Posts Tagged ‘miami beach’
Apr 04 2010
My Special Funkshion Debut! ^_^
Creative Commons License
Hey fans! You’re welcome to use any images for redisplay, sharing, backgrounds, etc. Just make sure to include credits and links with each image and you’re all set. Simple. COMMERCIAL USE is not permitted unless solely authorized by xynn tii imagery.
What’s The Latest?
Choas, beyond chaos is going on right now in regards to Miami events. This is the most anticipated time of year [other than September] where a ginormous train of events touch down in the Miami area. Just this week I completed my coverage of the Miami Int’l Film Festival at the Gusman Center in dwntwn Miami. It was much better this year so stay tuned for the countless images I took of the Olympia Theatre! c;
Image Detail.
This was my premiere attendance to Funkshion Fashion Week! A major appreciation to Kevin Coleman of Ay Mami TV for his support in getting me into this event. He’s definitely one of the most proactive guys I know in the business. So many top fashion designers showcased their clothing lines on the runway: Franovik Designs, Craig Signer, Silvia Tcherassi, Unaluna, Dragana Ognjenovic, Gustavo Cadile, and the most creative of them all…Custo Barcelona. What an amazing imagery experience I had, seriously. I enjoy Miami runway showcases for several reasons…
1. Networking accompanies fashion shows so effortlessly and consistently. Dozens upon dozens of big names of the 100 billion $ fashion industry always make an appearance. Most of the time, they’re just standing there, waiting for you to walk up and introduce yourself, exchanging business cards during the meet-and-greet. T_T
2. This is one of my favorite Miami photo opportunities. I really enjoy wrestling with the other press guys and girls on the media podium to get a good position, right in front of the catwalk. It’s so funny though how serious some of them are, never even cracking a smile during the entire event! Some of them, I feel, need to loosen up.
3. & Lastly: Did you seriously think I was going to leave this one out ➥ The lady models are so SEXSAYYY! Oh my goodness! 0_0 Orgasmic. Learn more about Funkshion Fashion Week ➥ http://funkshion.com.
You can view all of my best shots from Miami Funkshion Fashion Week 2010 via the fansite! c;
Apr 04 2010
Undisclosed Hallway of Maurice Gusman.
What’s The Latest?
O-My-Goodness, Winter Music Conference and Ultra Music Festival are fast approaching. In fact, their debut is right around the corner [23-27 March]. These two events take place at Miami Beach and dwntwn Miami. If you’re not familiar with this ginormous music venue, you can view the photos I took of it last year via my personal facebook profile. All you have to do is add me to see them. Sharing is caring. c;
This is the time of year I anticipate more than anything Miami-related and I’ll make sure to share my experience with you via xynn tii imagery.™ c;
Image Detail.
The Olympia Theatre of the Maurice Gusman Center has to be the most legendary and prestigious theatre in Miami, by far. Its premiere opening to dwntwn Miami was in 1926! But that’s not even the amazing part. What leaves me mind-boggled is that the Gusman Center is still used very frequently to this day.
& The Olympia Theatre has been kept in mint condition, you’ve gotta go take a peak sometime, it’s really beautiful. I’l be sharing interior photos in the near future! You have to stay tuned to see them. Near the top of the Gusman Center on the outskirts of the Olympia Theatre [5 stories up or so] there are these hallways that have the creepiest feel ever! But creepy in a good way. T_T
I actually found this hallway on accident as I was heading down the stairs from the top of the audience. The colors of the walls and the mood I felt at the time really called for a photo, so I had to snap a couple shots. Surprisingly, no one entered the hallway as I set up the tripod = so necessary. c;
Feb 23 2010
Lincoln Road Gets A Serious Extension.
Image Detail.
Lincoln Rd of South Beach, Fl has undergone a more-than-necessary renovation process toward its west end, near Alton Rd. I remember this construction site first commencing when I premiered in Miami during the spring of ’08. During the construction process of this multi-purpose tower at the corner of Lincoln and Alton, the entire walkway surrounding it was always fenced off. So I never got a chance to see this wonderfully stained-glass movie theatre across the way for what it really was.
There’s a sushi joint called Doraku within this complex that is easily my favorite restaurant on the beach. I had just finished eating there before I took this shot [I'll post an image really soon showcasing the Doraku entrance! c;] A former neighbor of mine, Darren Lewis, accompanied me to Doraku for a very very late B.DAY dinner! ^_^ That would be him at center frame, talking on his out-of-date G1 phone. c;
& The Complaints Ensue.
Apparently this new extension of Lincoln Rd is not well liked by all, especially the handicapped. I just got word [from a very credible source in dwntwn Miami] that there has already been serious complaints filed in regards to the rugged pavement of this new walkway.
Now personally, I never thought of this as an issue, probably because I have two feet and I seldom use a wheelchair. But I now see how this creates a problem. The pavement is made of granite I believe, and its not smooth all the way across, its rocky. =/ Regardless, I really don’t think the city will made any changes to the walkway post-construction.
How Was it Done?
Color correction was definitely key in post production of this high dynamic range image. From the stained glass, to the granite floor, I removed a large amount of excessive color casted in unwanted places. I definitely look to provide more images from the beach scene, because that’s what Miami’s all about right?!
Feb 16 2010
Celebrate B.DAY w/ Your Hard Hat On.
Hello Twenty!
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. >_<
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
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;
Feb 14 2010
Controversy? Naw, This is Reality.
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…
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?
Feb 12 2010
Wiley Coyote Stars in Art | Basel
Art | Basel | Miami Beach
is easily the largest art exhibition in the United States, EASILY! It’s truly redonkulous how many credible artists [from countless countries] come to display and sell their artwork during December of every year at Miami Beach. This is actually a sister exhibition to Art | Basel in Switzerland, an event I wish to go to in the near future [a very unrealistic goal].
I have to admit though Art Basel 09 was nothing like the year prior, featuring 30 percent less the amount of artists and their artwork. I was quite disappointed because this was one the first events I photo-covered when I first came to Miami in 2008, so I wanted more. =/ Can’t have everything right?
But for the most part, I did enjoy what little I saw. I received a free press badge so I’m not really in a position to complain, Haa. Wiley Coyote stood out to me most because of the lighting conditions under which it was displayed. The spectators added a sense of completion to the frame, so I appreciate their modeling. ^_^
How Was It Done?
This HDRI was actually taken with my older camera, the Nikon D200 which I sold last year. I’m trying to remember exactly how many exposures I used… I think 5, and they were fused together and tonemapped in Photomatix Pro. I like to think I’ve gotten so much better with this hdri artform because I’ve learned how to remove excessive saturation and lighting conditions caused by the over processing of Photomatix. But don’t get me wrong: this program is the best as a first step.
Following the initial merging, I usually mask the original hdri with the raw images in Photoshop CS4; this gives the hdri a more realistic look. I also used the plugins Portraiture and Noiseware, to remove SOME, NOT ALL of the noise. A little bit of noise is necessary because it displays some texture objects.
So What’s Next?
Don’t worry! I’m going to post another one of those construction images shortly. T_T But next will be a real journalism-type image, one of my first, of a homeless man in downtown Miami. I’m sure this image will speak to you in so many ways, as it shows the hardship of homelessness and a lack of necessary medical treatment. But I must warm you prior to the update, it is fairly graphic.
Feb 08 2010
Listen… We Can Just Meet By the X.
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. =\
Dec 31 2009
Dwntwn Miami is so Unorthodox 0_o
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. ^_^
Dec 17 2009
What?! Where’s the Palm Tree?
Warning ↓
You may like this so much that you’ll want to BUY THIS PRINT NOW @ the xynn tii imagery™ storefront! c;
Wow, Everglades on the Bay just displayed the condominium Christmas Tree today! Getting a snapshot was a must. Although I was very surprised it wasn’t a palm tree, but instead the traditional pine tree. This is a really good look.
I sincerely wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a responsibly-celebrated New Years! c;
Join the fanbase via xynn tii imagery™ facebook fansite.
Dec 14 2009
Let Me Guide You, To Marina Blue
Twitter = The Best I Ever Had
Yea, it’s kind of a big deal to become an active Twitter user. For serious, make sure you’re following each and every tweet of xynn tii imagery.™ I like to think I am a true twitter user [& there goes the ego].
Some often get the misconception that Twitter is simply a social network where you only let people know what you’re doing every minute of the day. WRONG, WRONG! It’s more than that. Trey Ratcliff [the best HDR photographer in the game] will tell you firsthand that its about sharing the Internet with… with the Internet. Twitter makes it easier to share links with one another at the fastest rate possible.
Links are what make up the world wide web, and we’re constantly searching for news, inspiration, etc. Twitter is ideal for bringing all of this together as one big foundation. As a person that enjoys taking photos, I am constantly receiving links via the people I follow for inspiration and… everything. You can only get the most out of this Twitter by simply following the right people and being proactive and educational within your own tweets.
Look, the bottom line is: If you use Twitter for what’s its truly meant for and if manipulate all of its capabilities, you’re bound to discover that it’s actually quite useful and worth your time. Most importantly, follow xynn tii imagery™ c;
Image Detail.
The Marina Blue. Yea, it’s pretty sexy. It’s architecture is just ridiculous, and I mean that in a good way! It’s another relatively new condo residence of the dwntwn Miami area. It’s almost directly across the street from where the Miami Heat play [AA Arena]. I really don’t know much about it except that I know I can’t afford to live there… and that… it’s a sexy-looking skyscraper. ><
I wanted to lead the viewer’s eyes to the tower by finding an angle in which it would be centered and in the background. Do you think I accomplised that? =p I would love to go inside this place and hopefully within the next few days I will have the opportunity to shoot some images from one of their top floors. I would be able to get a decent shot of the AA Arena from up there, with the traffic strobe-lighted through the long-exposure process. Mhm, sounds like a plan.
