It Feels So Real Up There!

Well, during my time near the runway strip I got stopped by airline security as I tried to snapshot the American Eagle Jet that flew me from Miami to Pensacola, Florida. Guess I wasn’t sneaky enough and too far away from their sights, but there’s always a next time. ^_^ Because I didn’t get a shot while on the ground, I made sure to take full advantage of my window seat! I’ve never really looked out at the clouds while being level with them. There’s an ironic feeling that hits you in the gut once you notice how much of a contrast there is above and below the cloud beds. Such a tranquil vibe seems to exist where humans don’t reside, this case being up in the sky. Then of course you have the world that exists under it where we as a people implement countless strategies on polluting the air, but cannot find one successful way to stop a damn oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico. Everyone say “awkwardly pathetic” on three!

Photographer or Photoshopper?

The other day I received an excellent question from Danilo over at my facebook profile. He asked: “Are you a photographer or a photoshopper?” Alright, so let me get right to the point. Asking a photographer that question is the same as asking James Cameron: Are you a filmmaker of a CGI-er? [Cameron is writer and director of Avatar.] To answer Danilo’s question, which I gratefully appreciate him asking, I am a photographer and I’m not sure exactly what it means to be a photoshopper. If by using the Adobe program Photoshop at least once in life deems me as a photoshopper, then… okay and whatever, sounds like fun to me. =D

What I do know is that software and technology have escalated beyond our years, providing endless possibilities within the realm of visual arts. If one is to notice the post production techniques used on photos, you can’t help but see similar techniques used in film as well; our levels of creativity are evolving. This all plays into the part of :xynn tii imagery‘s slogan – have an open mind – and not limiting yourself. But of course, this is simply my opinion.

Progress Far Beyond My Realm of Expectations

Setting my ego aside, just temporarily: I had no idea what I was doing when I established xynn tii imagery in May ’09. I just saw it as a way to to make some good legal money on the side. Initially, I didn’t have a website, no advertisements or clientele, not even a decent camera. 12 months, 45 clients and 2 sponsors later [with tremendous support from an escalating fanbase], I’ve been fortunate enough to turn this company into something that’s pretty serious toward the visual attraction of South Florida.

But I wouldn’t even say that xynn tii imagery has reached its appetizer. Its just sitting down at the table, getting ready to order. There’s so much more I’m capable of doing with this movement via future clients, collaborations and partnerships. This isn’t a one-man band; the best ideas come to life when countless minds merge ideas and skills. This is the greatest thing I’ve been able to learn and mature at within business and I will use it with every next step I take alongside xynn tii imagery. Most importantly though: the fanbase has been insane!

Hello Vero Beach, Florida =D

I’m lodging at the nostalgic Vero Beach for the weekend, celebrating this Anniversary with a handful of friends and company associates. Miami does get old every once in a while and a nice 3 days away seems to always refresh it. I have to admit I’m doing more work than relaxation as I’m meeting with a potential sponsor! In fact, I’m writing this post just before our meeting. 0_0 Hopefully I’ll get a chance to dive in the beach waters before heading back to Miami; wish me luck, and the time!

Everglades Undergoes Monochrome Surgery

Not too long ago I released a status update to the fansite. I mentioned that I would reveal my favorite monochrome image to date. If you’ve been following xynn tii imagery since December ’09 then you’ve seen this image before, but in color. I’m real anxious to see which one you like better: Color or Monochrome? Both images speak to me in different ways, even though they’re fraternal twins.

I’m gonna make an attempt to get Everglades on the Bay to display this or the color print somewhere within the twin towers. If any of the Everglades realtors read this, please act surprised when I come in and ask. ^_^

No, seriously, it really is!

All these one-way streets in the dwntwn area is what really pisses Miamians off! I complain about it on Twitter all the time yo!

Now, from an Everglades on the Bay vantage point, looking to the north, you just might see the legendary Freedom Tower, American Airlines Arena, Marina Blue, 900 Biscayne, Ten Museum Park or even the ridiculously luxurious Marquis Miami. But none of that is what makes dwntwn Miami just straight-up weird.

It’s the fact that dwntwn has an unusual look to it, or at least for right now it does. =/ With all this construction going on you could see it as a renovation period, or what architects are dubbing a “Manhattanization wave”. But that’s just half the story.

What’s my Point?: nothing is being done to expand the roads in dwntwn, which is a major mistake. As I mentioned in an earlier vlogcast™ image detail, so much money is being invested to bring traffic and residents in, but Miami is simply too damn small for this movement. Some might say the city is ‘too far gone’ meaning an excess of construction has already taken place, eliminating the opportunity or room for road expansion. =/ Would you believe that construction on Miami Beach has created the same exact problem? Ha, but who am I to say: I’m just a broke college student! Oh well.

Image Detail.

Another HDR brought you to via the Canon D7, my new Akemi >_< I actually didn’t have to edit this image too much; lighting was the main focus. Some artificial light was implanted on the main road [Biscayne Blvd] in the image to contrast it from everything else.

& yes, I have to admit the moon is fake, but give me credit; it looks pretty damn real. c; I added it using the selection tool in CS4 and it is placed behind the clouds. I also dodged the skyscapers to highlight them. I edited this image using the following software below.

NECESSARY SOFTWARE!

Photoshop CS4

Lightroom 3.0

Photomatix Pro

There are also several plugins for Photoshop which I also find useful. They will be revealed in the next few vlogcasts™ for xynn tii imagery.™ Anticipate progression and improvement from xtii™ in 2010!

HAPPY NEW YEARS!

to the entire fanbase over at the xynn tii imagery™ facebook fansite! Love ya so much for your interest. ^_^

Dwntwn Miami is Growing

excessively fast; so fast that I doubt the city is ready for what it’s creating. It’s puzzling how the city continues to approve of mass land development projects for 50+ story towers and fails to consider expanding the roads within the area. They’re forming ways to lead traffic in, but not making room for them to leave=/ All I can say is WOW, let’s start thinking outside of the box ! please.

Okay praise-time: I love this condo residence in the center frame, which held its grand opening in January 2009 [it's actually still under construction]. &amp; If you know your history of dwntwn Miami [yea, I don't even know the history and I live here] then you are aware of the legendary Everglades Hotel being the predecessor of the land that is now occupied by these two 55-story towers called Everglades on the Bay.

The design has a real presidential look and even includes some sexual connotations within the interior design, which is quite common for perverted Miami. [ Oh, I decided to head to the front of the American Airlines Arena to get some of its title into the frame. Not too many Miamians really appreciate this arena, but l'm a serious fan of its architecture ]

So, whenever you decide to come experience the very chilly 500 degree weather of south Florida, make sure to stop by the Everglades on the Bay. It’s necessary ! c; Also, swing past the construction site of what is going to be the first Marriott Marquis in Florida, which is merely peaking out of the right side of the frame. It will open in July 2010.

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