Mosaic Music Festival 2011 Feat. Razorback

It's bee a while since I last saw Razorback performed in Philippines. Seeing them in Singapore with their new line-up is surely exciting to watch. An amalgamation of Razorback and Wolfgang members. Manuel Legarda is not new to most of the hard-rocking Pinoys. He is well recognized as the lead guitarist of rock / metal band Wolfgang  and he's a very welcome addition to the new line-up of Razorback. They still rock hard, everything you'd expect from the band and more! I regularly go to Mosaic Music Festival every year especially when a favorite band is on their schedule. Usually I just go and listen but this time I really want to capture the rawness of the band so I took photos of them in action. You will definitely bang your head and move you feet to the classic songs like "Payaso" and "Giyang" - songs from the LA-105 FM era. Razorback just never fails to ROCK!!!

Razorback Live & Raw

The lighting is not that bad considering it's a free concert. I had the chance to get near the stage to shoot them with my trusted Nikon D700 equipped with a Nikon 70-200mm f2.8G VRII lens - a great combo for concert photography. It's important to know when to use a tele-zoom  or a wide-angle lens (e.i. Nikon 16-35mm f4G VR or Nikon 24-70mm f2.8G) on a concert. For me I use the wide to shoot the whole stage with all the band members in action, a wide worm's eye view or for crowd shots and the tele-zoom for tight (close to the action) individual shots. Timing is very important 'cause the lighting is constantly changing. If I need to travel light on a concert probably I'll just bring a fast (f1.4) fix prime lens but on this case I can shot whenever I please. I know that A flash would be helpful but be considerate to the band do not use flash photography on a rock/metal concert it's just not natural besides new camera bodies now a days are capable of performing in high ISO. Only use flash if the staff allows it (that I definitely doubt). I saw some people using a 70-200mm f2.8 lens still using flash. Not sure if their camera body is not capable of high ISO or they just don't know what to do. I will understand it if someone is using a kit lens with flash but a 70-200mm f2.8 on a hard rock concert with flash? Maybe it's just me I don't know. Utilize the light on the concert like I said earlier timing is important, move around to get the nice spot, what's the point of bringing your 24-70mm f2.8 or 70-200mm f2.8 lens if you just sit there. The bad thing is you'll just get the same angle of shot the whole time. Be more assertive, anticipate the situation, take control and don't forget to have a great time shooting.

All photos taken with Nikon D700 with Nikon 70-200mm f2.8G VRII except last photo with Nikon 16-35mm F4G VRII. No flash. You can view the complete series on My Flickr Photostream or My Deviantart Gallery. Any questions or suggestions you can email me at lordgyron @yahoo.com or krsigironella@gmail.com. Cheers!

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Baby Kirsten Jae on "The Cutest Baby Contest 2011"

One day at the office I received and email from my senior high schoolmate and asking me to vote for her son. I followed the instructions and voted. I replied "done" - informing her that I already voted. I went to the contest website of Little Pepo and saw the mechanics. Sounds interesting. I have no plan in sending Baby Kirsten Jae's photo but my wife insisted. I said I will but I won't get involved in any way. She agreed on our small talk and submitted Baby Kirsten Jae's Photo. After few minutes or so they already uploaded the photo of Kirsten Jae on Little Pepo Facebook page. I'm the first to vote. I informed my wife and start her campaign for the Cutest Baby Contest 2011. As I follow the progress of votes I was drawn to it by some invisible force, I can't resist the urge to promote my little angel. Now I know how it feels like to be a stage father. This will be an interesting and exciting game. If you'll read some comments you'll see that things are getting pretty hot on the parents side exchanging comments on how cute their babies are (love your own), different strategies and campaign. Let's all remember that this is only a game, not much is at stake here only a custom design t-shirt with the baby's name, top 3 babies will be features on Little Pepo's website and most important the parent's pride (priceless). All in all its an exciting game for the parents and a fun contest to participate in (even though the babies have no idea what the heck is going on).

Click "My Photo" to like.

Hi my name is Kirsten Jae Gironella. Your "Votes" will make me the cutest baby on Little Pepo. Please "Like" me. I promise to stay cute all the time. ;-)

Simple Steps:

1) Like "Little Pepo"

2) Then like "My Photo" 

3) Wish me luck!!! :-)

Thank you!!!

More of Baby Kirsten Jae's Cuteness (Cuteness is not a crime)

"Kae Approves"

This photo was taken at Universal Studios 

Singapore novelty shop.

Camera used: Nikon D700

Lens used: Nikon 16-35mm f4G VR

Exposure: 0.017 sec (1/60)

Aperture: f/4.0

Focal Length: 35 mm

ISO Speed: 3200

Exposure Bias: 0 EV

No Flash

"Tripple Action"

This photo was taken at Marina Bay Sands 

Singapore lounge.

Camera used: Nikon D700

Lens used: Nikon 50mm f1.4G

Exposure: 0.017 sec (1/60)

Aperture: f1.4 - Can you believe this? Still sharp at F1.4!

ISO Speed: 3200

Exposure Bias: 0 EV

No Flash

"Loads of Motherhood"

This photo was take at Marina Bay Sands

Singapore infinity pool side.

Camera used: Nikon D700

Lens used: Nikon 50mm f1.4G

Exposure: 0.017 sec (1/60)

Aperture: f1.4

ISO Speed: 3200

Exposure Bias: 0 EV

No Flash

"Kae on Red 01"

This photo was taken in our bedroom with

my Pello chair as background.

Camera used: Nikon D700

Lens used: Nikon 50mm f1.4G

Exposure: 1/100 sec

Aperture: f2.8

ISO Speed: 1000

Exposure Bias: 0 EV

No Flash

"K on Red 02"

This photo was taken in our bedroom with

my Pello chair as background.

Camera used: Nikon D700

Lens used: Nikon 50mm f1.4G

Exposure: 1/100 sec

Aperture: f2.8

ISO Speed: 1000

Exposure Bias: 0 EV

No Flash

"K on Red 03"

This photo was taken in our bedroom with

my Pello chair as background.

Camera used: Nikon D700

Lens used: Nikon 50mm f1.4G

Exposure: 1/100 sec

Aperture: f2.8

ISO Speed: 1000

Exposure Bias: 0 EV

No Flash

"K on Red 04"

This photo was taken in our bedroom with

my Pello chair as background.

Camera used: Nikon D700

Lens used: Nikon 50mm f1.4G

Exposure: 1/100 sec

Aperture: f2.8

ISO Speed: 1000

Exposure Bias: 0 EV

No Flash

View the complete album on my Flickr Photostream.

Thank you for liking "Kirsten Jae's Photo"!!!

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Deftones - Diamond Eyes Tour Singapore 2011

When I first saw the concert poster I almost peed  myself (yuck). My junior high heroes are performing in Singapore LIVE!!! I've been a fan since yeah high school (Jr. high) although my first Deftones album is "Around The Fur" I bought the "Adrenaline" album few months after. I have no means of buying the first album my allowance won't allow me. When I went to college I have enough allowance to buy CD's.  I found a copy of Adrenaline at CD Warehouse a record shop at Greenhills Manila and the price was ripped-off. I have no choice 'cause there's only one copy so I hid it behind the sucky albums. A week later went back "yup still there" so I bought it. I have all of their albums except the rarities album I still find it expensive (please don't call me cheapskate) that is how geeky I am. Been playing few of their riffs on my guitar but never manage to perform it on a live audience. On post college days I'm with a band that plays similar tunes but not exactly Deftones. I will not name the songs we've played that will reveal how corny we've been before. Moreno, Cunningham and Carpenter were skateboarders before they formed Deftones which is a good thing 'cause I myself is into extreme sports but not skateboards. Me and our vocalist are into BMX  so I can relate a bit on their history. It may not make sense to some but It make sense t o me. Before I post the photos here's a brief backgound of Deftones.

"The Altar"
Taken with Nikon D700 and Nikon 50mm F1.4G. No Flash
Shutter speed: 1/20, Aperture: f5.6, ISO Speed: 3200
Eposure Bias: 0EV

From Skaters to Deftones 

When Carpenter was 15 years old he was hit by a car while skateboarding. This left him confined to a wheelchair for several months. It was at this point that he began teaching himself guitar by playing along to bands such as Anthrax, Stormtroopers of Death and Metallica. It has been reported that the driver paid Carpenter a cash settlement that allowed the band to purchase equipment, but drummer Abe Cunningham commented in an interview that this was "a myth about how our band was started."

Carpenter, Moreno and Cunningham went to the same high school. They were childhood friends and remained friends through the skateboarding scene in Sacramento. When Moreno found out Carpenter played guitar, he set up a jam session with Cunningham and the three began playing regularly in Carpenter's garage circa 1989. After playing with several bassists, the band settled on Chi Cheng and recorded a four track demo soon after. Within two years the band began playing club shows and later expanded their playing territory to San Francisco and Los Angeles where they played shows alongside bands such as Korn.While closing for another band in L.A., after the majority of the audience had left, the band impressed a Maverick Records representative. They were soon after signed to the label after showcasing three of their songs for Freddy DeMann and Guy Oseary.

The name "Deftones" was created by Carpenter who wanted to pick "something that would just stand out but you know, not be all cheese-ball at the same time."Carpenter combined the hip hop slang term "def", which was used by artists he listened to such as LL Cool J and Public Enemy, with the suffix "-tones", which was a popular suffix among 50s bands whose music he also enjoyed (e.g. Dick Daleand the Deltones; The Quin-Tones, The Monotones, The Cleftones and The Harptones). Carpenter said the name is intentionally vague to reflect the band's tendency to not focus on just one style of music. - band history courtesy of Wikipedia

Members:

Stephen Carpenter - guitar
Chi Cheng - bass guitar, backing vocals (currently in a coma due to a tragic car accident)
Abe Cunningham - drums
Frank Delgado - keyboards, samples
Chino Moreno - vocals, guitar

Sergio Vega - bass guitar (session bass)

The Concert

16th February 2011 Concert time 8pm - It's a bit hard for me to take these photos because of the restriction of digital SLR in the concert. I was ask to stop taking photos by a bouncer (will discuss the details later) or else he have to drag me out. I did stop for a while then move on a different location and start shooting again. I would regret it if I did follow what the bouncer said but it's a risk I have to take. Remember to follow rules. Don't argue if you know you're wrong. Be extra nice to the bouncers they might let you shoot photos or even get your tees and CD's signed. Usually I inquire for press pass but unfortunately I was not granted so I shoot on stealth mode. I used Nikon D700 and Nikon 50mm f1.4G prime lens. How I wish I've brought my zooms but I have to make the best of what I got for the moment. I was also thinking that It's the lightest setup I can bring on a crowded concert. Stealthy? Not very much but that was my bad. I got carried away with Deftones hypnotic sound waves I was bangin' may head gently (while take photos)... did't notice the bouncer was behind me, grabbed my shoulder and ask me to stop taking photos. I told him everyone's doing why should I? He said just put the camera om my backpack let it stay there or else I'll be forced to leave. That's the whole story. 

All photos taken with Nikon D700 and Nikon 50mm f1.4G. No flash.

Veiw the complete series on  My Flickr Photostream

Deftones history - courtesy of Wikipedia

All Photos by: Kris Gironella (except "Deftones Fan Photo")

"Deftones Fan Photo"

Photo courtesy of LAMC Productions

Photo By: Aloysius Lim

View the official Deftones Diamond Eyes Tour photos here.

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Manny Librodo - Fashion Photography Workshop

Who is Manny Librodo?

I know little about his background but all I know is this guy started from humble beginnings. Grew up in Lambunao a small town in Philippines having only a point and shoot camera and few Airline magazines for inspiration this fella' manage to make it to be one of the best known photographers in the international scene. 

"Rosalinda"

Photo by: Manny Librodo

www.pbase.com/manny_librodo

One of my personal favorite is his Rosalinda series. He just captures her emotions and gives it back to you so hard your heart will stop beating for a moment. 

"Kharunisia Jazmin"

Photo by: Manny Librodo

www.pbase.com/manny_librodo

You'll probably see her (Kharu) on most of Manny Librodo's works. I don't know the deal with this two but If  I'm on his shoes I will definitely take her as my model and shoot her 24-7.  You just can't get enough of beautiful Kharu.

"Manny Librodo  In Action"

Photo by: Jay Jallorina

http://digitalphotographer.com.ph

Here are few of his photography achievements:

- Named by Scott Kelby as one of the world's FIVE BEST PHOTOGRAPHERS IN 2009 (that you probably haven't heard about)

- His photo of a little boy in Burma appeared in the cover of UNICEF's (Geneva) Wall Calendar 2009. A regular contributor to UNICEF since 2007 for their calendars, postcards and other items.

- Second Most Popular Photographer at www.dpchallenge.com

- His picture of Rosalinda was made as a poster of an International Music Festival in Poland.

- 22 Million hits is www.pbase.com

- has conducted workshops in many countries: US, Canada, Australia, Holland, UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Hongkong, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, etc.

- has won countless competitions online and on print. Three time Grand prize winner in www.beterphoto.com; Fisrt Place in Dusk til Dawn Category, POTY - Digital Camera Magazine; two-time Finalist Travel Photographer of the Year, TPOTY;

- endorser of Nikon Philippines, Columbia

-EPSON Pro - Epson Philippines

- He conducts one-on-one workshops in Bangkok Thailand (by request).

You can see most of his works at www.pbase.com/manny_librodo

Humble Words

“Initially, my love for photography was confined to just being a spectator of beauty. I like colors and patterns. I like displays of majesty and splendor. I like to experience unique cultures. All of these interests eventually led to travel and photography entered the mix merely as a means to document my journeys. At first I carried a simple point and shoot camera and always wanted to be in the picture myself. After all, how would friends and relatives know that I was there if I didn't appear in the photo? So I posed whenever, wherever and however” - Manny Librodo

The Ultimate Workshop

This is a highly anticipated workshop in Singapore organized by Xilver Claire Events. Manny Librodo joining force with Rocky Gathercole - this duo surely is unstoppable. International Haute Couture Designer - Rocky Gathercole will travel all the way from UAE and will bring along his spectacular wardrobes and unique fashion styling. This will be the first collaboration of  Manny Librodo and  Kharunisia Jazmin (fashion model) with Rocky. A must see workshop of the year. Hope to see you there!!!

References: achievements from www.pbase.com, humble words from www.digitalimagecafe.com

Workshop by: Xilver Claire Events

Poster Design Layout by: Kris Gironella

"Manny Librodo In Action" - courtesy of Jay Jallorina of http://digitalphotographer.com.ph

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