I’m sitting here going through some lighting test shots from tonight and realized it’s past midnight! Easter is here and Lent is over… So I posted my excitment on Facebook…but then i thought back on it, and realized I hadn’t actually missed it ALL that much.
any ways, Happy Easter to those who celebrate.
Single diffused 64inch silver Parabolic model's rear behind. T-Bomb!
Since I’m getting texts about my Facebook page getting updated and why am I on Facebook, lol..I have a WordPress plugin that autoposts to my Facebook page jackasses! leave me alone! lol. ..but yeah, technically I’m Facebooking without being on Facebook. I guess that’s cheating huh? Oh well…My last to blog updates I’ve had texts rubbing it in my face that I couldn’t do it since they saw the Fan page update…
exists!! So I had given up Facebook for Lent. Odd right? but it was something I did evvvvry day and had very little benefit to my daily living. But it being a “Social” networking website and me being a somewhat of a social-holic I found myself on it constantly. 
Do I miss it? hmm, not nearly as much as I thought I would. In fact, i’ve gotten more texts and emails of people urging me to come back for a visit than i’ve had of urges to take a sneak peek. I’ve found myself doing a lot of other things I’ve been neglecting now that I’ve got this new found time on my hands…like editing some personal shoots. I have 2 shoots and a video that’s been on the back burner now since before Mardi Gras. Hmm now that I am looking, I think I need to fix that image a little. 3am work isn’t my best..unless I’m drinking wine which is another vice I had given up for New Years. Maybe I’ll get to editing that video soon too…
http://www.pacificandback.com
Back in 2010 I took a semi-cross country trip with my son and since then I’ve been meaning to put together an album of some of the photos I captured along the way. Ironically, the first day of that trip I found my 5D to be useless. Seems one of the pins for the CF card had bent and broke rendering it POO. So the trip was documented all with my then iPhone 3GS. Anyways, I finally put all the images together and made a Blurb book. I was just doing it out of boredom (free from the chains of Facebook!) and got that task completed today! 2 years…better late than never.
Hiking the Narrows - Utah
You can check it out here on BLURB. I believe I set it up for purchasing, but you can view the travel blog for free here - http://www.pacificandback.com. Despite having to use an iPhone to photograph some of the most beautiful scenery in the U.S., I think we still captured what we felt during the trip. Close to it at least.
Up to his chin in the Virgin...River that is. Hiking/swimming the Virgin River - The Narrows
Going back to discussing my photography, I often get some questions via email that I’ll reply to personally. I think I’ll start posting them to the blog (as well as a direct reply) because often times it’s the same questions from multiple people. The two main repetitive ones I get are :
1. How do you light your photos?
4 strobes - Beauty dish above, bare strobes to left and right rear, 1 bare to the background and a reflector up front from her right side. 40D 85MM 1/200, F16, 100ISO
So to answer the 1st - Contrary to what I’ve told people in the past, I do not use lightening bolts fired from my ass… 
Whatever the way I see the photo in my head. Meaning almost every single shoot (my personal work) that I do, I have the images I want to capture in my head. I’ve already mentally shot it and when it comes to actual shoot time, I just try to replicate it. More often than not, It’s composed of 1-4 strobes. Hitting the subject at various angles. I usually shoot for something dramatic in the look. But not always…. I’ll get more into my lighting techniques and preferences in a later post. It’s a big subject that should be dedicated to it’s own post. When I first started photography I was somewhat thrown to the wolves. The sites I hung out online comprised of some very talented artists and not just “professionals” out to make money first and art 2nd.
<-One of my all time favorite images of one of my all time fav models. Lindsey, if you are reading…let’s get that 2nd shoot done.
2. How much do you charge?
This one I hate…If photography was my main source of income and livelihood…maybe I’d love this one. But when I get it, I usually find myself cringing at committing myself into “work” instead of creating something. Don’t get me wrong, some of it I LOVE doing. Some of it is challenging and I have free reign to express myself artistically while getting paid to shoot. Those jobs I love and wish I had more of. It seems i’ve gotten more of that lately, maybe that’s a legitimate sign of becoming successful. I don’t know… But to answer this question as broad as I can… minimum shoot charge is $300.00.. So basically, a single portrait/headshot session. Anything more involved will be at least double that.
Weddings? I’ll refer you to someone very good. I know a handful of superb craftsmen when it comes to catching that intimate moment. For me to shoot a wedding, I have to be emotionally attached to the couple. If i know them, love them, like them and am happy for the love they are sharing…I’ll be inspired to shoot it. If not, I’m just another person snapping pictures. I’ve tried it, I just can’t find myself getting inspired to shoot a strangers wedding. I’ve literally got in an email argument with someone trying to convince me why I should shoot their wedding and me telling them why I shouldn’t. lol.
My wife and my youngest daughter at my sisters wedding...
So if you have a question for me regarding my photography techniques, I’ll try to answer them the best I can. If I don’t know an answer I’ll make something up that sounds believable.
Submit your questions to my email here. Or anonymously via Formspring here.
Till next time…
Flip
Click to enlarge
Like many people, my teen years played a huge impact on who I am today. Maybe a little more profound for me since I had to grow up really fast becoming a father at an early age of 17. During those early teen years I had discovered Lenny Kravtiz, and long before he made it big within the mainstream music industry his music was flowing through my speakers during almost every passing moment. Damn, I even lost my virginity while Lenny’s funky smooth style laid out the scene. From then, fast forwarding a few years…for my first marriage (YIKES!) we danced to Lenny Kravitz and then my 2nd child and first daughter, Zoe was born. I guess I don’t need to explain the name. Despite all of that, I never considered myself a “FANatical” like you see on those MTV shows. I was just an artist who fully appreciated another artists talents. Still am.
About a month ago my wife stumbled upon Kravtiz tour schedule stop in Biloxi, MS at the Beau Rivage. Ironically, it was the same date as her birthday so we made a little birthday trip. Sadly, no cameras or recording devices were to be allowed but no one told ALL ATTENDING. However, I doubt I could have gotten in with my 5D and 70-200 lens. 
Luckily, the venue was small and we were right UP ON THE stage rails. BOOYA. The below shots portray what was the best concert i’ve been to to date. All with my iPhone. The filtered ones are shots I uploaded to Instagram as a somewhat LIVE feed during the show. (add me on Instagram – flipstylephoto)
Shooting Lenny Kravitz for real…would be AWESOME.
haha, if you came here by way of my facebook fan page…my blog auto posts to it. I didn’t break Lent. Haters! lol
…all on a Mardi Gras Day… Well, it’s only Lundi Gras still, but that song has been stuck in my head for a couple days now. Mardi Gras, Fat Tuesday…it’s here again. As a kid, I would be so pumped to wake up at the crack of dawn, hop in the car packed and loaded with food, drink, chairs and family just to sit out by the street and wait for Mardi Gras day parades. Then as a young adult, I’d have the same anticipation but with much more LIBATION and less food. But the last couple of years the weeks leading up to Mardi Gras day my enthusiasm has waned…UNTIL I start hearing the music. The music brings back all those childhood memories. You know the ones. The kind that you feel deep inside reminding you exactly who and where you come from…for me, it’s New Orleans.
I was looking for a good version of the above song (All On Mardi Gras Day) but couldn’t find it on youtube….but here is another favorite.
Grammy award winning – Rebirth Brass Band – Do whatcha Wanna – French Quarter, New Orleans LA 2008
So anyways…yeah, my last post upset a few people. But I guess those were the ones who were insecure. ;-p Just shoot…
I stepped out of my element a bit this weekend for some work for Northshore Fitness. They are doing a piece on one of the local Beach Volleyball facilities – Coconut Beach. Which is located outside the Slidell, LA Restaurant – The Dock. Kelly and I talked about trying to incorporate more “action” photos when possible, so we thought this would be a perfect opportunity to have a go!
click to enlarge
Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t cooperating fully… we had 20mph winds and quite chilly. Sun would peak out every now and again, but the clouds were prominent. The clouds were nice actually, gave the sky a dramatic feel. Some of you probably saying this would be a nice HDR shot. I tried it…haven’t attempted any HDR photos in probaby 5 years, I need to revisit how do them. I used to say only “newbs” really did them, but a photographer I really admire has great success and results with HDR work. Check him out some time – Joel Grimes (photostream). I attempted it on the above and the one below by manually changing exposures in LR then combining, but I still need to play. Not to mention you can’t exactly capture 3 shots while the subject is in the air unless she can pause. However because of the sky alone and some LR adjustments, they kind of have an HDR feel to them. I hope to experiment more soon.
Click to enlarge
Because of the wind, I wasn’t able to light this how I wanted. I had brought a couple 64inch Parabolic umbrellas…yeah, umbrellas in 20mph gusting winds on Lake Pontchartrain. lol. Luckily I had the beauty dish in the Jeep as well. So looks like I have to wait yet again to test out those Parabolics! Maybe this weekend!
Flip
p.s. check out my new site – www.renatoramosjr.com
So my observations since picking up a camera and associating with those whom call themselves “photographers” have led me to several conclusions…They (most photographers) can be downright annoying! They’re haters. lol.
Surfing the photography forums you always find a few different categories and a few inbetween. 1st you have the Old school shooters, The ones who’ve been shooting since the dawn of cameras. They’ll hate on other photographers simply because they haven’t been doing it as long. They often bring up the days of “film” and how “we couldn’t photoshop back then, we had to do it right the first time…” and some just can’t stand how the evolving technology has made it easier to get creative with your work. They secretly despise the new guy who shows up with a bit of talent and knows how to create something cool with today’s technology. Then you might have the Professional – The guys who shoot every day. They survive on it. Even when they are good, they still hate on the ones who casually shoot yet create stunning images. Don’t take out your frustrations of having to do this as “work” on the guy who mainly does it for fun. They also often feel the need to boast about new jobs they might be getting with company X to shoot a spread or how “THESE are definitely getting published in Magazine X.” Dude! There’s a billion hot women out there, just because you shot one doesn’t mean it’s taking you places…lol. But no matter the length of time or the purpose they shoot, there’s almost always the guys who constantly feel the need to measure their cock. A few of the forums and FB groups I peruse, I swear there is so much cock hanging out being measured you’d think you were in a high school locker room. I mean that figuratively. In my highschool days, I don’t recall actual cocks being measured in the locker room. lol…I’m talking about the need to prove ones self. (This isn’t just for men, there are women out there trying to measure too!) In some cases it’s acceptable. I’m not talking about when it’s an open forum situation where people are asked to post images on a particular subject matter to see what others come up with. I’m talking about when some of them feel the need to make it a point to “show” how much they know or how little another one knows with sly little comments. Those are the MOST entertaining to watch. And let’s not forget, if you are not shooting the same type of content as they are, you are discredited or they just don’t understand what you are doing.
The bottom line, the field is filled with arrogant, insecure, jealous and pompous fools. But to be fair, I guess that is any particular skilled field – dancers, writers, film makers…I guess even musicians, but with musicians you almost always see a group of them get together and simply “make music”. For a second there, they’ll forget who or what the other person is and just rely on them to be a part of the song they are playing. Perhaps because music is often a team sport. 1 person can make some great music alone, but a group of musicians can sometimes make that music better.
Am I griping? nahh, I’m just making an observation. And really this post was made to save me from boredom this Wednesday morning and I told myself I’d blog more. This wasn’t exactly what I meant about blogging more, but it’s a start. I usually update this site whenever I shoot, but I think I’ll start just talking in general about photography. It was guys who did this very thing and shared what they know that helped me learn. I guess it’s time I did the same. I don’t know it all, and don’t claim to be an expert but what I lack in knowledge I assure you I make up with knack for lying. Besides, it’s the internet…EVERYONE PLAYS AN EXPERT!
OH! and if you were offended by this post, you’re probably one of the people it’s referring to.
So what’s an update without any photography?
One from my most recent shoots from part of project I’m working on. That doesn’t say much, but the image should let your imagination run wild.
Bella Blue
Model Credits: Bella Blue – http://thebellalounge.com
aroma is filling the air of this office… someone had lunch there and decided to bring back a whole pie. The Philosopher to be exact. White cheese, feta, mushrooms, steak and artichoke. check it out if you are in the mood for some good pizza…
But anyways, here’s some more edits from the last shoot… Don’t like censorship? click the image.
Model: Theresa Manchester http://www.theresamanchester.com/ Photos: me
I had fully planned on going to sleep. Just a song or two of the new El Camino album to see if the Black Keys still produced good music…maybe sort through the 2nd set of shots from yesterday’s shoot…nearly 2 hours later, I sorted through the 2nd set, and 3rd set, then went ahead and knocked out one edit. The morning isn’t going to treat me right.
So here is the cause of my lack of sleep. I had gone to an Imaging Pre-convention workshop, and had been waiting to try out some new techniques, this is the result. Not too far from some of my usual work but I need to fine tune.
The model is Theresa Manchester out from Los Angeles and passing through the Big Easy. She has a unique look!
Big thanks to Jason Kruppa for letting me utilize his studio space wooden stairs and borrowing his super duper shutter modifier. (none of which is used in the above shot actually….but the one below, yes.)
Stay tuned for more…
and in case you are wondering, El Camino is pretty good, but in opinion nothing has beats the Big Come Up.
Happy Holidays!! shooting slowed down a bit, but a few projects in the waiting soon as the holidays pass. Here’s a few from my lastest shoot with NPC Competitor Linda Le.
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Immortal Beloved – One of my all time fav movies. Ask me why and I’d probably have somewhat a hard time explaining. It’s the story of Ludwig Van Beethoven, played by Gary Oldman and mainly about his relationship and secret love affair with Johanna Reiss, played by Johanna Ter Steege. Anyway, that’s what’s on in the background at the time of posting.x
I never update. I have good and well intentions to…but I find I can never write unless I’m at least holding 90% of my attention to the task at hand. Wife, kids, dogs…I’m usually not finding the quiet moment at home. Or in the minute chance I do, I’m too busy Facebookin’ it. It’s a problem. I know.
If you’ve read this far, please continue to do so. Most of it makes as much sense as what I wrote above. Most people just come to look at pictures, I just fill in the blanks with words to make it look like a legit blog…and the fact I love to rant on about nothing when I’m in the right mood.
IFBB Bikini Pro - Barbara Bolotte
Since my last visit to this blog, I’ve stayed fairly busy. Unfortunately, most of it on the more commercial side than artistic. Luckily, I get much freedoms to do what I want with many of my shoots.
With that being said, the longer I become involved with photography, the less I see myself as a “photographer” and more simply just someone who uses a camera to recreate what I see in my head. Does that make sense to you? It seems perfectly clear in my head, but then again it takes a special person to understand me! I could probably do a whole rant and blog on this subject but…I’ll spare you.
Tammy (T-Bomb) Ramos
So did I mention before my son started college? HOT DAMN I’m getting old right? (that’s his step-mom over there ->)
Yep, my oldest is now a Freshman at Belmont University up in Nashville, TN. Studying biology, he plans to enter med school and become a doctor. Felt really weird dropping him off on move in day, and before parent orientation a few weeks prior I was totally nervous. My first born, living alone in a different state? Did I give him the tools to get through this part of his life? Was there something I could have done differently to help better prepare him make the right decisions when faced with bad and worse options? I think so… It was confirmed after orientation that he was in fact ready. He chose this school. He did the research and he made the decision. I won’t go into everything I learned during the 2 day parent orientation, but I will say I highly recommend the school. (Belmont was cited as “School to Watch” in 2009 for its innovative programs.[12] U.S. News & World Report ranked it number 5 of masters-degree universities[13] in the South.) (but it ain’t cheap…)
So the eldest is in college, the youngest just starting daycare and the middle in Highschool… Nice span huh?
This one is pretty hot, but man is she a chore to work with! ;-p
T-Bomb!
Have I shot anything other than fit beautiful women lately? not really….
Vickie Garafola Dauthier - NPC figure competitor
Pink Muscle Team member.
I guess I’ll stop the chatter and spare you. Not like most of you are reading this bullshit anyways. I used to make commentary about the shoot, or the model or the MUA’s who may be involved, but most people don’t give two shits about that either…So I just write stuff here to look like I have something meaningful to say and accompany these shots.
I should start posting that meaningless bullshit that comes with spam mail. hmmm… Maybe some lyrics? Poems? presidential speeches? What do you suggest. Send me an email and I’ll oblige. reny@flipstylephotography.com
For now…here’s more shots since the last update. Probably for the most part in chronological order from above.
Barbara Bolotte - Beach
Samuel – Trainers Choice athletes
AAEFX Natural Freaks - http://www.aaefx.com
…and finally being able to get back to some of my own ART work….
Ana...
Ana Banana
click it for more from this set of Ana…
Ana is the first of maybe 4 to 6 girls I’ll be shooting for an art series I hope to show next year. Stayed tuned for more info on that!
I usually don’t share much of family photos, but I thought this impromptu shoot with my kids was worthy…
The College Student
The Highschooler...
Still wearing Pull-Up's in the middle...
haha, sorry Jill. If this is agnyone’s first time reading one of my blog post, the title “usually” has no relevance to what the the content of the post actually is. It’s usually a song i’m listening to or something that’s on my mind totally unrelated to what I am about to right. In this case, it’s a competitors name which for some reason keeps running through my head like the last song you heard on the radio. In my own mad world, it makes perfect sense…just run with it.
Anyway, where did I leave off? Julia Helena and the Amelie G post! Well, this one is kinda full circle. The July Amelie G finally came out so look for it in your local news stand now. I’m not exactly sure which images they used as I haven’t seen the issue yet, but below are some of the shot’s I did. Some are cropped to my liking though.
Model: Amy Nguyen : Styling: Katie Dumestre : Hair/MU: Glamour Therapy
Model: Amy Nguyen : Styling: Katie Dumestre : Hair/MU: Glamour Therapy
Model: Amy Nguyen : Styling: Katie Dumestre : Hair/MU: Glamour Therapy
Credits: Elsa Brodmann/Amelie G Style Magzine
Styling: Katie Dumestre ~ Model: Amy Nguyen ~ Hair/Mu: Glamour Therapy
I was able to complete a 2nd shoot for Julia Helena before her NYC trip! Hope she’s doing good up there and making contacts.
Hair: Julia Elena ~ Makeup: Renee Ramos ~ Models:Tatiana Palacio, Blake Lugo, Marissa Cosse
Finishing up my latest work is a couple sets of fitness related work…
Local NPC Bikini Competitor Rishawn Carriere
Rishawn Carriere
Top placings in her first shows this year!
Tammy (T-Bomb) Ramos
www.T-Bomb.tv
Ball and chain.
OHHH, this guurl soo flyyy…
NPC Figure competitor - April Thomas
NPC Figure Competitor April Thomas
In addition, I had the pleasure to work with Mr. Jason Kruppa (http://www.kruppaworks.com) who helped me shoot the 1st ever Camellia Championships, in Slidell, LA. Great show and a good time!
If any competitors competing or competed in any Louisiana or any Gulf states shows need photos, contact me for a discounted rate. reny@flipstylephotography.com 504.915.1429
I know some of you may be asking what happen to all my fetish or tattoo photography…? it’s in the works. And I’m always looking for galleries to show them, so if you have any suggestions, please forward them to me!
till next time.
