Deep Focus In: RayWoodsphotography

Ustream.TV: Countdown to Lil'Tahj

2012-01-21T01:26:00.000-08:00

Hey Guys I'm ustreaming Once again for the Official Launch of RaymondWoods.com ! first ever full blown website and i'm pretty stoke about it. Anyway here's a Ustreaming Tapping from October? hmmm i'm thinking of doing Ustream.TV once a month. What you think?

Marcus Monday Maddness Polaroids

2012-01-11T14:25:00.000-08:00

Scouted Marcus Smith ! he was underneath my very nose .

RWP Official Site: Gallery && Print

2012-01-03T22:08:00.000-08:00

Just Weeks away from my OFFICIAL Website and I can not wait any LONGER! Why the Wait ? Because it's still in minor construction. Yes it's PHOTOGRAPHY SITE But i also wanted to Brand myself and management as well. This year i'am doing my first ever PRINTS? Yes prints. I showcasing my prints on esty so buy it up ! Here are 2 Photographs that will be available January 22nd 8pm Eastern Time

Eshu Virus
Inspired by The African American Spirt "Eshu" I wanted to design and edited in the way of his affects of his trickery and evil. I Blended shape colors and over all horror through the photograph.

The Galx
Inspired by the movement of the body and hair i played around with the exposure and and saturation through the whole shoot. Added a another world in the hair and became remarkable .

Printing Size xxxxx
5x7 $14.99 (Plus Tax and Shipping)
8x6 $14.99 (Plus Tax and Shipping)
8x10 $19.99 (Plus Tax and Shipping)
10x13 $24.99 (Plus Tax and Shipping)
11x14 $25.99 (Plus Tax and Shipping)
12x18 $32.99 (Plus Tax and Shipping)

There you have it ! ORdering should be a breeze! the website does ask for there cut so buy it straight from the source. You have Pay Pal? Sure you do! if not make one. Email me raywoodsphotography@gmail.com !!

The Email for business is Subject to change in the Next couple Weeks but it will still be active !~!active

Fashion Photography Blog: Shot of the Week

2011-12-13T19:06:00.000-08:00

OFFICIAL SITE

Let me just say this has been a very emotional day. I literally Woke up this morning with the email stating "Hello, Thank You for submission to the FP Blog S.O.T.W . Your photo has been awarded the S.O.T.W. ". I instantly jump up and feel to the ground. I was unbelievable in denial . Ran to my computer and BAMM! it was there in BIG BOLD LETTERS ! I can't show you how much this actually mean to me. For me and christina starting this journey and now starting to make our name for ourselves is truly a blessing. It took about 17-22 submission to get "Shot of the Week" and I never gave up. Truth be told told website literally said "It's not up to par. Well... Guess what Art is Art buddy.
I actually made a actually video about my excitement. It's deff motivated me to do what i needed to do to become a profession. So be on the look out for my Official website on my Photography Anniversary this January or maybe sooner. So here is the Bingo Bang Bongo of the Photography...

Website: http://thesecdumsociety.wordpress.com
Personal Information:

Name: Raymond Woods

Explanation: Inspired By black and white photography that has a dramatic meaning and overall purpose in the story. This model in the photograph look confident and strong but yet i feel like she is striving for acceptance trust in the forbidden woods. I named it “No church in the Wild” Inspired by the early 1900s of African Americans with a modern twist .

Melissa Rodwell’s Critique: This is such a well executed photograph. The composition is really well done. So is the styling, the casting of the model ( I love this girl! ), the mood. And of course, the black and white. It reminds me of a shoot Lindberg did with Naomi Campbell in Paris about 10 years ago. It was an epic editorial and this shot is in that same vain. I love this photo, Raymond. Excellent job!

No Church in the Wild: Editorial

2011-11-26T18:24:00.001-08:00

Amber A. Shoot

2011-11-26T18:14:00.000-08:00

Release of "No Church in the Wild"

2011-11-11T17:58:00.000-08:00

Here is the Taste of Editorial Photograph of "No Church in the Wild" . Instead of Writing about my journey and What happen i decided to do a commentary Video instead. Something Futuristic :)More photographs will be added by the days !

Behind The Vision No Church in the Wild

2011-11-11T17:19:00.000-08:00

No Church in the Wild: The countdown

2011-11-07T14:11:00.000-08:00

My recent not " recent recent" work i have down is an editorial suite of one of my favorite models from DE "Christine Dior" . I really wanted to tell you how excited i'am to present one of the best editorial work i done but i'm only allow to give you snippets. so 11*11*11 !!1 Mark your dated kiddey's because that's when i'm release the editorial pages to the public. Until then enjoy the teasers i created for this weeek !

So yesterday i was suppose to release the "Behind the Vision" to the public but some things change over time. So to keep my word i will press the upload button on "Vimeo " Tonight and blog/ youtube tomorrow night for the over seas. Deal ? Get it Got it ... Goood.

Color the Block RED

2011-09-30T18:17:00.000-07:00

So it took me forever to write about a Photography story because i been crazy busy with EVERYTHING. I put an AD out on Model Mayhem because i need a model for me to shoot for a up coming test i had. Everything i learn in my photography book was put to the test. How can you shoot Fashion, animals, building etc if you don't know the basic right?

I ment up with the model Lyric "Brittany" Couture with her assistant manger. Keep it professional all the way. Already explain the concept, look, the feel and the overall message i wanted to convey. Before i shot her i test shoot for about 10-20 minutes trying to get a realistic view on how much i want in the photograph. i recently bought 50mm with a 1.8 f/stop and i was super excited to use it. I use the lens on my cat a couple weeks before outside so i shouldn't had no problem "getting to know " the lens.

I started off with "Meet and great" shot that i do to ALL clients to see 1. Challenges i may face 2. lighting 3. skill level . All i continue to shoot i wanted to move around as much as possible without losing her in the shoot. Again i had a 50mm lens. Since the sun was blazing with a little breeze my lens was mostly closed. 3.5 f/stop , 100 ISO and 1/80 shutter. It very from different shots. This shoot was different because i actually knew what i want and how far i willing to go without losing my professionalism.

Focal length: 50mm Shutter Speed: 1/80 Aperture: 3.5 ISO: 400

Some shots was very candid and i shot them in monochrome because everybody loves a classic black and white photograph. I wanted to intense it for a dramatic touch so i maybe the blacks bold and the white a gray plush. COLOR the block RED was inspired by... umm I can't recall actually but when i do i will let you know. haha. I had to do something with the red tint filter on camera and her just living life on the park way. I love themes, names so why not?

I wanted to capture her instead of cloths so this wasn't a fashion shoot. More of an environmental portrait shoot. I made that very clear in my casting call. That took pressure off of me and the new model. Fashion is tough cookie that i have not been able to eat yet! Seriously i want a piece !

Let me tell you my hats go off to retouchers around the globe because having that much patient of editing a photography is WORK ! i mean WORK! Every hair, every bump, every skin tone, and the list goes on. When you asking a retoucher to retouch your photograph for $15 umm that is more the nice. Basic retouching might not be work to them but for outsiders it sure enough is WORK!

Focal length: 50mm Shutter Speed: 1/80 Aperture: 3.5 ISO: 400

Overall The shoot was great. every shoot i have i learn something new about myself either personal or professionally. Of course my creative eye has improve but noticing flaws, accepting it and how to remove them with varies situation is going to take a while to catch the "flow" and lighting ? ... let's just say we only ment once or twice. Can't wait to show my September work. Until next time :)

Test 1 (Chapter 1,2,3)

2011-07-19T22:35:00.000-07:00

Chapter 1: Composing Effective Photographs
Chapter 2: Operating Your Camera
Chapter 3: Determining Exposure

Title: CCM Cat
Subject: Neighbor Cat
Concept: Shooting on the Go
Location: Philadelphia, PA

Recently bought SB-700 Speed light and I really dived in the manual to learn it inside and out. I gotten tired of shooting Object that became tedious but nevertheless I have to start somewhere. How can i capture living things if i cannot bring non living things to life. I got off work like i normally do and the neighbor cat was outside being VERY friendly. I reach for my camera bang and started to photographs plants right across from me. My cat does not like any video camera or camera so the plants was going to be the highlight of my photography day.Something told me to site outside even though i was extremely tired and hungry; not to mention i have work the next day. My neighbor saw the camera and really feel in love with it instantly. The cat rolled over, gave expression, allow me to photograph up close, make sure i was keeping up with her speed and so many many more. I photograph her once "Click" and i fell instantly in love.

The cat felt the need to get creative and sat there waiting for my to "click" then she will softly rotate her head for another shock. After 10 minutes of shooting her i forgot she was an animal. The cat was a CCM (Creative Confident Mover) . If only REAL Models/ human can see how she move, they 2 can become a CCM! The lens was 18-55mm and havn't had a set lens I wanted to shoot from because I was letting my creativity flow. I tired to stay consist with 3 popular MM "24mm, 35mm and 50mm". My lens was NOT fix with an f/stop of 3.5-5.6. For non technique photograph this lens kind of restrict me from my creative range. I do'not have a fix lens so the lens range has to contently be re-focus to photograph (which isn't a major problem), Exposure Lock need to come in handy so i will keep the same exposure through the shoot, and opening and closing the Ap can only go so far (Thank God I'm getting a 50mm Fix).

The good side was the lighting was where i in vision it to be, I control my Speed light to project enough light to fill out the photograph and i made sure my subject was well focus on the job. In my book (Chapter 5) There is a speed light technique called "Bounce Flash" that fills out the room or at least the photograph you are capturing. These technique helped me out in 3 ways; Cats are sensitive of sound and light so eliminating the flash in the cat eyes will make the shoot go alot smoother, The speed light can bounce on my deck roof which make the speed-light successful, and the rotation and flexibility of the speed light kept up with the speedy cat. Babies and Sometimes animals aren't use to Camera's and flashes so they will most lightly be alarm and impatient for you to capture them. Thinking on your toes and in vising before hand will land you your ideal shoot even though it wasn't unplanned (Chapter 1).

In (Chapter 3) Determining Exposure to capture Fast objects; up the ISO, Speed up or down the Shutter speed, and then determine your Aperture. Let me break it down more. ISO ranges from 100-H1with 100 being the lowest. Depending on your lighting you increase it in there is not enough lighting falling around. The Shutter Speed number depends on what you are capturing and what you WANT to capture. The higher the shutter speed the more you can stop the subject and the decreasing number of light that's traveling (Unless you have a handy flash). Or you decrease your Aperture 1/60 (Standard for VR), 1/50, 1/40 . The lower the Aperture the more you need to sit still or use a tripod. Lucky there was enough light falling and ISO and Speed light was in a normal range so the photograph was successful.
Working with a limited F/stop can be challenging so i have to think on creativity how to add more life and light in my photographs by using what determines exposure. The higher number of F/stop the less light is let in (Hence the BIG hoods on a camera lens) and the lower number of F/stop the more light is let in (Hence the LITTLE hoods. These 3 chapters taught me learning these basic functions on how to produce a successful photograph will help me in the long run when dealing with clients or subjects that disables one of these factors. I just completed Chapter 4 (Choosing lens) Chapter 5 (Finding all about flash) has indefinably gave me knowledge on 2 majorly deciding factors on what i want to capture. Choosing a lens that gives me the creative range i need will give me the photographs i desire, and now purchase the SB-700 lets me have MORE control of lighting then my pop up flash. As i go deeper in the book it's now helping me to become a better photographer.

To Know the "Geek Specs" On each of the Photographs and the FULL BLOWN photographs
Vist: http://raymondwoodsjr.500px.com/

Until Next Time
Raymond Woods

I was shot by Ray woods "Thunder Love Shoot"

2011-04-10T17:25:00.000-07:00

"Fashion never sleeps. When you sleep somewhere there to take your spot" (RAYMOND WOODS)
I just made that quote up like 30 seconds ago but so TRUE! Jasmine was a previous model a couple years go and decide to pre sue the modeling career soon. So what i did is pre shoot her up for her REAL shoot with me by taking test shoots of her and her boyfriend charles. Very outgoing, funny, and interesting couple i might shall add. They came down from NYC for "The arising phoenix album event" so i literally had 2 days to shoot them but the catch was.. I decided to shoot them 3 hours before i shoot them. That's where the quote comes into play. I might get to shoot her or them again but my schedules and their schedules are busy. So it was either now or never so to speak. I prep my camera as i normally did and think out an ideal look i want the photo shoot to have. Warm/ Violet color temp, ISO 100, Ap 1/60 and some more technical stuff.

The sun was sun-shining too much so i had to close my lens multiple times to make sure the exposure was perfect. I pick a nearby porch and shoot the couple there. Looking at my surrounds, the models and movement. I then made an executive decision on the story i wanted to convey. It ended up being between a portrait and lifestyle photography of love. Thunder love came from a song of "Little dragon" and the lyrics and groove to it spoke out to me. "Thunder" which Charles was photograph alone and "love" which charles and Jasmine was photograph. The color temperature played a huge part within the story because it gave it that since of hardness, looniness, masculine (Thunder), and then it gave that happiness, peace, softness "Love".

Maybe it's me but artistic wise MUSIC! Yes MUSIC Plays a tremendous part in someone creativeness. Everything creatively done was either inspired by quotes, music or art. Maybe thats one of the secrets of being an artist ? haaha. Check out the Photographs

The Arising Phoenix Album Event: Test Shoot

2011-04-08T16:58:00.000-07:00

As you know i recently Photograph/ and Host for the event but i wouldn't produce great work if i didn't have my Deadline Production team. I walk up to the set where Danny "Videographer" set up a black back drops, hot lights and filters for the both of us. Very excited to shoot the 3 artist of Tahj Entertainment "Doc, Ex-calvon, and Lil Tahj", i had to mentally prepare myself to shoot them. The factors i had to consider was there heigh (pretty much around the same heigh), skin tone, and ability to move. Also there being 3 different generations the lighting had to somewhat change dramatically to not make them look to young or to old . I was on a time crunch and had to think creativity fast or i will lose my positive aura.
Understanding that Black or White aren't colors but how they lights opens and shuts that cast these to non colors is a major plus in photographs people with these back drops. Easily to hide, touch up or re shape almost everything. On the other hand lighting it was a little difficult. Ty "Creative Director" gave tremendous ideas and creative concept for his first time directing. I kinda set back on the creative side of photography and put more into the technique side of photography. No active wardrobe stylist on set my assistant "Grace" properly fix the wardrobe and always jump in to test the lighting for me..
Test shooting is so important because it gives you a change to see if the model can CCM (Creative Confident Mover). In this shoot i literally had 5mins ! WOWERS. But the test shoot i was really talking about is my assistant Grace and Creative Director Ty. I'am going to be shooting them later this month so seeing how they photograph or move before was an advantage on my side if i don't say so myself. Those 2 hours i had went by super fast. I keep it professional at all times and surrounded myself with positive people through the shoot.

The Arising Phoenix Album Release Party

2011-04-04T19:29:00.000-07:00

What’s up Readers

“WHO WHAT WHEN WHERE WHY HOW WHEN WHERE WHAT WHO … OK.”?

This weekend my interning company Tahj Entertainment had a Event for our album release “The arising phoenix. So before i get into details let me tell you all the juice inside scoop on what happen, when it happen, who it happen, etc.

So after pre paring my equipment the night before , saturday morning i was already ready to go and race to the train. I was ask to do a photo shoot at the event as well as be one of the host at the event. Danny “videoographer” video tape the interviews and the event and let me tell you his LIGHTS was a LIFESAVOR. So my train came at 11:30am and i knew i had to get some tan pants for my outfit because all the stores i went to didn’t have any. I ran up stairs in the mall to old navy and found me a $36.15 Tan pants and it was worth every penny. Then i had to run down stair to catch the train (That was a close one).

Train ride was cool until a women who was (Completely a stranger) Kept asking me questions about Delaware. Turn my ipod on and i was zoning. So i got pick up from CEO of Deadline Production Lisa Ward to the Event to handle some business. From then on i was throw into work ! I talked to Danny , Set up the lights and background, assemble my team and was ready to shoot the 3 Artist. Tyleek “Creative Director” was really doing his job. He suggested great ideas, concept and looks to make the photographs pop. Grace “The assistant” Was helping with the cloths, getting me things i need and was my go to person. Renee “The videographer” Tape the whole thing (tear tear) im so proud !. Last but not least Danny was giving my some pointers on how to achieve the look i wanted to achieve.

So my Muses Ex-Calvon, Doc, and Lil Tahj grace my stage and work it like no other before. So you know i had to use my method CCM. I wanted to connect to my clients on another level. Show them how to pose, show them what is lacking within the photographer, and build a relationship with them in hopes of achieving the photographer i want. In the video you prob saw me swagging, instructing them and coaching them along the way. Yes modeling is hard but showing you what you don’t know about your body, how can you boast your positive qualities and being creative is what it’s all about. Let’s just say the photoshoot was MEGA FUN.

So i was rush to hosting and i was SUPER NOVA nervous people. I’am a shy person when i don’t know people so to one of the host at the event was very nerve recking. So Me , Tyleek and Jasmine hosted the event and it went Very well…. until i started my Comedy hour. “Tickle Twinkle”. It was film on a personal camera so you have to wait until it’s edited and what nots. Over all Great Time ! It you miss it…. Weelll it sucks to be you. Hhahaha

Secdum <3

The Arising Phoenix Album release Event

2011-04-03T19:41:00.000-07:00

What's up Readers

"WHO WHAT WHEN WHERE WHY HOW WHEN WHERE WHAT WHO ... OK."?

This weekend my interning company Tahj Entertainment had a Event for our album release "The arising phoenix. So before i get into details let me tell you all the juice inside scoop on what happen, when it happen, who it happen, etc.

So after pre paring my equipment the night before , saturday morning i was already ready to go and race to the train. I was ask to do a photo shoot at the event as well as be one of the host at the event. Danny "videoographer" video tape the interviews and the event and let me tell you his LIGHTS was a LIFESAVOR. So my train came at 11:30am and i knew i had to get some tan pants for my outfit because all the stores i went to didn't have any. I ran up stairs in the mall to old navy and found me a $36.15 Tan pants and it was worth every penny. Then i had to run down stair to catch the train (That was a close one).

Train ride was cool until a women who was (Completely a stranger) Kept asking me questions about Delaware. Turn my ipod on and i was zoning. So i got pick up from CEO of Deadline Production Lisa Ward to the Event to handle some business. From then on i was throw into work ! I talked to Danny , Set up the lights and background, assemble my team and was ready to shoot the 3 Artist. Tyleek "Creative Director" was really doing his job. He suggested great ideas, concept and looks to make the photographs pop. Grace "The assistant" Was helping with the cloths, getting me things i need and was my go to person. Renee "The videographer" Tape the whole thing (tear tear) im so proud !. Last but not least Danny was giving my some pointers on how to achieve the look i wanted to achieve.

So my Muses Ex-Calvon, Doc, and Lil Tahj grace my stage and work it like no other before. So you know i had to use my method CCM. I wanted to connect to my clients on another level. Show them how to pose, show them what is lacking within the photographer, and build a relationship with them in hopes of achieving the photographer i want. In the video you prob saw me swagging, instructing them and coaching them along the way. Yes modeling is hard but showing you what you don't know about your body, how can you boast your positive qualities and being creative is what it's all about. Let's just say the photoshoot was MEGA FUN.

So i was rush to hosting and i was SUPER NOVA nervous people. I'am a shy person when i don't know people so to one of the host at the event was very nerve recking. So Me , Tyleek and Jasmine hosted the event and it went Very well.... until i started my Comedy hour. "Tickle Twinkle". It was film on a personal camera so you have to wait until it's edited and what nots. Over all Great Time ! It you miss it.... Weelll it sucks to be you. Hhahaha

Ramon Luis: Secdum Society Ad Campaign: (Behind the Story)

2011-04-01T19:23:00.001-07:00

So as you know i'am the creator and visionary of The Secdum Society. Thats NOW the main website i do most of my blogging and Fashion updates. I also have another blog "SS Solstice" where i do most of my quick post i find 24/7. So after all this Why and Ad campaign ? Pretty simple really. To PROMOTE ! My blog has become more then just any old fashion blog it's become a life style. Updating the latest trends, Campaigns, Editorials, Fashion Videos and more right on "The Secdum Society" . Now that my viewers are increasing weekly i want to make a stamp in the industry. Having a official logo, Ads to put on sites, and a trademark is really how i want to brand ( Yes i have taken numerous business). I love to brand and market for people so why not something for me this time Right? So how do i go about branding and marketing my website that only Philadelphia and Delaware only know of?

Researching is the key to accomplishing ones task. I look through alot of Fashion bloggers sites for inspirations to "NOT COPY" but put out something that they aren't covering such as WORLDTOWN, Ad Campaigns, and Lookbook. Yes i love personal style and love shopping but pretty much 75% of all Fashion bloggers do that on a daily bases so what makes me stand apart from them? Seeking other fashion from countries, Introducing the latest lookbook and NOW..... Highlighing Models makes me stand out. My blog has no limits but then again it does because i say "This is the ultimate Fashion blog" i will be lying. Fashion is to Vast for one single person so i will continue to play to my strengths. Researching plays a major part in ones creativity so i try my best to look at the ones that i wouldn't think twice of looking at.

After gathering tremendous information i need to create an ad campaign to better promote myself as a blogger as well a photographer. My vision was to have 2 male models and 2 females in an urban setting with a very fashion forward look but as i made the casting call that ship had sailed. So i had to back to square one and work around them. So i got this amazing idea of have 4 models in 4 different locations expressing there fashion sense in there own way and combining it together. That ship had sailed also. SOOOOOO DISCOURAGE until This very interesting model by the name of "Ramon " was really drawing alot of attention to me. He would keep in contact, start conversation and show personality. Idk about other photographers but when you reach out to me a model should keep the relationship going. Don't hit me up and disappear. Because when you show you don't care i can to.

More and More me and Ramon talk i check his Facebook, portfolio, etc to get a sense of what type of model he could be. Couple days later we book the shoot day. We shoot in old city, Philadelphia still having the overall concept in my head. Yes i was winging it a bit but i always create, edit or twist my concept on the shoot day. A model just sparks my curiosity to try something new. I shot 5 looks and somewhat had an idea to create this campaign. Before i put any photos on my computer the ones i dislike the most i delete of the camera first (about 3 cycles). I do it when i'am eating, extremely tired and busy. Believe it or not delete photographs while doing these 3 things really effect your overall thinking process which really benefits you at the end.

Coming up with a concept when editing can alter your original concept when you started. Never the less you still pull some inspiration from everywhere to get the job done. Flipping through verse magazine, zink magazine and nylon magazine help me to come up with a concept. I decided to use 2 or 3 looks for my Ad campaigns and the other 2 or 3 looks for my actually portfolio. So yes i did edited my photographs mega crazy because.... IAM CRAZY. I love Bright , crazy, muggy , vibrate colors. It's fits my blog personality as well as mines. I really dislike describing my photographs because there always someone who thinks differently about it. So you can be the judge of it. Let me know if you like the changes. Tired of typing so on that note.

SECDUM <3

CCM in Modeling Photo shoots

2011-04-01T19:00:00.000-07:00

So i have just started using this trending term about 3 days go ; inspired by editing the model "Ramon Luis" film. CCM is a little abbreviation i use now to better help inspiring models to achieve there potential, not only a shoot with me but other photographers. CCM was about to be spelled out as a "correct word" but i knew i was pushing to far so i just remain it "CCM" . Which bring us to your dying question "What in the world is CCM Ray"?

CCM (better known as CREATIVE CONFIDENT MOVER) . Looking at countless Fashion photographer it was 3 things that these models had to do in order to achieve the expectations of a photographer, designer, agency etc. Being creative, confident mover assures a great deal of achievement for anybody. But why theses 3 instead of her adjectives, verbs, etc.?

CREATIVE: In order to purpose anything "Artistic" wise has to start with creativity first. Being open about your emotions, past experiences, visions, expectations, and goals can and will boast your creativity process. Same thing goes for a model before actually being shot. The model needs to be creativity open and challenging ones ability to please the client. So rolling on the floor, jumping, laughing, spinning, dancing,and yelling is "oh so right" trying to build a character or a theme in the shoot. Thinking of new ideas (without stepping over boundaries) will influence everyone around you to step up there creative process as well. You get the "Yes Girl", "Work", "stunning", Magical" .... You are ready to move on to the next
process.

CONFIDENT: Because you are the center of attention every move you make impacts everyone around. Stand up tall and proud of your body. Knowing thou body and owning thou body will not only make you feel like a REAL model but the viewers as well. Being creative is only the first step but to make it to the 2nd step you must be confident about every decision you make. A Photographer loves to experiment and shoot you endlessly you influence him. Feel the fabric, know the client history, know the photographer style of shooting and use that to your advantage. To become a better model is all about having the personality, positive attitude, and being an effective listener. Personality can defiantly land you other gigs alone so show some confidence. Having a positive attitude and even being an EFFECTIVE listener will make the photographer job a whole lot easier.

MOVER: You want to put what you want to do creativity wise and being sure & confident about your decision only leads to one thing. MOVE MOVE and "oh yea" MOVE DAMMIT ! You mote move like black swan, have swag like Drake, Have grace like Lara Stone, etc. You already have the concept you want and mind and you are positive that you want to act on it so MOVE. Movement follow movement so make sure you what...... posing from H2T H2T and H2T! This one of the make or break moments of a model. A model needs to evaluate, committed and impact EVERYONE AROUND for the agency, photographers, editorials are the ones that book you to sell there products. Everything lies in you!

So yes modeling is hard and yes model is cut throat but modeling inspiration a wide range of people each and everyday! CCM can take years to master depending on the work you decided to take. I don't go to fashion school, not a guru nor in the "Fashion Scene" but me keep doing what i doing i pock up alot of things along the way. Make sense? lol

Hope this helps !
SECDUM <3

Secdum <3

The Illumination of the Curtain

2011-03-12T18:11:00.000-08:00

"Photography inspiration is all around us. Takes a photographer curiosity to capture that moment. "

I currently live in philadelphia now and i well settle in. Never really though anything of my curtains and my window so i never payed it any mind. Little did i know it was a true inspiration in my room. One day around 4pm-6pm the sun sets through my window and my golden/white curtains have this golden glow. Very beautiful i might add. So this is how i gotten a very beautiful and vivid photographs.

Capturing Light

I have a wooden shade on my window with a curtain on the right side and left side . The sunlight shine through my window very hard so i shut the window and began to capture light. I wasn't please at all! very HARSH and HARD. I put my f-stop at 3.5, aperture at 1/60 and ISO at 100. Change it to Direct sunlight and BAMM magic was starting to happen. I begin to tint the color of the photograph because yellow was not cutting it and i fell in love with an orange/red burn. Capturing light from the sun can be a little tough considering as the time went by less and less the sun will appear.

Let's get creativity

I wanted a figure to cast a shadow through the shades so i ran down stairs and try to find an object to put on the window. Again time was running out so i had to think fast. beyond i found a Mask. I gotten the tape and tape it on my window. Didn't cast the way i hope but it was good enough. The time of the sun was going away :( So started to click away. Changing the Aperture and color tint to give it more of a unique feel.

The Dramatic Ending

Clicking away i played with the flash, exposure and focus point through out the shoot. I wanted everything to be a hard dark outline to give the window a very special glow. and boy did it glow. I then later edit a photograph to see how i can make something i corrected first RAW turn out to be a solid finish photograph.

Now with IFB

2011-03-02T22:57:00.000-08:00

I'am Now apart of The IFB Family . Click the Link to explore the world !
It took them forever to approve me and now they have. Check it out !

Temple University Basketball Game Shoot.

2011-02-27T00:11:00.000-08:00

Jamall 1min 45 seconds

I hit Jamall up to thank him again for letting me get in at the Game and so i was very eager To Take his Photograph. So this is were i had to test my skills. Only having a few minute to shoot a successful Shot of him i payed attention on where he wanted to take it, the lighting and his surroundings. F Stop was 3.5, Aperture 1/60 , ISO was 800 and White balance was Auto && Florescent. Shutter Speed was about 1/250. But it had to change it Rapidly because of the lighting changes. But that was my basic Formula . I had my camera remaining on Manual and the flash was on Stand by.

I moved to the basketball stadium entrance that had little to no lighting for my Camera Eye. I walk in a little move and adjust my white balance and ISO. I Wanted him to Remain Black for seeing the Basketball court and so i have done so. I wanted a little of Depth of Field for both photographs to give it that drama crisp i was looking for.Photography is so much more that meets the eye. Believe me i know. It’s kinda like English,Math, Science, and history wrap in 1. I learn that shooting with a time frame is always a hard thing to master. Make time work for you, Don’t Work for Time”. Seems impossible but having this “Can do ” mindset can put you at ease. I got straight to my element and my eyes begin to work for me.

Subject: Jamall Hall

Location: Temple Basketball Ball Game

Explanation: I wanted to capture the essence of the Basketball Ball Stadium but have the Model the main focus of it all. After he had a 1 1/2 hour Non stop play from his Sax i wanted to capture him looking back at his successful Night he has done. The Sepia color came about because color and black and white wasn’t dramatic enough for me as well as not making the model the main focus. I use the Depth of Field technique to really give him the Boost he need.

Ray Woods’s Critique: I really enjoy shooting him for the short time i had. I would love to do show his face a little more to the left. I want to make the photograph even more intense and appealing to the eye. I would like more interaction from Basketball court. Maybe tell him to pull out the Sax . But overall i think i did a Good job for my first try.

Blog Loving Fever!

2010-09-22T23:32:00.001-07:00

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Burberry Prorsum Womenswear Spring/Summer 2011

2010-09-22T20:16:00.000-07:00

To see photos vist Thesecdumsociety.wordpress.com

Inspiration

2010-09-15T23:31:00.000-07:00

FROM TYRA BANKS ONLINE

Shameer: Secrets of a Modeling Scout

At only 20 years old Shameer Khan is photographing and placing models at all of the leading agencies in NYC including IMG, Elite, Ford and more! He specializes in working with new models to add photos to their portfolios. Shameer even shot America’s Next Top Model Cycle 14 winner Krista White for Wilhelmina!

Shameer hunts the streets of New York looking for new faces. When he finds someone with model potential, he develops them and then presents them to agencies. So what does Shameer look for in a model? Here are his top musts to be a top model!

When I come across a new face they:
• Must have good bone structure in their face, so that light looks good when it hits them at various angles.
• Must have personality- be charming and be likable!
• Must move well in front of a camera and be able to take direction!
• Must be open to trying new things that are outside of their comfort zone.
• Must have personal style! They don’t have to wear labels from top designers, but they have to know how to put an outfit together!

Christine + 1st Impressions

2010-09-13T17:15:00.000-07:00

RAY WOODS PHOTOGRAPHY CHRISTINE "Model Portfolio Development Shoot

"Photography like any other is a business. However, this business for the most part is our artistry and we shoot with passion and love. When others admire the love and beauty that we put forth, it puts a smile on our face. When we take what we like to call our “defining shots” is when we take photographs that no matter what we do in the future, these images will always, always be remembered."
-DALLAS J. LOGAN

We was discovered

So many of you guys have questioned a bit "Why you always shoot Christine" . It's simple; She's a model. Need anymore more?
Well I met Christine in class when i started to take pictures of mainly everything except people. The way she talk and walk captivated my mind and so i knew i need to shoot her. At this time i have really no knowledge of photography, lighting, etc. i just knew i needed to shoot her asap!
I never talk to her personality so it was a challenge. Until i told myself i want to shoot people. I walk up to her one day and i said "i love your look, the way you carry yourself and pose. Can i shoot you" right now."
Till this day she says "But Ray I'm not ready. I look a mess". and i always say "No you don't. Fix your hair and pose". She's full of personality and shy but when i click that camera she transform. I never seen anybody move the way she do. 5% Directions and that's it! I literally took 75 frames of her and did not want to stop. But we had to because the teacher was coming. I never knew that day would change how we both viewed the world. January 11 is when i started b logging and our careers started.

Seeing Potential

Seeing potential in Christine gave me the opportunity to test pretty much anything creatively by using using her. We did some crazy shoots but it was that experimenting that developed our eyes in skills. The reason why I 75% of the time post Christine shoots up is to Show everyone how we both progress going into this insane industry. Christine can really model and was discovered by me. Christine is the only model by far that can move in the way other girls cannot. Need more ?
Seeing potential in her and her seeing potential in me gotten us to the places we are today. Just like seeing something in her i have to see what makes my model/client stand apart from the rest and how can i evolve that skill/flaw.

When i first look at a model or potential model i have visualize everything! What her hair does to the light, does her hair sell the product. How her hands are shape. Does her hands look like claws or does it look gracefully in pictures. How does he/she body move with the cloths. Does he/she owns the cloths or the other way around. As an up and coming Fashion photographer these are some of the things that run through my my mind when i first meet the model. How to spot out a Great model in the making? Let me brake it down

The 1st impressions
When meeting the lovely Model you meet by shaking hands, hugging, and greeting with a pleasant smile. If it's your client that wants to work with you mostly they will try to impress you the best they can. If it's from an agency sometime it might not be so pleasant. STILL your there to do a job!
You meet the model to discuss the concept of it. You already know the concept and your model can catch on with ease. YOU (as the photographer) are there to feel the model out. If this is your client he/she personality will shine. This is a great sign. Like Tyra banks said, "A photographer and a model need to have that one and one connection" so lets connect models!

How to sell your self

Your apparel/hair/Posture Counts. Wearing a tank top shirt with, Basic jeans, hair tied back with Heels & shoes you have brought with you and a baggy with a small make up kit can surely have you book for a job for a designer. Same thing works with a photographer who thinking about doing a *TF! Presenting yourself as a blank muse to a photographer, designer and agencies is very impressive. Knowing how to pose the best way you can with a Polaroid, walking a couple times back and froths, and having your portfolio ready for your clients is being professional. So when booking a Photographer/Designer/Agenies (in this case Photographer) i want to see and look for those things within models. Christine didn't have the whole modeling thing down pack but when i was ready to have a big shoot she study, research, etc to know what she need when she steps on the set. It's that determination and drive that can give her a long career.

The Team

As for as shoots go iam now trying to build a team of people who i can you use for shoots. I'am never shy to ask for a MUA or a Stylist. In my eyes you don't need know high -end stylist that you mostly have to pay that you can pretty much do yourself. So heres the networking power comes. For me i know people who i go to school with who are into fashion as i can and would love to help out for a shoot. We all have to start somewhere. I'm just making that much easier for myself to control the over all shoot. I know that MUA an a stylist makes or breaks a shoot. Without a make Artist your model will look dry and without a stylist your model will look tasteless. Simple as that. Building a team that knows your style and you can trust would make a successful shoot. Once the team is establish, looks very professional, and ready to go your model will fill at ease.

Christine + 1st Impressions

2010-09-12T14:27:00.000-07:00

RAY WOODS PHOTOGRAPHY CHRISTINE "Model Portfolio Development Shoot

We was discovered

So many of you guys have questioned a bit "Why you always shoot Christine" . It's simple; She's a model. Need anymore more?
Well I met Christine in class when i started to take pictures of mainly everything except people. The way she talk and walk captivated my mind and so i knew i need to shoot her. At this time i have really no knowledge of photography, lighting, etc. i just knew i needed to shoot her asap!
I never talk to her personality so it was a challenge. Until i told myself i want to shoot people. I walk up to her one day and i said "i love your look, the way you carry yourself and pose. Can i shoot you" right now."
Till this day she says "But Ray I'm not ready. I look a mess". and i always say "No you don't. Fix your hair and pose". She's full of personality and shy but when i click that camera she transform. I never seen anybody move the way she do. 5% Directions and that's it! I literally took 75 frames of her and did not want to stop. But we had to because the teacher was coming. I never knew that day would change how we both viewed the world. January 11 is when i started b logging and our careers started.

Seeing Potential

Seeing potential in Christine gave me the opportunity to test pretty much anything creatively by using using her. We did some crazy shoots but it was that experimenting that developed our eyes in skills. The reason why I 75% of the time post Christine shoots up is to Show everyone how we both progress going into this insane industry. Christine can really model and was discovered by me. Christine is the only model by far that can move in the way other girls cannot. Need more ?
Seeing potential in her and her seeing potential in me gotten us to the places we are today. Just like seeing something in her i have to see what makes my model/client stand apart from the rest and how can i evolve that skill/flaw.

When i first look at a model or potential model i have visualize everything! What her hair does to the light, does her hair sell the product. How her hands are shape. Does her hands look like claws or does it look gracefully in pictures. How does he/she body move with the cloths. Does he/she owns the cloths or the other way around. As an up and coming Fashion photographer these are some of the things that run through my my mind when i first meet the model. How to spot out a Great model in the making? Let me brake it down

The 1st impressions
When meeting the lovely Model you meet by shaking hands, hugging, and greeting with a pleasant smile. If it's your client that wants to work with you mostly they will try to impress you the best they can. If it's from an agency sometime it might not be so pleasant. STILL your there to do a job!
You meet the model to discuss the concept of it. You already know the concept and your model can catch on with ease. YOU (as the photographer) are there to feel the model out. If this is your client he/she personality will shine. This is a great sign. Like Tyra banks said, "A photographer and a model need to have that one and one connection" so lets connect models!

How to sell your self

Your apparel/hair/Posture Counts. Wearing a tank top shirt with, Basic jeans, hair tied back with Heels & shoes you have brought with you and a baggy with a small make up kit can surely have you book for a job for a designer. Same thing works with a photographer who thinking about doing a *TF! Presenting yourself as a blank muse to a photographer, designer and agencies is very impressive. Knowing how to pose the best way you can with a Polaroid, walking a couple times back and froths, and having your portfolio ready for your clients is being professional. So when booking a Photographer/Designer/Agenies (in this case Photographer) i want to see and look for those things within models. Christine didn't have the whole modeling thing down pack but when i was ready to have a big shoot she study, research, etc to know what she need when she steps on the set. It's that determination and drive that can give her a long career.

The Team

As for as shoots go iam now trying to build a team of people who i can you use for shoots. I'am never shy to ask for a MUA or a Stylist. In my eyes you don't need know high -end stylist that you mostly have to pay that you can pretty much do yourself. So heres the networking power comes. For me i know people who i go to school with who are into fashion as i can and would love to help out for a shoot. We all have to start somewhere. I'm just making that much easier for myself to control the over all shoot. I know that MUA an a stylist makes or breaks a shoot. Without a make Artist your model will look dry and without a stylist your model will look tasteless. Simple as that. Building a team that knows your style and you can trust would make a successful shoot. Once the team is establish, looks very professional, and ready to go your model will fill at ease.