Jordan

                                                                        sleep walking

                                                                            purity

                                                              lost thoughts, & lost dreams

      This is Jordan, one of my best friends from high school. What I find unique about this series is that the second we agreed on her letting me take these photographs she said "I'm too awkward for photos, i don't know if i can do this". I replied by telling her that all I needed was for her to do nothing! I love Jordan's unique look, and when I was thinking about this concept I thought of her. Her pale skin is so flawless and just simply beautiful, and let me not get started on her beautiful facial features!

      I intended for this concept to speak to those who are heaving a rough time in life at the moment, and continuously think about "ending it". Even in the darkest times life can bring us we have to stay positive, I know it's hard and we feel as if the way out is by "ending it once and for all" but just think about this? Isn't getting the chance to exist and experience it already beautiful? Think about how privileged we are to see the world, to feel it, and to breathe it. Life is though but it's all about challenges and overcoming them, and you CAN do it. Because as cliche as it sounds, life is what YOU make it and even if you stand alone, or are drowning in sorrow keep your head up because after the rain there's a rainbow, and you won't be there forever. Live because the fact that you've received a chance to be here, is already enough!

How I create a levitating image!

Step1: As you can easily see Danielle holds Giannette's leg as Jordan flips her hair. After this part of the photo is done, I take the exact same photo of the background only. (the use of a tripod is highly recommended)

Step2: (I used photoshop cs5 for this part) On photoshop I simply combine both photos, adjust them with one another (pretty much making them
one). I then use the eraser tool and erase Danielle and Jordan out of the photo. There! it's that easy!

Step3: I make the color adjustments of my choice, such as; color balance, hue and saturation, color curves, vibration, exposure etc. And there it is all done! Try it!

 creatures in my dreams

Danielle

                                                                  some place far way

                                                            don't be scared, it's over now

                                                                     skin of the night

      Danielle, and I have known each other for many years now, we're practically sisters. she has been one of my "models" since the day I got my first camera, so for this series I wanted to use her unique looks to create a small concept. I hope that this to speaks to many of you as it speaks to me, especially to the ones being held back by something that makes you believe or think you can't accomplish/do something. These images interpret the fight we all have with ourselves, thinking we're "not good enough". As you can see in the first frame she has clothing on, hiding away her natural beauty, (or self, it doesn't necessarily have to just interpret being self-conscious about your body type, it's an overall interpretation of your mind). In the second frame she is wearing less clothing--meaning she's feeling a bit more confident, and trying to break away from what is holding her back. Last frame shows her nude body, as she has learned to be okay with exposing her self: (meaning she breaks away from the burden that kept her away buried in thought, of not being good enough.) 

Honestly I'd like to share a personal story that inspired me to create this. I myself feel everyday of my life as if I'm not good at anything I do, and I'm always terrified to take on challenges because of this. My mind has a mind of it's own, and I tend to over think everything. I freak out about the smallest things, but lately I've been going out of my comfort zone, and learning to appreciate/value my self a little bit better. I've even taken on challenges I would have never taken before, and I can honestly say that some of the positivity has made me a better, stronger individual. I've learned to understand that life is much more bigger than any problem, or any challenge. We have to learn, and break away from the things that imprison us from living.

Miguel

                                                                             Miguel

 As some of you may know, Miguel and I have been together for quite a while now, and honestly I couldn't wish to be with anyone else, this is my better half! He is one of the only people who has brought me up when when the world's fallen down. Miguel is also one of my biggest inspirations, not just with art but with life itself. I have never seen such dedication in a person with everything around life, it's simply amazing! But the story behind this photo is quite funny actually. He is a poet who stands in front of hundreds of people and easily performs, but to take this simple photo he gave me the hardest time. His excuse was "I don't want to, I'm tired". But I know his pride was too high to stand there and "model" for me, and I think it was the cutest thing ever!

Alexandra

                                                                        now, & forever

                                                                          the escape

Last week I got to meet, and shoot with the beautiful Alexandra. We shot at a near by park filled with creeks, so I had to get us in the water and work with my head full of ideas. This was my absolute first time shooting in the water, so I was terrified for the life of my camera since I don't own any waterproof gear. I feel as if the photos turned out quite like I wished for them too. And Alexandra was an absolute pleasure to shoot with, she literally took on every challenge I set for her, and did absolutely fantastic. I really hope to photograph her again sometime soon!

Cassandra

                                                                        you, appearing

                                                                           seeking

                                                                           last words

It's always a pleasure shooting around with Cassadra, It's like she's made for the camera. Not to mention that she is willing to do the impossible to get the right shot! For this series I wanted to create something that will speak to many in different ways, and honestly though I love doing that with most of my photos,this time it was different. When we showed up at the location, it was as if it was set for us to shoot. The second I saw this place I immediately ran towards it and explained to Cassandra what I had in mind and she easily made my imagination into a reality. This day was very rewarding to me!

Intro

      So I have had this blog for a few months now, and I haven't posted anything  since I barely get time keep up with my Instagram account (@giaoliv), But first things first, I would honestly like to thank all of my amazing followers for the GREAT support, honestly thanks to all of you I have been inspired to improve, & I've really learned to appreciate my photographs much more. The past few months have been both stressing yet rewarding. I was so close to just giving up on photography because I felt as if I wasn't good enough, but with all of the awesome compliments, and support I've just been able to break away from the negativity, & turn my weaknesses into strengths and here I am today sharing what I love to do the most with all of you, and I couldn't ask for anything more in the world than to just to embrace and inspire as many of you as i can!