how to take blog photos in public

I always get a lot of questions about shooting in public and taking outfit photos, and I thought I'd condense them into a post. Also because this location has been one I've wanted to shoot at for ages, but it's usually quite busy.

If you've ever wanted to be able to take outfit photos in public without feeling (as) awkward, this is the perfect post for you.

The basics
Logically, starting out, it'll be easier to pick a place with less traffic. You can choose a quiet street, or a time when people aren't out, like during school/work hours, or early in the morning. I still tend to prefer these places, since you don't have to worry about people in the background of your photos, or staying out of people's ways.

Try: quiet side streets, business districts on the weekends, church parking lots (they seem to have great flowers) on the weekdays.
Avoid: major roads, shooting at a school/workplace during their hours, downtown during lunch/dinner.

Wearing: Merona denim top (similar), F21 skater skirt, DV by Dolce Vita oxfords, J.Crew statement necklace (similar).

Preparing beforehand
Making sure everything runs smoothly includes trying on the outfit beforehand, having some inspiration photos, and a few go to poses. It sounds obvious, but sometimes outfits just don't fit the way you'd think! Inspiration photos are helpful both to you and your photographer, and it's great to be on the same page with what you're looking to get. Practice posing a bit in the mirror, which can feel very uncomfortable, but it'll help you relax if you're not comfortable in front of the camera.

I also feel like we don't look into the mirror and just appreciate what's in front of us nearly enough!

When strangers are better than friends
Inevitably, people will notice you, and ask what you're doing. I typically tell them it's for school (that lets you get away with almost anything), as I feel like saying "I run a fashion blog" doesn't carry the same weight. Unless you look really professional and have a heavy camera with tons of lighting equipment. Which I don't (yet).

I don't mind when strangers see me, because I'm so used to it with taking pictures of other people for my portfolio and "modeling" with friends, but it would be incredibly awkward if friends or people I know saw me. I haven't told people I know in real life about my blog, because there are so many sides to myself that I don't necessarily exhibit to those I interact with on a daily basis. It would keep me from being able to talk about whatever I'd like, though maybe I will someday.

To avoid this, I try and find less well known locations, shoot at odd times, or drive outside of my city. It's not too far, and it makes for a great change of scenery as well. To find new locations, I simply keep aware of my surroundings and take pictures with my phone of potential settings. While I used to zone out during my morning commute, I'm now always looking for interesting nooks and crannies instead.

Why yes, I do live on the edge
Some of the best places I've shot at are most likely technically not allowed. Okay, probably more than likely. I've snuck up roof tops, slipped into empty houses, and climbed over many, many fences. A technique I've picked up would be to hold very still when someone walks by. We're less likely to notice something that isn't moving, and most people are too preoccupied with their own days to actively look around them - a blessing in disguise. Avoid eye contact! It would give people a reason to talk to you, and if you don't have a legitimate reason to be there, you don't really want that.

Of course, use your own judgement about whether locations are safe to shoot in. I wouldn't drive out to an abandoned house in the middle of nowhere - literally every horror movie ever! Make sure to let people know where you're going, and ideally bring a strong friend.

If you're in need of new people to shoot or take your photos, here are some great ways to meet new people online safely.

"Will you please move already?"
When shooting in heavy traffic areas, remember to be considerate of others. While we all want those casual, crossing the street photos, they're a real hassle to get, and traffic may not be forgiving. While I'm a big fan of city shots, it's irritating for me when I have to step around some people taking photos in the middle of the sidewalk.



The only thing that matters
Finally, as with most things, confidence is key. If you have fun with it, you won't feel weird or uncomfortable if a few people happen to glance your way. I used to only tolerate being in front of the camera if my friends were taking the pictures, and having strangers take my photos was a nightmare. I was always worried a shot wouldn't come out right, like I had to be perpetually photogenic.

That's not true. As we've all been reminded over the last few weeks with the Essena O'Neill story, social media is not real life, and neither are my images. They're snippets, curated from hundreds more.

Celebrity lookalike? I think yes!
Because I get up every morning at 6am, I'm a firm believer of sleeping in on weekends. But when I voluntarily chose to get up early, it's usually for something big! I'm so glad we got to this football field at 8am, there are typically people doing athletic things (ugh right?), but it was blissfully empty that early on a Sunday.

My inspiration for this outfit was undoubtedly Taylor Swift. I'm pretty sure she's been spotted in this like a million times. If you squint, I'm basically Taylor.

Hopefully this (rather wordy) guide helped out a bit, go forth and take photos in front of all those people!

What was your most awkward experience taking photos? Do you have tips or questions? What's your favorite place to shoot?

xx

Angelina


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don't be a prick - thoughts on "being nice"

While it's already well into November, and therefore fall, California still can't make up it's mind. So I brought out my favorite white dress for one last day - taking it into fall with a dark grey Brandy Melville Caroline cardigan and bold lip. 

The angle
When sitting down to write outfit posts, I always try and think of an angle, so it's more engaging to the reader than the average "this is what I bought, here's where to buy it" type of thing. With this being in a cactus garden, "don't be a prick" came pretty quickly to me, and then I thought about what that means. 

I interpreted it as "be nice". 



Born selfish
 I have a weird relationship with being nice. On one hand, I want to be that girl, whom everyone likes being around because she'll always have a spare stick of gum or be willing to help out. On the other, I want to mean business, and let people know not to mess with me.

Naturally, I'm not a great person. On a sliding scale, I'm about in the middle, maybe skewing towards the left side a bit. I think by nature, humans want to be good, though sometimes through twisted means. We're born selfish, which has a negative connotation, but in this sense, I simply mean that our first instinct and cares are for ourselves. 
That's the way it had to work out throughout history; if we all placed others before ourselves, we would never get anything done and would have likely died off ages ago. 

Wearing: Abercrombie lace dress, Brandy Melville Caroline Cardigan, Kensie Hadin Sandals.

Thanks society
Most people are quite polite and well mannered in public, though I'm sure we all let loose a couple of f-bombs and snide remarks occasionally. Through our parents, friends, and consumption of media, we've learned what's right and what's not. With a growing moral compass, some of us stick to the rules, most of us interpret them, and a few of us are governed by our own set of moral values (Kohlberg's stages of moral development). 



Applying it to myself
Going back to my earlier points, most of the time I will put others before myself, more frequently as I've grown up. I try to be empathetic, to not burn down bridges, to distinguish between when I should say the truth and when to tell white lies. All for the sake of "being nice", and being seen as such. Also because I would prefer to have friends and not be alone all the time!

But to what degree is being nice beneficial - both to ourselves and those around us? 



Two sides
I would argue that a healthy dose of selfishness and candor is needed in all aspects of our lives. Being seen as or being told that you're nice can make you feel warm and fuzzy, but in many aspects, I would choose the ambitious, strong woman over the nice one. 

That's not to say that I don't value kindness and looking out for others, because I do. Some of my best friendships are with people who have these values. I believe that knowing when to display which traits is important, and that's good news since humans have been shown to be quite adaptive. 


In fact, I would say my main problem with being perceived as "nice" is that people will think I'm one dimensional, that I can be taken advantage of without consequence. I want to be both - someone who can be depended on to always listen, who remembers birthdays, but also someone who voices her opinion and stands her ground. As with most things, it's a process, and I'm figuring it out.

What did you guys think of this post? Do you identify as being seen as "nice"? What do you look for in others?
 
xx
Angelina

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it's just peachy

It's been a wonderful few days, though very hectic as well. I haven't written a lifestyle type post in a while, where I just talk about what's new, and it seems like with the start of a new month, this is a common theme throughout the blogging community.

Plus, a lil poem I wrote a few years back - and am still quite proud of to this day. 

My Halloween weekend was busy in the best way. On Friday, I went to Halloween Haunt with a friend; I was a bit apprehensive as my horror threshold is pretty low. The only horror movies I've seen are The Purge, the older Poltergeist, and The Woman In Black. My sole reason for being able to sit through these was that it was highly unlikely to actually happen to me, or the I knew the visual effects wouldn't be as realistic.

There were "mazes" set up, each with a different theme - an insane asylum, toy factory, zombies at a high school, that sort of thing. As with most amusement parks, getting there early is key. We got through a decent amount within the first 30 minutes, then the lines became astronomically long, and it wasn't as fun because of all the people, and it didn't feel as haunted. 

Wearing: Silence&Noise white blazer (similar), BP. striped crop tee (similar), American Eagle hi-rise jeggings, DV by Dolce Vita oxfords, BP. gold pendant necklace (similar)

Beforehand, I had the genius idea of watching Buzzfeed videos of ghosts, researching MacKamey Manor, and Googling criminals in my area. Good one, Angelina.

With more people and a decreasing horror factor, I had a better time appreciating the sets. There's so much detail and thought that goes into everything, though sometimes I favor a more minimalistic type of horror. A blinking eye behind a curtain, or a long dark hallway are more intimidating for me than jump scares and zombies.
 

On Halloween Eve (if there is such a thing), I watched Psycho with friends. I admit to shying away from older movies, because of the black and white factor, and how different they are from movies nowadays.

The pace is a lot slower, and obviously the visual effects are not as advanced, so they told the story in other ways. The scenes in which Lila is driving, and voices are heard were different and an interesting take. The reminded me of how the characters would speak directly to the camera in House of Cards. 


I couldn't help noticing how her teeth weren't completely straight - which is so odd now, since almost everyone where I live is obsessed with teeth. Apparently, it's an American thing?

I would definitely watch more old movies when I'm more inclined to think, rather than just to relax. I feel like they're more like pieces of art that require and deserve your full attention.

 


My first day of November was spent running around - taking pictures, then later, trying to find my phone. Serina and I have shot previously, and this time we planned a monster meet up - I have 5 outfit series from this day! It was lovely, and I really enjoyed it. More on that later.

I love having blogger friends.

The not so lovely part? Losing my phone. I dropped it while crossing the train tracks, and didn't get it back until 2 days later when the stranger who found it called the number I had texted to my phone. I had just been about to erase all the data and buy a new one - thankfully I didn't have to deplete my Black Friday funds. 



And in case you read through this whole post waiting to hear my stab at poetry, I couldn't disappoint. Heck, I even read it in case you wanted to listen to it, because I think poetry is best appreciated out loud. Preferably when the speaker doesn't have a severe congestion and a bit of vocal fry. But oh well. 

it’s the flush of your cheeks

after a day in the sun,

long palm lined streets,

or grabbing fresh from the oven, a cinnamon bun.

it’s the taste of names

like Jane, Grace, or Kate,

and the sense of homework

finished far before the due date.

it’s turkish delight, piled high on a dish,

and also the hope

of a shooting star wish.

it’s the texture of an inside joke,

laughing with your best friends

or the sweet zing of sipping a Coke.

it’s all things girly, 

like charms, hearts, and bows,

buying new books,

or bright polish on toes. 

it’s milky polaroids,

saved in envelopes and drawers,

also lush, white, carpeted floors.

it’s the sound of the hours before the summer bell rings,

the rush of a bungee jump,

and the elation shopping brings. 

it’s finding the time to try out baking,

drinking a glass of cold milk,

or finishing a run, shaking.

it’s picking strawberries not yet ripe,

and finally being happy,

with your own body type.

it’s running through the waves at the beach,

or sleeping under the stars,

it’s just peachy.  

How has November been for you so far? Classic movie recommendations? Podcast/reading thoughts (I'm hoping to get a bit better and less monotonous haha)?

xx

Angelina
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how to meet up with people online (and not get kidnapped)

In the spirit of Halloween, I thought I'd do this somewhat spirited post! Because there are so many things that can go wrong when you meet people from online in person - and there are likely horror movies about this. 

On to the tips, story, and most importantly, the photos!

Thank you
A quick moment to thank everyone who left comments on my last post, it was really lovely to hear from people, and it makes me feel so warm to know that there are people online (on the Internet! Whom I've never met! Ever!) who care about my well being. Vice versa, if anyone is ever in need of someone to talk to, or just chat with, I'm always happy to get emails (angeeleena34@gmail.com)!

Finding people

I'm always looking for new people to take photos of, and outside of promoting my Instagram, Craigslist is something I use often as well. It's a site for ads and selling used products, and it's pretty easy to use. 

Alternatively, you can also see if there are any message boards geared towards connecting people who similar hobbies. I don't use many of these, simply because it's time consuming. 

I met Briana through Craigslist in response to an ad I put up looking for new people to shoot. 

Figuring out the details

She sent me an email with her info and portfolio, and we started figuring out the preliminary details. Since she had linked to her website and Instagram, it already looked like she was a pretty legit person - she had tons of photos and contact information on her website, and her Instagram went back a few years. 

If a full name is known, I'd always recommend doing a quick search online beforehand. The steps I typically take are:

1.  Peoplesmart 

2.  Reverse Phone Lookup

3. Sex Offender Registry

Usually when people are real, there's a decent amount of information on any social media platforms. Look for not only "likes", but comments as well that could be made by someone who genuinely knows the person - "Miss you tons" versus "Cute outfit!"

I've also found that often friends make more snarky or sarcastic comments than people who are simply commenting because they like the photo. 

Video chat beforehand
I try and give out as little information as possible until I've decided that the person is trustworthy enough to know vague details about me, but often, they're trying to figure out if I'm a real person as well. It's a balance, and I try to stick with giving out only what I would be okay with posting on the internet - things like my general availability, the area I live in, and my portfolio.

A great way to exchange necessary information that can be difficult to give out when you don't have a face to the name is through video chat. I use FaceTime, since I have it connected to my email, and I have multiple emails that don't include my last name. I'm careful to sit against a plain background, so there isn't much information that can be figured out about me.

I also have a Google Voice number that I can receive texts and calls from.

Meeting up
Once you've gone through the steps of ensuring their realness and non-creeperness, the time and date are next. It goes without saying to meet in a public, well lit place, but I think it's also a bonus if you've been there before, that way your surroundings will be more familiar.

Checking in the day before is a good idea as well, sometimes things can be easily forgotten.

My experience
The actual meet up was tons of fun, and both Briana and her friend, Haley, were very lovely and easy to work with. They're both talented at what they do- an artist and a photographer!

It's always so nice to meet people who share your interests, and even more special when it's people from online. Sometimes, it's scary to think about who or what is out there, but it's good to know that there are amazing people who you can connect with easily - like everyone who I've been able to talk to through the blog.

Last time I met someone online, she ended up having me model for her clothing company, which is doing really well now! It's definitely worth checking out. I never would have thought I'd make connections through Instagram or Craigslist, but with most things, they pop up where they're least expected.

You can see more of my work on Flickr, VSCO, or on Instagram. Also, please feel free to contact me if you're in the SF Bay Area and want to meet up!

Have you ever met up with anyone from online? What are your tips for online safety or meeting new people? Any Halloween plans?

xx

Angelina

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the past 604,800 seconds

Since I started blogging back in April, this has been the longest break I've taken. It was only a little bit over a week, but it was a huge one for me. 

I haven't been in a great place mentally for a month or so. It's up and down, some days I'll feel normal, and others I'm in the dumps. One of the bright sides of this though, is that I've been thinking a lot. Primarily about happiness, and how to be happier. 

Recent feelings
Most of my unhappy feelings stem from feeling alone. Previously, I wrote a long, angsty post about how I felt, but it didn't feel right to post. It was one of those things where it's therapeutic to write, but after it's done, you don't want to ever look at it again. I'm also a little scared that if I read it, or think about it too much, I'll go back to the negative mindset I was in while writing. 

The short version: I feel like I don't have many friends I truly connect with. I am by no means "antisocial" or "alone", I just don't feel alive and truly happy with the people I interact with on a daily basis. While all are lovely people, I strive for deeper relationships that go beyond asking each other for schoolwork help or for the time. 

I haven't had one of those long talks where you just let everything out and talk for ages in such a long time, and I miss it. 

In my social circles, I feel easily replaced, like an outsider added in as a second thought. While this may not be too terrible for some, it's difficult for me as I used to be part of a tight knit trio, where things I said or what I thought mattered. 

I carried more weight, and I felt like I could depend on my friends. 

It was terrifying. It was difficult for me to snap out of my self-pity funk, and I could barely concentrate on anything. Even getting started or feeling motivated to do anything was more difficult than going outside and voluntarily exercising. 

The only STEM field I'd be interested in
After a considerable amount of moping and tears, I got to being a bit more productive. We'd recently begun discussing psychology in English as prep for a book we're reading, and how the human mind works is fascinating. The chances of my being interested in other analytical fields such as engineering or chemistry are slim, but psychology is a possibility. 

Not just because I want to sit in a comfy chair all day and steeple my fingers while saying "I see. And how does that make you feel?" all day. Although it's tempting. 

When I read about experiments or theories, it's a bit like reading a horoscope. Obviously much more accurate and scientifically grounded though. I can see bits of pieces of the principles and rules in myself or those around me. It's like philosophy, but more tangible and easier to observe. 

My happiness, my rules (how cheesy!)
A slight digression - the Stanford Prison Experiment and the Milgram Experiment truly grabbed my attention, in a horrifying, car crash type of way. I wanted to stop reading about it, and I couldn't believe everyday people were capable of such cruel things, but at the same time, I wanted to know more. I wonder how the Stanford Prison Experiment movie is - if anyone's seen it, let me know.

Anyways, I started thinking about how silly it was to need my happiness to depend on an outside factor, something I can't fully control. I want to have the ability to be independent, in all aspects, and if I need to depend on others for something as basic as my happiness, how could I get through life?

But then, I couldn't think of any solid reasons or ways to achieve happiness from within. It seems like you'd have to be happy about simply being, and that would be a bit of a stretch for me to achieve. At least in the next few months. 

Doing my part
So with a bit of a compromise, I'm going to start actively finding happiness in the smaller things, in the simple things, in the non-human things.

If I don't need to wait around for a Prince Charming, I certainly don't need to wait around for happiness to arrive in an extravagant form. 

I'm also going to try and ask my friends and peers better questions and create more interesting small talk. Sometimes opening up and talking about things can be hard or feel out of place, but I think it's incredibly important to not bottle it up. I would have stayed at my lowest point had I not written about it, though I would have much preferred someone to sit and talk about it with me.

Learning from my recent experience, I want to always be there for people who would rather talk than write. Because if I really wanted to know about the weather, I could just Google it, right?

What next?
While it seems like I've gotten over the worst, I'm not completely myself either. I worry that I'll slip back down, and this time it'll be for longer and the climb back up will be more difficult. 

All of my thoughts above are part of a larger dialogue I've been having with myself about whether I should expect so much from my friends, and if the vision I have of "true friendship" is skewed by pop culture and the sociable personas presented by my peers. It all seems to personal to write about, but maybe I'll put it in my podcast. If I ever get that up and running. 

After the bad and the ugly, finally the good
To end on a positive note, a list of my happy things this week:

1. I got up early at 8am and powered through my checklist. By noon, I'd already finished my English essay, Art History reading, and cleaned up my room. I thought about getting up even earlier, but as I regularly get up at 6 for school, I thought the weekend warranted some rest. 

2. While I was selling photos at a fair yesterday, an incredibly awkward but somewhat attractive guy asked me for my number. I hadn't expected it at all, as I'm still getting over a cold, and a runny, stuffed up nose is not too attractive, but it was a nice pick me up. He actually complimented my laptop, saying it was "very unique and sleek" - it's just a grey Mac Pro!

3. I'm finally back on the blog! I have a few meet ups and photos scheduled, so hopefully you'll be hearing from me more. I'm still gathering ideas though, and would love to hear your input on what you'd like to see next. 

Thank you for sticking with me during the week that just wouldn't end. 

Have you ever felt really low? How'd you get out of it? What are some happy moments of yours? What would you like to see next on the blog?

xx

Angelina

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pssst! the title inspiration? “For every minute you are angry you lose sixty seconds of happiness.” 

― Ralph Waldo Emerson

6 ways to stay heathy for lazy people

Like most people, I strive to be healthy, and somewhat fit. Unlike most people though, I expect my fitness to come naturally, and without sweat à la Taylor Swift exiting her ballet class looking more perfect than I ever have been. 

But as Taylor and I do not share the same gene pool, and therefore the same ability to not sweat, I've developed a few tactics for staying healthy and fit when you're as lazy as I am. 

1. Daily workout videos

I originally found Cassey Ho through her The "Perfect Body video, and I've been doing some of her videos every day. I typically do a couple on the same day, call it quits, and go back to my Netflix marathon. Baby steps right?

I also try to incorporate yoga as well - and no, that's not just because I want to be able to do those funky poses to post on Instagram. The idea of a form of working out that doesn't emphasize speed, lifting weight, or endurance is so appealing to me, and we all need to take it slower on some days. 

2. Stretching everyday

I try to stretch in the morning after I get up, and before I go to bed. I've stayed flexible enough to put my palms flat on the ground (this is my one somewhat impressive athletic feat), meaning I'm completely capable of picking things off the ground in my tight skinny jeans. 

On a more practical note, stretching minimizes the chances of injury, especially tearing muscles and tendons. It's helpful for getting rid of tight spots, which I'm sure we all get from crouching over our laptops or desks. 

Although honestly, what's more practical than not having to bending your knees to pick up things?

3. Drinking lots of water

Yes, you will have to pee a lot. And if you are in tight knit environment, your teacher/professor/boss may check in to see if you have bladder issues. But, you'll have shiny hair, clear skin, more energy, and better metabolism. Definitely worth it!

Frequently, when you feel hungry, you're actually thirsty. I've developed a habit of drinking a glass of water whenever I think I'm hungry, and if I still feel those pangs after a few minutes, I eat something.

Disclaimer - I do this because I don't have a very active lifestyle, if you're one of those types that runs for fun, disregard this. Also why do you do things like that?? I simply don't understand.

4. Snacks and small meals

I love my sleep, and I'm terrible at making real breakfasts - especially in these cooler months when I'm up before the sun. This leaves me hungry long before lunch, and these gluten free snack bars are the best. The company behind them, Natural Balance Foods, has a great philosophy - bringing you Whole Foods quality 100% vegan bars at prices the average student can actually afford. 

I've eaten more Nakd (*) bars than cookies this week, and that really says something! The flavors are surprisingly true to the names;  my favorites were Ginger Bread and Apple Crunch. 

5. Exercising with friends

The majority of the times when my friends and I get together to workout, we do something low intensity, so we can talk, or just enjoy each other's companies. Hiking and yoga are favorites, especially a trip to Yogurtland or Pinkberry afterwards. 

6. Rewarding yourself

I'm not naturally athletic, and I can't imagine working out purely for the fun of it. For me, I workout because I have goals I want to accomplish: being able to run a mile in under 8 minutes, being more toned, and being able to do the splits. To help me reach these goals, I reward myself with small shopping trips, being able to sleep in, or watching another episode of How To Get Away With Murder (thanks May for getting me hooked!)

The best reward is being happy with what you've achieved, whether that be a qualitative accomplishment, or a generally better self image. 

An Update:

Apologies for the slow post! I feel like I'm beginning to sound like a teen YouTuber with all my excuses as to why my content has been slowing down. 

I've been a little up and down emotionally this week, and it seems the more I pushed myself to come up with some amazing long form post about a deep topic, it just wouldn't come. My inner monologue is just one long string of "AAAAA!!!", yet I didn't want to do a roundup post, as that just doesn't seem to fit my blog. 

I'm also considering starting some sort of short weekly podcast, where I just ramble and talk about my day, because I feel like my posts seem to focus largely on huge events. I'm not sure if that would be odd though - listening to a stranger on the internet ramble on. Maybe short of a "coffee break post" column instead?

What are your tips for staying healthy? What's your proudest accomplishment (athletic or not)? Podcast - yes or no?

xx

Angelina

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my photography journey in 20 photos

Photography has been such a huge part of both my life and my blog, so I thought I'd share a bit of my journey, as well as some tips and lessons I learned along the way. I went from shooting with a point and shoot in thrown together setups in my living room, to making over $1,000 this summer from photo jobs - and I didn't spend all of that on clothes!
Nov 2012

I first got into photography for Etsy sales. I only had a basic point and shoot, and no knowledge of the technical aspects of photography. I've always been into art though, and I think some aspect of that showed with my macro shots. 

The Takeaway: Start with whatever is most comfortable to you, and find your strengths and weaknesses this way. Also, natural light is the best and easiest for beginners.

June 2013

I upgraded to a Canon 60D paired with an 18-200mm kit lens, which I used up until the summer of 2015 actually. I was more comfortable taking pictures in public/not alone at home, and my subject matter broadened as well. 

The Takeaway: For your first camera body, an investment is worth it. You'll likely upgrade lens more often than bodies, and I've found having a crop sensor is not a huge deal for me. I have much more experience on the Canon side, so I'd recommend the Rebel series if you're a little iffy. The 60D is a great mid range camera, and the next step up would be the Mark series. 

Aug 2013

This was the summer I launched into portraiture, and took photos of all my friends. I always make a bucket list at the beginning of each summer, and one of my goals that year was to do a shoot every week. It was difficult (and awkward) at times, but I made it, and I really saw development within those 2 months. 

The Takeaway: Take a ton of pictures! While cliché and easier said than done, it's near impossible to improve by solely reading tutorials and looking at others' photos.

Aug 2013

This was our first big vacation with the DSLR, and I was so pumped and excited to use it. I think I ended up with 2000+ shots, and at least a dozen strong shots. Hawaii is so picturesque and lends itself easily to a newbie who just wants to shoot everything. If only I had gotten some outfit photos there - all the islands are amazing. 

The Takeaway: Be patient with finding the perfect moment. I hovered around this area for a good few minutes, waiting for the dog to run across the path of the sun. I have an edited version where the man in the background isn't there, but can't seem to find it. 

Oct 2013

If you've ever glanced at my photography Instagram, you've likely seen a million photos from this shoot. I still consider it one of my most successful ones ever, and I'm very proud of this photo. We found a secluded cave in Santa Cruz, and retook this multiple times for the perfect pose. I can say without a doubt that it was worth it. 

The Takeaway: When shooting silhouettes, it's a compromise. You have to decide whether you want the background to be darker/more accurate to life, or more detail in the silhouette. In this case, I chose the former, as I prefer the sunset and ocean hues to the details of the model's clothes and such. 

Nov 2013

The California Academy of Sciences is always a great place for photography. I enjoy seeing all the different species, and the architecture is very photogenic as well. 

The Takeaway: Sometimes blurriness is better than being in focus. There are certain photos where focus is vital (traditional portraits mainly), but it's arguable that all other genres can be paired with a little blurriness. 

Dec 2013

When leaving for school in the winter, I'd frequently notice how soft and ethereal the light was. I tend to prefer cloudy days for photos, so this was out of my normal comfort zone, and I'm in love with how the pictures turned out. We shot at sunrise (~8 am), and it has an effect of being hard to place, if that makes any sense. 

The Takeaway: Watch out for unique lighting, places, or people during your morning commute. We're often so engrossed in our phones, we don't look up and miss interesting occurrences in our daily lives. 

Dec 2013

This was the first time I shot with a professional model. This was for a class I was taking, so I didn't hire her personally, but I thoroughly enjoyed the shoot, and it was a different experience from shooting with friends. Obviously, as a model she knew her poses well, and it was a breeze to direct her. 

The Takeaway: If portraiture is something that interests you, shooting with a professional model is something I would recommend at least once. While it's beneficial to practice directing those with no experience in modeling, it's easier to focus more on the photographic elements with a pro. Craigslist is a boon when you're on a budget!

Dec 2013

Up until this time, my niche was solidly within portraiture and travel photos. Architecture and sculpture is a great way to ease into the more abstract side of photography, and it focuses heavily on composition. While you may want to stick with portraiture, it's still useful practice for developing your eye and style. 

The Takeaway: Try things outside of your typical style. You may find you enjoy different types of photography as well, and if nothing else, it can help with creative ruts. 

Jan 2014

I used to play the violin growing up, and it wasn't by choice, so the violin was not exactly an object I was happy to see. However, there's no denying the artistic beauty, and it makes for an eye-catching, large wall canvas. Anyone want to buy this print? (;

The Takeaway: Use everyday objects and practice taking pictures of them in a different light. Better yet, take pictures of things you hate or strongly dislike. 

Jan 2014

This was my first foray into the world of studio lighting and product style shots. While I still prefer natural lighting, I have to say experience with studio lighting is a must. It's different in the way that you can control everything, and minute details can make all the difference. 

The Takeaway: Take a few objects (3-5) and arrange them in different ways. Try and see how many different photos you can come up with, and identify which photos you like best. Figure out why. 

Mar 2014

Psuedo black and white photography! I adore this photo as well, for its simplicity with shapes, while still being interesting to the eye. This was taken in the bay lands on an overcast day, giving the impression of a black and white world. 

The Takeaway: Go out to a nature preserve or similar area. Look for patterns in nature, like the birds sitting together, and play around with presets and cropping. 

Jul 2014

In my opinion, Europe is much more photogenic than the U.S. There aren't too many buildings of this size with so many years of history, and all the details and craftsmanship that went into cathedrals is simply astounding. I created a simple, almost white sky to keep the focus solely on Notre Dame. 

The Takeaway: Rent a wide angle lens for travel. It has more of a panoramic view, giving you the ability to take photos of cityscapes and tall buildings without having to back up and run into tourists. The lower the number in front of "mm", the wider the lens - this was shoot with a 16-35mm.

Jul 2014

I've always been very wary of photographing strangers - I'm always nervous they'll notice me or it'll become awkward. This was too captivating of a shot not to take though, and the firefighters' attention was largely focused on the cyclists zooming past for the Tour de France. 

The Takeaway: Take chances and photograph things that you may not be comfortable with. This could be strangers on the street, a friend you barely know who has amazing eyes, or possibly even yourself! 

Dec 2014

My first venture into studio photography on my own was for a dance shoot. I've always admired David Hofmann, better known as @sharkcookie, and thought many of his shots were recreatable - though on a lower level. We spent 6 hours in my garage, fiddling with lighting and redoing shots to get the perfect ones - both from a dance and a photography perspective. 

The Takeaway: If you have any friends who dance, get them to do a shoot with you! Dancers are great photography material, and it's difficult to take a "bad" dance photo. If they're not sure what to do, have them perform a recent routine. 

Apr 2015

I've noticed I tend towards a "senior portrait" style - face clearly visible and subject large in the frame. This is different from what I typically take, and it has a strong basis in geometrical forms. 

The Takeaway: Do the opposite of what you normally feel inclined to capture. If you shoot macro, try using a wide angle. If landscape is your thing, get some portraiture in!

Jun 2015

My first shoot with a couple was a bit bumpy, and not without its challenges. It can be difficult to have natural, relaxed photos, and I'd recommend being prepared beforehand with photo ideas and ways to relax your subjects. 

The Takeaway: Always prepare thoroughly for a shoot - both for yourself and your client. Have them send over a few photos of the style they're looking for, and make sure your cards are empty and battery full.

Jul 2015

One of the easiest things to photograph are plants and flowers. They're already so beautiful, it's just a matter of finding an angle and frame. As someone who has amassed too many "standard" flower photos, I really enjoy this one for the spotlight effect of the lighting and dew drops. 

The Takeaway: Work lighting to your advantage - draw attention to the focus, detract from messy backgrounds, or have it be the main subject. 

Jul 2015

Definitely one of my favorite shoots to date. I first got in touch with Jennifer from Art In Our Blood to ask about how she got into fashion. Half a year later, I asked if she was looking for anyone to take photos for her blog, and we ended up meeting in person for photos for my portfolio! It was so lovely to meet her and learn a bit more about being a fashion student.
The Takeaway: If you know of bloggers in your area, definitely get in touch! I think I can speak for most people when I say we're always in need of someone to take our outfit photos, and meeting bloggers is like instant friendship. That being said, if anyone is in the Bay Area, California, shoot me an email! (:

Aug 2015

I've been on Instagram (as a photographer) for about 3 years now, and it can be difficult to see your follower count staying the same, while others shoot up almost immediately. Sometimes taking photos with the purpose of being featured on clothing stores can be beneficial - this photo was reposted on several of Brandy Melville's accounts!

The Takeaway: While numbers aren't everything, shooting for a specific audience in mind can boost your followers. Try and see the typical style the brand embodies, and grab some friends to take "blogger photos"!

This is definitely my heaviest text and photo post to date, but I hope it was interesting and informative. Going through and picking the photos for this post was a bit nostalgic, and I have to admit I sidetracked multiple times down memory lane. 

As with most things, learning never ends! I'm hoping to assist with weddings more (being a primary shooter is way too intimidating), as well as work more with lighting for dance photography, and try some editorial shoots. 

What was your favorite photo in this post? Do you have any tips on photography or staying creative? Lastly, my post idea bank is running a little low, is there anything you would like to see - "tutorial"/lifestyle or deeper/"musings"? 

xx

Angelina

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