Intro To Studio Lights: building my portfolio

Never underestimate the power of recognition...

Just 2 days before I set to go to New York for vacation/photo trip, I received an email from a top Portrait-Glamour photographer:
Wed, February 24, 2010 10:33:28 AM
Marichu,
On March 1st, I am going to do a brief tutorial called an “Introduction to Studio Lighting”. I will be demonstrating the set up, placement and use of studio lights and taking a few shots to show how the placement of lights affects image of the subject/model. Can I prevail upon you to be the model for this tutorial? I could really use your help and it will be informative and fun. Thanks in advance for your assistance,
John Lankes

I had planned to spend one week (Feb 26-March4) of fun and adventure in the Big Apple. ..think...think...think...I can't turn down John Lankes' invitation (who would? He's one of the BEST!). But what about the pictures, the Met/MOMA/Broadway then I thought New York will always be there and I can come back anytime. Thanks to my New Yorker friends for supporting me in my decision (Yeng, Eda, Les, Sid, & Charlie):
Thursday, February 25, 2010 3:10 AM
Hi John,
Your Introduction to Studio Lighting is a great topic&learning especially coming from the Master like you (smile)... and to present it in a very informative and fun way ~ I'm willing to help and participate and hope l'll make a good model in your presentation.
Anything in mind that you want me to wear? black/colored cocktail dress OR ripped shirt&leggings to add more impact in your presentation?
see you on Monday,
Marichu

Marichu,
Thanks for being a good sport and I love your attitude! While the cocktail dress would lend itself to a more sophisticated look I think your idea of a ripped shirt and leggings will be much more fun. ~ John.

March 1st - the big night!
My fellow photographers were taken by surprise not only for breaking our dress code policy(joke) but Me as the model.

While John Lankes was busy setting-up his camera etc, I, on the other hand was busy self-motivating and fighting my stage-fright on the back corner seat. Few minutes later, I heard the cue ("The Model"), approached the center stage then bowed from the applause. I set aside the desire to learn John Lankes' presentation as I need to concentrate on what expressions and posing to do that will appeal not only the photographer's eye but also the 20+ photographers.

Pose...pose....pose...click!....I thought to myself "I am doing great and so relaxed. I can nail this! Just focus with my emotion and pose, eyes on the camera and listen attentively for any instructions and don't look at the audience".....Several shots were released to demonstrate different lighting effect and images. The camera was in synch with the lights, flash, computer then to the big screen projector (very high-tech, don't you think?).

After the presentation, photographers (including my photographer John Goyer) approached me and told me that I did great. But what a big surprise that evening was when our camera club's president talked to me about my modeling - he thought that I've been doing it for a long time. I simply told him ~ "I am just starting".

Date: Tuesday, March 9, 2010, 10:40 AM
Marichu,
Thanks for being our model and I appreciated your comments on the images. I like the idea of a urban setting and maybe we can do that in the future. John G. did a nice job with your photos and you should be building a nice portfolio. I am attaching 3 of my photos to add to your collection.
Here are a few shots.
Regards,
John

Clothing with distinct patterns and design is not recommended for Portrait/Studio-type pictorial. Not unless if the intention is to promote the clothing. The photographer's intention here is to have fun presentation, so we decided to go with my ripped shirt and leggings (not shown, as the floor was not set for full body pictorial).
The pose, soft-focus effect, and Black&White are great. Look how the hair, skin tone, and the background blend-in so well.

Title: "Strike A Pose, Give Me The Attitude"
["The Attitude" is John Lankes' term to give him my seductive eye/look]

My favorite shot (not because it's me)...look how the orange background, the hair, skin tone, and eyes COMPLEMENT all together. The photographer did a great job bringing out the BROWN EYES in me!

Title: "Shhhh...I have a Secret!"
[I chipped my fingernail in New York...long sexy fingernail is preferred].

The type of shot and light that will draw your eyes first to the model (especially on her eyes) then to the whole image. This is where clothing with distinct patterns&design and bling-bling are acceptable.

I remember this was a quick shot....a more relaxed hand/arm will look better and sexier.

"Of course without a great model, all the equipment in the world won't get you a great portrait." ~ John Lankes, Intro to Studio Lights LVCC March 2010 Blog