The Dragon's Eye: 2012

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Dragon Bikini Babe

Started a new section on my Facebook website featuring models in swimwear. This is Jessica my first Dragon Bikini Babe. It was my first time shooting at the Makapuu Makai Research Pier and I LOVE it there. The natural lighting comes in from the sides, combined with the reflection from the water just makes its awesome shooting conditions. Its already a favorite location among many photographers.

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

More Dragon Babes

My next featured Dragon Babe will be Jessica. It was shot in downtown Honolulu in the late afternoon with some gorgeous natural light through the trees.

Shanda May-Halloween Group Shoot at Kakaako Park

Group shoots are set up with the idea of having each photographer bring a model with a common theme. The theme for this shoot was Halloween. Depending on the size of the group, several photographers shoot with a couple of models and then switch off after 20-30 minutes. Its difficult to get the "perfect shot" with the limited time. The idea is for photographers and models to be introduced to each other with some test shooting and perhaps schedule another one on one shoot at a later date.

Monday, September 17, 2012

Heather Toshiko Portrait Workshop

Shot at the Heather Toshiko Portrait workshop...with no flash, no reflectors....all natural light. Notice the different looks in each photo achieved with a slight change in her facial expressions. Her arms, legs and body within the time frame of 20-30 seconds stayed the same. No doubt the abilities of a talented and experienced model.

Model: Cassie Fillhart

MUA: Mia Moriguchi

Saturday, June 30, 2012

Bikini BBQ Group Photo Shoot

A fellow photographer got a dozen photogs and a dozen models together for a group photo shoot at Magic Island. We were divided into 3 groups and the idea was to have 3-4 models shoot with 3-4 photogs. Every 30-40 minutes the models would rotate and shoot with another group of photogs. The challenge was for the photogs to set up the shot with the model, take a few shots and then take turns with the others in your group. All the photogs were very good about taking turns and helping with technical questions. Some of them had assistants to hold lights and reflectors. Most like myself used on camera flash with no assistants. The models had to keep their energy levels up while working in the warm sun, going thru a variety of poses, some on land and others in the water. With 3-5 cameras pointed at you, which way do you look? The more experienced models made eye contact with each photog. The idea was for the photogs to get a brief idea of what each model had to offer and the models would get a sample of the photogs shots. If all goes well, they would schedule a future one on one shoot. All in all it work very well. Met a lot of talented photogs who were very generous in sharing technique and information and several models willing to set up future shoots.

Behind the scenes-Setting up a shot with Kera Copeland

Some of us who were not ready to get wet

Some of us who were willing to get wet

Model: Kera Copeland

Model: Jenn Bautista relaxing between shoots

Model: Leonor Labastida in B & W

Leonor

One of my fav shots

Model: Sarah Henderson

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Lions-50th State Fair

One of the hairiest female models I've ever worked with. But she knew how to slightly tilt her head, with the sultry bedroom eyes. Maybe more like the "Hmmmm....dinner" look.

The lone male among the six females

She was a little bored and tired after going thru all the poses. Actually she was asking me if she should get some tongue studs.

Must have been something "ono" on that cage.

She refused to wear high heels for the shoot. She gave the usual excuse, "There was nothing in my size..." Who was I to say no to a 400 pound lioness.

Friday, June 15, 2012

Model-Lovey

Had an opportunity to help Lovey expand her portfolio with some urban/business casual shots. Started off at my secret location in town. Here's a few teaser shots. Let me know what you think of the black and whites.

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Above the Clouds

Weather was rainy and foggy but it was still breathtaking to be above the clouds in the Zhangjiajie (Avatar) mountains of China.

Go fly a kite...in Qingdao, China

It was a beautiful day at sunset to fly a kite in Qingdao, China. When I first arrived to the city during the early afternoon and saw them flying kites, I thought it would make a great pic during sunset. When a returned a few hours later I managed to get this shot of the kite seemingly flying into the sunset.

Friday, June 8, 2012

China 2012-Zhangjiajie and Qingdao

When I planned my trip to the mountains of Zhangjiajie in China, my hopes was to see the breathtaking mountains from the movie Avatar, and walk on the glass walkway built last year against the cliffs. What I saw and experienced was way beyond my expectations. My proudest achievement was climbing the 999 stairs up to Heaven's Gate. Its a natural formation in the mountains with a hole large enough that a jet flew through it years ago. But just to get there was a bit of a thrill. You start with a 30 minute cable car ride into the valley and then ascending up high into the mountains. That's followed by a 30 minute bus ride across winding roads that take you to the entrance of Heaven's Gate. As I climbed the 999 steps, the weather became very foggy. As I approached the top, the fog rolled in and I couldn't see the top, let alone anyone within 10 feet of me. Already pretty tired, I turned and took a few steps down just as a much older man walked by me headed to the top. Hey, if he could do it, why can't I right? I turned and started back towards the top. The weather started to clear and I realized I was only a few minutes away from reaching the top. When I did and looked down and out over the mountains, it was a great feeling that's hard to describe. But it felt great! Going back down the mountain, we rode a glass elevator 1000 feet down to the bus terminal and more winding roads and finally the cable car. I also did get to walk on the glass walkway. Had some trouble finding it in the thick fog. Pics to come later.

About 4000 feet high

The view of Heaven's Gate just as the weather cleared and I started back up to the top. It took me 25 minutes from bottom to top.

Visited the Tsingtao Brewery in Qingdao and made my private label bottle. Across the street from the brewery is Beer Street where you can sample many international beers and sample some of Qingdao's best seafood.

Hooters in Beijing. Why am I smiling? They have great hamburgers and fries...AND Tsingtao beer.

Friday, May 18, 2012

Model Shoot with Leonor

It was a beautiful day for a photo shoot and Leonor made it an even better day. We started off shooting at a secret location around the Library of Hawaii and then moved out near the State Capitol. I tried out my new reflector that I made from foil and foam board, which for the most part worked out nicely.