All posts filed under: Photography

Island Icon: Mike Davison

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Wind Rider Kiteboarding instructor Mike Davison can usually be found speeding across the ocean surface, using the waves to launch himself into the air. Mike grew up in Chicago, but moved to Okinawa in 1990. In 2001, a friend introduced him to kiteboarding, and he was immediately hooked. He bought his own kite and board, and then quickly realized he wanted to share his new found passion for the sport with others. He earned his first instructor’s certification 18 months later and began teaching his friends how to ride the waves. In 2003, he set up his own shop Patriot Kites, and today he continues to share his love for the sport with more and more people. What is kiteboarding? “Kiteboarding is a new sport that came into the limelight about 15 years ago. Kiteboarding uses the power of the wind to pull you along. It can be done on the sand, snow, lakes or the sea – anywhere the wind blows.” How does a kiteboarding kite differ from a regular toy kite? “The kites …

Model Shoot: Daniela Pagan (Space)

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These are images from a recent shoot with model Daniela Pagan. I’m really pleased with the photos. Dani looked great, and  Eboh’s ideas for lighting worked brilliantly. Kim and Wendy did a fantastic job with make-up and hair. As for me, I merely rocked up and tried to make the most of working with a group of talented people. Big thanks to them all. Model: Daniela Pagan Make-up: Kim Clay Hair: Wendy Richardson Lighting: Eboh Ajeroh Wardrobe: Eboh Ajeroh & Ursula Ajeroh

Studio Shoot: Liz Craig (Glee!)

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These are a couple of images taken from the same shoot with Liz. Along with a change in make-up, the light illuminating the background and the light shining on the hair had purple and pink gels. The main light on the face was a beauty dish which creates lovely soft light and donut-shaped catchlights in the eyes. Every time I see the first of these photos I start humming “Don’t stop believing” from Glee. Again, a big thank you to Liz, Eboh, Kim and Wendy.

Studio Shoot: Liz Craig (cloaked)

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Here are a few images from another studio shoot I did with Eboh a couple of weeks ago. It’s very interesting working as part of a team, and I’m pleased with the images I got. The caption for the second shot could be “Help me, Obi-Wan Kenobi; you’re my only hope.” And giving credit where it’s due, here are the credits: Model: Liz Craig Make-up: Kim Clay Hair: Wendy Richardson Lighting: Eboh Ajeroh Fantastic group of people to work with.

BBC’s Natural History Unit: Life

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Today, June 1st, sees the U.S. release of “Life” the latest series by the BBC Natural History Unit. If you’ve already seen Blue Planet, or Planet Earth you will be well aware of just how good these productions are. I grew up on these programs, they inspired me to study ecology at university, they inspired my love of travel, and now they inspire me to get out into the world and take photographs. I can not recommend them more highly. Both Blu-ray and DVD versions come in two variations Life (narrated by David Attenborough) and Life (narrated by Oprah Winfrey). I’m a fan of Oprah but for me (and probably a large proportion of the British public) Attenborough is a broadcasting icon beyond compare, so I know which version I’ll order.

On the bookshelf: Location Portraits by Cathy Joseph

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Location Portraits by Cathy Joseph is one of the books in the Professional Photography series by Rotovision. Although the photography is excellent, this is not a coffee table book but an instructional guide on how to take portraits outside of a studio. Advice is given by experts in various fields including travel photographers, photo journalists and those who specialize in corporate portraits. As with other books published by Rotovision,  Location Portraits includes the technical details for each shot  including camera, lens, film etc and where relevant lighting diagrams. Unfortunately this book is no longer in print but it is still available new or used and is well worth checking out. (There are used copies on Amazon for less that $4!) Enjoy.

Island Icons: Hip-Hop Heroes

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Teppan and Popo are two freestyle dancers who are bringing American funk and hip-hop to Okinawa’s streets. “Teppan” (Tetsuya Yamauchi), “Popo” (Masato Ishikawa) and “Taiga” (Taiga Ishioka) have been friends since elementary school. They grew up in the small, laid-back seaside city Ishikawa, and while most of their classmates were more interested in baseball or basketball their passion was street dance. They formed their own dance team “Sound Terror” and their slick moves have taken them to competitions and events across Japan, and recently to the United States and the United Kingdom. In 2005, they set up their own SKF Dance Studio in Ishikawa, teaching freestyle dance classes to a new generation of kids with big dreams. Teppan and Popo talk about their inspiration, their dreams and their love of dance. Where did you learn to dance? “We went to various classes while we were at high school. Teppan studied hip-hop, Popo was into locking, and Taiga did breaking. After six months, we quit the school classes and started dancing together as a team. Our …