XYNNImagery

Posts Tagged ‘downtown’

➥ via xynn tii imagery.™ facebook fansite
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A Therapeutic Occurrence.
I feel that in order to accurately represent Miami from a visually standpoint, everything has to be exposed. You might be surprised to hear this, but there’s more to this city than just the damn skyline and south beach, seriously! I can’t name one major city that does not contain an unusually vast homeless population, can you?

I was able to take photos regarding a cover story for the college paper; this article spoke on the topic of homelessness around campus. But what’s truly unique about this scenario is who I was able to meet: a Miami native who is simply down on his luck.

In dwntwn, exactly one block from where I reside, you will find 43-year-old Jorge Valdivieso, husband and father of 2 kids [son, 8 and daughter, 5]. This man lost his job just 2 months ago and is now living on the streets.

Jorge’s situation is so complex because despite his circumstances, he still has a family to attend to. He explained to me the actions he’s taking to make sure his wife and children are secure and not without shelter. One of those ideal methods is how he attracts pedestrians for money.

This is How You Hustle! ↓
Jorge has managed to sculpt a serious hustle game with these roses he creates from plants [It's like a plant of a plant o_0] It’s seems to be quite the money-maker; Just within the ten minutes I spent with him, he must have made at least 10 bucks! I asked what got him into this ‘artform’ and he replied:

” There’s this Jamaican guy I met on the streets that told me ‘Look mahn, you learn how to make these plant-flowers, you’ll never go hungry mahn.’ ”
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Food For Thought.
It’s when I take really meaningful photos like this that teaches me to be as open-minded as possible. Even more, it teaches me to become increasingly grateful towards the fortunate lifestyle that I live.

As Jorge’s story portrays, nothing is guaranteed in life [our stable job, our warming home, not even our existence]. This is a point that we need to recollect more often.
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How Was it Done? ↓
Ahh, so I had to use the partial monochrome method, once again. It was necessary for this shot because I want you to closely focus on Jorge and his flowers as opposed to everything else going on in the frame.

1. I kept the original photo in color and used the Photoshop Quick Selection tool to outline Jorge’s body and the flowers.

2. Once that is done, I right-clicked on what I outlined and selected ‘Inverse Selection’ which will outline everything but what I selected initially [I hope you're not confused already]

3. Here’s where I call for the CS4 plug-in Silver Efex Pro to convert the selection to monochrome, leaving Jorge and the flowers in color because it was not within the selection scope.

This Is Not An HDRI!
Really, I promise, this is not a high dynamic range image. I used another plug-in by Nik Software called Color Efex Pro, which has a abundance of presets that can give your image the HDRI look. I may use this technique more often because it’s a bit faster yet just as effective as Photomatix.

.stay tuned | see you soon.

SIZE DOES MATTER ➠ FULLE SCALE IMAGE
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No, seriously! Ask Questions.
I’ve been receiving excellent comments and questions regarding xynn tii imagery.™ But now I want to officially welcome everyone to ask questions, providing them as a comment on the fansite wall or even within photo comments.

Whether you have a question regarding the post-production of the images I take or you have a personal question for me [whatever it may be] all you have to do is ask.

The greatest part of this process is how your inquiries will be answered! → Find the answers to your questions within the details of the next image update. So you get a two-for-one: While receiving a response to your comment, you are also presented with another premiere image! Most of the responses with be in the “How Was It Done” section of the details, as you will see below.

I feel this Q & A scenario works both ways because I’m usually presented with questions I would have never considered to bring up. At the same time, I’m providing insight to those interested in my photos. >_<
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Image Detail.
I find myself taking countless images on the Miami Dade College Wolfson campus, literally across the street from where I reside. This of all places has got to be the most notorious location out of every campus of MDC. It’s the legendary X.

Several of the older press colleagues of mine have spoken of this monument being here for quite some time. This downtown campus opened in 1970 [when I was -30 years old ^_^] and apparently this X monument made its way on campus in the 80’s. Yea, I know… I should way more about what I’m photographing. >_<

What I enjoy most about the scenery is how many students it attracts on a daily basis. It has that ideal courtyard feel and students seem to like that. Some even consider doing every possible thing with the exception of going to class, and it is all done publicly, right next to that damn X. =/
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HOW WAS IT DONE? ↓
All of my HDRIs are initially merged and tonemapped using Photomatix Pro. Unfortunately, that’s only the first step of about 10 total. =_= One of my fans Glerick Ignacio asked a couple questions. Let me respond to them now…

➟ Prevent Ghosting
The term ghosting is used when you have moving subjects within your frame, such as people. When you use the long-exposure setting on your camera, anything that is not stationary will more than likely be blurry and deformed as a end result. From what I know, this can only be prevented within the original photo by not using that long-exposure setting. The Photoshop layer masking technique is my favorite because it allows you to remove unwanted ghostings. You can achieve this by going to Layer > Layer Mask in any Photoshop version. c;

➟ Monochrome Editing
There is this crazy! Photoshop CS4 plug-in I was able to get my hands on called Silver Efex Pro. I use this plug-in like I have no sense, I’m serious. All of my latest monochrome images were converted and treated using this plug-in. It is made by Nik Software. They’re the best.

Keep those comments and questions coming!
.stay tuned | see you soon.

SIZE DOES MATTER ➠ FULLE SCALE IMAGE
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Positively Overwhelming.
How ironic! I created this xynn tii imagery.™ facebook fansite in May 2009 with the initial intent on just keeping my photos organized for some people to see, and maybe even enjoy.

0_0 I can’t stress this enough: I NEVER imagined that I would receive this much constructive criticism from the fans [and even the opposers] within the past 9 months. it’s been a miraculous roller coaster ride and for that, I’m so humbled and overjoyed! c; I’ll never stop loving your fanbase and I’ll continue to take in your feedback with the largest grain of salt. >_<

HELLO TWENTY!!
B.DAY TIME ➥ It’s been a long, rigorous and life-changing 12 months for me and I can’t even begin to express how much I’ve learned and grown as a person and freelance photographer. I strongly believe that life experiences shape you into the person you are and I’ve been fortunate enough to discover so much within Miami. I’m in love with this city and the opportunities it has given me. I think you need to come see what I mean firsthand. Make a trip to orgasmic Miami today… No, seriously, bring your ass here, now. :p
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Image Detail.
Miami construction sites never seem to get old; such a true representation of this area. Another serious appreciation to Andrew Knight of Turner Construction for pressing my name to the Big Boys in Corporate, giving me access to the scene.

Unfortunately I wasn’t even able to get these guys’ names so I could give them a shoutout. =/ Too bad, I wasn’t even able to speak to any of the construction workers, they were too focused on making sure not to cut their arms off.

How Was it Done? ↓
You can now say that I’m obsessed with High Dynamic Range Imaging [HDRI]. They look so sexy. c; I combined and tonemapped 3 of these exposed images in Photomatix Pro. But I made sure to drastically lower the luminosity. Surprisingly I didn’t have to do much in relation to the lighting conditions and colors. Lightroom 3.0 helped out some though. c;

.stay tuned | see you soon.

SIZE DOES MATTER ➞ FULL SCALE IMAGE
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Take me where I belong! ➡ Facebook Fansite!

I initially took this photo with the intent of using it for an assignment in school last semester. I converted it to black and white, unaware of how whack it looked in comparison to the copper tone. =/

Anyway, it was a weekend day when I was strolling through the streets of dwntwn Miami, near the Government Center. Not surprisingly, the streets were dead, only homeless guys and girls in site. But this one specific person really caught my attention. Now, I’m rarely surprised when a person is barefoot in the outdoors, but this one man was in serious need of medical attention.

He was sound asleep, and seemed to be completely absent with life. Personally, I felt it would have been an insult to provide him with anything I could afford because he was clearly in need for more than just money; he really needed to see a doctor for his condition. The saga continues…
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INTERLUDE
This is possibly the most controversial image I have added to the xynn tii imagery.™ portfolio. In fact I received several opposing backlashes to my announcement of this image in the previous update. But perhaps we should look at this scenario for what it really is?

The truth hurts, so much that at times we don’t want to face that facts or have it brought to our attention. But the bottom line is that homelessness does exist [0_0 yea, huge surprise, I know] and this is real journalism here folks. So look at this scenario for what it really is… reality.

There’s a quote that African American comedian Steve Harvey mentioned during one of his stand-up performances regarding this topic: “The best thing you can do for homeless people is to not be one of ‘em.” o_0 Wow, what are your thoughts on that?

via xynn tii imagery.™ flickr.

I tell ya, if I got a nickel each time I heard that statement… well I’d still be broke, but the point is that I’ve heard it quite a few times. c;

This is one of several sculptures scattered around the Miami Dade College Wolfson campus in downtown Miami. It’s directly across the street from where I reside so I’m there all the time for images. It’s simply referred to as the “X” and it’s an common meet-up spot for many of the students.

What this location is mostly known for though is attracting musicians. Don’t ask how it has come about, it just is. I always see bands and spectators in the area, relaxing, more than likely waiting for their next class to begin. So with that, I felt it was necessary to get some musicians in the frame, creating a true representation of what the “X” is all about.

These guys were real cool and didn’t mind me taking the photo. Actually to be honest, I don’t even think they realized I was even there; they were mad focused on their tunes. 0_O

SO WHAT’S NEXT?
Another hdri image from the construction site I visited the other week. I’ve still got a couple more to share with you from that assignment, which was a great experience. Or maybe next I’ll share with you a shot I got of the American Airlines Arena just after the SOS Haiti Concert ended. I’m not really sure yet. =/

.stay tuned | see you soon.

SIZE DOES MATTER ➠ FULL SCALE IMAGE
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Are you a fan?! ➡ Facebook Fansite!

The only reason I’ll ever leave my balcony door open is to hear the sound of drills and jack-hammers raping the Miami streets [and also to save money on my energy bill! c;]

There is never a day that goes by where you will not come across a construction site in Miami, especially in the dwntwn area! It’s just human nature. As you may have already seen through some of my previous images, Miami is going through a serious facelift, or self-proclaimed “Manhattanization wave.”

29 floors and two blocks away from my place of residence is a relatively new construction site on the Miami Dade College campus. Apparently a premiere 13-level Culinary Arts building will be added to the MDC Wolfson campus by October of this year. 0_0

It was so frazy [fcukin crazy] how many people I had to go through just to get permission and access to this construction site. Affiliates of the MDC campus and managers of Turner Construction Co. were so focused on my safety, it was ridiculous. Everyone was afraid of getting sued in the event of me getting injured, so I had to wear the hard hat and vest, as expected anyway. =/

I’ll be posting several other eye-candy images from this construction site during the course of February, instead of all of once [everything in moderation].

HUGE APPRECIATION ↓
to Andrew Knight of Turner Construction Co. for getting me on the site smoothly. & thanks a billion to Lazaro, Manolo & Sergio [great Miami press colleagues of mine] for helping me choose the best image from this assingment to share with all of you. Make sure to see the larger version at xynn tii imagery.™ flickr! c;

& yes, I’m always in love with your fanbase! ^_^

SIZE DOES MATTER ➠ FULL SCALE IMAGE
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Your fanbase over at the xynn tii imagery.™ fansite is escalating beyond imagination and I sincerely appreciate all your comments/critique. I find myself just as engaged to your feedback and it’s definitely making me better at what I do. Keep ‘em coming fans!

Let’s Be Facebook Friends
Also! I’ve been getting an overwhelming amount of fans requesting my facebook friendship at my personal profile. You can become my facebook friend too! Make a quick trip to ➠ facebook.com/xynntii. Get it in! I’ve been chatting one-on-one with fans that want to know more about my technique and even Miami in general. I’m here to respond to whatever you’ve got, so request me now. c;
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IMAGE DETAIL↓
AHH! I wish you could see how many glass doors make up that entrance. Brings a new meaning to excessive. O_0

So, 4 consecutive upgrades containing images from the Inter-Continental Hotel? I think I may have a crush. Or maybe these are the only HDRI shots that I’m biasly [yea, that's not a word] deciding to prepare for the fans to see? =/ Either way I need to diversify a little bit more.

This was one of the first images I took before damn-near being raped by the Valet as I tried to head inside. I didn’t even come in a car, WTH!? All I had was my camera on a tripod that looked like a rifle at first glance. :p

A Serious Problem ↓
The flags on the far left were a serious pain to fix. Why did it have to be so windy yo!? Actually, I didn’t even really fix them. The typical Miami distraction [women] and American Idol kept me from altering its appearance in time, so I did what I could with the lack of focus I had.

This HDRI contains 3 exposures, tonemapped in Photomatix and color-corrected/masked in Photoshop CS4. Lightroom 3.0 did its thing as well, helping me with correct lighting sources. Hope you enjoy this as much as I did taking it!

.stay tuned | see you soon. ~_=

via xynn tii imagery.™ flickr.
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Oh damn, didn’t I say I was giving the HDRI artform a rest for a couple more vlogcasts™? Whoops, my bad. >_<Wish I knew then what I now know about the Inter-Continental Hotel in dwntwn Miami. Let me try to keep my composure when I say this: The lobby is frazy sexy! [Yes, frazy  is what I meant to say. c:] Hard to believe this place has been here since ‘82 and is still relative today.

But seriously though, what I enjoy most about the Inter-Continental Hotel is their culturally diverse business. It appeals to people from so many different countries, which is a really, really good look. I promise you: I heard at least 7 different languages while I was there.

Getting inside the lobby without a reservation was easier than I thought. Typically when you walk past Valet, they always want to interrogate you about where you’re heading [Or is that just with me?]

Upon entering one of the 10 double doors, you’re greeted by this enormous figure [as seen in the image] that favors the shape of a face. This thing is huge yo! But I seemed to be the only one fascinated by it, so I decided to head upstairs where I could get a good angle.

Next Obstacle = Security! O_o
Yea, I almost got in trouble when 3 security guards damn near walked through walls  to get to me for questioning [they came out of no where]. I did what I normally do though: took the photo then showed it to them so they could see my intentions. This move worked as usual, I gave out the business card and continued taking some more shots as they left me alone. So necessary!

SYMPATHY TIP: Whenever walking around with your DSLR camera mounted on its tripod, try to look as innocent as possible. You already appear suspicious enough because at first glance it looks as if you’re holding a rifle. So just be calm. c;
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HISTORY HAS BEEN MADE with this HDRI image being added to the xynn tii imagery.™ portfolio. Why? It’s my first image without the xtii.™ logo. Insanity, or strategy? T_T

Your fanbase support is the sheeeiit! I appreciate all of your comments and replies over at the fansite and via twitter!

.stay tuned | see you soon.

via xynn tii imagery.™ flickr.

BIGGER IS BETTER ➠ SEE LARGER IMAGE

If I told you that this ’sour then sweet’ masterpiece didn’t have my heart, mind and soul, then I should be slapped…then shot in the face! ^_^ I love you Sweden!!

Sour Patch Kids has got to be the best invention called candy…ever! Believe me, I wouldn’t advertise it for free if I wasn’t seriously speaking from the heart. >_< I’ve been eating them since 1st grade, and I consume a 1lb bag every week. It’s just oh so necessary.

DO THIS NOW ↓
If you haven’t experienced the ’sour, sweet, gone’ orgasm, then please be more practive with your life and buy sour patch kids. Swedish Fish [the manufacturer] better not ever go out of business or I’m never taking photos again. :p

0_o Okay, so finally another horizontal image makes its way into the portfolio! Some of the fans were getting quite upset with all of my vertical shots, which wasn’t showing any diversity whatsoever. =/ For that I apologize.

While shooting some illegal digital images for my film photography class during the fall ‘09 semester, I had get a shot of my favorite candy. Not surprisingly, my ego wanted to include the xynn tii imagery.™ cards in the  frame as well. I shot this image in the privacy of my condo in dwntwn Miami.

The course assignment was; shoot a self-portrait, without physically being in the frame. =/ So I decided to shoot a couple subjects that described my taste for life: the candy and my company. c;

THIS IS NOT AN HDRI
I’m giving that artform a break for a couple more updates. c; Silver Efex Pro, an excellent photoshop plugin, converted this image to monochrome. This plugin is also responsible for the split tone, giving the image a yellow-blueish tint.

I hope you enjoy! & I also hope you’re enjoying all of the meaningful tweets via xynn tii imagery.™ twitter. Receive consistent links of other photographers who are inspirational to the hdri world by following xynn tii imagery.™ now! There’s also some social media involved.

Continue to have an open mind fans. I’m always loving your fanbase.
.stay tuned | see you soon.

via xynn tii imagery™ flickr.

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.

.stay tuned | see you soon. ^_^