Illustrations for book trailer....

I have been so busy with the kids and my picture book that I have had no time, but tonight I found a moment and here it is, Aggie Villanueva's Book Trailer for Rightfully Mine. Aggie commissioned me to created several illustrations for her book trailer.
What a pleasure it was to work with Aggie on her project. I enjoyed every moment and was sad when it was over.
What I enjoy most about Aggie's writing is how poetically she writes. Aggie makes you feel that you are there in the setting watching the events unfold. My biblical background is not deep, but I learned a great deal from Aggie's work. There is a strong message in the text. I'll let the reader find it. I thoroughly enjoyed Aggie's book and reccomment it. All I need now is her autograph. For more information please visit Aggie's site http://www.aggiev.org/rightfullymine/ Check out the trailer below.

lastest buzz....

Because the summer was full of activity, I had no time to venture out and photograph interesting locations, landscapes or vintage cars. It’s been a long time, I have a building in mind that I want to photograph in town and it’s kind of historic. I have it all planned out in my head. HDR, of course, and as much detail as possible with some drama. Now I am waiting for an evening, twilight, when I can go out and actually get the shot. Hopefully, luck will be with me that night and the cloud cover will be perfect and there will be some golden color in the sky tucked behind the clouds.

As for my book,
My children’s book is complete. It was fun, exhausting, tedious, and brain busting, but worth all the hard work. I think the last edit is really good. Hopefully it’s my final edit. The characters are much more developed and the story flows a lot nicer. I was fortunate to get some direction from an editor and publisher.
My family has been so patient with me; constantly listening to me read my edits. Sometimes the only one willing to listen (and not have to force) was my five-year-old Ireland. She wants the book published as badly as I. By November of 2009, a decision will be made when the book will be published. That’s all I can say for now, I don’t want to jinx myself. Is that coy enough for you?
2010 Lilliput Calendar is now available at my Redbubble site.

Meanwhile, since I have not taken any pictures, if I should happen to find 10 minutes here or there I pick up my sketch book and then upload the sketch to illustrator. I have been working on a series of robot images for posters. What can I say--I really am a robot junkie.

The illustrations are very colourful and full of detail. At first I was going for something simple, not a lot of detail, loads of color. As you can see from the end-result the illustrations took a life of their own. They started off innocent but the mischievous side came out and wreaked havoc. The robots went wild. It helped having a seven-year old behind my shoulder telling me to blow up things. It took me several weeks to work on it—so little time (I seriously need a vacation) and figuring out how things work in Illustrator. I have a copy of Adobe Illustrator CS4 Classroom in a Book next to me as I work. The lessons are straightforward and full of visuals to follow. I have yet to mess up a lesson. Best resource book I have come across for Illustrator.
Hope you enjoy my illustration--many more to come in the months to follow.
September line up,
I was commissioned to create illustrations for a book trailer. The book is Rightfully Mine, the talented author is Aggie Villanueva. Once the trailer is online I will blog about Rightfully Mine and write a review. In the mean time you can read up on Aggie Villanueva, dubbed by artistic peers Grandma Moses of the American Southwest http://www.aggiev.org/rightfullymine/ .

There’s more,
I am also working on my second picture book as well as a comical short story for a children’s magazine geared for 6-8 year olds. You can find preview images for my second picture book at my RedBubble site

For my love of photography, from time to time I take on freelance photography jobs. I just recently finished a hair model photo shoot for Jamie-lynn (hairdresser) at Enviro Trends, incredibly creative work of art. Looks like a flower and the model is the vase.

Want to see more of my work go to paolajofre.com , Redbubble site

If you would like to purchase my artwork please follow the links to my Redbubble site and Zazzle store.

If you would like to contact me for commission illustrations please contact me for information at paolaajofre@gmail.com.

To Flash or not To Flash….

Photographs are straight from camera

After spending many days in bed (I was going out of my mind) with a very nasty virus I am ready to get back to it …slowly. I miss drawing, writing and taking pictures, I really do.
I could not get up and walk around the first few days I could not sit up because of the dizziness, the world was moving in slow motion for me. Something to do with my inner ear and of course a virus to help it along. Not a great feeling at all...on the bright side and there always is a bright side…I did get to see everything in a fresh light and ideas began to form in my head. I wonder if they would mind if I came to emergency with a camera…note to self...bring camera next time to emergency…I didn’t see any signs stating otherwise.

During this horrible sickly time I was also awaiting the arrival of my Alien Bee Ring Flash. I finally got it yesterday and did I put it to work? Yes I did! My daughters and one of their friends were my models. I did struggle with the weight of the flash and camera together. I really wanted to attach the flash to my camera and hold it. But I found out that this would be impossible for me ….much to heavy …camera….ring flash…no go….so I grabbed a light stand and attached the ring flash. I didn’t think the price for just the flash was too high…however, the combination of the battery pack (which you need if you want to shoot outdoors where there are no plug-ins) and ring flash are high. They thought of everything though to get you started; grounded power cord, sync cord, umbrella adaptor, mounting bracket, even a diffuser to protect and for soft lighting and even the screw to attach your camera to the mounting bracket (some free advertisement).

I am also in the process of learning how to use my Canon 50D EOS….loads of incredible features that after using a Nikon D50 feels like I need a GPS to navigate…well, with manual in tow…I went at it. Most often I like to use the try it and see what happens method. I am like a kid, no patience with new toys. Just let me at it. My results…well not exactly what I wanted initially, have to keep at it...but I’m getting close. I found that my aperture was best set at 16-18, at least 10 to 15 feet away. I did not mount my camera on with the ring flash , rather I held it alone and attached the sync cord … I most often shoot Aperture priority( I like to control the depth of field and not worry about the shutter speed so much) but this time I am aiming for manual….something different …note to self, need a longer sync cord…hope I can get a longer cord.


Today, still resting a bit…and a bit of work…I do not want a relapse of the nasty virus. I am going to try something with the ISO that I have never tried before (once I try it I will post my results and what I did). I discovered something before I fell asleep….yes…the truth is out….photography, art, is constantly on my mind. I was not kidding about the hamster in my mind constantly churning… I read something in the Canon manual and in a book that I have been reading, The Hot Shoe Diaries written by Joe McNally. The book (one of six) was part of my prize package that I won for 1st place Wedding/Portraits at Photoshop User Awards 2009 NAPP…my brag moment. Joe McNally goes into great detail of his set up….starting with one flash, two flashes and so on. Seriously, it is a how to book full of diagrams and descriptions. Now, Joe McNally talks Nikon but I do not see how a Canon user cannot follow and apply what he is teaching so brilliantly. In 'The Hot Shoe Diaries' Joe McNally talks about using small flashes and getting big light and quite honestly looking at his images I never would have thought the simplicity of the shots…at first what comes to mind is some type of elaborate set up that I cannot a: afford b: have room for, for instance he gives you a great shot of man in front of some metal scraps…looks great!….I think studio shot, lots of lights, cables… not so…he shows you the set up ..a backyard studio. The backyard studio I have room for! Summer will be interesting (hope the neighbours will not mind). He shares with you the set up and describes in detail how he took the shot. I have not finished reading the book yet but so far it is very interesting… he is very encouraging and humours, which makes it a fun read…there is a lot of tech talk but important tech talk which he shows you how to work through it. He answers the questions that enter your mind. He does not loose your attention. I see his work and it is brilliant. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn about flashes and using them creatively. I choose wisely.

Tools of The Trade...

My equipment…. a Canon EOS 50D, white/ gold reflector, Photoshop CS3, Illustrator CS4….in a few weeks I will be adding an Alien Bee ring flash….I’m so excited…I’ve been writing down ideas and asking around for models…I cannot wait until I can start shooting with the ring flash….

For my other love…writing and drawing… I use Faber-Castell pencils…I really like the feel of the pencils...they have tiny grips and are not to big to hold on to….. I’ve tried several other pencils...I even have some artist pencils but I always turn to Faber-Castell...…I use Mole skin sketch books and Mole skin writing books...why?...the paper is smooth and the pencil just glides on the paper……when ever I make a trip to Ottawa (which doesn’t happen to often) I make a stop at Chapters and buy a bunch of Mole skins (they come in different colors now yippee)...and yes I confess I purchase picture books and reference books ….okay you got me…I also pick up cute items…erasers….paperclips…

Inspirations
My kids…they are so comical and cute…many times they make suggestions on how they would like to be photographed…at the moment my seven year old has an idea that involves chaos …that is all I can say for now…I’m just waiting for better weather to take him out to some old buildings…..

Color…I must have color….I do not like bare or white walls….one of these days I will have to take a picture of the family room that also is my work space and you will be able to see that I thrive in color and creativity…you would be surprise how long it takes to choose a color and stick with it…it must be the right color…for the moment…tutti frutti pink is my favourite….kids love it…my husband questioned it at first but I think he likes it….

Toys...it can’t be just any toy…I really love tin toys….robots….carousels..…the creativity and mechanics that when into them is amazing…I am and always will be a kid at heart….my favourite store is Tiggy Winkles in Ottawa…..the kids are so lucky…everyone gets one toy (reasonably priced)…even me….and yes I share my toys…my little ones love to play with my Munny dolls and Nightmare Before Christmas collection…

Music…. I am picky about my music...it must move me…lately I have been leaning more towards alternative music...and I grew up listening to rock...who knew…some artists I listen to are Lily Allan...Kerli…and The Decemberists…when my kids are asleep I turn on my I touch and get lost in the music and my work…the moment I love is when I am listening to music and it just takes over and drives my creativity…

No matter if I shoot a photo or draw something I always use Photoshop….Photoshop is very forgiving and it’s not messy…layers are a huge help…the possibilities in what you can do to an image are truly endless….add a texture….add several…play around with the blend modes…made a mistake…don’t like it…delete it…..changed your mind and now you like it…Photoshop lets you….Photoshop gives you several chances to change your mind….want to just add texture to a certain area….try the clipping mask….brilliant…with all this playing around eventually you end up with several layers which add up to space in your system…..many of my images for my picture books are huge...at least 1gig…over 100 layers….3 weeks or so worth of work…where do I store it all?….I have two external hard drives and soon I will have to get another…..my fear…a flood in our home or bad storm…there goes all the hard work…knock on wood….

taking a break.....

Still working on the manuscript...I tried not to look at it yesterday so I would have a fresh start today.

I usually have my writing pad...print out of manuscript and a sketch pad with me when and if I have a moment to sit...lastnite I started a doodle....while thinking of my book.....my doodle developed into something more and I kinda of like It ...maybe when I have time I will work on it ....drawing many times inspires me to keep at it and jump starts my brain.....I have a few weeks to finish the manuscript and I would like to leave the last two and half weeks to go through grammer and all the other good stuff....

my drawing from lastnite....still pretty rough...