Novalee Photo and Chelsea

Hi Hi!

Its me again! Last month I had the chance to work with Novalee Photo, used to be called Kolohe Photo, and he never disappoints in his images. Model Chelsea was so sweet and energetic, especially at 6:30AM!

We went for a real beachy look, perfect for summer, to go with the tropical background. Heres are some sneak peeks at how it turned out =)

Quick Post: San Lorenzo Bikinis

Hey!!

This is just a quick post... I did a photoshoot a couple months ago for San Lorenzo Brazilian Bikinis with photographer Joe (JFD Photography) whom I have worked with numerous times, and his photos always come out so gorgeous, he really knows how to capture beauty... With models Casey and Yvonne who didnt even need much makeup since they were both so naturally beautiful! So, I wanted to share with all of you lovely people how the shoot turned out =)) It was for their Winter 2012 Collection!! Their bikinis are soooo cute!! I have always been a big fan of their collections!

Check it out --> http://www.sanlorenzobikinis.com/ 

San Lorenzo now has a total of 8 stores across Hawaii, and their bikinis are now being sold globally! Amazing! Theres still time to get your cute bikini for summer =))

Featured Photographer: Stephen Dantzig



Models: Angelika Marr, Tasha Johnson, and Kaitlyn Metcalf
Main Photographer: Steve Dantzig, Assistant Photographers: Orlando Benedicto and Chris Ward
Swimsuits by Blue Nalu, Wardrobe Stylist: Jane Metcalf of JAM Designs


I decided to do a little Q&A with Stephen Dantzig, whom I have worked with on multiple shoots before, and he was one of the first photographers I ever worked with when I first entered the business. I chose him, because he has a vast amount of knowledge that I feel is so valuable, especially for us makeup artists, so I picked his brain a bit =) Steve is a lighting expert, and literally, I mean expert! He has taught a lot of other photographers I have worked with also, and he even has his own School of Photography here in Hawaii!


How long have you been a professional photographer?

I have had a camera in my hands for over 40 years and started formally photographing people as a sophomore in high school in 1978 (sheesh, I sound old!) I opened Stephen Dantzig Photography in 1993.

What type of camera do you use? A favorite brand?


Oooh! The "Brand Question!" I actually enjoy watching the Canon vs Nikon debates. I think they are funny. I own and have used cameras from Olympus (my first digital cameras), Nikon and Canon. I am a bit of a nut--I own at least twelve cameras! I am now shooting Canon with an adapter that allows me to use my old Bronica medium format lenses. It is an amazing combination. I switched from Nikon because Canon took a big lead when it came to shooting HD Video. Nikon caught up quickly, so now it just a matter of how the camera feels in your hand. I don't see any difference in quality. I personally like where the controls are on the Canons.


What is the best part of your job? Worst part?


I love to create images! A new image exist the second that you push the shutter! I have some physical limitations and fine motor activity is not my best area. Photography has provided an outlet that allows me to create art--whether it is a beauty headshot or a beautiful landscape. The worst part? Hmmm...sometimes post-production can be a drag. Every digital image needs some post-production work. Sometimes it is a simple color correction while other times you are working on an image for hours...but can also be part of the creative process. Photography is a very competitive field, so finding consistent work that will pay the mortgage can be tough.


Where do you get your inspiration from?


How much time do we have?!!! I don't have any particular photographer that I look to for inspiration. I just enjoy images and I'll often see a photograph that I really love and it will spark some ideas. There are so many amazing photographers out there all doing different things. I credit a guy in Los Angeles for pushing me beyond my comfort zone. Harry was helping me in the studio and I was shooting "comfortable" work. He kept asking "Great, but what if...?" There is a guy I met through the Hawaii Photo Forums who is doing some amazing HDR landscapes. I might not necessarily want to do go out and recreate Kenway's look, but I sure enjoy his daily FB posts. My late mentor Bill Higgins also pushed and pushed me some more in my "early days." Sometimes I'll get ideas while teaching a class. I never know.

Why did you decide to start the School of Photography and when?

Good question. I truly did not set out to write books and articles. It's too long of a story to tell here, but the writing aspect just fell into my lap. I started to teach seminars about 14 years ago while working and living in Los Angeles. The irony is that I actually learned much more about photography once I started writing and teaching. Hawaii School of Photography seems like a natural progression. June 1st was the first anniversary of the school. It is a small school geared for the recreational photographer and/or people who want to improve their commercial skills. It is open to the public and we have classes from very basic to advanced lighting techniques. There is no college affiliation--yet! I just started publishing a bi-monthly (or so) newsletter as well, so things are happening. It's exciting. Here are some links to my first three newsletters:

http://mim.io/452c21
http://mim.io/f85231
http://mim.io/148d31

Why is lighting so important in a photoshoot? Do you prefer studio lighting or outdoor?


Light and lighting IS photography. You cannot "fix" bad lighting in post. The lighting is going to dictate the "look" of the image. I am a self-proclaimed lighting geek! There is an awful lot of physics and math involved with truly understanding how and why light does what it does. I was never a huge fan of science and math, but I love applying those principles to creating images. In fact, I think that a great deal of my creativity comes from manipulating those rules to get the image that I want. Studio and location each have there own set of unique challenges. The studio is an empty room when I arrive. I have all of my toys at my disposal so I can create anything I want. Outdoor shots are very different because you are dealing with a constant light source that is constantly changing. My job is to work with the many moods and colors of sunshine and manipulate that "given" light to make it work. The sun is an ugly light source for much of the day, so I need to find ways to soften it and make it a pretty light source. I then often need to bring in a studio strobe to add light to keep the foreground and background in balance. But, remember, I'm a lighting geek, so that's the fun part!


Favorite movie? Food? Music? (just a fun question!)

I don't get to the movies very often, but I'm pretty good at the Caddyshack Trivia Game! Food? I think it would be easier to list what I DON'T like! I am a living testament to that old "Seefood" joke: I see food I eat it! I am a product of the 70's so I mostly listen to what is now called Classic Rock" (ouch!). The Eagles are still my favorite band, but I also love Hawaiian music. Raiatea's voice is unbelievable and I enjoy the "older" music of Olomana. I could also listen to slack key all day!


Any tips for us makeup artists?

Make up artists are often the unsung heroes of a successful shoot. It is important for the photographer and the make up artist to communicate. The images will be much stronger if the make up and the lighting are in sync.
 
Link to Steve'g Blog: http://dantzigphototalk.com/

Model: Samantha Chung Photographer: Steve Dantzig

Model: Yumi Photographer: Steve Dantzig

Latest Work: Kylee and JFD Photography!

Model: Kylee Cunningham Photographer: JFD Photography

Again I had the pleasure to work with Joe from JFD Photography before he left the islands on another adventure around the United States. This time, the model was Kylee, who was born and raised on the Big Island and living on Oahu studying to become a nurse! Kylee was so fun and bubbly, very free spirited and so bright! She has an amazing face and with her personality I really see her going places!

We did two different shoots, but for this particular one, we did a very smoldering brown look to really compliment her eye shape and intensify her eye color! For the hair, we did curls that had more separation, boho style! Joe was so fantastic and really brought out different vibes through the lense with just this one look! Heres a peek!



Model: Kylee Cunningham Photographer: JFD Photography



Eyes

• Too Faced Shadow Insurance
• MUD E/S: Spanish Gold, Espresso, Onyx
• e.l.f. Mineral E/S: Wild, Golden
• MAC E/S: Cork, Wedge, Shroom
• MAC Fluidline: Blacktrack
• Urban Decay 24/7 Eyeliner: Zero
• Maybelline WP Great Lash Mascara: Soft Black
• Anastasia Brow Powder Duo: Brunette

Cheeks

• mark. Just Pinched Tinted Cheek Color: Nude
• MUD Powder Blush: Rose Petal, Soft Peach
• Nars Bronzer: Laguna
• Dior Shimmer Star Powder: Amber Diamond

Lips

• Jack Black Intense Lip Therapy: Lemon and Chamomile
• MUD Lipliner: Natural
• Dior Rouge Lipstick: Rose Interview #434 (discontinued)
• Dior Addict Ultra Gloss: #787 (discontinued)

Hair

• Hot Tools 1" Curling Iron
• Paul Mitchell 'Hot off the Press'
• Love, Peace and Planet 'Totally Beachin'
• Suave Professional Extra Hold Shaping and Finishing Spray



Model: Kylee Cunningham Photographer: JFD Photography

I know, I used a whole medley of eyeshadow colors on her just so I could get the right mix of colors and finishes =) You could certainly use different products to recreate this look, and especially for the lipcolors because those are both discontinued from Dior, to acheive that pinky plum color =)))



Color Me Edgy... ft. Phantogram

I havent posted a work photo for sometime now, but I decided to post this one in particular because it reminded me of one of my favorite duos right now, Phantogram. Also, I said that I would do a look with the MAC Lipstick 'Candy Yum-Yum' so as promised I used it for this shoot, but with a twist =)

I got to work with model Gabi who came to Hawaii all the way from Hungary! She was so cute and tiny, but in front of a camera she was striking and fierce! Joe from JFD Photography was amazing as always with his unique eye, all the while cracking jokes the entire time. Gabi is originally a blonde but Joe, with his bangs obsession had Gabi wear this black wig, which totally changed her entire look from being soft and sexy, to edgy and strong! It really worked perfectly with the colors =)



Model: Gabi Photographer: JFD Photography



Eyes

• MUFE Shadows: Yellow 2, Tangerine 18, and Fuchsia 26 (matte)
• MAC Fluidline: Blacktrack
• Urban Decay 24/7 Eyeliner Pencil: Midnight Cowboy
• Maybelline Greatlash Mascara
• Anastasia Brow Powder Duo: Brunette (darker color)
• MUFE Lashes: Carolyn (I think, Joe brought them from NY)

Face and Cheeks

• MUD Cream Foundation: YG1 and YG2 Mixed
• MUD Face Primer
• MAC Studio Sculpt Concealer: NW25
• mark. Mattenificent Face Powder: Buff/Natural
• mark. Just Pinched Cheek Tint: Peachy
• Nars Bronzer: Laguna
• Dior Shimmer Star: Amber Diamond

Lips

• Jack Black Intense Lip Therapy: Lemon and Chamomile
• NYX Lipliner Pencil: Fuchsia
• MAC Lipstick: Candy Yum-Yum mixed with Cream Cup

The black hair mixed with the pink against a white background worked really well and made the colors pop! Love the way this photo was taken with lots of white space and her face off to the side, one of my favorite photos so far! Thanks Gabi and Joe!

A Day Out In The Country

Sharks Cove, Pupukea



Sharks Cove, Pupukea


Today was a really fun shoot and I got to meet some great great people who were so easy and fun to work with!! Although the weather was a little overcast, we got some great shots of the two models who were both so beautiful inside and out =)

Justin Lambert was the coordinator of this shoot, which is going to be compiled into a swimsuit calendar, featuring San Lorenzo Bikini's. The calendar will be sold for a great cause to support Wailua Surfing Club and Chance Em Promotions. I didnt want to post photos of the actual shoot for privacy reasons, but when the calendar comes out I will definetly be posting them!

Orlando Benedicto was the photographer for this shoot who is so diverse in his work and truly a great person, always a great experience working with him. I also got to meet two amazing models for the first time, Breezy and Jamie who were so energetic and full of personality!




Pupukea Grill!

 A great way to end the day at Pupukea Grill right across the street from Sharks Cove. First time eating here and they had the BEST Spicy Ahi (Tuna) Bowl!!! Their portions are very generous also! If your ever in Hawaii on the North Shore, you must try it! They also sell sandwiches, quesadillas, acai bowls, and shave ice. YUM!