What’s The Latest?

If you haven’t already done so, make sure to add me as your friend via my personal facebook profile At my profile, you not only receive early insight on fansite updates, but you also get a front row seat to the biggest Miami venues.

See, the fansite is simply eyecandy of my best images, but I create albums on my profile, containing hundreds of shots to the biggest Miami events for all to see. c; You can only view them by linking your profile to mine, so make that request right now! c;

Image Detail.

I’ll say it until the day I die: Doraku Sushi knows exactly what they’re doing, more than any other sushi joint in South Florida, I’m certain of it. I fell in love with Doraku the moment I laid eyes on it [kinda like when I first saw Twitter and the Macbook Pro ^_^]. According to a few sources of mine, Doraku is only one of a handful of Florida sushi bistro’s that actually have professional chefs visa’d directly from Japan. [That's some serious stuff]. So you just have to believe their sushi is the best, and is cut perfectly every time.

I initially planned on getting some snapshots inside of the Doraku restaurant, which was no problem to the general manager because I’m such a frequent guest. c; But it was just so damn crowded that night, I really couldn’t find the angle I wanted. So I headed outside after eating with Darren and took this one.

Although I would love to be bias toward Doraku, I have to shine light on another sushi bistro that will be premiering in downtown Miami any month now. Zuma Miami. has been getting quite the buzz lately. In fact, Zuma’s debut in Miami will be its premiere restaurant to the entire United States as well. They only have about 4 other restaurants in the world so this should be big.

You can find out more about Zuma and whether they’ll be premiering in your neck of the woods by heading over to their site!

How Was it Done?

This high dynamic range image was processed using 3 different exposures, bracketed at -2, 0, +2 [Canon 7D] and fused together using the wonderful photomatix. I also did some masking in Photoshop CS4 to remove excessive lighting, as I usually have to.

I kept the ghosting effect on some of the people that were walking to portray movement in the frame, but I did take some out. The only thing I dislike about this shot is that damn tree in the top right, which really pissed me off during post-production. It’s in the way!! T_T

SO MAKE A MOVE ➾ Ask all questions you may have about… anything. Post the question to the corresponding image or at the fansite. wall and you’ll receive a response within the next update! Stay proactive fans. c; Loving your fanbase, forever!

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.

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?!

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.

B.DAY = Necessary Distraction

This week, I’m out of town on my B.DAY trip, but I definitely don’t want that to get between you and all the xynn tii imagery.™ upgrades. Don’t miss a beat ➠ stay up-to-date right here at xynntii.com!

Image Detail.

This mall is easily the largest indoor shopping complex in South Florida. Those who have been there should be very familiar with the high velocity of traffic it consumes everyday. Aventura Mall is ginormous, something you definitely have to see for yourself. I had the opportunity to go there for the 88th time just after Christmas in 2009 and I brought my Mom along with me, who came to visit during the winter break. c:

Anyway, I snuck a shot of one of the Mall alleys during our tour of the place. I had a feeling it would look much better in HDRI format, so you know I had to convert it.

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;

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?

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.

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! ^_^

Let’s Be Facebook Friends

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!

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;

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! ~_=