xynn tii imagery.

I’m Satisfied w/ not Getting Electrocuted.

Following the unprecedented success in print sales from Coming Home to a Sherbet Twilight, I also looked to capture the opposite effect; the sunset during a disgusting storm. I only wish every sunset was sexy but it doesn’t always work out, especially after it rains.

To put this photo over the top I decided on converting it to monochrome, adding in a copper tint. I enjoy it every time: when I’m able to witness those light rays striking through the clouds and spotlighting the land below. Now that’s the sexy part. ^_^

The Most Legendary Landmark in Dwntwn

Well, you can’t even see it in this shot, but the Freedom Tower encapsulates 85 years of Miami history. You can’t say that about too many structures still standing in the dwntwn area.

Currently, this guillotine is still on display just outside the Freedom Tower, apparently for the awareness of past torture methods used by… yea, I really have no idea why this random guillotine is out there. But I was asked to take a shot of it for a last minute assignment a couple months ago. Came out pretty well, but I made sure to keep my distance. :p

This Makes for a Sexy Desktop!

Head over to my Eyecandy Portfolio, where you can download this photo and use it as wallpaper for your computer desktop! Even though I’m extremely bias in saying this: it feels great waking up to this photo in the morning when I open my Mac. ^_^ (Soooo bias I know, but my ego made me say it!) I released this photo over at Eyecandy a few days ago and it is selling astronomically! It was grand opening mayhem! You can go buy this print now as well.

I mentioned this within An Orgasmic Sunset: I’m rarely ever at my condo to witness all of the sexy evening sunsets. It pisses me off because I miss out on a lot of them and I almost missed this one! Luckily I got home from Miami Beach in time to capture what I call a Sherbet Twilight. I’ve never seen anything like it in real life. I only enhanced the vibrancy, not the saturation. There were a couple guys on the balcony of a high rise across the way that know exactly what I’m talking about: this sunset was surreal. =D

You Might Not Understand This, But You May.

This is Talitha Anyabwele, a client from May. I was fortunate enough to photograph her while she was in Miami on business. We set up at the sexy Mandarin Oriental on Brickell Key. She’s a great spirit and is a theater actress of her own show called Black Girl Speaks. Go to her website to learn more about the performance and locations!

I was feeling pretty damn artistic the day I decided to take this specific photo in a different direction. The original actually looks fairly different from the end result. I don’t know exactly what I created, but it looks more like it could be Talitha’s Avatar, minus the blue scaly flesh. I don’t want there to be a misconception: all of her shots were not edited to look this way. I decided to experiment on this one to see what I could create. This editing style is definitely a premiere to my Eyecandy Portfolio. Perhaps only the open-minded will be able to view and understand such an image; it’s not the typical shot.

Lakers! Love you guys and the entire front office! I’m looking forward to the 3-Peat run next season! ^_^

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. ^_^

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]. & 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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In honor of the first one to do it, the late great André Kertész.

For class, I was assigned to mock the style of renown photographers.Thought it would be crazy boring, but I’m glad I did it. c;

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This is one of several courthouses in dwntwn Miami. Wouldn’t this make a nice postcard? ^_^

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Who said dwntwn Miami doesn’t have bright lights?

I was really grateful to have gotten this shot! I was actually allowed access to one of the highest levels of my condo residence in dwntwn Miami. I’ve been craving this opportunity for months. c; This image points to the south, toward the Brickell district. I am a serious fan of the Bank of America Tower [purple skyscraper at right] because decades it has managed to remain a highlight of the dwntwn Miami area, literally. It began groundbreaking in 1983 and to much surprise still has that modern look to it.

What separates this Bank of America Tower from its surroundings are the interchangeable LED lights that mock colors based on specific times of the year or event. [For instance, during Breast Cancer Awareness month, the tower was lit in pink] Remarkable idea, I love it. This image also depicts the architectural renovation process of Miami. You can clearly see that the buildings start to look more modern as you track from the bottom of the image to the top, which is a true representation.

It really is only a matter of time before the Hyatt Regency Hotel and James L Knight Center [white buildings at center frame] are renovated and the same goes for much of the dwntwn area. I think its necessary and I look forward to seeing how Miami will look in 5 to 10 years from now. c;

This is a high dynamic range image and also my 1st taken with my new Canon D7 ! I used a -2 to +2 exposure metering [where I merged 3 images together during post production] No photoshop! was used during this process. I developed the image with photomatix and lightroom. c:

Believe it or not, I believe the most interesting section of this photo is actually in the very back. You can see a cruise ship from a far that separates the water from the sky! That divide gives the background more of a 3D-rounded look. But hey! Please supply your critique on this image via commenting here or even via twitter. Is this image in or out ?

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