Sunday, July 25, 2010

Photoshoot: The Foreign Exchange [07/23/10]

On Friday, July 23, I got the honor of taking The Foreign Exchange official portraits while they were here in San Francisco for their 2 night performances at Yoshi's San Francisco. I mention "official" since I was able to get MotionScope Studies all access with The Foreign Exchange and I was the only one taking their portraits right before their performance on Friday.

The portraits posted below were all done less than 25 minutes for these 5 individuals of The Foreign Exchange: Phonte, Nicolay, YahZarah, Darien, and Zo!

Many thanks to Aimee for making this opportunity happen!








These images will be on the homepage of my photo + video development company MotionScope Studies.

A full post of the concert coverage and portrait images coming soon!

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

BTS: Photoshoot: "The Sound Lab" with IQ (San Jose, CA)

All photos by Nicole Velazco

Credits:
Talent: IQ (sickasounds.com)
Manager: Ro
Photographer: JJ Casas
1st Assistant: John Enriquez
2nd Assistant: Diane Ayson
Stylist: Jane Park
BTS Photographer: Nicole Velazco
BTS Videographer: Vinette Guiterrez

Location: San Jose, CA

After getting lost for a bit trying to find the location, we finally find IQ and the location.

Starting to unpack the car as I try to give Vinette (BTS videographer) directions to this area--probably not the best idea at the time when I'm terrible in directions already haha

The xB was packed to its fullest--besides the typical photo equipment there were props including a microscope and even dry ice!

Knowing that it was an indoor shoot, I decided to shoot tethered to my laptop since it can give a clear picture of what I'm shooting to Ro (manager) and Jane (stylist).

IQ and Ro were able to bring a table and had to make a last minute to get a white tablecloth [at the nearby Target].


Jane in the background designing the set as the food coloring is on standby.

A quick plug: the shirt I'm wearing is designed by my friend and director Patricio Ginelsa of Kid Heroes Productions. I've learned a lot from him on his sets of productions in terms of management, organization, and the importance of having a team present.

Jane adding the food coloring to the jars with dry ice.

Good thing I brought my football glove since Jane handled the dry ice for the shoot!

The endless black bags I've brought for the shoot--I should try getting brightly colored bags next time!

Reviewing initial photos...


Even though I have a ringflash, I've rarely used it as designed on camera axis.. and so it continues for this shoot as I used it for fill.

I believe I lost my ass somewhere.. hahah But I am putting to use my new Pelican case as I'm standing on it for extra height.

A good shot with a view of those present for the shoot looking on.

The treatment I prepared for both IQ and Ro after meeting up with them several weeks back.

A quick shot SOOC (straight out of camera) displayed on my macbook pro.

A take a quick break as I hand over my camera to Ro to see the images before we call it a day.

IQ is finally able to look at the images after enduring the flashes and pops.

As tradition, we take a family photo with everyone involved (left to right): Jane, Me, John, Diane, IQ (Talent), Ro, Vinette, and Nicole.

And following that tradition is to also give a funny face at the very end!

So thanks again to everyone involved in this shoot and definitely could not have done it with you all.

Now for a teaser pic (click to enlarge!):

Thursday, July 15, 2010

KSE: Mini Photography Workshop

Lately I've been more involved in the community program KSE as I've given a total of 4 [including this mini] workshops. For this workshop held on July 14, 2010, it was focused more on camera phone photography since the group of kids are doing a project with a low budget. For me, that's totally fine since any camera you have is a good camera than none!

I went over some basics of photography and then went outside to practice a bit. I then went over their images as viewed it projected onto the wall and gave back some constructive feedback.

Being involved in these community workshops has not only helped the attendees in understanding photography [my passion] but has ignited a love of teaching for me. I know I've taught kids in photography but having an older crowd who can actively give feedback is really great.

While I helped this group start on their paths to this photography project, I will be overseeing the production so I will be able to help them still. It's scheduled to be completed in late September so I'll try to give updates when I can!

ADLs: Dental Appointment

"Dental Appointment"
Taken on July 9, 2010

Here's what happened: I was eating salad [of all things] and I accidentally bit my fork. I knew it was gonna be bad so I had to check the mirror and yup there it is: I CHIPPED MY TOOTH. Luckily, my dentist was kind enough to fix it for me on a short notice. =)

--
The blog roll "ADLs" is a series of images of my "Activities of Daily Living". It is a nursing term to describe a patient's activities that s/he does in a daily basis. This is my feeble attempt to combine my trade nursing and passion photography together.

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

ADLs: Asleep

"Asleep"
Taken on July 13, 2010; Camera: iPhone

Here's my cat ISO [yes, named after camera setting ISO] sleeping in the afternoon with me. I woke up and here he is situated right in my armpit. haha He also snores too which is funny [I admit, I snore too..] and I actually recorded it. Most of the time, he's very energetic and plays pretty rough sometimes--got the scars to prove it. But when I'm taking a nap or if he's attention hungry, he'll be nice at times.

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The blog roll "ADLs" is a series of images of my "Activities of Daily Living". It is a nursing term to describe a patient's activities that s/he does in a daily basis. This is my feeble attempt to combine my trade nursing and passion photography together.

Music Video: "Love Affair" by J-Ricz and Kid Heroes Productions



Here's the debut music video of my friend J-Ricz entitled "Love Affair" whom director Patricio Ginelsa of Kid Heroes teamed up with! On the side note, I did shoot J-Ricz's two music albums--Genesis and now upcoming album MusicPhiliac. Stay tuned for his album "MusicPhiliac" coming soon!

I've been lonnng time friend with these two artists and it's great to see them work together! Props to the entire crew for making this video possible plus great story!

Credits:
www.jricz.com
www.kidheroes.net/loveaffair
www.xylophonefilms.com

Written & Directed by
PATRICIO GINELSA

Produced by
ANGEL ALZONA
A.J. CALOMAY

Co-Producers
ANNE RAMIS
ROB MARCACCI

Executive Producer
CARLO RICAFORT

Director of Photography
ANTHONY IGNACIO

Edited by
JOEL BUENAVISTA

"Love Affair"
Written & Produced by J-Ricz for Introverse Records
Co-produced & Mixed by Brian Keith Gasacao of BRILAY
Music Mastered by Ryan Gentry of Gentry Entertainment
From the album "MusicPhiliac"

Starring
J-RICZ

Dennis
NICHOLAS CORRALEZ

Gwen
ANAZARRY DANGANAN

"Creepin" Host
DAVID RIGSBY

Gwen's Classmate
ANNABELLE BORKE

Background Talent
JESSICA N. LOZARES
HUNG NGUYEN
JHESWIN P. MONTOYA
A.J. CALOMAY
RYAN CANTORNA
JEANELLE PINEDA
ROB MARCACCI
KRISTINA HILL
MIKE CAO
R. DEXTER TUCAY

1st AC
LANCE HASHIDA

2nd AC
JUSTIN MADRIAGA

Gaffer
JEFF NOLDE

Grips
CHRIS LORA
HUGH YANUARIA
MELANIE RAMOS

Media Manager
JOEL BUENAVISTA

Playback
DYLAN GARRETT

Makeup
PATRICIA SALUMBIDES

Wardrobe
CHRISTINA BENAZA

Assistant Director
ERICA ENG

Motion Graphics
APOLLO BALDOZ

"Creepin" Logo
DARRIEL GINELSA

Music Score
JONATHAN WANDAG

Sound Design/Mix
RYAN FRIAS

Production Design
JEFF CRUZ
JOCELYN FERNANDEZ
MARVIN FONTANILLA

Production Assistants
HANS CRUMP
MELANIE FONTANILLA
JEANELLE PINEDA
DEXTER TUCAY
RYAN CANTORNA
CAMRIN PITTS

Special Thanks to
ELLEZAR "ZAR" JAVIER of www.pnoyapparel.com
NICO of www.Be-disciplined.com
BRIAN KEITH GASACAO of Brilay Music
USC Experiential Learning Center
RYAN GENTRY of Gentry Entertainment
REX SAMPAGA of RAS Music Group
JESSICA LOZARES
HUNG NGUYEN
JHES MONTOYA
DERICK ULAC

Dedicated to
DOLLY RICAFORT
ALEXIS HOPE RICAFORT

Saturday, July 10, 2010

ADLs: Cheers

"Cheers"
Taken on July 8, 2010

It was my dear friend Donna's 23rd birthday [pictured above]] and she wanted to just invite a few friends over at her house to have a simple wine and dessert evening. [Wine and Sprinkles cupcakes to be specific =) ]. She's been my friend since freshman year and it's definitely a blessing to still talk and see her to this day. The other friends she invited too were all part of close-knit group from high school so couldn't have been any better.

Cheers to you Donna and hope you enjoyed your birthday!

--
The blog roll "ADLs" is a series of images of my "Activities of Daily Living". It is a nursing term to describe a patient's activities that s/he does in a daily basis. This is my feeble attempt to combine my trade nursing and passion photography together.

Thursday, July 8, 2010

ADLs: Swimming Lesson

"Swimming Lesson"
Taken on July 7, 2010

My cousin asked if I could take my nephew to his swimming lesson in South San Francisco and thought it be a quick way to spend some time with him. Haven't been in a public swimming pool in awhile and since it is summer, dozens of kids were around and in the pool with parents and guardians waiting in the bleachers looking on. After his 30 minute lesson, he showered and prepped himself to go back to daycare. Brief moments like this are always nice!

--
The blog roll "ADLs" is a series of images of my "Activities of Daily Living". It is a nursing term to describe a patient's activities that s/he does in a daily basis. This is my feeble attempt to combine my trade nursing and passion photography together.

Review: Moleskine Kindle Cover

I got this awhile back [like 1.5 weeks ago] but am finally making a review for it since 1) I'm a Moleskine fan [my friends know that already and so when this case was making the blog newsreel, couple of friends already knew I'd get this]--check this, this, and this--and 2) I love my Kindle! So what better way than to combine the both!

Packaging is simple--cardboard box with some black printing of the content inside.

I couldn't wait any longer but this sticker with the Moleskine Kindle cover wrapped in black tissue paper was a simple and elegant touch to it.

Known for that elastic band [in which many imitator's out there copy now], this keeps the Kindle cover from flapping open expectantly. I will say though that the usual oil-clothed cover is a little "oily" than it usually is... it has a "sticky" factor so it does pick up dust/hair easily but a few wipes takes care of that.

If you were to open it, you'd find it wrapped in that black tissue but inside the box is just that plus a little pamphlet with the explanation of the Moleskine.

What sets this Moleskine apart from its classic notebooks is this nice suede like lining to ensure that the Kindle doesn't get scratched. It's definitely nice to touch and makes it seem more expensive!

Another detail shot of the suede-like lining of the Moleskine Kindle cover. Very nice Moleskine!

What is nice about this cover is that it keeps its analog past present with the digital. Moleskine is nice enough to include two Volant reporter notepads--reporter notepads in general are about $10 so you're getting $20 worth of Moleskine paper already with this cover! [Non-Moleskine fans must be like "Wait, you'd pay $10 for a notepad??! Sigh, if you're a Moleskine fan you'd understand...] I read that these notebooks are made specifically for this cover and its back cover slips in the pocket sleeve in the inside panel.

While it doesn't look secure at first, the Kindle is just held by 4 elastic bands. Trust me though, once they're securely on, there is barely give or movement!

Because it's so snug, the Kindle sadly cannot be attached with a protective cover--so this thing is bare and exposed to outdoor elements. I previously used a cheap eBay bought plastic hardshell but loved it because I can toss it in a bag or table and not worry about--plus, it had a protective plastic screen that was attached to it!

So here's the "problem": You see the Kindle 2? And then I'm sure you see the Moleskine Cover + notebook. This case does definitely add more weight and dimension to the reading experience but if anything, it's like reading a physical book. So don't expect this cover to be the slimmest or lightest!

A closeup view of the Kindle cover in "reading mode."

I definitely wasn't thinking before today but I would get annoyed by the reporter notepad flapping away if I didn't hold it properly. Remember I sometimes do it to my regular Moleskine notebooks, I just used the elastic band to hold the cover and notepad closed tight. Wala! Annoyance gone!

Bottom view of the Kindle strapped securely by the cloth elastic bands and the whole thing being held in "reading position" by the main elastic band.

While it does seem thick, the added width does actually become comfortable as you're not holding a piece of thin plastic and metal. On the other hand, the Kindle was meant to be thin and light for portability....so decisions, decisions...

With Volant reporter 'pad closed...

...and open!

Buyer's Advice:
In general, I like this case and am beginning to love it since it blends naturally with my collection of Moleskine notebooks I use everyday. For me, having a notebook around is essential as it's quicker and more convenient than digital in more ways than one. My advice to determine if this cover is perfect for you is get it if:
- You don't mind your Kindle being exposed [you can apply a screen protector but I go against it as it adds glare]
- You need a notepad on hand when you read books on your kindle [on the other hand, the Kindle does have its own highlight and annotation tools..]
- You're a Moleskine fan!
My arguments for you to not get this everything above but opposite: having your Kindle exposed is death waiting to happen, you'd the skip a notepad because you've moved on to digital annotations, and paying extra money because it's branded by Moleskine just doesn't make sense.

In conclusion, the Moleskine Kindle cover is right for me. Yes, it's $39.99 [$5 more than Amazon's official leather cover] but the classic look, it being the official Moleskine cover for Kindle, and integrated notebook had me sold at hello.

Thursday, July 1, 2010

BTS Video: "On A Journey" Photoshoot



This is the BTS video that will accompany my BTS post earlier.

Video shot by Nicole Velazco
Edited by JJ Casas

Credits:
Photography by JJ Casas
Assisted by John Enriquez
BTS Photography/Producer: Nicole Velazco
2nd Assistant/Stylist: Jane Park
Model: Veronica Girma
Model: Paris Warr
Clothing Designer: Cara Antoinette Ramos
Clothing Designer: Jocelyn Santos
Jewelry Designer: Cecille "Ses" Basila
Stylist: Brian Advincula
Stylist: Angelica Garde
MUA: Bianca Guida
MUA: Michelle Vega

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