Tag: flickr

PHOTOGRAPHY: An Interview with Doc Romano

“I ‘m a realist. I am indecisive at times, I make mistakes, I am out of control and at times hard to handle but I’m genuine and honest to a fault sometimes. I don’t give up easily, when I do then I’m done for good. I am stubborn, sarcastic, outspoken, very, very blunt.” – Doc Romano

Angela: Thank you for joining me for this interview, Doc! Jumping right in, what is the most important thing you’ve learned in SL so far? It can be philosophical or technical. Anything you wish.

Doc: That is quite easy, actually. The most important thing to me is to keep in mind that every avatar has a RL persona attached to it with RL views and talents, and all influenced by each individual’s experience. While SL is a game to some it can be – and is – a RL to others.

Angela: You have been taking photos in SL for many years. What has inspired you in the past and what inspires you now?

Doc: In the past when I first started taking photos, my inspiration came from my own land designing, making it look as real as possible and capturing it through my eyes, so to speak. Now, still much of the same but music and my thoughts at the time play a much bigger roll. Things going on in my RL sometimes or simply a much needed excursion to a destination sim will spark a thought or idea. I don’t have time to do my own landscaping anymore so that inspiration is gone! LOL

Angela: Do you have a routine you follow when you take pics?

Doc: Sometimes a song will prompt an idea but more times than not I will think of a song to join after the picture. And let me tell you, that has led to many photos not being posted. If I cannot match a song or a thought or quote with the feel of the picture, it may come back at a later date but often it is in a lifetime abyss folder! LOL! My favorite windlights are Jay Battlescars but I most always tweak them. As most people probably are, I am very picky in my lighting choices. I do use an editing program called Paint Shop Pro. I dislike Photo Shop.

Angela: If a new photographer were to ask you what is your secret for taking the photos you take, what are the top three things you would advise them to do?

Doc: First thing I would advise is create your own style first and foremost. Your style is what will set you apart from others. Secondly, have patience because without it you won’t have inspiration. And lastly, never be afraid to ask for help! A photographer should always be willing to share tips and tricks. No one can steal your style once you establish one of your own. Always remember where you came from – your beginnings and the ones who helped you along the way. Pay it forward.

Angela: Awww! Great answer!

Doc: One more thing I would advise is to join photo contests. They will improve your skills. Completions sometimes will challenge you but a lot of them are fun and have themes which, in turn, will feed thoughts and breed inspiration.

Angela: Great advice! Back tracking just a bit, what led you to begin taking photos in the first place? You joined SL in 2009 but didn’t open your Flickr until 2015. Did something happen to cause you to start sharing pics with others?

Doc: I just saw others taking pictures and started asking questions. Most things in the beginning were trial and error and youtube videos. I had an old Flickr in the past and an older Facebook too, so I had tinkered with them some before I actually established my permanent Flickr.

Angela: Do you recall any of the youtube videos? Did you have a favorite channel?

Doc: I never really watched one certain channel on youtube. Mainly, I would search for things related to SL photos, and then the editing which, at first, was quite overwelming!

Angela: So, Candlewood is a destination sim you began with your partner, Addy. Can you tell us how it got started and is there significance of the name Candlewood?

Doc: When I first met Addy, I quickly realized she had a talent for designing sims and always would encourage her to do it. In order for that to happen, we purchased a sim and she created a destination sim under a different name. Things changed in RL due to some health issues with my mother and we had to give that up for a while. Once I was able to come back more often, I promised to once again open a destination sim and Candlewood was born.

The name was inspired by a truly funny private joke about Motel 6. I dont recall the exact wording but it all boiled down to the saying “We’ll leave the light on for you.” So I was looking for something like “We’ll leave a candle burning for you.” It was quite funny and you hadda be there, I suppose. But… true story!

Angela: It’s a beautiful name! So the last question I ask everyone… what has the TSFTG group meant to you? Has this group “Too Sexy for This Group” affected you in any way? I know you haven’t really been around much lately to be a part of it but do you have any thoughts?

Doc: While I am not around much to partake in events, etc. I do follow what is going on in the group, participate whenever I can and read the magazine. I am impressed with how much the group has grown to much, much more than it was just a year ago. I’m also impressed with the help it provides for new photographers and experienced alike. For that, I certainly give huge props to you and all your staff that make all these super things possible. And if there is a reader out there who is a new photographer – or even an Oldie like myself – and not part of the group, then what the heck ya waiting for? Go hit that JOIN button!!

Angela: Aww! Thank you so much for your continued support, Doc! It’s been a pleasure to interview you. You are awesome!

PHOTOGRAPHY: An Interview with M8TY

“I know you are thinking, ‘now there’s a guy with a sexy accent who will pick me up, throw me on the bed, flip me onto all fours, pull my hair, grab the back of my neck, slap my ass.’ I am not that kind of man. Well maybe I am that kind of guy, but I am so much more than a hot piece of man meat, so back-off, missy! Lift your eyes up to my other head. I also have something between my ears.” – M8TY

Patrick: I can’t tell you how excited and honored I am to interview you as FOCUS Magazine’s feature artist! Your artwork has been so incredibly inspiring to me, as I know so many in Second Life and far reaching into real world digital design and art! You have a careful eye for details and creativity that so many younger artists hope to achieve. Thank you for spending a few minutes with us this evening.

Just so we can get to know you a little better, as is our tradition at FOCUS, let’s begin with fun icebreaker: Tell us about an embarrassing moment you had while on holiday – where were you and what happened?

M8ty: Well, not sure if I should admit this, but I was out camping and got caught short without toilet paper! It was a very awkward position to be in, and needless to say, the walk back to the camp felt funny wearing just one sock. [Editor’s Note: TMI! But now I can’t help but wonder if you left the sock behind or stuffed it in your pocket! Update: He said he left it in the woods! hehehe]

Patrick: Your art is quite expansive with genres that go far and wide into digital art! What leads you to make certain decisions about theme and composition? Where do most your ideas come from and do you have a favorite?

M8ty: Ideas come from the world around me, what I see, other people’s work, and different photography styles I have tried to replicate. And many ideas come from other creators in Second Life. I have friends who love gatchas and end up with freaky costumes and make ups, and I love incorporating these into my art works. I have even been known to ask people I see to model for me, and some do.

Patrick: Which artists do you enjoy, from real world artists to even musicians and authors that might have had strong influences on you and your work?

M8ty: When I was learning how to use photoshop, I came across a guy called Andrei Oprinca. He had some tutorials on YouTube, he also has a web site called PSD Box. I subscribed to his web site for a year, following his tutorials and adapting SL images in to them. Before I knew it, I was competent in Photoshop.

I use Deviant Art for stock images and like to look at the many collections they have there there. I found art by a guy called JUDAS Art and have tried to emulate his work. While nowhere near his standards, I managed to make some images that I am proud of. Some SL artists would be people like AyE | 4му and Skip Staheli. There are many.

Patrick: What excites you about the creative process the most?

M8ty: The ideas. Then the making of poses and building of props. Then trying something new.

Patrick: You use so many amazing techniques, from set design, poses, lighting, props, to post-production edits. What processes do you look forward to experimenting with?

M8ty: Very hard to say, I don’t always come up with new ideas for my art, but I do take a lot of commissions, so I try to produce what the customer wants.

Patrick: I’m really curious about this next question, as I was also recently asked, and it took me a few minutes to formulate a response. Why do you create? And, what need in you do you think it satisfies to create artwork?

M8ty: Hard one. Well, it is a good way to express feelings and emotions. One example of this is this piece I did after the death of my mother, called “Mourning.” (https://flic.kr/p/H5WqMo) Also, I like to do a pic for a friend or family member that captures something of character and personality as seen through my eyes. And I guess I would not be human if I did not admit that being told that your art is appreciated stokes your ego and brings pleasure.

Patrick: I’m really challenged with this simple phrase, and this is true from Second Life extending far into my Real Life: “Less is More!” Following that idea then, when do you know your work is done?

M8ty: This is so true, I often work on images with someone watching in Skype. I could spend a lot of time painting hair, for example, when all I need to do is paint a little for some effect and the result is as good. The live feedback has shown this to me, also if I find myself thinking what else, it is normally time to do my final adjustment layers and finish.

Patrick: If you can sit down with a new artist (raises my hand as 1st in line) and share with them a few pieces of advice, what you tell them?

M8ty: Don’t limit yourself. Keep trying new things. Work on new ideas. Look for YouTube tutorials. Search Deviant art. Study the images you like, and try and work out how they have been done. If you find that hard, reach out. There are many in SL and Facebook groups that are happy to help. I have started my own YouTube channel with tutorials specific to Second Life photoshopping. I am also a member of a Facebook page committed to helping people with Photoshop – Photography Help Tips & Tricks SL Edition. I would suggest all these things.

Patrick: How has “Too Sexy for This Group” influenced you? Have you met other artists and those who appreciate sharing their passions?

M8ty: I have worked with Rachel Magic trying to help her get started. She has come a long way, mostly credit to herself! I would love to work with any artist that reaches out with an idea that inspires me, I enjoy helping new artists hence my YouTube channel.

Patrick: Once again, M8ty, we’re thrilled to spend the time getting to know you and share your visionary work at FOCUS Gallery for August! Cheers, my friend and thank you!

Just for FUN!

FOCUS Magazine & Gallery now has a page on SocialVR.me, which is a network almost exactly like Facebook for avatars and businesses in SL. I’ve heard that Facebook doesn’t much like having avatars as part of their database and regularly has major sweeps of deletions, or disables things like Flickr-to-Facebook abilities. I presume their reasoning is that they want to compile (and sell) our RL photos and information, but if their information is impure because of avatars and aliases, they can’t guarantee to their clients that everyone who has an account in Facebook is a potential paying customer. Though there may be more to it than that.

The term “Social VR” means any virtual reality experience that is shared between two or more people. As people become more aware of SocialVR.me, this could potentially stand to rake in thousands of avatars from many different games. I don’t know a ton about it yet, but Athayus Quan is the founder and he personally invited me to join and create a page for FOCUS (after Avalon Bouvier-Boa introduced us).

So if you’d, like you can always visit us here at WordPress, join us on Facebook (for now) at https://www.facebook.com/FocusMagazineSL or on SocialVR.me at https://socialvr.me/FocusMagazineSL.

FOCUS is growing happily and getting more connected! Go figure! 😉

PHOTOGRAPHY: An Interview with Trisha Rose

“I know someday this adventure in SL will end for me. So when that day comes it will be really nice to have a way to look back and remember all the beautiful moments I had here and all the amazing people I have met and formed friendships with.” – Trisha Rose

Patrick: I’ve always enjoyed the joy you obviously have in Second Life photography, Trish! You seem to be connected to an inner spirit that transcends real life emotions to our digital world here, and so many that follow you enjoy your passions and love for life! I’d like to begin with an easy question so our FOCUS community can get to know the real you: As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up and why?

Trisha: This really takes me back to the past here. It was so many years ago now but I remember always wanting to fly – not a commercial airliner but fighter jets. I remember being about 7 or 8 and my mother taking me to air shows. The sound of them passing over and the maneuvers were just so breathtaking at that age. Then to top it off we had a rope swing out in the woods behind the house. A few friends and I would spend hours jumping from it into the creek. That 3 seconds of free-fall would feel like minutes of pure freedom. That dream of becoming a pilot lasted a few good years.

Patrick: What drew you to Second Life four plus years ago, and how has this digital world of ours brought you happiness in your real life?

Trisha: Such a good question. I was playing or exploring a world called Red Light Center for a few months. A few good friends from there told me about SL and how I should check it out. So I did, for two days. I couldn’t figure out how to add hair and became really frustrated. I was walking around bald for two full days watching a laser come out of my hands every time I pointed at something. I just hated SL so much at first. I still laugh thinking about how horrible I thought this was. Those same friends tried to help me but I couldn’t figure it all out. So I left, I went back to RLC for another month or two. Then they talked me into coming back to SL and really sitting down with it to explore. I’m really happy I did. SL has brought a lot of happiness into my RL on a daily basis. I have such a beautiful circle of friends here that I wouldn’t trade away for anything. The love and laughs we share is so special to me and I still wonder how I got so lucky to have crossed paths with them. I’m even friends with the ones who took me out of RLC. But I do question their friendship for putting me through the torture of walking around clueless for days!

Patrick: When taking a picture, what are motivations in creating your images? Do you find that RL experiences have influenced your work and design of your creations?

Trisha: My biggest motivator has to be emotions. Something emotional in my life will leave me searching for a way to express it, and even trying to work it out. Music also plays a large role. Some songs just randomly spark a memory or a image that I will try and capture. From there the wheels start turning. I will try and piece together a scene that can reflect on whats racing through my mind. Also the Flickr community is an amazing motivation. Everyday I open Flickr and I’m blown away by the imagination and beauty that is captured and shared there. The love and support they show to each other really helps to motivate everyone I believe.

Patrick: What does your work aim to say?

Trisha: Well, where to start with this one? I’m not sure. I really started taking pictures and still continue to take them for my own selfish desire to remember. To remember this adventure. I have watched so many people here in SL just poof and never come back. I’ve watched friendships that ended so sadly and suddenly. Also, on a positive side, so many good moments filled with love, laughs and friendships that blossomed. Those moments should never be forgotten. And with pictures, I can help keep them all tucked away. I know this adventure will end for me someday and when that day comes I will have a way to look back on all of this and feel all of those emotions once again. Kind of beautiful in a way and something I would like to hold onto. But will my pictures affect change in anyone other than myself? I would have to say most likely not. But if it does I hope it’s only for something positive.

Patrick: What are some of your favorite SIMs to take pictures and what are a few windlights you love the most?

Trisha: There might not be enough room to list all of them. There have been so many beautiful ones that are no longer around but for a short list I would have to say Elysion, Mother road, Mystical Fae Forest, and SSOC – Tokyo windhill City. So many to list here. I do find myself going to the destination guide often and searching for places there in the photogenic spots section. Windlights are my absolute favorite part of taking pictures. I could spend hours playing with them. A good starting point for me is [NB]-MistyDay-4pm. Then I can open the New Sky Preset and start to change colors and start moving slider bars. I seem to make the windlight for every picture, they’re all in the moment and different every time.

Patrick: And lastly, how has TSFTG influenced you?

Trisha: The group has been so wonderful to be a part of. Such a variety of artists who have always been so friendly and helpful. I love looking through the group on Flickr and seeing the pictures that are constantly being uploaded. Then you also have the events in world the group holds. Always so enjoyable as well. Giving everyone a chance to meet. The group has had a very significant influence, Not just on myself but I think everyone that has been involved over the time. Giving everyone a chance to share knowledge and ideas. I have had a chance to meet some amazing people through the group and would love to work with so many. It’s always such an honor for me to see them work their magic first hand.

PHOTO TOUR: French Country Manor

These pages are an excellent example of creativity and collaboration in Second Life. Della and Luc invited us to see their beautifully decorated home, Loegan Magic took stunningly masterful shots, and we at FOCUS laid it all out here to share with all of you. Enjoy!

PHOTOGRAPHY: An Interview with Sari

Sari (Sanrifa Resident) has been a member of Second Life since 2015 and a Flickr member since 2017. She is a RL artist who has a keen eye for beautiful landscapes, detail and sensuality. More, they show us how Second Life can be – and is – so beautiful!

Seline: How would you describe your style?

Sari: My style is a bit carefree, as I’m still learning with the digital editing process. Sometimes the photo tools of Firestorm are all I used in the beginning photos of my stream. I love trying to achieve detail, play of light and shadows, and it’s fun to try and depict that in a digital way, and I also think the digital art world has vastly improved my RL painting.

Seline: Do you have any favorite sims to visit for your landscapes?

Sari: I love all of Elvira Kytori sims (White Dune Estates), Neva River, Isle of May, Borneo, Bailey’s Norge to name a few.

Seline: From where would you say you draw inspiration?

Sari: I’d have to say mostly from my home as I live in a coastal area in the US. SL has inspired me on quite a few paintings I’ve done in RL also. I love the creativity the builders, creators, and landscapers bring to SL.

Seline: You have been in SL for three years this month. What brought you into SL?

Sari: Tabletop role-play that brought all this about. A close friend started talking about a role-playing community during a friendly get together.

Seline: Aside from photography what are some things you love to do while in-world?

Sari: Well when my guy is on that’s usually where I am. He’s a very close friend from my RP days, and we enjoy our time together. I am a woman… so second to that would be shopping, right?

Seline: And finally, what is one thing you would like readers to take from this about the art you create in SL?

Sari: In art, different things appeal to different people. It’s all in the eye of the beholder. But as most artists hope for, I hope it moves you, or makes you smile, or laugh, as an image that can evoke an emotional response is all any artist can hope for.

MEMBERSHIP: Focus on Kitten and Drevan Sinclair

Believe it or not, Kitten and DreVan Sinclair have been building even longer than they have been taking photos in SL! It’s their primary passion and, as DreVan says “the devil’s in the details.” Every build – including their current “city” build – is intricately designed and decorated. From large buildings to lamps, and chill spots to beauty shops – they have thought of everything! Patrick and I stopped by their home for a quick tour that turned into a fun evening event, and we still didn’t see it all! We were so impressed, we took the opportunity to have an impromptu interview for the March 2019 issue.

Angela: Well, first of all, you are an amazing building duo and as a couple you have created some incredible spaces together. How did you two even meet?

DreVan: Okay… how we met… It was at bloodlines east. I had just bought some new bites for my vampire hud and asked in local if anyone could help me with installing them and she messaged me. And then I ended up liegeing to her – which makes more sense if you are familiar with bloodlines and vampires here in SL. I ended up joining her clan under her. And there was something about her that I felt from the beginning.

Angela: So, I guess it was “love at first bite?” (Patrick groans in the background)

Kitten: I guess it was love at 1st bite. I love that! I think I’ll use it on a pic soon. Thanks!

Angela: You’re welcome! So, working so closely together do you ever disagree about the direction of a build? How do you plan out your builds and handle differing opinions?

DreVan: Kitten really matches my creativity. It’s almost scary! The difference is that she likes to focus on the inside. I’m into landscaping so it works out well.

Kitten: Yes, Drevan is more of the outside guy and I work more inside our builds. We do walk-thrus with each other and suggest different ideas. He’s got a little of this, I’ve got a little of that and somehow it all just works. But I’ll tell you, it’s not as easy as it sounds. We both have alts, so keeping up with who has what in which inventory isn’t easy!

DreVan: So true. But as far as differences and similarities, we are definitely on the latter. We hardly ever disagree on ideas of builds and that’s been the best part about it. Sure, we get annoyed from time to time with each other, but what couple doesn’t?

Kitten: Absolutely! We’ve had our rough times and we both thought it was over. But being apart from each other for a short time really brought us closer together. Things are different now – better. You have to learn from your experiences and pick your battles.

Angela: Have you had one build in particular that you felt was the most challenging or inspiring?

DreVan: I’d have to say that one time we made a “heaven and hell” where we built a platform the size of the land and had it about 500 M up. Kitten decorated heaven and I did hell. It was challenging but in the end was pretty awesome.

Angela: DreVan got hell?

Kitten: He CHOSE hell!

DreVan: I have more dark stuff than light in my closet.

Kitten: He is dark; I am light. That’s how we work!

Angela: What kinds of things inspire you?

Kitten: I’ve always been into taking pictures. Even as a child with a little 110 camera! I always had one with me. Then came digital cameras and cell phones and the internet and it just blew up from there.

DreVan: I was mentioning to Kitten about when Patrick did the last class. It was cool how he spoke about how well Doc’s pics have been coming along. This is one of the few groups that really seem to support the new folks as much as the vets.

Kitten: I’d like to say something to that, too. I would like to see a little more coming together from the photography community as a whole. Since I started my own Flickr group, I’ve noticed that people are SO choosy on who to post awards to. It seems only the most popular pictures get the faves and the awards. But there is beauty in all art. We all started somewhere, you know? So, if people would be more friendly and help each other out more, like this group does, it would be wonderful. So, thank you for always welcoming everyone into the group and making them feel part of the community.

Angela: Thank you for your kind words and for having us over!

Kitten: Y’all are welcome to come over anytime. Take all the pics you want! We put a lot of love into this. We hope to share with others because we SO enjoy it ourselves too.

Kitten and DreVan also create the scenes for most of the FOCUS events! You will be able to see their handiwork on the sim usually at the beginning and end of every month.

Kitten’s Korner – May 2019

Something I like to do, from time to time, is go to one of my favorite artist’s page on Flickr and look at the very 1st picture they posted. It’s fun to go through their photo-stream and see how far they’ve come. I’ve asked Ornella Batriani to be our re-creation focus for this issue.

Kitten: Thank you so much, Ornella, for agreeing to be the 1st to do this project with me. I just have a few questions for you. You posted your 1st pic on Flickr in November 2011. How did you get started with SL photography?

Ornella: I have always loved photography so since my arrival on SL I always had this desire to make photos but I lacked a lot of technique

Kitten: Did you have any mentors? Did you teach yourself to take pics?

Ornella: I never had a mentor, but it was when I discovered the photos that Bruno Kessel made that I wanted to do the same. Then I discovered Flickr and I wanted to make more elaborate photos too

Kitten: What tools do you use while taking your shots? (LumiPro, Anypose, etc)

Ornella: I work mainly with Lumipro, Anypose and sometimes Animare. For the viewers I use Firestorm or Black Dragon.

Kitten: What are some of your favorite windlights?

Ornella: I use the windlights of Firestorm a lot and I also downloaded some. My current preferences are Anan Adored Dusty, Firestorm phototools and some others but the list is long.

Kitten: Explain your post pic editing. What types of programs do you use? Any favorite filters?

Ornella: I work on my photos with Photoshop or Polarr editor. I adjust my lights and remove the defects with photoshop and for the filters I use those of Polarr editor which are quite well done.

Kitten: What advice would you give to someone who wanted to get started in SL photography or for those who want to progress with their current skills?

Ornella: If I had any advice to give it would be: have fun, take pleasure in doing what you do; the main thing is not to please others but to love your own work.

MEMBERSHIP: Focus on Umshlanga Barbosa

Don’t worry. You’re not the only one who has no idea how to pronounce his name. But don’t be fooled by his humble British charm. Underneath his shape-shifting, this guy is a Renaissance man, and we’re very fortunate he has taken a leading role in TSFTG and FOCUS Magazine & Gallery.

Angela: Hello Umshi and thank you for agreeing to be interviewed today, especially by ME! 🙂

Umshi: The privilage is all mine, thank you for asking.

Angela: We usually always start with an icebreaker question so here it goes: If you could have lunch with anyone in the world from any period of time, who would it be?

Umshi: My father. He passed away when I was 7 so I would like to get to know him.

Too Cool for Cats

Angela: Aww hugs! Great answer.

Umshi: Thank you.

Angela: So, you are a pretty prolific photographer in SL. What kinds of things inspire you?

Umshi: Mainly songs. I get inspired by the music – a line from a song or the title – and usually an image pops up in my head. I have to try and recreate using myself, surroundings, etc. made affordable by the wonders of SL.

Angela: You have been in SL since 2007, but only in Flickr since 2016. How did you get involved in SL photography to begin with?

Umshi: I was making avatar shapes and needed to advertise. A friend introduced me to Flickr and showed me the basics. I just enjoyed it so much that I don`t bother with the shapes anymore. I just taking pics and socialize.

Angela: In your 12 years in SL, what is a memory that stands out for you?

Umshi: Ha! Is this a PG magazine? Just kidding. 🙂 For 9-10 years all I did was build constantly. When I finished an epic build like a castle or a galleon and it`s all boxed-up in a rezzer and it pops-out with all your scripts working etc., that is a very satisfying moment.

Angela: So when you take a picture, do you have a routine?

Umshi: No. I do like to use all that’s available to me as and when its needed. I do shoot RAW also. It depends. Most shots 1 am using all windlights, camera tools, photo tools, and then I try to choose which appeals to me most. Sometimes, its the raw – the 1st shot. I dont have a favorite routine though but I do love B&W pics.

Angela: How did you learn about SL and what motivated you to join in 2007?

Umshi: I was on a train to London and someone left a glossy at my table. Inside was an article about a Chinese lady who was the 1st to make a million dollars from SL making clothes, I think. So I thought I needed to check that out., I’ve not quite made my 1st million yet though 🙂

Angela: If you could change something about SL, what would it be?

Umshi: The lagg monster. More powerful servers to make the game more slick. SL itself is about freedom to do what you want, be who you want to be – from the beautiful to the darker sides – so I`m all for live and let live. Whatever floats your boat in here. Let’s just get it working more smoothly please. Was working fine 12 years ago before broadband, so why are we still suffering in this day and age?

Technicolor Pachyderm

Angela: Is there anything you would like to say about the group?

Umshi: Just about groups like TSFTG. I love the fact people like yourself and Patrick lend yourselves wholly committed to help others, whether it`s showcasing someone’s art work or getting some more accomplished people together with enthusiasm, sharing knowledge, and helping others. I have been involved in the past in building schools similar and love what you two are doing here with regards to photography. Knowledge and experience should be shared to encourage others creativity. Thank you both for that. I know the hard work you both put in and also others within the group.

Angela: Thank you, Umshi!

Umshi: No, thank you!

Angela: My last question was going to be how TSFTG has affected your SL, but you seem to have answered that!

Umshi: Ohh hugely! Like a new family and new chapter in my SL journey. So many wonderful people here and the photography has been amazing to view in the Flickr group. Some really talented people here who`s work I greatly admire, But
even some of the newer members, the creativity inspires me to keep on clicking.

Angela: And you are a moderator for the TSFTG Flickr group! Do you have any other groups of your own?

Umshi: Yes, I have several. “You are Cordially Invited” which is a more selective artsy group – not for snapshots – and “Show Me Your Stuff” which is a free for all anything goes group.

Angela: Do you consider yourself an artist?

Umshi: A piss artist maybe. I sing, play several instruments and build guitars in RL.

Angela: Wow! You are a man of many talents! You are a luthier in RL?

Umshi: I am, clever lady. 🙂 I have have a proper job, but I luthier at home in my spare time. I have many guitars out there by nearly-made-it guitarists. No super stars but have repaired a few for some UK stars. Not whole builds. And I still play and sing like a strangled cat though.

Angela: I doubt that! Have you ever thought about singing in SL?

Umshi: Excuse my French “fk that!” I play okay on my own, but in front of an audience I suddenly seem to be wearing boxing gloves.

Angela: Hmm. So what kinds of guitars do you build?

Umshi: Lately I have been into Cigar Box guitars. They sound so freaking awesome to me. Very raw and basic.

Angela: That is just amazing! Thank you so much for this interview, my friend!

Umshi: Thank you for asking. Though I got washed and dressed for this. I thought it was in voice with a piccy at the side, like doing a phone call for a chat show! I could of stayed in my board shorts and string vest.

Angela: Aww, you mean Skype?

Umshi: I got a face for radio anyway. 😉

Kitten’s Korner – June 2019

Something I like to do, from time to time, is go to one of my favorite artist’s page on Flickr and look at the very 1st picture they posted. It’s fun to go through their photo-stream and see how far they’ve come. I’ve asked Lolita Paragorn to be our re-creation focus for this issue.

Kitten: Thank you, Lolita, for agreeing to this interview and project. I see your 1st pic on Flickr was posted in April 2012. Can you tell us a bit about it?

Lolita: With the new rules of Flickr, I deleted many pics, but I kept my old pics that are important to me. This pic in 2012, is a styling for my graduation from modeling school. I did this pic because it was important to post the look.

Kitten: Did you have any mentors? Or how did you teach yourself to take pics?

Lolita: No. All I do on SL I learned on my own, except modeling. For that, I can thank my friend Ondine. With photography, I learned slowly. I read books and watched YouTube. I have a few friends on SL and we share our knowledge.

Kitten: What inspires you to take photographs in SL?

Lolita: In SL, I’m a model on the runaway. When I started to learn modeling, it was necessary to do a blog to post all my stylings. Then some designer friends asked me to blog for them. It’s the beginning of my new goal on SL, my blog and my pics. But I think it’s the outfit that inspires me. Whatever the style, I try to find a good background and pose.

Kitten: What are some of your favorite windlights, photography tools in SL, and
editing programs?

Lolita: I use GIMP to edit my pics, for that I bought a book and watched many videos on YouTube. I use the Firestorm windlights and I don’t modify my pics a lot. I focus on the color of the outfits, skin, or eyes.

Kitten: What advice would you give to other photographers?

Lolita: For newbies, I would advise them to start with a simple background. Practice using the camera and zoom. As for editing, it’s important to keep the textures and colors. So I would say try not to depend on a lot of editing outside SL.