A painting of a Queen

This portrait is probably one of my favorites and it actually means a lot to me.

For a long time, I wanted to create this image and take a digital photo that resembles a painting. But to achieve this style and  texture I had to put together the right amount of light and color, in addition I had to make sure I get my settings in my camera just right.  The challenge was to take an image without having to edit it.  Here is the results of my latest work raw straight from the camera.

There is always a way to create something dope and produce a narrative that has not been retouched with software. In my case, the idea was to step outside the box.

And finally as a Latino I take pride in my ancestry and for me this beautiful model demonstrates the true raw power that all black and latino females possess inside and outside.

This was one huge reason why I did not want to corrupt this image and manipulate this vivid representation degrading its purity with Photoshop.

"To me what is pure does not  need to be edited." Embrace greatness and recognize her power. 

“To any black woman or afro latina that can see this.
Remeber you are beautiful and our history is rich”

— JohnGuira

Chemical Bonds

The wonderful thing about photography in this digital era is that you can engineer your own reality and practically render whatever your vision and your mind desires.

For centuries we been compelled to respect and build a relationship with fire and its properties. But enough about that. This is not a science lesson. 

The meaning of the image is what is most important here.

As the subjects appeared to have a moment and are simultaneously connected by the very properties that fire has to offer, this picture in some ways manifests two similar categories within the subject of chemistry. The relationship and harmony between two people that have good chemistry using the very fire which in it self is the very definition of chemical bonding.

“The meeting of two personalities is like the contact of two chemical substances: if there is any reaction, both are transformed”

— C.G. Jung

Smoke

Even though we are lucky the human eye can see  reflections and a few forms of bouncing frequencies of the light spectrum (colors), I've come to the conclusion that in photography, a black and white allows us to render more intimate adaptations of artistic creativity.

“A picture with no colors is a picture with a louder voice ”

— JohnGuira

Transformation

A glimpse behind my latest work and what motivated me to do it

Light

I've always been inquisitive about light bulbs and electricity, maybe that's why I chose to study it and become an electrician before exploring photography.

I recall walking the streets as a little kid and always searching for parts and pieces of discarded broken lamps, all in hopes that I find a light bulb in intact conditions.

I'd eventually picked these up and inspected them thoroughly as my curiosity was to see up close what was really going on inside the properties of its resplendent crystal quartz.

I guess after all these years I'm still drawn to carry out my research, to the point that I decided to shoot the actual light while it's on.

This image shows the very chemical reaction that takes place as electrons invisible to the naked eye are put through so much friction, that it's energy in return emits a visible electromagnetic radiation which we call light.

“We all know what light is; but it is not easy to tell what it is”

— Samuel Jackson

Why you need photography equipment transportation

Believe it or not photography is a laborious trade, definitely not as easy as some people think.

Connoisseurs of the business understand that in order to achieve a shoot one most be ready to deal with unforeseen circumstances that can hinder the process of the assignment or the task at hand. And in order to be most effective you have to learn how to work smarter, not harder. This includes avoiding needless physical labor and learn how to buy equipment that will make your life easier and effortless.

I myself have paid the price of injury and physical agony after neglecting and failing to recognize that lenses, stands or sand bags do add up and can easily turn into a hefty load to handle, especially when it comes to transporting equipment while shooting on location. So do yourself a favor and get yourself some wheels.

One of these folding trucks did the trick for me.

Summary

• Don't overwork yourself. Read and investigate what tools can make your production flow smoother

• Learn how to transport your equipment effectively

• Stop by Home Depot or B&H, or, search for a folding truck in Amazon. The one I purchased is by Flatform.

“To be a good photographer you must be physical but also be effective when buying the tools to help the flow of your process.”

— JohnGuira

Published in Latina Magazine

Look what I found!!

January of 2017 marked a very important date for JohnGuira Photo Studios

JGPhoto was commissioned for an exciting shoot and I was humbled to learn that one of the images was selected by non other than Latina Magazine. The image was featured in their style and beauty segment called #LatinaStyleWars. I am happy to announce it was published in the January issue of 2017.

I'd like to thank Miriam Morales from OITNB, makeup artist Sabrina Mercedes, and wardrobe stylist Sandra Mercedes for their ingenious artistry and dexterity handling the shoot.

The image above is a selfie I took in two places as I happened to stumble by a NYC newsstand and decided to procure my own copy right there and then. So I got really excited and decided to take a stroll straight to  Barnes and Noble, and yes, there it was.

“Definitely a good way for me to start the year =) ”

— JohnGuira

Photographer vs Selfie

Whether you like it or not photographs are the first step to becoming relevant as a content creator.

A good blogger will quickly understand, the selfie should be used as a quick aid and not the official process to render visuals in a blog post or even Instagram.

Is a good idea to know what is your social identity, as this is a  key factor that will help your followers understand, identify and relate with your style/brand. Which leads us to take in to account that once again, photography matters.

Selfies feel cool plus they are simple that's for sure, however blog posts are another ball game. If you are serious about your brand, you have to put in the work behind it, and yes invest in your production.

Hire a photographer, or if you are lucky, find a friend that owns decent equipment and knows how to compose an image. No matter what, as times change and sponsors move on to Instagram, Facebook or Twitter to search for the next big influencer, you must realize that you too must evolve with the industry and try to  stay ahead of your competition. Drop the cellphone and use a photographer.

Summary

• Selfies are average common and poor in quality

• Understanding your social identity will help followers relate with your brand

• Ask around for friends that know how to operate a camera

• Hire a photographer for very important posts or special events.

• Some photographers will do collaborative shoots (TFP) meaning for free

“It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you’ll do things differently”

— Warren Buffett

Creative Photography

Creative photography assignments are pretty much on the top of the list of most photographers interested in expanding their skill and exploring their range.

Ideally you may want to reach out and share the set with other experts in hopes you can combine their craft with your vision. This will not only improve your imagery and product value but will definitely make the process of production a lot easier then if you were to shoot on your own.

If you don't get lucky and are not able to receive expert help such as makeup artist, wardrobe or hairstylist do not be discouraged.

You'd be surprise to find out in photography everything goes. Makeup, beauty and hair do not depict or explain your creation. Yes, these resources are convenient and beautiful to have any day, however the creativity and reason of the story are the true  fundamental components that will help drive your creation to a true work of art. 

Summary

• Play around with creative projects, work in uncomfortable settings on your own.

• Make up and wardrobe should not be the reason for your creation.

• Inspiration, creativity and story telling should be the engine of your visual concept.

“Art is not what you see, but what you make others see”

— Edgar Degas

100

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As the sport of cycling has nothing but aggrandized in me, so has my curiosity to find out what my mental and physical limitations were/are. So I decided to train hard over the fall and shoot for something I've never done before.

The results? 
In cycling terms, riding my first Century, & conquering my first mountain.

So... how did it all go down? 

Well, making my way out the door I didn't know where I was going. I had no gps guide, or spare tire or tube in case of a flat, or even company to share the journey with. Worse... I hadn't prepared or made any plans to take on such a task, but in the end it only took a split second decision to steer my course throughout the rest of the day.

Apart from the road signs, my help was depending on an internal compass guided by curiosity which was later fueled by sheer will, determination and fear. Who'd knew..

Without knowing it, I was writing history for myself by myself. This unexpected adventure was opening a new chapter in my life by creating one more story to tell, a story that to this day keeps me humbly satisfied. I had officially subscribed myself to a private mission, one that included, serious distance and altitude. 

After 3.5 hours of constant pedaling, I had reached phase two of my independent journey.  Perhaps bringing both this writing and my cycling trip to its climax, all thanks to the elevation climb the mountain road demanded.  

No more cars to see, no more road signs to read, nothing but the good all sounds and sights this enormous and steep grounds had to offer. It was Newtons Law at its best, this is when they say "gravity will do a number on you," specially when you reach exhaustion at a high level.

And what happened?

Bear Mountain happened. 

A steep climb that exceeds 3.22K in distance with an overall steady incline of 5 grueling miles that take you up to about 8000 feet above sea-level. I certainly got lucky that day, that's for sure. And I acknowledge I was at a disadvantage from the very start, one can say it was not a wise move to take such a risk under the circumstances. 

But to experience the feeling after defeating the mountain, turning around and gliding down only to see your bike computer read 52mph, making it home and reaching 100 miles for the first time?  

Priceless.

“You will never do anything in this world without courage. It is the greatest quality of the mind next to honor.”

— Aristotle

2015 blog

So yes, I did fall off on my personal blogging page this past year. I can't deny the fact that I've been dying to write for a longtime but finding the window to do so proved to be difficult. 2014 was good to me. I learned a lot more about myself on so many levels, hence now there's more material (experiences) to share. With that said, I promised myself that part of ONE of my resolutions for 2015 was to let you in and experience my journey "live" LoL like we say in DR, "En Vivola" 

I hope to accomplish what I have planned for this new year, let's see how we do.

“The woods are lovely, dark and deep. But I have promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep.”

— Robert Frost

Atlas

A walk in New York City simply  means you are stepping on historic grounds, a city with fixtures and pathways that were made to withstand the test of time, built to transport you back to the Old Days Of York.

From its colossal sky high architecture, to the very landscape of the city or  the complete/incomplete construction of old sculptures inside NYC territory, there're so many mysteries the old city of York holds, many go on to be unnoticed. But if you are history enthusiast like me, you'll be glad to know, NYC is the place to quench your thirst for exploration.

One of my favorites depicts the Ancient Greek Titan Atlas Statue, a subliminal master piece, courtesy of Lee Lawrie located  in Rockefeller Center in Midtown Manhattan across Fifth Avenue. For decades many things have been rumored about this Statue, as for me, I won't spoil your expedition, I'll let you enjoy your journey in hopes that you too can accomplish your conquest for knowledge and understanding.

“Every block of stone has a statue inside it and it is the task of the sculptor to discover it”

— Michelangelo

Congas

In Merengue, this beautiful instrument represents authority and stability, sitting or standing the Conga player will be able to set himself apart and address an audience that will have to obey and abide by the direction or style he/she wishes to play. These faculties not only affect how the fellow musicians play but also how the audience feel and dance to the music.

Stage wise. This particular Drum will force a fellow musician to comply, test his/her abilities making the rest of the percussion work and earn their position inside the stage, hence this  is the part where your skills will confirm if  you truly belong and are able to keep up.

How so? Why are Congas powerful? What is the "Obeying every direction"  part all about ?

For any Merengue fast or slow a Conga simply means stamina, consistency and most of all it's a bridge for transitions. This dominant leverage turns it in to one the few instruments that can change the game at will. Thanks to its skins' numerous tones, a skilled Conguero will take advantage to produce copious combinations of rhythms that deliver Diverse Energy, conducting, modifying & shaping the musical structure in what professionals understand is the nucleus of Percussion in Merengue.

“Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and that which cannot remain silent”

— Victor Hugo

“However, that which cannot be put it to words is the language that I speak”

— JohnGuira

Tambora, A Story Of Drum Selection

As a musician, in this case a drummer, procuring a new Tambora proves to be one of the most intimate and personal decisions a Percussionist (Tambora Player) can make. Here, a ritualistic exercise of inspection will be carried out by the Musician, one that will employ the use of most of his/her intricate senses.
I will take you through this drama myself, an arduous process of examination and selection techniques that will be indispensable to professionals and amateurs alike.
At first, the screening process starts quickly courtesy to one of our most reliable sense for measure "The Eye"
Unfortunately this premature visual analysis we administer so rigorously, is certainly not enough to validate the instrument's caliber.
However, the incumbent must still concentrate in detail and scan for superficial signs of weakness.
To the casual observer captivation and admiration for its beautiful craft and anatomy will be all there is to perceive.
But to the trained individual, beauty registers differently, to him/her every square inch of real estate must be scrutinize intently.
Let's keep in mind not all drums are made to perfection and if not diagnosed appropriately , hidden cracks (defects) tears on its body or skin could become cancerous, and with time, guarantee an impending helpless decline diminishing the drum's health, sound quality and durability.
The Tambora player will have to diagnose what all these imperfections mean the very same moment he/she takes interest in the drum, bifurcating and acknowledging what could be considered malignant or ignoring what he/she thinks is benign.
One thing is certain.
It takes more then an eye strain to unlock the drum's true potential.

Phase two however, is short and precise.
An effortless exercise that even the average person can achieve, all possible as long as you have a good nose. And If in the process you experience discomfort do not be discouraged, there's nothing wrong with a little bit of an exotic aroma. By default, each animal skin comes with its own natural scent.
Personally, I believe goat skin features more of a pungent sensation.
Not all skins smell like a box of new shoes. As a matter of fact none do.
Let's just say rawhides don't often produce an attractive connection with our nose, but we can consider this a is a small price to pay under the circumstances.
In layman's terms, "Make sure your drum does not have a horrible smell"
After a quick chemical conversation with our olfactory nerves.

 We are ready to move on to the Last Phase of the of the quality control procedure. The registration of sound. A small private exhibition is in order, Here the Percussionist will place the Tambora in his lap and execute the drum with clinical precision for maximum performance, hoping to extricate an optimal Timbre. We usually try finding Frequency Waves that carry CONSISTENCY, precise resonance and attack. Somewhere in her skin she conceals her secret your job is to unlock its position and make use of it.

How is this realized? Automatically the drum's skin surface will guide the instrumentalist's hand and like a GPS draw a set of specific directions orienting the drummer as to where to strike/connect the hand with the hide. The Tambora player will need to explore and find the best segment of drum's skin where he feels there is most response. Remember that each and every drum has its unique set of DNA prints per say. So not all drums will test positive or respond identically to your performance.

Summary

1. Use your eye. Try to look for imperceptible imperfections on the drum you want to purchase.

2. Smelling and Scratching the drum will help you detect if the paint finish is frail

3. Play the drum to see how it sounds.