For my lighting setup, I used 1 medium softbox directly over the model’s head, with the lower side of the softbox almost touching my lens and two strip lights on each side. To soften the shadows below her nose and the chin, I put a white reflector just below the model’s chest. And finally, I used one light directly behind the model facing the background to give that little glow effect on the image. I shot tethered into my mac using Lightroom so we could review the images immediately. I couldn’t emphasize enough the significance of shooting tethered when possible because it gives you the opportunity to fine tune the lighting and do the necessary adjustments in no time, check for focus, etc. You should remember that you cannot always trust that little LCD behind your camera. My experience with my 5D Mark II is that my LCD is always a third of a stop underexposed, so if I would just try to compensate using what I can see from the small LCD screen, my images would probably be blown out in some areas.

Here were some of the images she have chosen:

Special thanks to Atty. Leif Opina, Councilor of the Municipality of Cabuyao.

A Beauty Photo Session with Ms. Tamera Marie Szijarto is a post from: Leowell Gonzales Photography – Singapore Fashion Photographer

One good place to learn from the professionals is the yearly event in Dubai — the Gulf Photo Plus.  There are a lot of workshops to choose from. I missed Chase Jarvis’ workshop in 2009 so this time I made sure I have allocated time and money. I registered to Melissa Rodwell‘s Advanced Beauty and Fashion Photography class. But before getting into the workshop, the GPP organizers would need to review and approve your portfolio. I have submitted them the link to my website and was lucky enough to be accepted. Booked my flight via Emirates and off I went.

On the first day of the workshop, Melissa taught us the basics of how to use a beauty dish. We had one young British model on the set and each of the students was given an opportunity to shoot. This shot was done using just one Profoto light on a beauty dish, directly above the model.

In the afternoon, we drove off to a hotel bar for the location shoot. This was where I’ve seen how Melissa works. I’ve watched first hand how she addressed the crew at the beginning of the shoot. She gave directions to the stylist and make up artist and gave them the look she was going for. This is where I met the wonderful make up artist, Toni Malt, who is very gorgeous and can be a model herself.

3 different lighting setups were done and Melissa asked us for some input, given the situation, what kind of lights are we going to use and where to place them. Here, I learned from Melissa and got some valuable inputs as well from the other students who happen to have very strong portfolios themselves.

So why am I sharing all of these? It’s because I wanted to stress out that it’s a very very competitive world out there. You should always spend time and effort to improve yourself and master your craft. Complacency does not have a room in photography, nor in any other industry. You have got to want it more than the next person.

Is attending classes/workshops going to do the trick? It surely wouldn’t hurt. Shoot more photos. Do more personal work. Collaborate with fellow photographers.

I would like to leave this discussion open and would love to hear from you what other things do you think we can do to hone our craft? Please hit the comments and let’s make this interactive. Cheers!

Photography: An On the Job Training for Life — I Learned It From The Pros is a post from: Leowell Gonzales Photography – Singapore Fashion Photographer

Wedges- Instead of stilettos that are usually the culprit when you find yourself with aching feet, wedges provide a more comfortable alternative. If you have any formal functions such as beach or garden weddings to attend this summer, wedges are a perfectly acceptable choice of footwear to pair with maxi dresses or shorter summer wear.

•    Espadrilles- Take a cue from Spain and invest in a pair of these shoes that were originally created to walk on sand with. Aside from using this at the beach, they are also perfect to use in the concrete jungle when you need something quick and casual to slip on.

•    Lace-up Sandals- whether you buy a pair for everyday use, or pick one up for a special occasion, lace-up sandals are hot this summer. Wear them with bright summer dresses or buy them in bright colors and pair with whites.

•    Shiny Shoes- the spring/summer 2012 run ways were filled with gold and sliver footwear, but don’t stop there! Pick a color that matches your personality and grab one in a metallic version.

•    Bright and Pastel Colors- Skip the blacks, browns and other neutrals just for now and opt for a more playful choices of bright pink, teal, lime green or dainty colors like baby pink and powder blue. You can pair these shades with any of the styles that are trendy this summer.

•    Pointed Shoes- for a few years now; pointed shoes have been put in the back of everyone’s shoe cabinets in favor of the daintier round toe. This summer, women who must wear more formal shoes for work or whatever reason will be pleased at the return of the sophisticated and feminine pointy show.

Post written @yahooshe

Shoes to wear this summer is a post from: Leowell Gonzales Photography – Singapore Fashion Photographer

Transcript

Hi everybody. I’m Dana Spitz, Global Shopping Editor from Reter.com and I’m here in Singapore. I’m really excited to be here, it’s my first time here and from all the research I have done, Singapore is a shopper’s paradise. They have around 250 miles on this small island, so that basically says everything and you can find every international brand here, Versace, Chaps, Tiffanys and everything in between but I wanna concentrate on the local brands, check out young new designers. We’ll hit the massive malls, so we also gonna go to small more Bohemian areas like Little India across the street. Let’s check it out and get started. So we’re here in Haji Lane and one of the shops we’re gonna in is called Green Posses. These bags are actually great. This bag is the larger version and I want it even more bigger, the bigger the better. Oh my god I love this. Now that is a fun play on [unknown]first effect.

but it is so cute, I might have to get it. Okay it’s my first time in Singapore, why not get low?

Two bags, that’s a really good score.

But you’re not a concept stock and its okay and they carry clothes, men’s fashion and women’s fashion and some accessories.

Check out this compass, this is so cute.

Let me look.

And it works.

It’s a Singaporean designer but it specializes in [unknown]

It’s all based on sailing. By invite only.

It looks like you can’t swim…

Hey looks like I’m moving… Could this work?

This piece is $45.

$45? I’ve never seen anything like it.

It’s a perfect accessory.

Okay great, I love this, I’m gonna get this.

We’ve actually heard a lot about your store?

Well I’m gonna look through and I’m gonna see if there’s anything I wanna try on. I mean I love how this is just drapery and then it’s just finished. It’s so comfortable.

and how much is this again?

$119. Okay I think I’m gonna get it. I’m in a little boutique called Egg3 and it’s an adorable shop and they have everything from fashion accessories and home goods. This seems to be a really big trend here. They have all of these frames I’ve been seeing; they are made out of wood. This looks like [unknown] and it shoots like this, in glass and I have my eye on them. So we’re about to go in and meet a design you all can call life in vanity. I love their jewelry. So I’m really excited to check it out. So your team obviously needs to know.

This is cool device.

You too made everything.

Really?

Yeah.

Very beautiful, that was on a bling dollar on hair.

Yeah.

Oh my, it’s good to be a hard decision. I made my hardest decision in Singapore.

We’re here in a shop called Hong Kong which is a local designer, she’s Chinese, and so it’s from Singapore. It’s very kinda of kitschy mixed western-eastern style. Like this dress, the bottom is purple denim with this little patched pockets and then with the typical Chinese style dress in the neckline and then these little characters. It’s around $356 Singaporean Dollars, which for a dress like this, I think is well worthy.

Well as you can see I shop my way through Singapore. It really is the shopper’s paradise. And I’m even wearing my new Life in Vanity new necklace. So of course I have to have to finish off my trip with Raffles Hotel, where the Singapore swing of events to 1950s. Bye everybody.

Read more: Global Shopping Guide: Singapore Video Clip – Marie Claire

Global Shopping Guide: Singapore Video is a post from: Leowell Gonzales Photography – Singapore Fashion Photographer

If you’re anything like us, the first signs of spring signal one thing and one thing only: A mad dash for the season’s hottest trends (you know, before they sell out). That’s why we kicked off February with a motherload of ideelSTYLE trend picks to carry you through the season. Didn’t have a chance to stock up on all your must-haves? No worries, we’ve got you covered with today’s Spring Trends Roundup sale.

Here now is a handy recap of the season’s biggest (and best) trends:

Bright Stripes

You know what they say, bright lights lead to bright nights, so kick it up a notch with bold color combos this season.

Neo-Neutrals

Neon accents paired with anything-but-basic neutrals are spring’s freshest color combo.

Romantic Notes

Vintage-inspired lace and ladylike silhouettes are perfectly suited for a sweet spring.

Trend into style here!

[Fashion Trends] Spring Trends Roundup is a post from: Leowell Gonzales Photography – Singapore Fashion Photographer

Written by:@ideeli

Spring is in the air, but is it in your closet? After refreshing ours, we invited fashion bloggers and writers to our Spring Fling Press Preview for an early look at some of our favorite pieces from upcoming sales (April 4th-19th).

Over 50 bloggers stopped by our Soho office this week to sip rosè and talk spring trends. Fresh-cut flowers set the mood for the lighter fabrics and brighter hues that lined our racks. And while the preview was a success (if we do say so ourselves), there were some definite trends that stole the spotlight — three, to be exact.

• Colorblocking: We love colors, especially when they’re stacked. The graphic segments slim in all the right places whether they’re taking shape in a fitted top or flowing maxi.
• Neon: You don’t need to go all out to play with this fluorescent trend. A quick burst of neon — a belt, a bag, a pair of shoes — will fast-track any outfit to spring 2012.
• Colored lace: Lace is shedding its sweet and demur act for an edge we never knew it had. In bright blues, greens, and oranges, lace is summery, modern, and bold.

Excited? Scared? Worried about pulling it off? Nonsense. Whether you’re tip-toeing around or diving straight in, any dose of these trends will be a breath of fresh air!

Spring Fling Preview: 3 Trends to Wear Now is a post from: Leowell Gonzales Photography – Singapore Fashion Photographer

Two weeks ago, Jessica walked out of Ted Gibson’s NYC salon with a new cut and head-turning color. She’s since delved into ideeli-supplied hair products and tools, styling her new ‘do differently for 14 days straight. How’d it go? Let’s find out!

Last week, Jessica gave us an update and told us how to get the look of three, new styles. Today she’s back with the three products she could not style without — all of which you can find in our 14-Day Makeover Challenge: Hair sale (ending 4/19 at 10AM). Find out why Jessica loves them below!

Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Moisturizing Shampoo and Conditioner
“This stuff is luxurious! Taking a shower feels like I’m being bathed in a rich vanilla scent, and it sticks with me throughout the day. It’s a great foundation for soft, moisturized hair that’s not weighed down at all.”

CHI Digital Ceramic Hair Waver
This helped me create a look I’ve been wanting to try for years! It creates those finger waves that were so popular in the ’20s, and I’ve never been able to create those on my own. This tool is great for a formal occasion where you want to shine in a crowd. Literally, the ceramic plates give the hair a glistening shine. It’s really gorgeous!

Carol’s Daughter Macadamia Heat-Styling Spray
“Just before and after styling, I use this hairspray. It doesn’t leave the hair crunchy and gives it a soft, supple hold. My hair has been infallible on windy — if anything, it looks better! No matter what I do, with this arsenal at my fingertips, every day is a good hair day!”

Tempted to start your own hair makeover? Learn more about Jessica’s from start to finish. To find out more about our 14-Day Makeover Series Challenge, go here, where you can also follow our healthy eating and fashion challenges.

[Fashion TIPS] Fashion Makeover: The Results is a post from: Leowell Gonzales Photography – Singapore Fashion Photographer

Turns out, a makeover challenge isn’t so hard when you love your hair. Jessica can’t stop experimenting with her new beauty products from ideeli, straightening and curling her locks into new looks every single day. In fact, she gets so many compliments, she can barely field them anymore! But while it’s nice to be noticed, the best part is how she feels about herself.

”I actually feel lighter, better, and more confident in myself when I walk out the door in the morning. It really makes a difference in your disposition when you’re happy with how you’re presenting yourself.”

Here are Jessica’s three favorite looks—with easy steps to making them your own.
Scrunched-up Waves
“I wanted tight-messy curls that would loosen as the day went on—so they could go from a day at the office to a night out.”

1. Blow-dry hair fully.
2. Use medium-size, clipless curling iron; wrap hair downward around the iron with your hand, but don’t curl the ends.
3. Add de-frizzing product (I used E.V.A. Argan Oil Treatment).

Soft and Sleek
“For a just-from-the-salon look at work, I did a total 180 from my usual wavy hair, straightening it but still keeping a slight curl at the bottom.”

1. Blow-dry hair completely.
2. Add a heat-protecting product (I used Carol’s Daughter Heat-Protection Foam). Straighten with flat iron.
3. Add de-frizzing product, like E.V.A. Argan Oil Treatment.

 
Pin Straight
“I wanted to straighten my hair, but spend less time than I did with the style above. The result is edgier and more textured.”

1. Blow-dry hair completely.
2. Add a heat-protecting product, like Carol’s Daughter Heat-Protection Foam. Straighten with flat iron.
3. Use a hairspray or gel (I used Carol’s Daughter Macadamia Heat-Styling Hairspray) to add texture.

[Fashion TIPS] Part 2 Fashion Makeover: Hair is a post from: Leowell Gonzales Photography – Singapore Fashion Photographer

From What Not to Wear to Tim Gunn’s Guide to Style to The Zoe Report, the personal stylist has become a modern-day fairy godparent. Whether they guide us with tough love or the softest cashmere, one thing’s for sure: we all want one. Alas, we are mere mortals who, most days, only get feedback from our full-length mirrors. Last week, however, our lucky fashion makeover winner, Nicole, got to live the dream when we brought in a professional stylist to help refresh her wardrobe.

Yesterday, we introduced you to Nicole, an ideeli employee who wants to take her laid-back, all-black wardrobe to a new level of colorful sophistication. After Ariela Suster — a celebrity stylist and owner/designer of the accessories label Sequence Collection— showed Nicole how to update her wardrobe, we sat down with her to get some advice. And, fortunately, she was game! Here are Ariela’s five foolproof styling tips for updating your look.

1. Want to add more color to your wardrobe? Start with accessories! They provide the perfect pop without traveling too far outside your comfort zone.
2. If (like me) you’re vertically challenged—in other words, short!—use nude or light-colored shoes to elongate your legs. Stay away from anything dark that will cut you off at the ankle.
3. One well-fitting blazer is a wardrobe must-have! It’s the easiest way to add structure to an outfit. Plus, it makes anything you wear it with feel infinitely more polished.
4. Always highlight your waist. Even if you’re wearing a blazer or cardigan over something else, wrap a belt around your natural waistline. It will nip you in at your most flattering point.
5. Patterns can be overwhelming, so here’s a good rule of thumb: The larger (and wilder) the print the further away from your face you want it. So stick with smaller prints on tops and blouses, and if you really want to go for it, try a boldly patterned skirt.

[Fashion TIPS] Part 1 Fashion Makeover: Meet the Expert is a post from: Leowell Gonzales Photography – Singapore Fashion Photographer

2012 started with an upheaval of change. Painful, gut-wrenching, seismic change. From January 1^st, my life began a new journey. Part of that new journey was my reconciliation with the way I see. The thing is, I’ve always been a little weird. I’ve been told my work is “edgy” since my college days. “Dark, mysterious, seductive, depressing, edgy, suicidal, achingly beautiful, tortured, cathartic”…..these are all words I’ve heard over the years describing my work. So I tried to conform, to shoot in a style that wasn’t mine but would appease the masses. I shot freckled girls in denim jeans on white backgrounds holding puppies and smiling toothy grins of teenaged innocence. I’ve shot long legged girls in itsy-bitsy bikinis on pearl sanded beaches with come hither eyes. I’ve shot commercially acceptable, masses approachable, clean, honest and totally sans “edge” fashion photographs.

But it hasn’t been my vision. This work was not mine! So with the upheaval of change that this year forced upon me came the renewed sense of my own Self, facing me again, asking myself, what’s it all about. I came up with this: if I can’t shoot what I love and how I see, what’s the point.

I flew to my hometown, Los Angeles, on January 9^th and I threw myself into work. I know, ironic right? I leave NYC land of fashion uberness to go to tacky LA to throw myself into work. I find it very odd that NY’ers hate LA people but LA people LOVE NY’ers. I think when you’re laying in the sun on January 15th in the backyard sipping on a mojito planning the menu for your outdoor barbeque that evening, there’s really nothing for an LA person to hate on  a NY’er. But that’s just one theory. Any way, back to me going home: I shot 4 editorials and 2 video commercials in 6 weeks. I collaborated with my dear friend Rodney Burns who styled all the shoots. Ben Trovato being one of them.

The technical specs on this shoot can’t be any simpler. I shot with no artificial light. I used a large window to the right of the set as my key. That’s it. I shot with the Nikon D3 with my 85mm at 1/160^th of a sec at about F4. I shot anywhere from 400 to 1000 ISO. I was inspired by a picture I found of Keith Richards. One picture. That’s all it took. What really tied the shoot together for me was shooting the story on a Fashion Back Drop. I have mentioned my friend, Sedi Pak, in previous posts. Her back drops are amazing and really embellish my shoots! You can view the full editorial on Ben Trovato here.

I look at the results, the final pictures, and I’m pleased. But the feeling goes beyond being “satisfied”. I’m home. If that makes any sense. Shooting what I love and how I see fashion. My greatest wish for myself is that I can stick to this and not listen to people anymore telling me I must conform and change to shoot in a style that isn’t mine. I guess we’re all going to find out together if I can stick to my guns and stay true to my vision now.  I’ve shed a lot of baggage so far this year. A lot of negative, heavy, cumbersome baggage. And I’m continuing to shed more. The excuses to NOT stick to my guns are getting fewer and fewer. Since my blog is very public (haha….understatement of the century) you’re all along on this journey WITH me…….so as I like to say…..stay tuned.

Post written by: Ben Trovato

[Inspiration] Shooting what I love and how I see fashion – Ben Trovato is a post from: Leowell Gonzales Photography – Singapore Fashion Photographer