[photography] hazel series

I fell in love with Photography in 2007, although I'm pretty sure that those people who really know me back then when I was shying myself away from the came were very shocked by that unexpected revelation.

In all honesty, I've never expected it myself. But I guess once I managed to completely immerse myself to everything that is art, I have began to appreciate and loved those "other things", such as Photography and make-up. I really want to thank the photographer who took my pictures on my debut - he is my first and primary reason why I fell in love with Photography in the first place. His photographic techniques had inspired me beyond all reasons.

While others prefer taking pictures of nature, I love taking pictures of people. I don't know why. There's just something about capturing them in poses that you asked them to do that I find truly fascinating. I want to capture their beauty in pictures, make them appreciate what they have (something I know that I'm lacking...), and show them that they don't have to be popular figures to be considered beautiful.

That is why when I take pictures, I just don't take pictures. I tend to be slow but simply because I'm such a perfectionist when it comes to it. I want to be sure that if I take a picture of someone, I want to make sure s/he's looking as best as she can. That is one qualm I have with other photographers: they tell you the pictures are nice as long as they get the job done (and the money afterwards), even though in the end the pictures don't look half as good as should have been if they only took the time and effort to do it.

Well, that aside, I'm going to post some of the old pictures I took of my friend, Hazel Ann Lomboy. Hazel was nice enough to let me use her as a model when we were at Daneva's house. These images were taken back then when we were still practicing for her debut dance. I know that, as of now, my photographic techniques and skills are lower than the amateur's, but I am very willing (and excited) to learn more about them someday. Enjoy.

...besides, this is my way of coping with my disappointment for not being able to get Digital Photography next semester. Aurgh. I'll make it sure I get that class next year, though! *wants to own a professional camera*

I took this picture with the idea of "optimism" and choosing to "keep moving forward". I was aiming for an almost magazine/pro look, haha...

I made Hazel stand near those plants to give the picture an exotic/earthly look.

Same picture as above but I edited the colors a bit and made it look more faded. I personally love this more than the last one, but only for aesthetic reasons.

On this picture, I wanted to portray her as a sophisticated, intellectual, and confident woman, which is why I asked her for that pose specifically (and yes, even the glasses add to that portrayal, too).

I played around with the space and tried to make her look tall, which wasn't difficult considering how she has natural long legs to boot. Long legs give an impression of higher height...at least in my opinion.

I was trying to make it look she's showing off the house as her own, haha. Dark, dirty yellow blends well with brown and creamy white background.

Again, with this one I tried to play around with the space. My main focus were the two poles in the background. I wanted to make it look parallel and sort of give it a mirror look.

As you can guess, I tried to play around with colors. I wanted to make it look like she's optimistically existing in a sad, static, black-and-white world.

I made this in grayscale because I thought the color fit the mood perfectly. I just wished I changed the way her hands were placed in the picture.

I was aiming for a filmstrip look. I made one for myself as well, but of course, taking a picture of yourself is more difficult than taking other people's pictures. I honestly like the colors on this one.

* Just in case you're wondering: these picture were taken with a regular Nikon digital camera. I just edit and make the colors/quality much better using Photoshop. I wish I have a pro camera, though.