xynn tii imagery.

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

Fansite Community Growing Rapidly! Join In.

In May of last year, I started a puny sharing platform for :xynn tii imagery over at facebook. Soon enough it became a Fansite and folks actually started looking at my photos and reading the write-ups (at least that’s the impression). But don’t be discouraged; now that you’ve been informed, you don’t have to be an outsider any longer! Join the facebook fansite now and take advantage of that sexy Like Button. c:

Now, All It Needs is Some Paint

Back in February I rendezvous’ed with the construction workers in Dwntwn Miami. This was my first and (still so far) only photo opp on a satisfyingly dangerous construction site. I really want to do this again, but Turner Construction doesn’t seem to be budging. Either way, it’s a bit too late to return to these specific grounds because the structure of the building has been enclosed and is waiting for primer and painting.

These guys are working on what will be the Culinary Arts building for Miami Dade College, a couple blocks from where I live. It’s about 9 stories with abnormally high ceilings, which caters too the students cooking activities.

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! ^_^

Miss Out on the Premiere?

If you did… I forgive you, but let’s get you up to speed on the latest. My Eyecandy Portfolio came to life on 1 June! The grand opening went pretty snazzy and I made sure to celebrate the occasion responsibly with a handful of Associates here in Miami FL! You can check out the photos from the party I hosted over at my facebook profile. Yea, that was clearly a joke; I just wanted to find a way  to sneak in my facebook link. ^_^

At any rate, make sure to check out the Screenshot Tour I created for Eyecandy so you can get familiar with all the nice features. The greatest thing about Eyecandy is that you can buy prints directly within the Portfolio! This redefines what it means to have a user-friendly site!  I created a separate Screenshot Tour for purchasing prints as well, over at xynntii.com/buyprints. Prices start at a remarkable $12 and because of this, they are selling pretty damn well; much better than I projected for this first week. Get in on the fun: Go consume (and buy) my Eyecandy today!

Yohji Yamamoto = Genius!

Last summer, around the time I had just established :xynn tii imagery as a company, I tagged up with Ludwing Laboriel to embark on a awkwardly diverse photo session. Nothing was really planned, we just rolled with whatever. I have to admit: most of the shots involved his abdominals more so than anything else.

We took some editorial shots at the amenities level of my condo residence and in the studio, which turned out great! But I enjoyed the candid ones the best! We walked randomly in the dwntwn streets, Ludwing with guitar  in one hand, and a colossal ego in the other. It was funny how many blank stares we attracted.

Ahh, those sunglasses; the most superior eyewear I’ve ever witnessed. Fortunately in 2002, Japanese high-fashion designer Yohji Yamamoto and Adidas went into collaboration to mold the Y-3 brand, Adidas Style. I’ve been following Y-3 for a few years now and they’ve become a serious powerhouse, considering that the brand combines elements of couture with that of sportswear. It’s worthy of attention! It’s pretty pricy, but as I always say, “You get what you pay for.” Marinate yourself in Adidas Style by visiting y-3.com.

By the way, those are MY shades! Ludwing just borrowed them for the photos. Sorry, I couldn’t hold that one in; my self-indulgence made me do it! =/

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. ^_^

Premiere Facebook App!

I just created a sexy application for xynn tii imagery over at facebook! It’s really effective for those who look to keep up with my photo updates without having to leave the facebook network! There are also quick links that will lead you directly to xynntii.com and the fansite too. What makes this app so useful is the live feed that displays on its wall. As I usually post updates at my site before any of my social network [facebook, flickr, twitter], this new app will be first to tell you! Just subscribe to the app and even enable the tab on your own profile for easy access.

It’s funny [and random] but I actually created this app by mistake. >_< During this ginormous layout update going on, I was looking for a way to create a snazzy comment box for the fans after each post. Somehow I ended up downloading this ‘simple facebook connect’ app and I was given some API keys and several other boring things. But nevertheless, the facebook application is up and running and waiting for your use. Enjoy! c;

Image Detail.

In Dec. 2008, [the time this image was taken] I was under completely different circumstances, speaking in terms of photography. I was not taking photos seriously; in fact I didn’t have much of a portfolio at all. It was my first semester tagging up with my school newspaper, so the great photo opportunities were just beginning. Fortunately, I was assigned to cover my first big event: the Miami Int’l Book Fair. At first, I wasn’t too elated about it, but my mindset would change as soon as I arrived on the scene.

With disregard to all the novels, celebrity interviews and A-List authors, I found it most intriguing to head over to the children’s area on the fairgrounds. The kids were more entertained than the adults, fully-engaged in all the fun activities that were set up for them. But one little girl stood out from the bunch; she wasn’t having a good time. Her Mom tried to cheer her up but I think the Miami temperature had upset her by this point.

I couldn’t resist raising my camera to her, which Mom didn’t mind at all. The facial expression she gave me was priceless and I literally melted on the scene. >_< As you can see, it was clear that she wasn’t changing her mood for anyone.

I must bring back a point I made earlier: at the time I took this shot I didn’t realize how much photography and this capture would mean to me. I’m truly grateful for such an influential photo opportunity. It’s this very image that I look back on whenever I need to remember, why I now take this art seriously. c;

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.’ “

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.

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.

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. =\

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 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! ^_^