or the face, maybe only a bit 'hot spot' on the tip of the nose or shoulder bone and top of the hair...
Over exposure - the model's skin color is 'washing out', losing skin texture, feels like there's an 'interrogation' spot on just been switch on and pointing right at the model ...
It struggles me when I see some shots from student/armature photographers posting photos online, when everything works perfectly in the shot, but the image is just slightly under or over exposed.
A good photographer knows how to direct the audience's viewing point by using correct lighting ... basically, our eyes will be drawn to the 'brightest' part of the picture first and then move around.
Continue ......
Perfect exposure - the model's face should be slightly brighter than the rest of the picture, there should be NO 'wash-out' or 'white' part on the skin or the face, maybe only a bit 'hot spot' on the tip of the nose or shoulder bone and top of the hair...
Over exposure - the model's skin color is 'washing out', losing skin texture, feels like there's an 'interrogation' spot on just been switch on and pointing right at the model ...
It struggles me when I see some shots from student/armature photographers posting photos online, when everything works perfectly in the shot, but the image is just slightly under or over exposed.
A good photographer knows how to direct the audience's viewing point by using correct lighting ... basically, our eyes will be drawn to the 'brightest' part of the picture first and then move around.
Continue ......
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Daily Inspiration ...EUGENIO RECUENCO
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| Reference: http://www.eugeniorecuenco.com/fichas/1115.html |
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| http://www.eugeniorecuenco.com/fichas/1146.html |
Today's inspirational photographer - EUGENIO RECUENCO
He is no doubt my favorite photographer in the world!
Showreel julio 2010
Uploaded by erecuenco. - Discover more animation and arts videos.
Modelling posing tips ...
Daily free tips - 23/01/2011 -
How to pose your model? or ...
How to pose as a model?
Back in the days ... when I first stepped into a professional studio with a fresh freelance model, we both had no clues what we were doing ...so we cranked up the stereo and just danced around and pulled random 'poses' from thin air.
Soon, models after models; I have entered a 'copy-cat' phase, I started collecting fashion magazines, scanned the pics that were inspirational; also, I googled every single major Models Managements out there, and started learning how the pro-models pose for their modeling books.
The first year of my professional model-shooting career was very easy and exciting, there were endless creativity and ideas on poses and themes. Three years and couple hundreds models/clients later, a repetitive pattern occurred; I was running out of creative 'juice' in the right-brain sort of speak. It was time to consult the left-brain and create a logical 'formula' on how to pose models, especially for new models that have no clues on how to pose. (see the tips below)
Important questions: Why pose? What is the purpose of this shoot? Who's the target audience?
Before we get into the 'posing' tips, photographers need to answer the above questions.
If the shoot is for a modeling portfolio, then the goal is to 'sell' the look of the model; the purpose of posing is to emphasize on certain 'features' of that particulate model.
Examples: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=212471&id=642860361
If the shoot is for a designer's lookbook, then the goal is to 'sell' the fashion design; the purpose of posing is to emphasize the design pieces and the branding image - i.e classy, elegant, or naughty and sexy.
Examples: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=178670&id=21456200758
Tips for photographers:
If you have any questions or if I missed something, please leave a comment below the post :)
... now for freelance models ...
During the past 3 years of my professional career, 80% of my clientele and models that I have shot were beginner freelance models. 'Posing' was always a challenge, they looked so easy in fashion magazines or on TV; but, when you are in the middle an empty studio filled with 500W flash lights, especial with a 'stranger' photographer that gives no directions at all ... it is stressing! Here are few survival tips when you are facing a newbie photographer or an arrogant 'pro' ...
Luo Qi's three 'golden rules' on model's posing:
1. 'Levitation' - always and whenever possible, keep yourself as 'tall' as you can; work on your posture; even when you are posing a 'slacking' pose, still try to imagine that you are 'growing' taller and 'levitating' ...
2. 'Do the turtle' - always keep your chin forward, 'neck-out', without pushing your bottom jaw out; you'll feel like an emu or E.T, but, the result will look good, the purpose is to avoid 'double chins' and create an elegant 'jaw/neck-line'.
3. 'This is NOT a photo shoot' - even tho you have a camera in your face! Try not to think you are getting your picture taken, no one likes to see your 'passport' face; in your mind, focusing on your modeling dream and this is the moment you shine; just give the photographer your best, and 'let's drop few jaws'!!
Tips for models:
Inspirational link: http://papermode.trendland.net/
If you have any questions or if I missed something, please leave a comment below the post :)
Case-study from my recent shoots:
Luo Qi © 2011
How to pose your model? or ...
How to pose as a model?
- Personal experience, and problems -
Back in the days ... when I first stepped into a professional studio with a fresh freelance model, we both had no clues what we were doing ...so we cranked up the stereo and just danced around and pulled random 'poses' from thin air.
Soon, models after models; I have entered a 'copy-cat' phase, I started collecting fashion magazines, scanned the pics that were inspirational; also, I googled every single major Models Managements out there, and started learning how the pro-models pose for their modeling books.
The first year of my professional model-shooting career was very easy and exciting, there were endless creativity and ideas on poses and themes. Three years and couple hundreds models/clients later, a repetitive pattern occurred; I was running out of creative 'juice' in the right-brain sort of speak. It was time to consult the left-brain and create a logical 'formula' on how to pose models, especially for new models that have no clues on how to pose. (see the tips below)
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| Model: Elisa Grandjean Photographer: Luo Qi Location: Image Style Studio *My officially first 'fashion-ish' shoot with a freelance model. |
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| Model: Elisa Grandjean Photographer: Luo Qi Location: Image Style Studio *My officially first studio shoot with a freelance model. |
Before we get into the 'posing' tips, photographers need to answer the above questions.
If the shoot is for a modeling portfolio, then the goal is to 'sell' the look of the model; the purpose of posing is to emphasize on certain 'features' of that particulate model.
Examples: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=212471&id=642860361
If the shoot is for a designer's lookbook, then the goal is to 'sell' the fashion design; the purpose of posing is to emphasize the design pieces and the branding image - i.e classy, elegant, or naughty and sexy.
Examples: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=178670&id=21456200758
Tips for photographers:
- Start a 'poses' reference book/folder, google 'models managements' and study their portfolios.
- Start an 'inspirational' reference book/folder, by scanning magazines or research online.
- Before 'posing', have a friendly chat with the model first, break-through the 'stranger phase'.
- Knowing the model's 'comfy zone', and their 'best features' i.e legs, abs, hair, eyes, back ...
- Study the 'outfits', what is the model wearing and in what occasions a real person will be wearing it...
- Study the model's 'look' and personality, try use simple key words to describing it ...
- Never stress the model out, always keep a happy working environment ...
- Create a fun & energetic shooting environment, put on the model's favorite type of music, not yours!
- Instead of telling the model to pull a 'sexy' expression, asking him/her to project sexy images in their mind.
- A glass or two Champagnes will always ease the shyness and soften the 'edge' (drink responsibly!!)
- Give the model's self-confidence boost whenever possible, never blame the model!
- As a photographer, start practicing all the 'poses' as well; learn how the human body works.
- Ask the model about their favorite actor/actress, and ask them to project 'hero' images in their mind.
- Study the 'micro facial expressions', and practice them yourself (feel free to email me for more info on this)
- Keep a hobby studying famous models, actresses, and actors; it's easy to say 'let's try 'Kate Moss' today'
- Always try to give a reason on each 'posing' decision made ...
Inspirational link: http://papermode.trendland.net/
If you have any questions or if I missed something, please leave a comment below the post :)
... now for freelance models ...
During the past 3 years of my professional career, 80% of my clientele and models that I have shot were beginner freelance models. 'Posing' was always a challenge, they looked so easy in fashion magazines or on TV; but, when you are in the middle an empty studio filled with 500W flash lights, especial with a 'stranger' photographer that gives no directions at all ... it is stressing! Here are few survival tips when you are facing a newbie photographer or an arrogant 'pro' ...
Luo Qi's three 'golden rules' on model's posing:
1. 'Levitation' - always and whenever possible, keep yourself as 'tall' as you can; work on your posture; even when you are posing a 'slacking' pose, still try to imagine that you are 'growing' taller and 'levitating' ...
2. 'Do the turtle' - always keep your chin forward, 'neck-out', without pushing your bottom jaw out; you'll feel like an emu or E.T, but, the result will look good, the purpose is to avoid 'double chins' and create an elegant 'jaw/neck-line'.
3. 'This is NOT a photo shoot' - even tho you have a camera in your face! Try not to think you are getting your picture taken, no one likes to see your 'passport' face; in your mind, focusing on your modeling dream and this is the moment you shine; just give the photographer your best, and 'let's drop few jaws'!!
Tips for models:
- Practice makes perfection, that's what your bath room mirror is for ...
- It's not shame to be a 'copy-cat', search for couple of idols and start 'copying' their signature moment ...
- Self-confidence, forget about 'he said, she said'; you are the best and you know it!
- Learn your body movement, and facial expression; join a yoga, dancing, or drama class, or self-taught ...
- Know your best 'features' your better 'side' and let the photographers know too ...
- Forget the word - shy - because you are a model, I found extremely hard to work with shy models ...
- Always have a look at what you are wearing, positioning yourself in real-life events, what would you most likely be doing rather than 'posing' ...
- Avoid 'cat walk' poses, so boring and overly done to death; but mastering that first ...
- Never bite your teeth, keep a cm gap in between; try to relax your face as much as you can ...
- Whenever you are looking into a camera, you are looking at 'million' real audiences right in the eyes; hence, there should be a 'message' passing from your eyes to theirs; i.e flirting, seductive, provocative ...
- If the shoot is for a commercial campaign, there should be a 'creative brief' somewhere for you to study...
- Sometime, best images are created from photographer and model 'go nuts' and have fun and pull silly faces and poses ... :)
- Keep studying modeling portfolios from world class modeling agencies, such as 2pm, DNA, IMG, STORM, FORD, and many more ... google 'Models Management' or 'Modeling Agency'
Inspirational link: http://papermode.trendland.net/
If you have any questions or if I missed something, please leave a comment below the post :)
Case-study from my recent shoots:
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| Model: Nitasha Thakur Photographer: Luo Qi Hair/Makeup: Penny Ngu Styling Advice: Luo Qi @ fh. Luo Qi © 2011 |
- Key words: Elegant, Classy, Innocent, Feminism still kept the sexiness ...
- Nitasha has long hair, but after the styling I have decided to ask Penny to make her hair up to emphasize on her neck/jaw-line ...
- Focusing features - eye-line, lips, neck-line,collar bones, waist /hip curve, legs ...
- 'Posing' directions - cross legs to make them look 'longer n' thiner', also gives an elegant/innocent feeling; relax arms, because it's already a lot going on there ... kick the bum out to create curves, she has kept her back very straight, while keeping the shoulders a bit forward and relaxing ... she's 'doing the turtle' to create better neck/jaw line ... very subtle n' relaxing facial expression, I instructed her to gaze away into the 'wonderful imaginary landscape' and thinking about the 'prince charming' ... :)
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| Model: Ariane Éléonore Cotté Photographer: Luo Qi Hair/Makeup: Tam Scully Styling Advice: Luo Qi @ fh. Luo Qi © 2011 |
- Key words: Healthy, Gymnastic, Summer, Sexy, Seductive, Attitude, Megan Fox ...
- Focusing Feature - Killer Abs, legs, bust/waist, gorgeous hair/color, attitude, sharp jaw, fuller lips, eyes ...
- 'Posing' direction - The idea to 'rest' her right arm on her head, is to stretch the waist muscle and abs making her 'taller', killer abs, and more 'curvy' (also keeps the hoodie in position) ... left thumb is in the 'open' shorts' pocket to create a 'pulling off' intension, making the image a bit more provocative and adds a bit of sexiness ... I instructed her to imagine Angelina Jolie or Megan Fox in that outfit in her mind ...
Thanks for reading ... all critiques and comments are welcomed ...
Luo Qi © 2011
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Para Licious Calender 2011 - by Luo Qi @ Mira Studio
Just a quick show case on my recent location shoots:
Creative Director: Luo Qi
http://facebook.com/LUOQIP
Photographer: Luo Qi
Production: Mira Studio
www.mirastudios.com.au
Production Manager & Video: Tony Pickering @ Mira Studio
Post Production: Luo Qi & Meiji Nguyen @ Mira Studio
Stylist: Candice Van Haltren
Makeup Artist: Penny Ngu
Hair Stylist: Maree Giglia
Models: Top 12 Para Licious Calender 2011 search
Assistants: Tomasz & Julia Moroz
Clothing:
Cite Clothing - One40William - 9481 7360
Indulge Clothing - Mt Lawley - 9228 8090
Shero Fashion - One40William - 9322 3230.
Accessories: Stylist's Own
Special Thanks:
Paramount Nightclub
http://www.facebook.com/pa
BIG THANK YOU for my team!!!!! ♥ ♥
http://facebook.com/LUOQIP
Photographer: Luo Qi
Production: Mira Studio
www.mirastudios.com.au
Production Manager & Video: Tony Pickering @ Mira Studio
Post Production: Luo Qi & Meiji Nguyen @ Mira Studio
Stylist: Candice Van Haltren
Makeup Artist: Penny Ngu
Hair Stylist: Maree Giglia
Models: Top 12 Para Licious Calender 2011 search
Assistants: Tomasz & Julia Moroz
Clothing:
Cite Clothing - One40William - 9481 7360
Indulge Clothing - Mt Lawley - 9228 8090
Shero Fashion - One40William - 9322 3230.
Accessories: Stylist's Own
Special Thanks:
Paramount Nightclub
http://www.facebook.com/pa
BIG THANK YOU for my team!!!!! ♥ ♥
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