Welcome to the sixth edition of AQUILINE MAGAZINE! Take a long look at AQ’s newest images! Do it while they are still around. Why phrase it that way you ask? Well today’s haunting question is..., where do pictures go when you are dead? It is a sobering question. You think you know the answer but you may not. As I began model photography nine years ago it was an interesting art hobby filled with people elements, technical elements (such as complex camera functions) and also art elements (such as the composition of storytelling within the image itself. I was hooked! However, one thing that never occurred to me was how my hard drive would look some nine years later. After hundreds of shoots, my image library started reaching the huge terabytes range. This can be both costly and logistically challenging as you assure backups are available and up to date. Some photo-shoots were years ago and have historic value. Occasionally I like to go back and process and image from years ago and view it with all the new processing styles I have learned and reflect on what I have learned photographically and maybe personally. So keeping this data around is important. But the mountain of data is growing daily and I’m wondering if eventually it will come to a screeching halt. In fact, the situation has become more confusing because once I started shooting in raw-format, well I always wanted to shoot in raw format from there onward. The problem is that these files are just incredibly large. At one point, I literally had a multiple terabyte hard drive storing only raw files. But one does this just in case they go back and process some special file. How often does that really happen? Should someone spend all that money on hard drives, waste all that time backing up data, just for that one rare moment when you dig up the past and want it to look supremely good. I was not sure as I weighed the dilemma. So far, I have been lucky and approximately about the time I literally run out of room there is a larger hard drive invented. I say that because no one really wants their data scattered across multiple hard drives or place they have to go looking for a file. So while you are alive, keeping all your files can be quite a task.
But what about when you die? Well maybe you think that if you put them in the cloud or another imagery service they will live onward. Just consider if you would have stored rare images onto Flickerwebsite before they went pro and charged for their business? These companies out there do not live forever, and when they shut down they delete all the contents. Perhaps passing them on to loved ones is your answer. I know the physical albums some of my family received were put in a basement where it was later learned water was dripping onto them. What’s more is that when we were looking through the waterdamaged old hard copy photos we threw most of them out because we did not understand the context in which the pictures were taken. We also did not know some people in the unlabeled pictures. In a nutshell I’m saying both prints and even digital are more likely to fade away than people believe. There is more horror too. There is horror in the arena of storage when you start investigating the topic. I mean the bumps on Compact-Discs start wearing down over time, the magnets in hard drives go bad, and so on. Look up the problems and research that the library of congress has had with CD-ROMs starting to go bad already. They talk about what's called "bronzing." The outer coating of the CD erodes, leaving a silver layer exposed. And when you leave silver exposed, it tarnishes. When you are alive you move your data from drive to drive as storage sizes change and such. This won’t be an option once you are gone. So there you are dead and all of your digital legacy will be slowly starting to fade. Years after your death many images that were precious to you will be gone forever too. The answer to staying alive if you are data is proliferation. I mean, if many people love your data it will be scattered across the world. In this way the odds of it surviving is far better. Imagine an MP3 music file of “Thriller” from Michael Jackson. So many people probably own this file that one couldn’t wipe it out if they wanted to.
Tracy Rose is a technologist, artist, photographer and general imagery aficionado from Colorado Springs, CO. His photography can be seen in numerous online publications and restaurants at the end of the universe.
About the cover: Virginia is one of my favorite lingerie models given her incredible figure and enthusiasm. The cover is from one of my favorite shoots!
Give your shoots some rapport! Tracy Rose is a technologist, artist, photographer and general imagery aficionado from Colorado Springs, CO. His photography can be seen in numerous online publications and restaurants at the end of the universe. About the cover: Virginia is one of my favorite lingerie models given her incredible figure and enthusiasm. The cover is from one of my favorite shoots! Model: Kumari-Ray
Imagine a whole series of islands off the coast of Asia. In fact, the Philippines are some 7,000 archipelago islands with ninety-seven million people. They are islands of both jaw dropping beauty and also incredible hardship in some areas. Ryann lives there. His images of children working all night and then heading off to school at sunrise or homeless people curled up on sidewalks after midnight contrast with the tropical island flowers and incredible fruit visuals he dazzles you with in his images.
aside from the white beaches, one can see through the pictures that I take the true beauty of nature. The beautiful waterfalls, the caves and the underwater marine life all make it a haven for visitors and divers.
AQ: What do you feel is your specialty when you do photography? Food, children, etc.? I like to shoot anything that catches my eye at any given point in time, from portraits, places that I have been to, food. Due to time constraints I just do scheduled boudoir shoots with my friends from our club. It seems I have sexier shoots in my gallery because most of the time I just join shoot invitations from friends. Its more convenient shooting indoors due to heat outside.
AQ: Tell us about yourself: I am from the province of Cebu, in the Philippines, particularly from the island of Bantayan which is the north tip and famous for its white sand beaches for both local and foreign tourists. I finished accountancy and law. But it seems I do have more passion in music and photography, currently I’m playing in a band as a guitarist. I’m playing mostly in casinos and bars. Yes, I’m from the Philippines where our new president Duterte hogs the international media for his tough comment and rhetoric for those who tried to lecture him on the way he runs the fight against drug problems in the country. But for us locals, the majority of us are in full support for his promised change because in just two months after he assumed office he already had done landmark changes which in the previous administration had not been accomplished in a six-year term.
AQ: What training have you had if any?
AQ: What is unique about shooting on the island?
I have no formal training whatsoever. What I do is sometimes attend workshops from known photographers if I have the budget. Most of the time I download tutorials from the internet and watch YouTube.
I find shooting in an island more fascinating because
AQ: How long have you been serious about
photography even when doing it with your phone? I started after I bought my first Nikon DSLR- D70. This was years after I was working in Korea. I bought my D200 and at that time I took more pictures because I regularly join the contests in Betterphoto.com. After my camera conked out I had no choice but to use my phone for photography. While it serves its purpose, sometimes I feel like it’s just lacking.
like Canon and now even Fuji. Fuji is just too expensive for me to have a dual system though. I think it’s because for Nikon it’s just like they have all the necessary buttons and easy access to anything you could change in the settings.
AQ: What inspires you about photography? Its seems like there’s an instant gratification when you see the pictures you took. Even more-so if somebody gives you credit, recognition, or even constructive criticism. It feels like you have contributed something to the world. The pictures that draw on various feelings and emotions gives me such happiness. They let you inside somehow in your little way you made a difference into someone’s perspective.
AQ: What is your best photograph if you believe you have one? I don’t seem to know what is my best photograph because sometimes I think that those pictures that made it to the top by others as finalist, editor’s choice and regarded as popular in my gallery are my best. But I believe that in my heart it’s not the pics that I post on my online gallery but it’s the picture that I took and still keep of my late mother and father. AQ: Do you ever edit images? Banilad Sport Club AQ: How would you describe your style? I really don’t know if I have a style. But I think my style is a combination of little things from my favorite photographers who I try to copy from. I tend to underexpose my images most of the time and edit in a way the subject will pop-out. AQ: Why did you choose Nikon? In my own mind it was just between Nikon and Canon. After my own research on the internet, reading reviews, and bumping around, I finally decided one day that I’d buy my first Nikon. I do like other camera brands too,
Yes, I spend most of the time in Photoshop. Since I don’t have a usual workflow I just try to experiment as much as possible, and look for ideas over the internet to suit my picture that is being edited at the time.
Visit Ryann with ilovemynikon @ https://500px.com/ilovemynikon http://www.betterphoto.com/galler y/free/gallery.asp?mem=101982 https://www.instagram.com/ilove mynikon/
Courting of the Photographer & Model It is a necessity for there to be a good working relationship between the photographer and the model. Without it, it can become painful and unfair to one or the other. The photographer has to realize that the model is putting effort and time and money in the process. Even in just a swap for instance, the model will have to pay for gas, take time off from work and maybe pay for a hotel, rental car and more. To me, I'm letting my body become a piece of art. Don't trample that trust by dragging your feet on getting pictures ready, go slow on editing, become stingy with the photos given out, or simply not care. Don't make a model wait longer than a month for his/her photos. Keep a constant communication with them so they know you haven't forgotten and that you are actually working them. On the flip side a model should not show up for a shoot that a time and date has been set. Yes, there are emergencies but it better-involve a hospital. Feeling under the weather, tired or something better came along doesn't fly. It's so disrespectful to simply not show. After the second failure to show even with a valid excuse the photographer has every right to say no. You become an uncertainty that he can't trust will be dependable. It becomes a waste of the photographer’s time that they have set aside for you. I still have two photographers who haven't placed my feelings and effort first. It's been 8 months on both. One I don't think I will ever get any back from. He pretty much told me to take a flying leap. I cried. I flew out and spent money. The other was a two day shoot I finally got two pics from him a month ago. Hard lessons to learn. But I love being a model. I hate missing a shoot. Never have. Even when I had a car accident on the way there. When you show up for a shoot for the photographer you should never have an attitude. A good
working relationship means that the photographer sees what the model can envision (for instance dance I know more about how the pic needs to look for the poses) but the model allows the photographer to take pictures of the vision he has also (he can see what is or isn't working in the lens and the model can't). It's an easy flow back-andforth of the creativity when both are very open and friendly. I have heard of models who come there with a chip on their shoulder. Or who feel entitled. Come with an open mind with an open heart and with the desire to work hard. Trust me it will be worthwhile for both and a working relationship that will repeat itself will happen naturally and easily. Remember after the shoot, the photographer still has to select and edit...it takes some time but not months and months’ worth. A good photographer will have taken pics that needed little help to fix. The pics that needed a lot of editing (when I say a lot it's usually cool special effects) he should learn to do them not avoid it. I have a photographer who uses a mannequin to practice working on editing and special-effects so that he is not making anyone wait for their pictures and so that once he figures out how it works then when he does cool special effects photos he knows what he's doing and he can get it done in a reasonable timely manner. Over all the photographers that I have worked with I have about a handful that I go back to several times a year despite the fact that I have to travel. I do that because they treat me like I am of great value and talent as a model. They help add to my portfolio as a model and I get hired more and more because they can see I am dedicated and good. I go back because they get their pictures to me quickly and they’re not stingy about it. I return back because they care and it shows. We both work hard, we both have fun, we trust each other. When both sides post pictures like candy it shows they work great together and are proud of the work and the person they worked with. Tracy posts my pictures a lot and makes me feel like I am amazing and he's proud of me and I love posting his pics in return because he did a great job. Those few amazing photographers make it all worth my while so that when I try a new one out who screws me over I at least know I have those who not only have my back but I can call friend. Dancing Beauty is a model and one of the founding members of Fitnessmodelsdotcom. She is a dancer of many styles and an aerialist, singer and songwriter
Graphite Done Right! This month’s hand-created art guest is mookie1212 by Instagram nickname. Well actually her real name is Megan and she has done some exquisite pencil and other artwork. You know someone’s good at art when instead of feeling like it’s a chore swapping comments you genuinely enjoy previewing their portfolio on every visit.
calming and peaceful for the ideas to flow, and integrating that idea together on paper or digital. AQ: What inspires and drives you most? (Money, fame, therapy, seeing someone else’s work)
AQ: Tell us about yourself and background. My name is Megan Fant. I’m an artist from Phoenix Arizona who works currently with graphite pencil along with colored artwork on the IPad Pro. I began drawing at a young age, and continue to this day pursuing what I started. Drawing has been a hobby and passion of mine and am looking to pursue art on more of a professional level. I went to college at Northern Arizona University and obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Public Relations, with a Minor in Studio Art. Although I received my degree in Communications, I’m still thinking about going back to school to become an art teacher.
Drawing: A Walk to Remember, 15' When it comes to my art, what inspires me to continue with what I do is to inspire my audience, along with artists to drive their passion to continue to improve themselves. I notice when people lose motivation in any hobby and not continue something because of being lazy, and doubting their abilities. Here’s a story of my own I’d like to share. A few years ago I went into a funk and quit touching my art because of a situation that happened, then one day I picked my pencil back up again and began to draw a few celebrities. I then took my drawings over to my moms’ friend’s house, and from what she said to me ignited a deep passion to pursue this hobby to its potential. She said “Megan, I didn’t know you were an artist? You have a gift for art, don’t waste it.” Also, drawing clears my mind and relieves anything that might stress me out. AQ: Many of your works have celebrities of movies and super heroes…why is this important?
Drawing: The Labyrinth - Sarah's Search for Little Brother Toby, 16' AQ: Tell us something about your typical work-flow making art. I started pursuing my art on a deeper level about two years ago. (i.e., making deadlines for completing art pieces, drawing every day.) My motivation to work on my art is at nighttime, I’m never motivated to draw during the day. Something about the night makes it
Great question, all the art pieces you see are of my favorite movies, video games, and people. I grew up watching the majority of those movies and by bringing them back to life brings memories for me. I grew up playing video games and watching anime, as you can see with Zelda, Kingdom Hearts, Dragonball-Z. My interests are so versatile that by creating all these art pieces, shows diversity to my audience. Also, the dominant themes I represent in my art are the expression of intense emotions in human nature. I connect with the feeling I am transmitting through my art as I go into the creative making process. The use of black and white in my
images has come across to me as dramatic; in some art pieces I add a subtlety of color (or a touch of color) to give nuances of balance. The intensity with the dark to light contrast connects (or brings) the viewer into the story being told in the finished drawing. At times I will connect images from people which relate to me, from the past and present to tell a story, while still incorporating my high values of intense contrast.
then I should just for it to be perfect. AQ: What type pictures do you most enjoy creating? What I really enjoy creating are the pieces with Intensity, passion and romanticism. (i.e. Dirty Dancing, A Walk to Remember, The Notebook, Legends of the Fall)
AQ: What is one of the most memorable reactions to your art you recall? Last November, I had an art show at a Senior Center and these two older ladies walked up to my booth and one of them intently looked at my pencil prints and asked me if I had an Avatar drawing. At that time, I didn’t have one but I told her I was surprised I haven’t thought of it. It just so happened that her son worked for Fox 20, and is the assistant producer for Avatar along with various other movies. I then created the Avatar piece and sent it to her for her son to see. That was really cool that I had someone high up there see my art work. Also, at this last First Friday art show in Phoenix, I had a lot of attention and sold a great amount of prints. This one customer loved the Volcano man digital print so much that he asked for it to be designed on a shirt. Now I’m currently investing in putting my art work onto T-shirts, and canvas’.
Drawing: Avatar - Pandora, Under Attack! 15' AQ: Tell me about your latest works if you would? I’m currently in the workings of a Halloween/horror pencil drawing. What’s interesting about this upcoming piece are that the subjects being used in it are of my younger sister, brother and his girlfriend. Also, Halloween is right around the corner so I thought bringing the theme would bring a seasonal feel for the audience. Also, Fall is my favorite season. AQ: What would be the largest goal of your art if you could obtain it?
Drawing: Star Wars- Sith Lords, 15' AQ: As an artist what is one of your pet peeves? I would say my biggest pet peeve is when someone sneezes, or coughs without covering their mouth. ESPECIALLY, around food. [laughs] Also, as an artist, I’m my own worst critic. I’ll spend way more time on my art
My long time goal would be to get more recognition, and possibly illustrate for companies like Funimation, Disney, SquareEnix. Also, the journey of meeting other fellow artist as well and learning from them. Knowledge is power, every day is a learning experience. I always remind myself of a few quotes my dad taught me, “Rome was not built in a day”, and “Practice makes perfect”!
Megan is a self-taught artist and into fitness. Her work can be seen at: https://www.instagram.com/mookie1212/ https://www.instagram.com/meganzmonkeybusiness/
Model is Shia (The Statue Project)
Mental Preparation for a Nature Photo Shoot Helter-skelter, pandemonium and chaos almost always precedes a photo shoot for me. The pictures you see of me in nature are after I have warmed up to the photographer, the eyes behind the camera and the natural surroundings of the environment at the shoot location (I just met the photographer right before shooting, so he was a perfect stranger until we shook hands at the photo sight). I have to get a sense of feel and touch from my surroundings first and then let my mind go to a peaceful state similar to the rocks and wild critters in the setting. The process might come easier for me than other models since I feel like nature and its beauty is my second skin, I feel as if it’s a second home for me, nature and wildlife fits me and my body like a glove. The clean fresh smells in the air, and the early morning wake up calls from the birds chirping, simply makes me feel invited into the wildlife setting. I almost always have a friend or family member to accompany me on my photo shoots, for my safety and reassurance that I am not alone or going to get lost if the shoot location is off the beaten path; this also helps me in preparation for the photo session since I am familiar and comfortable around my chaperon. Once I am positioned on the rocky ledge for the camera, which is only the beginning; my mind has to collaborate with my relaxed body. Warm fuzzy thoughts such as baby animals, loved ones, or even romantic experiences have to flood my memory banks front and center to portray the perfect camera shot. Sometimes soothing music or sounds such as a babbling brook nearby or crickets chirping help my thought process. The crazy rat race, fast-paced electronic society, long gone, vanishing from the natural beauty all around me as I let my surroundings envelope me like a thick fog rolling in of tranquil visual creation. A dragonfly flutters by my face, as I gaze and give a mystery grin, “Flash, Pop!” The camera clicks away as the mesmerizing pictures are now front and center for you to scrutinize. I crouch low into an outstretched yoga pose as a chameleon scoots by and I stare at its odd stripes, “Click, Click,” the cameraman gets another
crafty shot. I put on a suitable spider web bikini and meander into another tricky area, just as around the large boulder a spindly spider crawls up its enormous dewy web barely out of eyesight. This flashbulb blasts my gaze off guard as I shoot a daring mid-evil look at the camera lens. Two butterflies dance a romantic chase around me as I give a hint of a smile to give the photographer that one final, natural facial expression that only comes every so often; that is only as often as the model can relax her mind and body and like a well-oiled machined muscle hot rod races to victory, the winning pose portraiture also comes alive from a tranquil unique mindset, similar to the beauty in nature around not only myself as a model to achieve, but everyone else that so chooses to walk the same peaceful park type stance in our own environment, in our universe. When I am not behind the camera lens, I am an author. I love to write. The sequel to my first book, “Daddy Was an Exorcist,” is now complete and available on Amazon titled, “Count Your Blessings.” I do most of my writing, believe it or not, out in God's backyard playground, “Wildlife, in nature....” We all need to put the electronic gadgets down occasionally to literally stop and smell the gorgeous blooming roses! Oh, and not to change the subject, but I actually jump out of a frosted birthday cake in my second written book, “Count your Blessings!” Modeling website: www.modelmayhem.com/carnes Facebook page: Blessing Carnes Amazon Author Page: “Daddy Was an Exorcist” Blessing Macho