"Night & Day"

1990, Ages 4 and 2, Duncan Avenue, Jersey City.

1994, Ages 8 and 6, Holiday Avenue, Jersey City.

1996, Ages 10 and 8, Woodward Avenue, Jersey City.

2016, Ages 30 and 28, Bright Street, Jersey City.

2016, Ages 30 and 28, Duncan Avenue, Jersey City.

Following the Duality blog I recently posted I felt it was important to share a very personal piece of mine. After Sharing that blog it helped me to confront the dualistic nature my brother and I faced, as I mentioned in a previous blog, I was “Day” and he was Night” before I share the poem here is the background story. In 2008, my brother and I were experiencing a lot turbulence in our relationship, that felt strange because we always grew up super close. In 1995, before his passing, my father’s very last words to me were “Son….. I love you, take care of your mother and your brother” Whenever I visit that tender age of 9, I can hear those so vividly it scares me at times. That was my mission and I did it to the best of my abilities. I was my brother's keeper and I upheld that responsibility, so when his life began to go down the wrong path it bothered me to the core. I felt partly responsible, or guilty of not being able to do more.

What I’ve come to understand that people have free will, and their own individual path all you can do is show them the way. Fast forward to 2018, 10 years after writing this poem so much has changed for my brother. Our relationship has grown tremendously, in many respects it has evolved. I am blessed and happy to say I am super proud at how far he has come. Not only is he a wonderful father to my beautiful niece Talaya Pickett who is 8, he is fully pursuing his passion for cooking.  In 2008, when I initially bothered me to write this poem, but at the time that was the only way I knew how to express the will of my soul.

---

Night & Day

My brother and I are like night and day, because in some respects the way he acts I can never behave/

And I just do not understand, 

because we were planted in the same ground, watered down, 

and nurtured by the same hands/

My brother and I are like night and day, because I value my life and it seems as if he does not care if he smokes his away/

And I just do not comprehend, because we were raised in the same barn,

and hatched from the same hen/

My brother and I are like night and day, because when it’s time to get serious he likes to play/

And I just do not conceive, because we were taught to believe that, 

you can have anything of your dreams/

My brother and I are like night and day,  because when I sit him down to discuss his issues he looks at me with this stupid face with nothing to say/

It’s like he settling for a driver license, and a Highschool Diploma/

That shit he is smoking  has him literally wrapped up in a comma/ 

And he doesn't see anything wrong as long as weed smell is apart of his aroma/

And there he goes sitting on the couch watching tv eating donuts like he’s Homer/ 

Listen little bro, this is not the Simpson’s, this reality/

What has obstructed the air flow to the state of your mentality?/ 

Don’t you see that it is suffocating your brain/

Your reluctance to change is seriously causing me pain/

How can we be so different, yet we are one in the same?/

My brother and I are like Night and day,  despite the many differences we have I love him with all my heart, so please don’t get the wrong impression with the things that are portrayed/

Because even with all of this stuff going down, I will Kindly surrender my life just to see him turns his around/ 

My brother and I are like Night Day/

Written By: Lorenzo Pickett, 2008

"Gemini" The Art of Duality

Following my 32nd, Birthday I want to start it off by blogging about something I’ve longed to explore. The law of polarity is a universal law that governs the state of this physical existence, It is described to be: In the presence or manifesto of two opposite or contrasting principles or tendencies. Being a Gemini myself born June 1st, 1986 I am here to offer some perspective on Duality. We are well known for our dualistic nature, after all we are the twin sign. “Gemini” is the third astrological sign in the zodiac originating from the constellation of Gemini. Under the tropical zodiac, the sun transits this sign between May 21 and June 21. Gemini is represented by The Twins Castor and Pollux.[3] The symbol of the twins is based on the Dioscuri, two mortals that were granted shared godhood after death.[4] Sign characteristic of a Gemini Wind - Air. Side note: Reflecting back I always went with the flow of things growing up, it just flowed. It was only when I did not go with the flow of things I experienced the most resistance in my life. When I became aware of astrological information regarding my sign I began to identify with its many aspects and it only gave me a deeper understanding of the “person” I am.

Exploring some of the strengths, Gemini’s are generally known to be versatile, quick-witted, sensitive, intelligent, creative, artistic, social, passionate, disciplined, thoughtful, crazy, loving, and funny. They have a deep appreciation for the arts, philosophy, writing, history, nature, and the cosmos. Just as they have all these really cool strengths, they have their weaknesses some of which are, indecisive, nervous, short-tempered, frustrated, non-social, detached, isolated, forgetful, impatient, and the most notorious of them all inconsistent. We are considered to be the jack of all trades but master of none, this is dualism revealing itself. Keep in mind that it is the characteristics of both the strengths and weaknesses that make up the identity of the whole. For as long as I can remember I have always experienced a deep yearning in always being split for an example, walking a human journey and a spiritual one. Living the day to day is our human experience, expressing the will of our soul is living a spiritual one. This is a form of duality yet, I never took the time to gain a deeper understanding of what I was regularly experiencing. As an artist and photographer for a while I created with both entities independent of each other I treated them as if they were separate. When I first decided to unify the two talents my work immediately evolved, it was a benchmark in my life. I have creatively found a way to merged two talents and it birthed the project "Shards Of Glass" I Blogged about how much of an amazing experience this was. http://lorenzopphotography.com/new-blog/2015/8/20/shard-of-glass This was the birth of something incredible.

Weather If we like to acknowledge it or not we experience duality on an everyday consistent basis.  As the old saying goes, “Opposites Attract”. Have you ever asked yourself why? When these forces are equally unified it creates harmony, by understanding these laws it helped to identify with what needed balance in my life. Think of it as a reciprocal relationship, a constant give and take. Theologian Richard Rohr refers to this relationship as a “Divine Dance” Even the cells running through your body operates in with the same mechanics it is a universal law. You are by nature attracted to you’re opposite I would consider this divine orchestration a reflection of completion. People in romantic relationships are generally attracted to someone who is completely opposite of them and when they unit they act as a mirror to one another. When these qualities or energies of both parties are met subsequently you have something that is complete. When there is balance, there is unity, and where there is unity there is strength. Literally one cannot exist without the other, anytime God created something he divided it from its opposite. Duality speaks of conformation and witness; the number 2 represents division to show you both ends of the spectrum. In many Chinese traditions, they understand this law as Tao, living in harmony with the “Yin and Yang”. The Gnostic belief in the dualism of flesh and spirit—with the flesh being evil and something to be freed from, while the eternal spirit was good—also originated in the lie Satan told Eve. Gnostics, in general, believed that the purpose of human existence was to return to the spiritual realm from whence all originated. Death, then, was seen as liberation of the spirit.

Referencing Genesis 1 King James Version (KJV)

1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.

3 And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.

4 And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.

5 And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.

You can see how the creator engineered this existence to be an exact opposite of itself. People would always refer to my brother and I as "Day & Night", I was “Day” and he was “Night”. http://lorenzopphotography.com/new-blog/2018/6/6/night-day Paired together we are a brotherly couple unmatched, were are a reflection of each other literally. I exemplified qualities of a positive vibration he on the other hand, display frequencies of a negative one. It is only when you have a charge from both a positive and negative source can a battery be powered! Speaking of which, being positive and negatively charged I have theorized the Sun and Moon act as a power source for planet earth one has energy contrary of the other. The idea of duality is subliminally perpetuated throughout our culture. If you direct your attention to characters in the comic books such as the Iconic Superman, who walks a human journey simultaneously walking a superhuman one. In the likeness of being human he is Clark Kent on the job working the day to day. When he is Superman his abilities are ultimately used for the greater good of the world. Although he possesses all of these great abilities appearing Godlike to humans his weakness is Kryptonite, it is often used by his enemies to weakened Superman. Metaphysically speaking this is symbolic of duality. One is not independent of the other, It evolves as one entity or one unit. You have your human assignments and you have your spiritual ones, and It does not matter how powerful you are, all superheroes have a weakness. Using superheroes as an analogy the same principle applies to characters such as Spider-Man, The Hulk, Batman, etc..They all share a duality, in the big picture they all are one.

Understanding is the greatest lesson in all of this, as Gemini’s, we tend to hide or separate these things in fear of being rejected or misunderstood.  The flaws and imperfections are apart of the same elements that make us great. This makes me beg the question are Gemini's undercover superheroes? Hmmmm...... I can attest at times I’ve held back at revealing my true nature in fear of being judged or misunderstood.  I no longer wish to hide my “true self”, and to my fellow Gemini finding balance will help you flow with the wind, so be fluid and you will adjust much faster. Knowing when to be fluid also entails knowing when to be still, so always be mindful of that. There are many facets of dualities we see in today's world, essentially they all share an underlying theme, there is an infinite cycle of balance "One cannot exist without the other". It is my belief that people who are born under this astrological sign are excellent conduits of balancing these dualities on this physical plane! 

"We Live In a World Governed by Polarity"

Alpha & Omega

Start & Finish

Past & Future

Male & Female

Masculine & Feminine

Strong & Weak

Prey & Predator

Cause & Effect

Light & Dark

Good & Evil

Heaven & Hell

As above - So below

Gift & Curse

Top & Bottom

North- South

East - West

Yin & Yang

Rich & Poor

Giving & Receiving

Adding & Subtracting

Order & Chaos

Life & Death  

Positive & Negative

Protons & Neutrons  

Sleep & Wake

Conscious & Unconscious

Sun & Moon

Day & Night   

Speaking & Silence

Creation & Destruction

Beauty & Grotesque

Ego & spirit

Heart & Mind

Hot & Cold

Fire & Ice

Liberty & Imprisonment

Bitter & Sweet

Republican & Democrat

Right & Left 

DJI Mavic Pro

          Building on the business I was fortunate enough to make a few purchases this year ranging from lighting, audio equipment , a new printer, a few hard drives, and most excitingly a drone. When most people make investments it is to see a return or profit, on the flip side I like to think that any investments made on my end are essentially tools that helps me create. Although I have not dedicated much time into doing some in depth reviews however, I manage to test out some the new gadgets. I am particularly excited about getting the DJI Mavic Pro because this broadens my horizon opening the door into subjects such as aerial photography, and making some “Kick Ass Work” as photographer Chase Jarvis would say, ultimately increasing my production value. For months I was truly undecided on what to make a purchase on, a drone or stabilizer. 

          The DJI Ronin was another spectacle I wanted to get my hands on.  After reaching out to a couple of friends they were all leaning towards investing in the stabilizer so what did I do, I got the drone and oh my am I happy with my decision lol. I wanted the Mavic Pro so bad I could taste it, but I knew I couldn’t justify spending $1000 especially when I did not have the money. To make a long story short, as a late Christmas gift my wife gave me $500 bucks and said spend it on whatever you want, boy did that make my day. Here’s what officially sold me on getting the Mavic. One day, I headed to my BJ’s Wholes to pick up some groceries after entering the store I noticed as sign in the electronic department that read “DJI Mavic Drone, $589. I thought to myself there is no way, in BJ’s? Boy was I puzzled! Even at the reduced price this drone still retails around $800/900. I inspected it over and over my eagerness got the best of me, I then took the sign over to customer service to inquire. To my surprise not only was it true, but I was informed that it was the very last one in stock. “I’ll Take” was my reply. All I can remember leaving the store calling my good friend and fellow photographer StevieD sounding like a little kid yelling “I got the Drone” I almost forgot the groceries I am partly embarrassed to even share this story but man I was excited. So now that I have shared my story and enthusiasm please enjoy this short clip I put together using the DJI Mavic Pro, “Vertigo Effect” 

Oh yeah, not to mention a few days into flying the drone I crashed it : (

Hackensack River Bridge connecting to Kearny, NJ.

Lincoln Park, Joseph J. Jaroschak Field. 

Liberty State Park, Hudson River.

Shot in Bayonne, NJ, this one image captured more in its horizon than any wide angle lens I've ever owned, as I mentioned this literally broadens my horizon!!!

Black History Exhibition!!!!

Hey Guys, 

Super excited to share with you all, The opening of last nights show was stellar! I will be exhibiting at Jersey City, City Hall, John Meagher, Rotunda Gallery, 3rd floor, I will be displaying "King Malcolm" and "Khalief Browder" The works will be display throughout the remaining month. Please do not be a stranger I welcome the love and support : ) 

Big Thanks to, Kodak Jones, and Greg Brickey

A note I will never forget!!

Professor Kim is one of the many professors, educators who have encouraged and inspired me along my journey. I am truly humbled by her greatness, she is someone who is so kind, genuine, pure, and out of this world intelligent. I was recently digging through some old folders and found my journal here is a note she wrote to me in 2006, still to this day her words resonates with me. Being encouraged by someone whom you admire is a gift, thank you professor Kim for believing in me!!

HCCC

"Khalief Browder"

Forwarded by Noel Clark:

Posted on May 25, 2017 Forwarded by NoelClark 

In the past, I’ve blogged about musical artists to watch like Fly.Union and Pardison Fontaine but, today I’m gonna let you in on a talented painter, Lorenzo P. .

His work captivates. His pieces are layered in colors and life. Maybe it’s because he is talented in a multitude of ways; he’s also a poet, photographer, writer and musician. Maybe it’s because of his layers as an artist that his art is layered as well. His paintings not only look beautiful, they also have movement and song within them. 

Lorenzo recently did a tribute piece to Kalief Browder. If you’re wondering who Kalief Browder is and if you haven’t watched “The Kalief Browder Story” on SPIKE TV, I encourage you to do so and be prepared to be emotionally wrecked. It’s such a devastating story but it will prompt you to ACT, to do something positive and give light to Kalief’s life which was interrupted with a string of horribly painful, tragic misuses of power. 

Lorenzo’s tribute piece to Kalief is powerful. One of my favorite details of the painting is a small detail, so small it’s almost hidden but once you notice it, you can’t help but focus in on it. It’s a butterfly made of money. Lorenzo said that it represents the idea that “Justice is not always given to those who are financially less fortunate, but justice will be served through the will power of standing up for what it right”. He continued to elaborate on the butterfly by adding, “the “Money Butterfly” represents the many metamorphoses change will undergo”. 

Hey go check out my sister in action noelclark.com

"Strobe Lighting"

What's in my Lighting

I have a host of lighting in my arsenal utilizing both strobe and constant lights.  These are the very tools I use to shape my work. In this post, I am going to focus particularly on the strobes aspect. Below is a list of the strobes I own and have used over the years. Just recently I released a video in regards to “Lighting Modifiers” I felt it was only right to do a follow up discussing the actual strobe lighting that I use. I hope you all find this post encouraging, I urge you to explore!

Strobes

Elinchrom D-Lite RX 4

Elinchrom Style 600 RX

Fotodiox Pro M-400A (2)

Alien Bee B800

Mettle 600w AC/DC 

Studio Pro 400w SD

Canon 580 EXII (2)

Power & Punch

Elinchrom D-Lite RX 4

Elinchrom Style 600 RX

Mettle 600 AD Battery Powered

Compact & Portability

Canon 580 EXII (2)

Elinchrom D-Lite RX 4

Alien Bee B800

Fast Recycle Time

Fotodiox Pro M-400A (2)

Retail

Studio Pro 400w SD $196

Fotodiox Pro M-400A $200

Alien Bee B800 $200

Mettle 600w AC/DC (Power Pack) $322

Elinchrom Style 600 RX $400

Elinchrom D-Lite RX 4 $407

Canon 580 EXII $480

Retailers

Amazon.com

Ebay.com

bhphotovideo.com

"Lighting Modifiers"

In this post, I cover some of the modifiers I use as well as, some cost effective options for you guys out there looking to invest. The word “Modifier” is short for modification, when you modify something you are altering the shape or construct of its original state. I love to manipulate and control light, when it comes to “Lighting Modifiers” they play an essential role in the work I create. Modifier gives me the ability to help shape and contour my subjects in a way that is truly flattering and speaks to my aesthetics. I particularly love the circular modifiers such as the Mola Setti, Beauty Dish, and 7" Reflectors, because of the catchlights they create in the talents eye. I did a post on the beauty dish discussing it's uses, and why I particularly love to use it. http://lorenzopphotography.com/new-blog/2013/12/13/the-beauty-dish-1       For many years I have used "Studio Pro Solution" umbrella style SoftBoxes, and I am overall pleased with the level of quality these guys offer for the prices point. Most of the modifiers presented in this video are from the company Fotodiox under the name "Pro Studio Solutions" Aside from meeting my "ADP" Standards, these softboxes, and modifiers are a breeze to assemble.  Whenever I invest in equipment things I look for is “ADP” Affordable, Durable, Portable. I also wrote a Blog where I go into detail on what recommendations I have on gear, http://lorenzopphotography.com/new-blog/2015/5/25/what-should-i-buy Anything I purchase must meet these requirements!

Affordable- It must be in my budget otherwise I wouldn't be able to afford it! Quality has to be the best in its class for the price point. How Much are you willing to invest? 

Durability- The life and longevity is highly important because this determines how long you are able to hold onto your gear. Aside from some minor things most of my gear has lasted for 5 years plus. Can your gear take a licking and keep on ticking?

Portability- For me, this is highly essential because I love to shoot on location and I want to be light and nimble as possible. I had my days where I would lug all this crazy gear and let me tell you it wasn't fun. Yeah having a ton of gear on a location looks awesome but it can become a hassle when it is time to put it all away. Do you prefer a lite travel or a heavy one?

This information is subject to change, but this is the going rate for the modifiers listed below.  

Mola Setti 28"  https://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/search?Ntt=mola%20setti&N=0&InitialSearch=yes&sts=ma&Top+Nav-Search=

Beauty Dish 22" https://www.amazon.com/Fotodiox-Honeycomb-Speedring-Elinchrom-Monolights/dp/B0048WL1RC/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1494039265&sr=1-1&keywords=22in+beauty+Dish+elinchrom

48" https://www.amazon.com/Fotodiox-EZ-Pro-Octagon-Softbox-Speedring/dp/B003EWKPME/ref=sr_1_5?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1494039329&sr=1-5&keywords=48in%2Boctabox&th=1

60" https://www.amazon.com/Fotodiox-EZ-Pro-Octagon-Softbox-Speedring/dp/B003EWOC0U/ref=sr_1_5?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1494039329&sr=1-5&keywords=48in%2Boctabox&th=1

Softbox 32x48" https://www.amazon.com/Fotodiox-EZ-Pro-Octagon-Softbox-Speedring/dp/B003EWOC0U/ref=sr_1_5?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1494039329&sr=1-5&keywords=48in%2Boctabox&th=1

24x24" https://www.amazon.com/Neewer-60cmx60cm-Professional-Off-Camera-Photography/dp/B004XY65WQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1494039705&sr=1-1&keywords=24x24+softbox

24" Octa https://www.amazon.com/Fotodiox-Softbox-Octagon-Vivitar-Sunpack/dp/B00DBB7RJ2/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1494209798&sr=1-2&keywords=fotodiox+softbox

12x56" StripBox https://www.amazon.com/Fotodiox-EZ-Pro-Softbox-Speedring-Strobe/dp/B003FXD9FC/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1494209977&sr=1-3&keywords=fotodiox+softbox

Below are some "BTS" images of the Lighting Modifiers in action 

[2] 32x48 Rectangular Softboxes with Grid, 22"Beauty Dish, 28" Mola Setti, 12x50" StripBox, 60" Octabox, 48" Octabox, 24" Octabox

Mola Setti + Beauty Dish #CircularHighlights

48" Octa with Grid + 24" Octa #CircularHighlights

12x56" Stripbox

I love this combination, Mola Setti + Beauty Dish in action. #CircularHighlights

Mola Setti + Beauty Dish (If you guys have not noticed this is one of my favorite combinations

Beauty Dish + 60" Octabox #CircularHighlights This softbox is so big I can use it as a background!

Example Beauty Dish + 60" Octabox #CircularHighlights This softbox is so big I can use it as a background!

32x48" SoftBox

24x24" Popup Box + (2) 7" Reflectors

Beauty Dish + 32x48" Softbox

#HomeStudio #Setup MolaSetti + 24" OctaBox + (2) 7" Reflectors  

60" Octabox Ok this is the big boy, it is so big I had to shoot it with a 14mm lense to cover from stop to bottom.

Happy Easter- DIY Flower Backdrop

Photographer: @Lorenzophotography Model:Naresha Willis MUA: @Porcelainmattel

Photographer: @Lorenzophotography Model:Naresha Willis MUA: @Porcelainmattel

Photographer: @Lorenzophotography Model:Naresha Willis MUA: @Porcelainmattel

Photographer: @Lorenzophotography Model:Naresha Willis MUA: @Porcelainmattel

Previous flower Halo Projects. Model: Tas Aleeah

Previous flower Halo Projects. Model: Dalilah.

Previous flower Halo Projects. Model: Dalilah.

Sorting the Flowers

Just finished up the flower Halo Doing some placement on the mannequin.

Previous flower Halo Projects. Model: Brittney Holguin

Previous flower Halo Projects. Model: Brittney Holguin

http://lorenzopphotography.com/
Instagram: @Lorenzopphotography
Music Produced: Lorenzo P "New Slave"

Shot on the iPhone7Plus I have a fresh post for you guys on this beautiful Easter Sunday! This is a backdrop I hand made using old flowers from previous flower projects such as flower halos. You can find these items at your local Michaels or Hobby Lobby. 

Material Used
Corrugated plastic
Black Duck Tape
Hot Glue

Be sure to check out my latest painting "Gaze"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZhLks6lxaE&t=4s

Daphne LaRue

Representing for the home town, It was an absolute joy and pleasure working with such a kindred spirit. I knew immediately upon meeting Daphne we would make instant magic. I want to give a huge shout out to my good friend and fellow creator Pressure, with https://www.pressureonline.com/ for bridging the connection. Daphne was first introduced to Pressure who then was introduced to me. He informed she was in need of some amazing images, and I was the guy to go to. I can never take full credit for what we created because as you guys can see it was a collaborative effort. I'm living my dream and having an amazing time doing so! Check out some BTS and final images from the shoot. I honestly have to say I am In love with her music, Daphne LaRue "Far From Perfect" EP coming to iTunes and Google Play for digital download.

http://lorenzopphotography.com/
Photographer: Lorenzo P.
Model: Daphne LaRue
MUA: Alexis
BTS: https://www.pressureonline.com/

Equipment Used
Camera: Canon 5DMKIII
Lens: Sigma 50mm Art 1.4
Lighting: Elinchrom Style 600, Alien Bee 800
Modifier: Mola Setti
Trigger: Yongnuo YN 622C

Dramatic Portraiture - Giordano Tayler

How to achieve amazing catchlights in the eyes PT4

How to Achieve Amazing Catchlights in the Eyes PT4

Triangular Lights

This is essentially a 3 light setup, but it actually took a total of 5 lights to construct this particular setup. In the middle we have the beautiful Eliza Lugo, she is the very model who starred in the first series of how to achieve amazing catchlights in the eyes. As you can see in the image Eliza is highlighted by (2) 4ft, Fluorescent lighting banks that are equivalent to 128watts each. The two side lights act as a rim light accentuating the contour of her body as well as creating some separation between the talent and the background. Moving along here’s where things get a little interesting, Lighting banksBecause Joe adamant did such a flawless job at constructing these lighting banks I told myself I would not make a video doing such however, because of the amount of inquiries I received in regards to constructing these lighting banks I figured I'll make a quick video.

DIY Fluorescent Lighting Banks

Lithonia Lighting hanging fixture

1/2"  Conduit hanger

1/4-20 wing nut

Flat washer #8

machine Screws #8-32x3/4"

machine Screws 5 1/4" 20x1/2"

#0 conduit hanger with speed thread

5’ Conduit pipe cut down to 4'

Satin white spray paint

Impact KCP-240

40" Extension Arm

KCP- 200

2.5" Grip Head

8" Baby Pin

I captured Eliza doing her makeup

This is the Impact 40" Extension Pole with the 8" baby pin held by the Super "C" clamp.

Maternity Made Beautiful-Lorenzopphotography

www.Lorenzopphotography.com
If you found this material awesome please help me out by sharing!!

Hey guys, 
So it's been approximately 6 years since I posted some of my maternity photography, please do not ask why because I honestly do not have an answer lol. The last post titled "Maternity Photography Ideas" Has a little over 100,000 views, thank you guys so much for the love on that. 

That link can be found here
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5eJ-2rbexw 

Here is something a little more up to date rocking out with my favorite MUA Ariel and a good friend and client Tyesha "Tink" we made some magic!! I hope you guys like what we have created, and as always I love you guys and thank you so much for the love and support!! 

Photographer: Lorenzo P.
Directed: Lorenzo P.
Model: Tyshea
MUA: Ariel Rivera
Music: Jhene Aiko Ft. Omarion & Jeremih Type Beat - Let Go
[Prod. @PDUBTheProducer]

Pretty Please
Follow me on Twitter: @Lorenzopphotos
Instagram: @Lorenzopphotography

"Creative Beauty Tour"

If you found this material useful please help me out by sharing it Thanks in advance guys gals!!

Photographer: Lorenzo P.
Talent: Tas Aleeah
Assistant: Zahria Sanaa
Directed: Lorenpphotography
Music: Music Ibn Sharif Shakoor, Feat KD Produced by WattsOnThe Grind. 

Shooting With Gels
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHVjtcHnfoA
Want to check out my homemade reflector? 

"Qiuck Tip #1 Amazing DIY Reflector" Check out the link Below
https://youtu.be/DVEyJHDmKis?list=PLV...

Be sure to
Visit my website to see more of my work http://lorenzopphotography.com/
Visit my SoundCloud to hear more of my work http://soundcloud.com/toocreative
Follow me on Twitter: @Lorenzopphotos/Instagram: @Lorenzopphotography 

Camera Gear
5D MarkII
Canon 70-200mmF/2.8 USMII
Canon 70-300mm
64GB Transcend CF Card
Tripod Gitzo G 2220
Mathews C-Stand
Avenger D520L 40" Extension Pole
Elinchrom Style 600RX
Mola Setti

Model: Tas Aleeah

How I prepare for a Photoshoot

"6 Tips On How I prepare for Photo Shoots" 

Preparation is key, it is one of your most dynamic tools towards conducting a successful shoot. I will give you 6 tips on how I prepare!!

1. Draw in Inspiration - Brainstorming is at the foundation of many great projects, this is a process where you allow ideas to flow in. Aside from brainstorming I use tools such as Pinterest and Truck Archive to draw in inspiration. You can always refer to your favorite photographers, peers, and counterparts to assist with ideas and inspiration they have. 

2. Compose a Mood/Vision Board- This sets the tone and direction of the shoot. 

3. Treatment- Create a story with your work, people love stories!! For example, I reference one of my most recent projects “Shards of Glass” I created this project in attempt to merge my art and photography, for so long I created with the two mediums as separate entities "SOG" was my attempt to not only share my story and process but to unify my work.

4. Knowing the Tools - Do you have an idea of the tools you are going to use to create your work? Camera gear, lighting, background, location etc...

5. Create a Desired Outcome- Envision the end result. Anticipate how you want your work to look when it's all done, this will yield great results and keep you from creating aimlessly. 

6. Have Clear Communication- Establish clear communication between your team,  stylus, designer, makeup artist, and models. You want to discuss details regarding to scheduling, time management, budget if any, release forms, looks, and publication etc.

Shards of Glass Vision Board Via Pinterest

Example: Here is an example of the photo treatment for "Shard of Glass" You will notice I have a breakdown of the story, genre, duration, outline of looks, visual elements(tools) etc. All of your preparation does not have to be nearly as extensive of what I have here because all the work you will create will not warrant this much preparation, however it works like a charm when it does!

Shards of Glass

This truly amazing material is brought to you by, Arron Nace, and his amazing team over at Phlearn. Shoot Preparation!!!!

"Water Proof"

Poem

"Water Proof"

I am water proof

That means I will never sink/

You pray for my downfall

Not knowing it will only come back around, but then again you never think/

So I can not take it personal/

And when you throw stones,

I can throw them back just to show you that they are reversible/

But I prefer to take the high road/

I will never sink even when I am going down with my eyes closed/

You see God gave me breath to breathe/

so even when I am in the deep blue sea treading water miles away from my destination/

I have faith so there is no need for an

Explanation/

Through my sputtering, his hands will bring me back to restoration/

I will never sink even when all anchors touching the bottom/

Don't let nothing divide him/

Where there is a will there is a way, and I know that God will provide them/ 

Even in the titanic phase/ 

I put my head down and pray/

Then he shows me this amazing vista of every planetary phase/

"I am water proof" I will never sink! 

BTS "Behind The Scenes"

Here is a view into my world when I am working guys. Any questions in regards to gear, locations, talent, etc.. please feel free to ask!!!! 

Shoot with Serius Jones 

​BenroS4

​BenroS4 Monopod, OptekaCXS-25 Rod System. Gini Rig Follow Focus. 

A little outdoor "BTS" on an engagement shoot. 

A little outdoor "BTS" on an engagement shoot. 

Here is one of the finalized images. 

A little outdoor Fall action!! 

A little outdoor Fall action!!

Here is one of the finalized images from the shoot. This shot was taken on the back porch in the models back yard.

On the set of a family shoot. 

Final Product, Model: Sallie.

BTS. "How to achieve amazing catch lights in the eyes PT3"

BTS. "How to achieve amazing catch lights in the eyes PT3"

BTS. "How to achieve amazing catch lights in the eyes PT3"

BTS. "How to achieve amazing catch lights in the eyes PT3"  Check me out people : )

Double Deuces!!!!

Portrait session with one of my best friends for his book cover. 

You may see my brother in a lot of my "BTS" material, hes my right hand lol. Setting up for the intro video of "How to achieve amazing catch lights in the eyes"

Thanks bro!!

My brother sitting in for me to adjust my lighting.

Doing some voice over for my video, I had to bring my little audio setup to work, too anxious to finish : )   I had my little note card ready to go along with my ZoomH4N, Rode Video Mic Pro, and some Apple headphones for monitoring. 

A little BTS and finished product, Shot in Hoboken, New Jersey.

A little BTS and finished product, Shot in Newark New Jersey.

Fun shoot with my girl Sofia, we go wayyyy back!! 

My babies.

Here they go again I love my Ootas, I am a sucker for circular catchlights.

On the set of a really big shoot : )

"The Hallway Shoot" video on my Youtube go check it out people. 

The "V" shape setup

Shooting with my man Jordan. 

A and I made some dope art this day.

This was a long but fun shoot : )

I build my sets piece by piece. 

Look at the cool set up we have going on!! 

Tas getting ready for some work. 

Final Product, Model: Tas Aleeah.

I love this print and it looks like she does too!! : )

Another portrait session with my friend Regina. 

Mola Setti VS the Beauty Dish

Photo courtesy of my good friend Noel Clark. 

Photo courtesy of my good friend Noel Clark. 

Photo courtesy of my good friend Noel Clark. 

Final Product, Model: Tas Aleeah.  

Getting ready for the shoot, using some A clamps to hold down the balloons. 

Promo images for singer and songwriter Queenella.

Final Product, Big Shout out to RnB artist Queenella!

This is a flower halo I designed. 

"One Light Setup"

In Memory of Monica Haddad 

Update! 8/24/2016

I never thought I would be writing this post, remember the nice lady I spoke of in the “One Light Setup” post? Well that remarkable and beautiful lady name was Monica Haddad. From the mannequin exchange we established a great relationship, Back in May I donated one of the prints from the shoot to Monica she was in complete awe, it was just a small token of my appreciation. Since then I have made frequent stops over at the C.A.U.S.E Center not only to make donations I would stop in just to say hi. She was always welcoming and just so kind, she even made jokes about all of the clothing I would bring. Upon my most recent visit I was stricken with a great deal of grief when discovered that Monica was fatally shot. Initially I was distraught I could not comprehend what I was hearing, I thought to myself who could do something so heinous. I honestly don’t know what the urge was, but I had a burning desire to stop by, as usual I gathered all of the clothes I could to take over there when I arrived I was just astonished by the news, she was killed a week after my last donation. The Jersey Journal reports state, “Monica Haddad, 44, was killed Tuesday, June 14, 2016 in what authorities believe was a murder-suicide carried out by her husband” Although it for was for a brief moment in time I truly thank God for allowing me to cross paths with such a pure and angelic soul. She has impacted so many and she will be missed tremendously. 

The "One Light Setup" video was inspired by the really nice people over at C.A.U.S.E CENTER THRIFT SHOP located 741 Bergen Avenue, in Jersey City. They are just a beacon of light when it comes to providing food and assistance to the less fortunate in the community.  One day dropping my mom off to the doctor I passed by the thrift shop, that is where the mannequins in the window caught my attention. I got so excited I made it my business to further scope things out. I later stopped in to inquire about the mannequins, there was a really nice lady who greeted me. She informed me unfortunately the mannequins were not for sale they only used for displayed. It appeared my eagerness peaked her curiosity, she then asked what was the purpose!? I acquainted myself informing her I am artist and photographer, I was interested in using one of the really cool mannequins I noticed in the window. I gave her a quick peek at my portfolio from my phone, she was blown away. She smirked and said " I will let you borrow it free of charge, on one condition, you must be responsible it bring it back" I replied, "DEAL" Just like that it was done. I told her I would keep for two weeks and she told me it was fine. I was so happy when I got home, my mind was racing with ideas. I had to devise a plan to have a little fun all while putting out something cool and informative. You know me guys I am always trying to help, this is how I give back!! : )  

So I wanted to demonstrate for you guys the power of a "One Light Setup" With this one light I was able to get so many dynamic shots that range from contemporary to dramatic. Check out some cool BTS, raw and retouched images from the shoot. As I mention in the video it is a "Test Shoot" so honestly guys I was just having fun experimenting.

Camera Gear
5D MarkIII
Canon 70-200mmF/2.8 USMII
Canon 70-300mm
64GB Transcend CF Card
Tripod Gitzo G 2220
Mathews C-Stand
Avenger D520L 40" Extension Pole
AlienBee 800w
24" Fotodiox OctaBox
Kanova K5 Slider

Check out my BTS video "One Light Setup" video 

Check out my retouching "WorkFlow" video. 

Check out my "DIY Reflector" video.

This is how I originally saw the mannequins only they were in the window. Can you pick out the mannequin I used for the shoot? 

The left side of the mannequin is being accented by the HDV-Z96 96 LED with a red gel. 

Capturing some sliding shots with the Konova K5 slider 

Here I added 

PhotoShoot With Bobby T.

It is interesting how we crossed paths I will save that story for another time guys. What I would like to add immediately upon meeting model Boddy. T. I really admired the guy, he is strong willed and eager to pursue his passion. I just knew that we would make magic and we most certainly did. Here are some of the images from the shoot on Jan 12th 20016 

First shoot of the year guys!! 

I was totally vibing off of the black and white images, but I still love my color joints : )

"Photography Business Pointers"

This is just a brief introduction addressing a few questions that I am often asked. I don't have all the answers and I am quite ok with that, what I do know is the knowledge I have acquired over the 8 years of shooting I want to share it! So let's jump into it, how many of you out there like photography, how many of you love photography? Photography comes seemingly easy, think about how inexpensive it is to go out and buy an entry level DSLR. Now that you have your new camera it is off to the races right? Well for some this maybe true however, it is one facet to get into photography and another to actually sustain it. I've learned this along my journey, speaking of journeys check out my blog post “The Journey” http://lorenzopphotography.com/new-blog/2014/4/28/8ai6utp1dzvk3w6p8l584wjz9690ri 

There is a lot of administrative work that goes into photography, there is what I consider to be an "80/20" rule here is a simple break down, 80% goes into managing what is you do if for example marketing, attracting clients, social media presence, email engagement, retouching, producing and selling products, there is a considerable amount of time that will be divided among these sectors. The other 20% goes into shooting. I know its sounds depressing especially for someone who loves to shoot. But if you really want to get a hand on things you need to understand and adopt this Concept. 

Photography is a vast market when I mean vast it’s big, here are a few categories.

• Advertising

• Commercial  

• Directing

• Lighting

• Retouching

• Editorial

• Wedding

• Portraiture

• Sports

• Landscape

• Interior Design

• Product

Identify what is appealing to you, where do you fall in line? Becoming familiar with the fundamentals is highly critical to your development. When you build on shaky grounds you are very likely to fall, when your foundation is strong you are able to withstand those challenging times. I want to share a few pointers!

• Remind yourself of the "80/20" rule, and do not forget it. 

• Invest more time and financing into studying & research.

• Legal/Documentations- model releases, agreements, contracts.

• Liability/protection- cover your clients & gear.

• Accounting/Management- smart investing, keep track of billing & what you spend.

• Diligence/Patients- consistently work on being the the best at what you do, keep in mind being great takes time.

• Mastering- your style & workflow.

• Anticipation- apart of being a great photographer is anticipating things that can potentially go wrong.

If you plan on turning your passion into a career I think a great starting place will be to:

1.Be passionate: When your passionate about something you are good at, it makes it that much more desirable to do.

2.Hone in on your niche: What is it that you do best?

3.Define who you are as a photographer: Establishment (be known for something)

5.Get familiar with your market: know who is doing what.

6.Build your network and use it: Always refer to the people who you can rely on and trust to give you honest feedback. Engage with your community (Your network is your net-worth)

7. Learn from the masters: I can not emphasize this enough!

Books I would strongly consider reading:

• “ASMP Professional Business Practices in Photography”

• “The Photographer’s Guide to Negotiating”

• “The Photographer’s Survival Guide”

• “The Digital Photography Book”

• “The Moment it Clicks”

• “Sketching Light”

• “Creative 52”

There are a ton photography related books out there believe me some are captivating on the contrary, some are not the most exciting but you will ultimately gain a wealth of knowledge resulting in you being a well rounded photographer. If you can effectively manage to do these things I think you are on the right path. I hope this post serve as a reference point and a source of inspiration to make your passion consistent to what you want it to be.

If you find this material useful please share it with your family and friends, this helps us all out a great deal. God Bless and Good Luck!!