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. >_<

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. =/

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.

I telll 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. =\

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;

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