Tag: SL

PHOTOGRAPHY: An Interview with Liz Winterstorm

Liz Winterstorm has been in SL for 7 years and a member of Flickr photo community since 2013. Her artwork spans the sensual, the artistic, the abstract as well as whimsical, creating beautiful and unique color, light and shadows.

Seline: Hi, Liz! It’s so nice to meet you and spend time looking through your photographic work. The images you put together have a very unique feel and look to them. Where do you draw your inspiration from?

Liz: Hi, Seline! So nice to meet you, too. A lot of the time my mood of the moment comes into play, I can’t seem to take a picture that doesn’t fit with how I feel. I love poses so I put a lot of effort into finding a pose that represents how I feel and go from there.

Seline: What is one thing you wish you knew when you first started with SL photography?

Liz: Everything! Seriously… I’m completely self-taught and early on I found out I don’t have a lot of patience for learning, so I’ve never watched tutorials. I’m sure that could have gone a long way to making it easier. But a big one for me was derendering. How to simplify a scene by just making things go away.

Seline: Among your work, which is your favorite or means a great deal to you?

Liz: The one that means the most to me is ‘The Story of My Life.’ It’s a very personal photo and a special moment with Vrir.

Seline: Do you have any favorite Windlight settings?

Liz: I absolutely love windlights and I spend so much time searching for the right one for each scene. For me, it’s one of the most important parts of a photograph… along with the pose and the angle. I use the [TOR]Big Sun set of windlights a lot and [TOR]Sunrise, Chernoble is one of my favorites. I tend to use a lot of sunrise and sunset windlights. I like the glow a low sun can create.

Seline: What is the most interesting thing you have learned about yourself that you would not have known if it weren’t for SL?

Liz: I know a lot of people say that in Second Life you can be whoever you want to be, but what I’ve found is that it’s enabled me to be who I truly am. I’ve found a voice to express myself that I never would have if not for Second Life. Before I found SL I felt I had a creativity inside me but no way to let it out, and when I found SL and then started blogging I never thought photography would become a passion of mine. But it has.

Seline: What is your favorite thing to do in SL aside from photography?

Liz: The time spent with my partner, Vrir is always incredible and never seems long enough. But when he’s not in-world, I like taking in live music, particularly Jack Slade, who’s one of my favorites. I’ve recently started working for Elle Boutique, which I’m really excited about. I keep busy, bringing Elle coffee and rubbing her feet, plus I’ve been known to screw-up and make her life a little more difficult. Overall, it’s lots of fun! And of course, I’m on my pose stand a lot, just looking at myself.

Seline: What is the wildest, most insane, or weirdest thing you have ever seen in Second Life?

Liz: Hmm, wild, insane or weird… That can sum up any given day in SL. I know we’ve all seen a guy with his junk outside his pants so that’s almost mundane now. Early on in my SL, my sister and I put ourselves through a wood chipper. We laughed like crazy as our avatars were spewed out in chunks!

Seline: What does a perfect day or moment in SL look like for you?

Liz: The perfect moment for me has always been to sit looking out on a sunset, whether on a beach or somewhere flat with a big sky. The Hazardous sim comes to mind. I really miss that place. I’ve always enjoyed the serenity and peace a sunset can bring, in Second Life and real life.

Seline: And finally, how has TSFTG affected your SL?

Liz: At first, TSFTG was only a group on Flickr that I could post my photos to and keep up to date with other photographers, which I’ll add, is a really great group of photographers! Then I took in an event, which isn’t common for me, being an extreme introvert. I usually stay home and work. But, I ventured out to one of the exhibit openings and really liked the atmosphere. The art was incredible, but for me what’s more important is that I felt welcome and comfortable among the crowd. It’s great to meet some of the photographers that I’ve been following on Flickr for so long and being around creative people is always inspiring. To be a part of something that’s as accepting and encouraging as this group is, is important for me. I believe we’re all here to help lift each other up.

Fotobomb with Greg, June 2019

As I was out celebrating the US Memorial Day when I noticed Yoh Boa — one of our TSFTG members — dancing away. It was a great fotobomb opportunity seeing how his wife, DJ Avalon, was spinning tunes to the packed crowd. I took some time to catch up with Yoh as I crept up behind Avalon’s tip jar…

Greg: Yo, Yoh! (editor’s note: Greg totally got that from Angela) Nice to see you here on this fine Memorial Day!! Tell me, where are your favorite spots to take photos?

Yoh Boa: Well, I’m an old SL surf bum. I’m drawn to the ocean, so I love to take beach and surf photos. Avalon and I just did a blog and took some pictures at Kia Kaha.

Greg: That’s awesome – I saw a few of those photos on your Flickr page! What’s your favorite place to shop?

Yoh Boa: Other than Cabela’s? Oh, you mean in SL! I’m kind of a Cold Ash fan. Shopping may not be on my top 5 list in SL though 🙂

Greg: Haha of course. We’re guys! So when you have free time, what things do you like doing most?

Yoh Boa: Avalon and I have been building out a sim. It’s called “Mon Joli Cadeau.” Our vision is a classy place for couples in a Paris setting. We are also planning an art exhibit and gala for July. It’s been a blast! Avalon does most the creating, and I hold the toolbox and blueprints.

Greg: Sounds amazing! What else inspires you most in SL?

Yoh Boa: AVALON! I’ve been in SL for 12 years and most of that time lived a quiet surf life with close friends. I come from a technology background in RL so the graphics, photography, and creativity always intrigued me. Now that I have more time, and have an amazing creative wife, I am enjoying learning photography. I have a long way to go, but it’s been fun to learn.

Greg: Well, you’ve really come a long way. Those classes at FOCUS are paying off! Finally, how has TSFTG benefitted your SL?

Yoh Boa: We are both pretty new to TSFTG and have been introduced though DJ gigs. What a fun and nice group of people! Patrick and Angela are very warm and welcoming, and I think they model that for the rest of the group. Kindness is addicting and FOCUS is all about that. Greg: I couldn’t agree more! Thanks for your time and we look forward to seeing more of you at FOCUS and TSFTG events.

Greg: I couldn’t agree more! Thanks for your time and we look forward to seeing more of you at FOCUS and TSFTG events.

Something… with Tania de Rang – June, 2019

The new generation of Linden homes are already here and they are amazing! Available exclusively to premium members and located in a brand new continent called Bellisseria, these homes won’t disappoint you. Their release on May 15th included traditional homes and house boats across 384 regions. In just 48 hours, they were already claimed! But don’t worry if you are like me and couldn’t get a hold of one. More are yet to come in the near future, with even more options.

Nothing has survived the passing of time like the wonderful old “Vintage Village” on the Verdigris sim created by Oriolus Oliva. Immerse yourself in this Hungarian ambiance filled with fantastic details. Climb atop a working windmill overlooking The Centaurs’ Hall, or sit with a friend at Balaton Coffee Shop and watch the waterfall. Make sure you allow your profile photo to be displayed for a funny surprise!

Windlight is an atmospheric lighting and rendering system within SL and can be especially helpful to photographers to create stunning images and to capture different moods. But getting the settings right can be tricky at times. Fortunately we can borrow from Strawberrysingh, former #1 blogger in the SL community and currently working for Lindens Labs. On her website you can find lots of useful information as well as instructions on how to download her own windlight settings and some from other too. Enjoy!

Virtually Spiritual, June 2019

“Spirituality” was once a word that almost always referred to formal religion. Today, the term also refers to personal experiences of a transcendent dimension and the deepest values and meanings by which people live. Outside of organized religion, a spiritual belief can be in something beyond the observable world. Perhaps a belief in personal growth, a quest for the meaning of life, or encountering one’s inner self. Virtual spirituality? Same meaning.

In a virtual environment like SL, the opportunities for spiritual pursuits are limitless — as befits our nearly limitless environment. Spiritual organizations of every type abound, as do the opportunities for individual discovery. Some celebrate formally in groups and others just provide opportunity for individual thought and contemplation.

A celebration in June you will see observed in SL is the pagan celebration of Midsummer or “Litha.” The focus of this celebration is the power of the sun. The earth has warmed up and is pouring forth its bounty in crops, flowers, and general greening of the northern hemisphere. Days are longer, and nights are softer. There are many ways to celebrate this holiday, both formally and informally. Perhaps the best celebration is to spend some time enjoying the outdoors and connecting with nature, or — in our virtual world — visiting one of the many beautifully designed nature sims with a bit of imagination.

Spirit Pond Chrystal Mountain

Also in June is the new moon around June 3, and the full moon around June 17. New moons are traditionally a time for making wishes and plans for things we wish to manifest in the future. The full moon is a time of releasing whatever no longer serves us in our lives. This can mean anything from physical cleansing to letting go of old limiting beliefs. The June full moon is the Strawberry Moon and celebrates the sweetness of the ripening fruit and the fertility of our world, which makes it a good time to identify and release the things that are keeping ourselves from ripening or growing. Whatever your spiritual path, these markers — which occur every month — are just two of the ways our universe (if we listen) gently guides us to self-care and offers us an opportunity to grow.

Namaste (the divine in me sees and recognizes the divine in you).

Music Venue Review – NAP Club

Photography by Umshlanga Barbosa

NAP Club is a peaceful, tropical “place to snuggle or nap” according to owner Rogue DeLaRue. Maybe it is – sometimes. Other times it’s a fantastic live music venue like Monday, when – back to back – Loreen Aldrin and Wolfie Starfire appeared in front of a happy crowd. NAP Club deserves a lot of credit for bringing in top SL talents! Other upcoming live music include Agatha Knowles, Jesie Janick, and Zoree Jupiter. Busy place!

By the way, if you want to rent a sailboat or just lie in a hammock, you can do that too. When I dropped in a few days ago, Jim Croce’s “I Got A Name” was playing on the stream, so I laid down and looked up at the palm trees. Since I didn’t get bonked on the head by a single virtual coconut, I’ll probably be writing another review soon – after I get back from a month backpacking in Colorado. (My dang RL alt drags me everywhere with him!)

– Doc Nolan

MEMBERSHIP: DJ Avalon, June 2019

Avalon has become a staple at FOCUS events. If you don’t already know and love her, she’s the voice that sweetly asks you to remember to vote, or to visit the featured photographer’s exhibit in the gallery. She’s a dear friend and super DJ. And, here, we get to know her a little bit better!

Angela: As a DJ, you know what music you like. If you could have lunch with any musician from any era, who would it be?

Avalon: We may not agree on everything, but people can come together in our love of music. As it does for most people, music speaks to me and moves me. SL has given me an opportunity to enjoy and discover music. My first love is blues, but having to choose one artist to have lunch with seems impossible. So, music is about a party, and a party it shall be! I would bring together a GROOVE of musicians and throw a party, not a lunch! Wouldn’t it be amazing to have Mozart and Prince in the same room? Maybe even doing an impromptu jam session? Marilyn Manson said ““Music is the strongest form of magic.” The whole party would be MAGIC!

Angela: What do you enjoy being a DJ?

Avalon: The creativity of SL is key to why we all become so addicted! I have been a manager, hostess, owner, creator, decorator and a DJ. The ability to be creative is endless! In RL, I was a high school teacher and certainly spent many hours talking and sharing. Being a DJ in SL gives me the ability not only to share music, but to talk with people from all over the world and all walks of life. For me, the most significant aspect of being a DJ is the interaction with others. I love to get requests and dedications, and to share new music with others. I especially love being able to create a themed set for a party. DJing has been my favorite adventure in SL!

Angela: How did you learn about SL?

Avalon: I have asked so many people this question! I remember watching a C.S.I. episode in 2010. It was a re-run but it involved a murder in SL. The investigators created avatars and came in world to hunt down the murderer. I had never heard of virtual worlds before and it intrigued me, so I logged in. August 9, 2010 is my REZ day and I have been completely immersed ever since.

Angela: How did you first discover you had a talent for photography?

Avalon: I have always admired photographers in SL. I love to take pictures in RL and have several framed in my home. Taking pictures in SL is truly an art and has steep learning curve. I admire so many artists here and have only just begun my journey. I’m so grateful to those that share their secrets and ideas. The collective spirit of “I’m Too Sexy for this Group” has been refreshing. Often in SL, ventures are extremely competitive, so I appreciate the encouragement.

Angela: Do you have any favorite places to take pics or favorite windlights?

Avalon: The grid is your oyster! So many amazing places to explore,

“Congratulations!
Today is your day.
You’re off to Great Places!
You’re off and away!
You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself
any direction you choose.
You’re on your own. And you know what you know.
And YOU are the guy who’ll decide where to go.” ~ Dr. Seuss

I’ve been so blessed to have people send me places they found inspiring and I have been methodically trying to see them all. This world is exploding with potential! I love to try different windlights but need to keep better track of those I use the most. I wish there was a way to write on the back of the photo the settings I used!

Angela: What inspires you in SL?

Avalon: Other people inspire me! It’s the collective imaginations that catch my breath. A world where everything that exists is built by the users is amazing. What a delight to the senses, with never ending possibilities. So, creating is a great outlet for my imagination and it so relaxing. When I get into creating, I get lost in my imagination.

Angela: And lastly, how has TSFTG (Too Sexy for this Group) affected your SL?

Avalon: I was brought to the group through my good friend, Greg. I first met Angela and Patrick when they attended a disco party I was DJing, and they quickly invited me into their world. I have since then DJed several opening parties for their gallery and attended photography classes. I have also been blessed to meet so many others in the group and love the artistic sharing that happens every day. I am so excited to learn more and grow as a photographer.

Avalon DJ’s at most of FOCUS’ events, but you can also find her around the grid and, lately, at Big Daddy’s 80’s Club. Visit her at her SocialVR site.