Clean Beauty Look

I never really believed in horoscope until in the recent year. I found that being Libra, I've been compelled all my life to do most things in moderation.

It's all about balance.

It applies to many things, post-processing, makeup, etc. When I started using photoshop over 10 years ago, the processing I would use it for are quite extreme. All my images are ultra colorful with crazy designs. Want proof? See image on right, shot and post-processed in 1995.

As I mature into the tool and into art, I learnt that being able to find a balance and tweak into the subtleties of what you do will determine the mastery of it. Call it "Refined taste", if you will.

This is also one of the biggest reasons why the classier local modeling agencies who are recruiting for photographers, makeup artists, stylist, etc. wants to see the ability of the artist to produce subtle pieces of art. In this case, clean beauty look.

Yes, these look like simple lighting, easy photoshop retouching, easy to do shots and makeup. Like most things in life, as you attain the jedi ability to mind control, whatever that appears easy can be deceiving. Remember the first time you watch an amazing ice skater sliding across thin ice. It looked easy. How about the first time you thought it was easy to wrestle or eat 50 hotdogs in an hour?

The shot on the left, for example, was lighted using a last minute contraption that utilizes a magnifying glass!!! I deviced and put it together in the middle of the shoot!! Not having a fresnel lens, the challenge was to ensure that the light beam pierces into the correct position without dispersing too much. It required an assistant (Thanks, Janice!) to hold and mobilize along with the light to ensure accurate light placement!

I do have to admit, it's a lot of fun to think on your feet, solve problems and be creative all at the same time.

- MS

Headshot by Special Request

Sometimes a spur of a moment available light can be incredibly inspirational.

I was working on a 4 days commercial work with iWin. One of the models who is also working in the project by the name of Chris was recommended by me. You see, he worked with me a year ago in a photoshoot to showcase a new bluetooth headset. Here's Chris, in the 2006 photoshoot, on the right.

On the first day of the shoot, Chris approached me and requested that I take a good headshot for him. And since he has a tight budget and hence, he was hoping I would do it for, you guessed it, free.

The project we were both in has an incredibly tight deadline & budget. iWin expected me to shoot 46 perfect shots of their game imagery all across San Francisco (Pier39, beach, Palace of Fine Arts, Arboretum, Daly City Golf Club House, karate dojo in San Mateo), amongst other locations in within 3-4 days. In a perfect world, this type of shoots takes at least a week to accomplish due to several things such as herding 10 models around the city, finding the perfect spots, loading/unloading heavy lighting units/stands, working under harsh and difficult lighting conditions due to the constraints in time.

I was running around the sets, city, driving, loading, you name it, non-stop for 12 straight hours at a time. I like the guy but that's just not the right time for this type of request. On top of that, I charge top dollars for a good headshot as it really does takes a good eye to bring out the personality of the person into the headshot.

The stars, however, seemed to shine on Chris' path during Day 2 when I was hurrying along the corridor of the Daly City Golf Club house for the next set. I saw Chris, sitting on a red sofa with window light filling the room. I also had the right lens at the time. Taking one quick aim, and posing him the way I wanted it, I shot ONE frame and ran off to my next set. That single frame proved to be the most amazing time-stopping image I took for his career.

Chris has since started using that headshot for his modeling and acting career. He just sent me an email stating that his acting career took off like a rocket after that headshot went into circulation. He just accepted a 2 months film project in the east coast and is subletting his apartment in Los Angeles.

...and no, I didn't charge him a dime for it. The satisfaction of a perfect moment captured sufficed. ;-)

Model Photography Workshop

"I'll help hold your reflector" is what a fellow photographer will nudge into my ribs when they see my modeling portfolio work. They are interested to work with gorgeous models but has nothing in his portfolio...yet. It's a catch-22. You can't attract a 8/10 model to work with you if you don't have images of other 8/10 models in your portfolio and you can't have a portfolio full of 8/10 models if you never work with a 8/10 model! So, how do you go from point A (zero portfolio, zero interest) to point B (beautiful models calling you to have you shoot them, and PAY YOU $550 while you're having your fun)?!?! I suppose everything comes at a price. You can of course start by investing a lot of time working with the 5/10 models. It will take you some time and if you're lucky and have the charming personality of car salesman, you may coerce a 8/10 to work with you. The alternative, is to find a good model photography workshop that you can get get some immediate air time with great models in a nice friendly location. They'll even sign your model release form while rubbing shoulders with you, handing off more of their friends to you. While you are at it, you do also get to learn about lighting, how to work with models, communications, workflow, tips and tricks that you can't learn anywhere else. It's no secret that I'm trying to put workshops together and one may think this is a shameless plug. The truth is, this really isn't my main line of work where I'll make my millions. I love teaching, I love sharing and I love shooting models. And if I can get paid while doing what I'm passionate about, I'll be in heaven. Workshop info provided here, http://www.soophotography.com/workshop/ These shots are done at Libby's dad's 300+ acre ranch in the east bay, a location that I'm contemplating on doing the model shoot workshop. There are full of wonderful spots, props and rustic background that will fill your portfolio to the brime with amazing landscape (location work) and model work in one. On top of that, it's private and is only a mere 1.5 hrs away from most bay area cities. When is the model photography workshop? It's still undecided. I'll let it swirl in my head a bit longer. Email me if you are interested. msoo (at) soophotography (dot) com Of course, here is a thread to the SooCool Forum with all the images from that day. - MS

Children Photographer - Comp Cards

Normally, I would collaborate with the model or with the model's parents (under 18 years old models) for modeling comp card (also known as composite cards or zed cards) creation. Planning tend to start weeks in advanced so that we're certain what to expect, the styles, market segment to go after as well as the environment.

This shoot unfortunately was postponed twice due to bad weather and family emergencies. So, the proper planning was shorter than average. I spent only 2 hours on this shoot (unlike other modeling shoots for model's portfolio that can span 3-5 hours).

A 7 year old model tend to not have the attention span to work for long period of times for a shoot. Going beyond 2 hours tend to wear them out fast. It is also crucial for the Ad agencies to see environmental shots where the model has an action oriented image where she is reading or playing. Agencies and Art Directors often like to see the models' versatility.

After all, modeling is a form of acting. Who wouldn't hire an active looking model when the product that goes with the model is an active wear or even an music player? Creating comp cards for modeling use isn't rocket science, or is it? Is it really just taking lots of pictures and slapping them together as a card, then print as many as you can to send to Ad Agencies, Producers and Art Directors. hoping, just hoping to get a break. We're in the realm of statistics here, right? The more you send, the better chance of getting a call back.

The market estimate survey shows that the chance to get a call back is 0.5% for the average model. So, in order to get 5 phone calls, you will need to send out 1000 cards! Realize that not all 5 calls will work out either. Now, 1000 cards isn't cheap. Neither is the price of stamps nor the time it take to fill them out and send them off. So, wouldn't you be better served to increase that chance by improving the statistics? How do we go about doing that?! Before we even start, here are the things you should NOT do as they will decrease the statistics even lower than the market estimate of 0.5%

1. Don't have your family & friends take your modeling images for the comp cards (with the exception that they are professional photographers and done it comp cards extensively). With all due respect, photographing a model is just a bit more involved than clicking the shutter. Posing a model and understanding the market needs are two of the major components missing from your boyfriend's mind while he drools over the camera while photographing you. ;)
2. Using the same background/situation for all of the images in the comp card. You need a bit more variety to proof your ability to adapt and express.
3. Using the same expression for all of the images in the comp card. Botox won't win you a modeling job, unfortunately.

Doing all of the above will get you to the 0.5% acceptance ratio. We are getting somewhere, aren't we? What if I tell you that you can triple or quadrupling that percentage? It takes time to create a WOW comp card.

1. Time to plan on the outfit that suits your style
2. environmental or action shots to show your versatility and your ability to fit into various roles
3. the spectrum of expressions to show your adaptability
4. masterful lighting that will showcase your charm (notice I'm not using the word beauty. Being beautiful doesn't necessary make you a great model)
5. post-processing or retouching to enhance your look will push your comp further than you can imagine.

Modeling isn't always about how beautiful you are or how sexy you look. Rather, it's your style and look that will fit the requirement, might that be a need for an athletic sportsman or a grumpy woman with an intriguing frown. Plan to collaborate with your photographer. It takes two hands to clap and only by working together, can this be achieved. Here's the final Comp Card. - Michael Soo Soo Photography

Strength in Diversity

By now, you probably think I'm a nutty professional photographer, dipping my toes into such a wide variety of subjects, from product photography to food photography to fashion photography to glamour photography to landscape photography and fine art photography to gosh, portrait photography, wedding photography and what else, commercial photography. On top of all that, I'm also well versed with Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and Website Design!!. Still think I'm sane?! I think not. While 90% of professional photographers out there strive to specialize in one field of photography, I spread my wings and claim strength in all. Is my brain really that slow? Contrary to what you might think, I have good explanations on what I've done thus far.

1. Mastering different facets of photography has allowed me to apply my knowledge in one to another. For example, if I were to shoot an engagement session at a seemingly boring golf course, I can utilize my knowledge as a landscape photographer for composition; my discipline in fashion and glamour photography to pose my subject beautifully; my in depth experience with studio lighting to use bounce multiple light sources to the subjects to create a wonderful interplay of light and shadow.
2. It keeps me excited as a photographer and continually challenge my ability to improve. It is much more often to hear of, say a specialized wedding photographer to get bored of his craft due to lack of innovation, creativity and exciting work. He/She will tend to do the same style over and over again with overall little improvements. For me, however, I am never bored since I have been peaking my performance by learning everything I know from one area of photography to the next. What I thought about in one area of photography has constantly been applied to another.

However, in spite of the above, most clients tend to think of a photographer is best when he or she is specialized. Just think, a bride probably will be more apt to choose a photographer who is specialized in weddings versus one who does everything. How do you, as a photographer prove otherwise? Show them your portfolio. The images needs to speak and they will, if you are good.

- MS

Work-a-Scene of Popular Photography & Imaging Magazine

Work-a-Scene is a series of monthly articles in Popular Photography & Imaging that teaches a photographer on how to fix a situation during shoot. For example, taking multiple HDR images and fix them in Photoshop do not count, whereas, changing the contrast or using a filter does. I wrote a total of 6 articles for Work-a-Scene in 2006, 3 of them has been accepted, two of them do not fit the category well and the other one may need more work). None of them were not published due to some shuffling of articles. So, I figured that I'll just lay off from doing more of them until they start to get published. Then one of the article got published in the January 2007 issue (page 52). It's about using aperture to create starburst effect. Senior Editor, Pete Kolonia of Popular Photography sent me an email two weeks ago stating that their Work-the-Scene articles that I have been writing for them has mostly been published (in the publishing world, magazines get prepped to be published at least 3-4 months in advanced) and they need new material, and they need it NOW. "Sure!", I said, let me run to the wand shop in Diagon Alley first. After a week or so of sitting around being a bum cracking my brains off for a concept and trying to schedule session with a Angelina Rika, whom I've shot before, I figured that Angelina isn't really that serious about modeling. Right at the same time, I got a message from Libby over myspace. Libby probably got my info from Paul Ferradas. I absolutely loved her images that Paul took of her a while back by Alviso. Libby is a natural beauty, gorgeous and has a great personality. We booked off a time for a shoot in a within a day or so. One of the fastest, come-shoot-with-me-right-away type of request. She got all excited and we're off to a great start. I decided that we should shoot in 2 locations in the South Bay, around the region of Mountain View, Sunnyvale, San Jose downtown, maybe more depending on the mood and situation. The first location is shot for the magazine and in order to compensate her for her time, I'll shoot her a strong portfolio in the 2nd location, a rooftop. You can find the images in the Fashion and Glamour Gallery. - Michael Soo

More Wilhelmina 40+ Model Search

Helped a local lady in the More Wilhelmina 40+ Model Search. Here are the details on the contest. Prizes look pretty nifty!

About the Contest Show the world just how beautiful 40+ can be!Enter the 2006 MORE®/Wilhelmina 40+ Model Search. In addition to the dazzling events, incredible exposure, and tremendous fun, selected Finalists receive nearly $85,000 in total prizes, including:

Contracts with Wilhelmina Modeling Agency ($15,000)

A three-day trip to New York City

A glamorous magazine photo shoot (includes hair & makeup sessions and press appearances)

Participation in Finals Judging Event (with prominent MORE editors and Wilhelmina agents)

Finals Gala (where the contract prize winners will be announced)

Celebratory photo layout in an upcoming issue of MORE

A possible appearance on national TV

Wilhelmina Model Agency merchandise

Fabulous shopping sprees and limited edition “jet-set” travel bags from Talbots Premium gift baskets from RoC® Skin Care

A year’s supply of Garnier Nutrisse haircolor and haircare accessories

A fun-filled vacation for two

A glamorous dress from designer Carmen Marc Valvo

A fashionable ladies wristwatch

She and her family collected over a THOUSAND tennis balls from a local court for the concept that we agreed upon. It took a week and my golly, a thousand balls was barely enough. I had to do some photoshop magic to make it look more than it appears. All in all, a fun shoot. We finalized on 10 images that look freaking fantastic. Good luck in the contest, Ava! - Michael Soo

Archetype Exhibit

ar·che·type (är'kĭ-tīp') –noun 1. the original pattern or model from which all things of the same kind are copied or on which they are based; a model or first form; prototype. This is my venture into the deeper trenches of art. "Art of Photography", if you will. This shoot took place in my studio and only took a mere 3 hours to cumulate a large number of top keepers, as high as 20-30 !!! As some of you may be aware, I keep a really high standard for my images and to obtain such a high percentage of keepers require many things, two of which are a fantastic model and the other, a critical eye. A critical eye will tell you if the skin is discolored, overly smoothened in photoshop or when an image is oversharpened, badly composed, etc. It will also tell you how to make an excellent image into a inconceivable one. But that's not all. There are a heap of other things to consider too, like taking your shower regularly so that the models won't faint at the mere smell of you and be sure to buy relevant books such as the "Photography for Dummies" guidebook before an important photo session. For our shoot, you are looking at Iona Lynn, a professional figure model. Iona could pull more poses out of her behind than I can count the number of grains of rice in my bowl during dinner. Let me tell ya, I eat lots of rice; though I am...trying to cut down on the carb. :-( For this blog, I'm gonna stop being a chatterbox and let the images do the talking. Exhibition of Archetype - Michael Soo

Sweet Surrender

Her cold stare pierced through the frigid wind. Mild condensed air from her lungs released briefly into the darkness as she stood atop the rooftop, draped in absolutely nothing but a flimsy but fashionable couture black dress, showing her bare back. Soft light carressed every contour of her smooth silky skin. Her black stiletto scratches the ground as she stood, turning her head. She shivered and steadied her pose, warmth from her body slowly drained by the wind. There stood Charisse, conquering nature with her elegance and beauty. This was supposed to be a ballet-on-the-rooftop shoot to begin but with fog rolling into the city, causing flat lighting, the severe cold and lack of time caused the whole shoot to be drastically change. The photographer's (ahem!) brain went into hyperdrive, simulating scenarios and creating last minute (more like last second) improvisations to rectify this extremely difficult shooting condition, somewhat reminded him of his extremely difficult photography challenge he faced over a year ago in New York. The same scenario, given to another, can cause a serious panic-attack and extreme nausea. Adding insult to injury, he had to carry over 100lbs of gear up small doorways, elevators, stairs and locked rooftop doors AND wiring 50 feet of cables for the lights. It was an interesting experience, to say the least. Charisse quickly then swap places quickly with Krystal, scurrying into the deep layers of coats, blankets and jackets that lies on the ground. She's now happy and warm. That's a good thing! ;-) After a few more shots, everyone adjourned to Susanne's apartment. Thanks to Susanne, our fantastic host who helped secured the rooftop for this shoot is an extremely bright and charming woman and also the CEO of Point Arcadia. Both Laura (Susanne's sister who also lives in the same building) and Susanne has got to be two of the sweetest people I've gotten the pleasure to know. She was more than accommodating. Hot tea was served throughout the entire shoot. What a sweetheart! As you can tell here, Charisse is all happy within the warm confines of the apartment. LOL. We were all tired at the time, so we did a few more snaps before we ended the session. It was fun but also a lot of work to put that together. However, the results are freaking outstanding. - MS

Modeling Portfolio

Paul and I decided to do a 2nd mega photoshoot, this time with 4 models, 3 photographers (Paul, myself and a guest photographer) and 1 videographer (Bryan Chang). We were graced by the presence of 4 models from across the bay, Nicole, Celeste, Melina and Angelina. Each bring a very different and unique set of talents into the shoot. It's really amazing because most Art Directors will think of a particular concepts and there will only be ONE model out of hundreds that can fit that role. Same case in this shoot as I have concepts rolled up in my head weeks before the shoot. Along with the concepts, ideas on who can fit the roles has already been stamped and cleared. In effect, I was the Art Director, the Photographer and at some point, a really bad stylist and awful make-up artist, all rolled into one. For a larger shoot, this will not be ideal, obviously. Wearing multiple hats will help ensure that I can jump into a role when the need arises. One of my objective of this shoot is to help "pave a pathway", if you will, for these new models-to-be, into the world of commercial modeling. I'm hoping to help create a starting point with at least 1 out of 5 shots that they can use for their comp card, should they choose to do so. The other part of this shoot, done most gracefully by Paul are glamour shots for the girls. Paul has a style in photography that few has managed to achieve, much less, duplicate. It is no secret that many photographers tried to have him divulge his techniques. However, it's my belief that if it isn't their style to begin with, it will never be their style to end with. Paul, if you're reading this, you can share your techniques with me. I'll keep it a secret. ;-) We also had Bryan videotape an hour worth of fun. The video footage is amazingly well done (thanks to Paul and...me, haha!) and if you have not watched it, it can be found in youtube as well as MySpace. Do NOT miss it. It's good clean fun and if Nicole can have her way, she'll dance her way through the entire shoot. ;-) Nicole on the right was fooling around when I shot this. What she does not realize, most of the time is that she has the innate ability to extend her character across the room when she is relaxed. That's her personality and her great selling point in a portfolio. Nicole rocks. I keep telling her that and it may diluted the effects. Bah, who cares. Nicole Rocks! I do have to admit that the best shot that I did that day is actually a ultra hot glamour shot for Celeste. If you want to see that image, you'll have to talk to Celeste. ;-) But let's push glamour aside for a minute and talk about modeling portfolio. What do the commercial agencies really want? Modeling is really about acting and if you send them a comp card with 5 images of identical expression, it'll get them uninterested really fast. You need to prove that you have the ability to be an actor(ess) in a different scene, different products and different use case. I first took Celeste to the fireplace for my first session of the day. Celeste took a bit of time to warm up but when she did, she really glowed with her full ability to showcase herself. She is also a bit more seasoned as a model as she has done work with a few other photographers. I really wanted to showcase her "wild side" and she has the body to show off. We did my best glamour shot that day and right after, this shot on the left. Her hair flying sideways looked incredibly dynamic. In addition to that, Jorge's wonderful makeup on her just spiced it up a big notch. The hardest makeups are the ones that you can't tell there's a makeup but makes the model look incredible at the same time. That's a fact! Keep that in mind for your search for the best makeup artists out there. Jorge did a phenomenal job here. I also found the perfect crop for this hot image. Yup, I'm the Crop King! Melina coyly admitted that she's not the typical glamour girl. However, that's not really an issue here. As I stated earlier, it's really about personalities and how a model can fit into a role and, not the other way round. Her gorgeous blue eyes is the main attraction and rightfully so. I had Bryan and Ken hold her arms while she gave me an intense stare. What came out from it is perfectly slated for this mock ad, Delirium on the right. Angelina has one of the most perfect skin and beautiful face one can lay eyes on. She's a cutie. If there is a commercial for skin products, she is the perfect choice. She only had red lipsticks on at the time. Of course, I could just shoot her plain and she would look incredible. But to give it a unique twist, I had her hold two torn pieces of translum and got the shot on the left. The additional make-up was done by yours truly. ;-) As you can tell, I only smooth out skin when necessary and skin texture can be a great friend and gives an image a real feel to it. For a model to jump into the modeling business, he/she needs to start with CRS (Critically High Standard). What does that mean? You need to be able to impressed the agent with just one glance. One look is all it takes for you to get in. You folks have it easier than actors. Actors sends in one headshot and that's their one chance. Models have a comp card that shows 5 shots. You are as strong as your weakest link and it's true. Your worse + worst image will be branded into the minds of Art Directors, agencies and photographers. This really is a First Impression business. - Michael Soo