Meet Carrie and Jenna two of my new favs! I love these girls there will be many more shoots with these two!

I have really got to do a better job of keeping up with this thing lol. I am gonna backtrack to some new faces ive met and shot in the last month and try to better keep up!

Jessica Garza to the Rescue!

It's been a while since I've had free time. I wanted to take a moment and reflect on some of the events that have been happening. I have had the opportunity to work with many amazing people lately. One of those people is Ms. Jessica Garza. Not only did Jessica come through at the last moment on a shoot to do makeup she also helped us out with hair.

There was a dress at Dahlia's that I have tried to shoot a few models in and just couldn't quite get out of it what I wanted. Looking at Jessica I thought hmmm.... I bet she would kill that look. Sure enough she was made for that dress.

This is one of many amazing images that we were able to capture.

This image is also special in the fact that Ian McConnell did the editing on it. I wanted to test his skills and in less than 10 minutes he had this amazing edit in my inbox.

Thank you both for making me look good. Without the natural beauty of Jessica and the sick editing skills of Ian this image would not be what it is.

Up Up and Away!

Digital Icon has grown in ways I could never have predicted a year ago. I thank each and every person who has stuck with me through these busy times. I can't wait to see where the future takes us.

There are many projects already taking shape. I can't wait to get started on the new calendar I am doing with a new business partner, and also looking forward to the events we are going to be hosting. I can't quite let the cat out of the bag yet, but as soon as I can you all will be the first to know.

It looks like the t-shirt line I have been dreaming of starting will more than likely come to reality in the next couple of months. I am hoping to get some shirt up for sale before the Holidays! Keep an eye out for Negative Stylez.

And if you just can't get enough of me there are other places you can find me and my work!

Check em out!

http://500px.com/digital_Icon

http://www.facebook.com/DigitalIcon

Here's to the future!!!

Happy Birthday Christina

The night was hot and the Birthday girl was even hotter! I had the pleasure of shooting Christina Joiner's birthday party at Crush Wine Bar. The party was almost as amazing as Christina and her friends. Thank you for giving me the honor of capturing this night for you!

More Images from the shoot with Jessica Garza

Ali C.

Hair & Makeup By: Jessica Garza

Eliana

And then there was Eliana, the beautiful, stylish, spicy, Latina chick, she does some dope make-up also http://www.elianamakeupartist.com/ check her out!

Sooo many images to edit from last Saturday from my first meetup with the lovely southern belle Amy this girl has all the energy you could ask for in a model, we got some killer shots.

Gets to know Samantha Loesch

MUA/Model/Businesswoman with a dope haircut!!!

DI: Thanks for taking the time to let some of the others get to know you.

SL: No problem thanks for your interest! :)

DI: Where are you from?

SL: I was born in Arizona but I have lived all over the Houston area my whole life.

DI: How long have you been doing makeup?

SL: I have been doing makeup for about 3 years and have been doing it certified/ professionally for about a year and a half now.

DI: You have been modeling a bunch lately what do you like better modeling or makeup?

SL:  I definitely enjoy doing both. I do see myself doing more makeup though I do plan on incorporating both makeup and modeling in my business in the future, it’s just so hard to choose which I like more!

DI: How old were you when you knew you wanted to do makeup?

SL: I started to experiment with makeup when I was in 10th grade once I got to be a Senior I knew thats what I wanted to pursue a career in.

DI: Who are some of your inspirations’?

SL: Definitely all different aspects of art, whether it be graffiti/paintings, music, or a type of clothing. There are inspirations all around us!

DI: Who is your favorite model?

SL: Sara Fabel

DI: Who is your favorite photographers you have worked with?

SL: I  don’t have a favorite person but if I’d have to choose I would say the WeRunHouston photographer group, they are the ones that got me to start modeling, I have been and enjoy working with them ever since then

DI: Who is your favorite model you have worked with?

SL: Heather Acala, we are both a makeup artist and a model I love working with her!

DI: What is your favorite clothing line?

SL:  I don’t have one; if it looks good I’ll wear it!

DI: Studio or outside which do you prefer?

SL:  Outside

DI: What is your go to makeup line?

SL: Motives Cosmetics

DI: What is the best music to shoot to? Artist or type

SL: Techno is my favorite!

DI: If you could work with any model in the world, who would you pick and what kind of shoot?

SL: Adriana Lima! I would love to do a Pin Up shoot with her! And of course I get to do her makeup :)

DI: Best piece of advice you would give an upcoming model?

SL: Never give up on your dreams! If you want to model then pursue that dream don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Have your own style something different from everyone else that makes people recognize you and want to work with you. Stand out!

DI: Best piece of advice you would give an upcoming photographer?

SL: Make sure to get to know the models you shoot with, comforability shows in the work and equals for a better photo all around. And it makes it more fun!

DI: Best piece of advice you would give to a an upcoming MUA?

SL: Networking is one of the keys to success. Get to know people in the industry, make friends and learn from each other we have something we can teach someone and learn from someone to become a better MUA.

DI: Harper’s Bazaar wants to see your #1 best image what do you show them?

DI: What do you hate about the industry?

SL: Creepers

DI: What do you love about the industry?

SL: The amount of creativity and skills that people bring to the table. There is no telling what poeple will come up with, especially when in collaboration with another artist!

DI: Thanks Samantha!

 Shameless Plugs

www.Facebook.com/Creativearts67

http://www.samanthasmakeup.com/


Pictures are not by me

Here is a couple from the awesome Sandra beautiful girl awesome to work with. All the accessories and clothing were provided by Dahlia and her awesome shop in Tomball , beautiful family, beautiful store.

My other links
http://www.facebook.com/rapheal.brown
http://500px.com/digital_Icon

Digital Icon vs Nino Batista

Digital Icon Gets To Know :   Nino Batista!

DI: Thanks for taking the time to let some of the others get to know you.

NB: Hey thanks for the mention!

DI: Where are you from?

NB: Technically, I was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico.  That was in 1975, but I moved to Houston in 1979, and have been here since.   So for all intents and purposes, I'm Houstonian.  I do wish I went back to the island more often; took the wife in 2010.   Definitely going back, so many shooting opportunities!

DI: Self-taught or photo classes

NB: Sort of self taught.  I've never been to a class, or college for that matter, but I did grow up with my father who has been a professional photographer since I was born.  Learned tons from him.  I'm also a lousy student, though, as I tend to listen 5% of the time and just "do" 95% of the time.  I like to figure things out.  Still, my father's formal teachings definitely made a difference on how fast I learned when I decided to do it on my own (I was an assistant for him for ages)

DI: How long have you been into photography?

NB: Casually, 20-25 years or so, thanks to dad.  Focused, about 5 years.

D: Who are some of your inspirations’? / Who is your favorite photographer?

NB: I admit I don't follow dozens of photographers, or have any obvious "heroes", but I do cite Dean Bradshaw as a more recent inspiration.  Easton Chang (I shoot a lot of automotive work) is definitely a huge inspiration.  Portrait wise, I still adore Jaime Ibarra's work though I've heard some say in recent times they've grown tired of his style - I haven't.   And when it comes to conceptual/abstract work, Dave Nitsche is my main go to  guy right now.  Has been for a few years.  Amazing work, and such a nice guy.

DI: What is your current set up?

NB: Canon 7D, gripped, and Canon / Tokina glass, 550 and 580 speedlites.   Most of my lights are Paul Buff, as are most of my light mods.

DI: What is your “go to” lens?

NB: I adore and will always adore my 50.   I mean, doesn't everyone?

DI: What is your “I wish I had this” piece of equipment?

NB: Automotive shoot capable studio.  :)

DI: Natural light vs Studio light?

NB: I'm mostly comfortable and at home with studio lighting, but I'm warming up (pun intended) to natural light a lot more this year.  Admittedly, clients don't ask for natural light work from me too much.

DI: Raw vs Jpeg?

NB: Depends on what the end results of the shots are to be.   And that is a whole discussion in itself!

DI: What is the best music to shoot to? Artist or type

NB: If I'm working with a model, I try to accommodate what the model likes.  If the client is there, I try to accommodate them too.  If I'm by myself, or no one else cares, it can range from Floyd to RATM to Beatles to Paul Simon to Primus to Gipsy Kings to Hendrix to Rush to King Crimson to Phish to Mos Def...you see where this is going...

DI: If you could work with any model in the world, who would you pick and what kind of shoot?

NB: I've been asked this before, and I have no idea.   But location wise I'd love to shoot in and out of an old castle somewhere in Europe.  Do something high fashion and sexy, with supplemental lighting outdoors, some studio style indoors...etc.   Actually the wife, who models for me often, would love to do that shoot too.  Maybe that's the model I pick then!  ;)

DI: Best piece of advice you would give an upcoming model?

ND: Don't undervalue what you do.  Everyone else will.   Don't compromise, don't sell yourself short.   Don't JUST seek out photographers as your path to success - find either agency representation or other potential clientele and get to know them.  Network with the right people.   If you want to succeed, for real, stop shooting "just for fun" and make every project a step forward on your career path, with intentional goals and expected results.

DI: Best piece of advice you would give an upcoming photographer?

NB: Don't undervalue what you do.  Everyone else ABSOLUTELY will.  Grow and learn everyday.  Never settle for what you're doing now, as every artist and professional has to expand and learn in order to succeed.   If you can't tell the difference in the caliber between your shoot last week and your shoots 3 years ago, you might be doing something wrong.   Everyone can learn something everyday.  

DI: Harpers Bazaar wants to see your #1 best image what do you show them?

NB: What's great about this question is that NO ONE will agree with me.  As I am sure no one would ever agree with an artist when asked such a question.    It's really a difficult question.  However, recently I paused at a shot I did earlier this year, and wondered to myself "Is this my fave shot?  It could be." but I didn't make a final decision on that.   Anyway this is the shot:  http://fc03.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2012/037/0/9/096b6565d26eb42a4c786d917a86e3b9-d4ox08d.jpg

DI: What do you hate about the industry?

NB: It isn't respected by most of the general populace.  Tens of millions of people really believe what we do is as simple as "having a nice camera".

DI: What do you love about the industry?

NB: Quite simply, the work it produces.  Some of the most amazing visual experiences I've ever had have come from the photography industry.   

DI: Thanks I love your work and I know many others do too!

NB:Many thanks, as I said, I do appreciate it.

You can check out Nino Batista at the following links

http://www.facebook.com/ninobatistaphoto

http://www.facebook.com/ninobatistamotorphoto

NB: Thanks Raph!

Heres a few from my homegirl Gabby the makeup artist. We had never worked together before our chemistry was awesome. We had some time before the shoot so we goofed off with a gas mask.

And to start my journey...........