Tag: photo

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!

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.

FOCUS Magazine – From the Editor, July 2019 Issue

Letter from the Editor

Happy July, all! This issue of FOCUS has been an interesting one to produce. I happen to be in the role of collecting all the pieces and parts that make this magazine a whole. This places me in a very fortunate position: I get to read everything first!

Not only do I read it, but I lay the articles and photos out so I pay a bit closer attention, and I get what I will describe as an “intimate view” of each raw article. I fix the misspellings and sometimes edit to make the words a bit clearer, or to shorten in order to fit on a page, but I’m tempted to leave the articles as I receive them. While I try to extract the humanness of their words in a genuine way, sometimes nothing can communicate another’s feelings but their own words, typos included.

This issue features very passionate and emotionally aware artists. They are interesting, sensitive people who we as a group can be proud of ourselves to call friends.

The first feature is Trisha Rose, a photographer who wears her heart on her sleeve. Even in the titles of her photos, like “Making Angels with a Friend” or What Bothers Me Most is… I Don’t Miss You,” the intent and message conveyed is crystal clear with heartfelt honesty.

Our Membership feature is Ladmilla. I’ve known her for some time, so I was surprised to learn I knew so little about her passion in her art. Then our live music feature is Kaleb Wolf Avedon, a deeply feeling artist in many ways. He explains his personal connection with music and what it means to him to share his talent.

Enjoy the issue!

Angela Thespian

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.

Fotobomb with Greg, March 2019

Doc and I both attended DJ Avalon’s Disco Party at Elysium. A bunch of folks from TSFTG were there doing dances like “the hustle,” and I struck up a conversation with Doc. Angie was shooting pics, so I took the opportunity to “photo bomb” him! He has some interesting outlooks and we had fun discussing TSFTG on the dance floor!

Greg: Where are your favorite spots to take photos?

Doc: I have an unusual technique. After more than 12 years of landmarking and forgetting why I did so, I sometimes zip around what I call ‘the cemetery’ and maybe after 30 or 40 places among my landmarks of long ago I hit gold. I wander around a ‘cool place’ just seeing what catches my eye, and then I zoom in like a primitive hunter out stalking. Snap, snap, snap.It’s a lot like my yearly adventures backpacking in Colorado.

Greg: What inspires you most in your SL?

Doc: Everything in SL inspires me. For me Second Life is more truly my first life. It’s my kind of crazy. If it offered the senses of touch, taste and smell, I’d leave RL without ever looking back. I’m not ‘on the market’ but talking with and understanding women in SL in depth is something I really find mind-expanding. My RL ‘conversations with ladies’ always seem to end in boring platitudes and superficiality. Not so in SL.

Greg: How has TSFTG benefited your SL?

Doc: What a list! I’ve broadened out meeting people (and I tend to be a one-on-one person so that’s new). I have been dragged – happily – into renewing my love affair with art and photography, begun when I was 9 or 10 years old. TSFTG has let me see new sides of people I know. I just love to be around people and learn about them. And once again, I’m in an orderly world (TSFTG) where I can find meaning and purpose. This group means a lot to me. It’s like arriving in a mountain mining town after days of solo hiking, and finding a sandwich shop that serves coffee.

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.

PHOTOGRAPHY: An Interview with Loegan and Rachel Magic

I’m so honored to speak with two wonderful and talented photographers, Rachel and Loegan Magic, for this issue of FOCUS Magazine. They are a beautiful and loving couple who inspire each other everyday to achieve such beauty and creativity within their stunning compositions. Rachel and Loegan share their lives, their love, and their artistry with us. And even more, they show us how Second Life can be – and is – so beautiful!

Patrick: Thank you so much, Rachel and Loegan, for inviting Angela and me into your home today! You have created an amazing place to take pictures as well as enjoy your time together! To begin, let’s have some fun, shall we?! Would you rather play with Lincoln Logs OR Legos, and why?

Rachel: Oh my, I’m not too sure what Lincoln Logs are – I’ll have to Google that, but I did LOVE playing with Legos as I always had fun putting things together and playing with all the colors. I guess that isn’t much of a surprise, as I love to create my pictures and build a theme, which is so much fun!

Loegan: Well, I do have a memory about Lincoln Logs: when I was in elementary school, I remember always coming back from recess, and wanting to play with them, but never seemed to get into the room fast enough, and other kids were already building their log houses! But, like Rachel, I too loved building, and in a way, what I do here in SL is a reflection of my love for creating fun, and meaningful scenes.

Patrick: What is your background and a bit about your life experiences that has influenced your artistic expressions?

Rachel: I am from Australia so when the rest of the world is sleeping, I am awake. I have always had an interest in photography and have done some photography courses years ago when I got my first SLR Cannon Camera. It was before everything became digital and it was a great learning experience on how to take RAW images without all the bells and whistles. But I have upgraded to a Nikon now and it’s very much a bells and whistles camera. I am spoiled RL to be able to be near the ocean and also have national parks close by to explore waterfalls and play with shutter speeds. This, I believe, has helped with taking pictures in Second Life when I play with windlight settings, also a big part is patience and waiting for objects to rez.

Loegan: I grew up in the United States – a child of the 70’s. I fell in love with film at an early age. I guess it started with Star Wars and as I grew older I started watching foreign film, Akira Kurosawa, Ingmar Bergman, Yasujirō Ozue etc. I got caught up with the visual aspects of it. I am a big David Lynch and Stanley Kubrick fan. You can watch their films with sound off and feel the emotions coming through. I love how in photography, like film, you can use framing, lighting, and composition to convey emotion. Film was my first introduction to this. I later went to school for television and radio production. I am also red/green color blind so I think that has had a huge impact on my photos. It also prevented me from getting into photography in RL. I thought it would hold me back but instead I think it just helped my develop a personal style. I am drawn towards monochrome or muted colors. I didn’t even realize that a lot of my photos had muted colors until it was pointed out to me. If I do a color photo, I usually have Rachel make sure my sky isn’t purple or some unusual color. 🙂

Patrick: What does your work aim to say?

Rachel: Well I take a variety of images, when it comes to my furry friends pictures, they are about fun and putting a smile on peoples faces, I generally just go with the flow and the theme grows. My pictures can be quite busy and involve the viewer looking at the whole picture and spotting little quirks within it. Loegan has been known to log on to a virtual zoo and zero prims left. I am lucky he is a patient man.

Loegan: I usually try to find emotion in what might be overlooked. A simple image, like a coat rack or a parked car – something you might see everyday but I try to pull emotion out of it. Sometimes a simple thing can bring back memories or conjure up emotions. That’s what I am usually going for…not sure I always succeed.

Patrick: Who are you biggest influences?

Rachel: Well, Loegan has been a big influence with my pictures. We collaborate on a daily basis. This involves screen-sharing. We offer each other advice, but also try and let each other’s work speak for itself. Earlier, I was influenced by the encouragement from friends like Jos Loll and DILLIGAF (M8TY). They opened the door to programs like Photoshop – which I am still trying to conquer – and the Anypose System. Also, being part of the Edge Galleries Exhibition for ‘Surreal’ and ‘Monochrome’ photos has also helped me explore other aspects of the creative side of taking pictures. Many thanks to Ladmilla for selecting me for that.

Loegan: Again, the filmmakers I mentioned have influenced me and I am a big fan of painters such as Andrew Wyeth, Edward Hopper, Van Gogh, and Monet. Of course other SL artists, like Rachel, inspire me everyday with the way they work. Rachel has amazing patience and pays great attention to detail. She has taught me to slow down a bit and pay attention to the details. Collaborating with Rachel has made me a better photographer and, on a personal level, I think it brings another level of closeness. We often share screens when we work and make suggestions to each other. When one watches someone work so often, it is bound to have a strong influence on them. We are pretty much obsessed with SL photography, and discuss it almost all the time!

It’s such a treat to experience a couple who share a passion for life. Rachel and Loegan are such a couple! Both are truly gifted in creativity and artistic design but, more importantly, their love inspires the other to excel into areas where they could never have reached alone.

– by Patrick Ireland

Fotobomb with Greg, April 2019

This month’s Fotobomb features one of our newest members, Metukah Lenroy, creator and owner of Foreverland, a Disney tribute park and fantasy land that spans over half a sim. Full disclosure: she’s also my sweetheart! Nevertheless, I was up to my stealth fotobombing ways when I happened upon her sunbathing in Agrabah! Here’s what Metukah had to say about her experiences in Second Life.

Greg: Where are your favorite spots to take photos?

Metukah: My favorite spots are actually right here at Foreverland like Aladdin’s palace, Snow White and the 7 dorks — oops, sorry! I mean dwarfs! And, nearby, the Disney Castle.

Greg: What are your favorite places to shop?

Metukah: COZI store for my house and land, and I love getting gacha items too. For clothes I love Scandalize, Blueberry, and Addams.

Greg: I’ll let readers know I did NOT pay you to say COZI. HA! Moving on… When you have free time, what things do you like doing most?

Metukah: There are two things I enjoy the most. The first is hanging out with my remarkable man. The second is to design and update my Disney park. I keep adding new scenes and making sure I keep it the happiest place on the Grid! I also make personalized tiles for park guests who order them. They are placed on the park’s floor. People can revisit them whenever they want. It is the best memorabilia ever! They not only get to commemorate their names (or their loved ones or pets), they also get a copy of the tile and can put it in their homes. It’s a lovely gift.

Greg: That does sound like a ton of fun! What inspires you most in SL?

Metukah: The creativity of people, and their ability to create so many different things that help make this world feel like a second life indeed. I’m also inspired by the goodness in people and would love to see more.

Greg: Last question…How has TSFTG benefited your SL?

Metukah: Well, it introduced me to the best man I have ever met on SL — MY man! I do enjoy the art forms on SL and hope to participate in the next photo contest with my sweetheart! (She means Greg :P)