Sleep on T’rez…

Source – Hollywoodreporter.com

I still have a long way to go but I’m ready to take things to the next level in all aspects of my life. I’ve come to learn that photography is not just something I do, it is engraved in me. Its a part of me and who I am as a person. A close friend said it so clearly to me as I was explaining a photo I took in camera. “Only you can see that because your brain and eye works different than mine. I only know when i see the finish product so when you take the image out your head and put it on paper (print) I’ll understand”  That was like a light bulb in my mind. Only I can see the finished work. only I know what I want to capture, only I can bring that image from the intangible to the tangible world.  At that same point, something my photography mentor(Anthony ‘BigMo’ Morley) said to me a few years back finally made sense. He told me during one of our heart to heart conversations. “We are artist, we see the world differently light, colors, shapes, lines, motion… we don’t see what the average person sees so its up to us to capture that as best we can…” I am an artist and its in my nature to create art in the best way I know how – by writing with light The art of Photography.
I have been doing lots of restructuring and changing now that I have peace in my mind of who I am and what I am meant to do. So stay tuned there is much more to come as I go Pro.

Tuna Tartare

The other night, my boyfriend and I went out to celebrate the public relations internship I received. Woot Woot.

We had not visited Peacock Garden Cafe in a while and who can resist the charming contagious ambiance? They have been opened for one year now, and I find it quite bizarre that there are not mobs of people outside their restaurant all day, every day.

It’s undeniably the most romantic eating spot in town. I’m not sure if it’s the enchanting garden, the dimly light dining room or the pastel Bahamian colors that set the seductive scene.

People have even been married there!

I must confess that I was not going to blog about this place because, I worked there last summer as a waitress. However, they have an entirely new staff in-house so I can conduct a somewhat unbiased review. One thing that has not changed, which I hope never will is the madman mastermind behind it all, chef Oscar Del Rivero (I only say madmen because, it only defines how passionate he is about his business). This is not nearly his first rodeo. In addition to carefully creating the menu at Peacock he also has 2 success under his belt chef hat, like Jaguar and Talavera. Of course, these achievements would be nothing if it was not for the Jaguar Hospitality group. If you are a Miami foodie, this name should not sound archaic. Restaurateur, and partner of the group, Lalo Duarzo has only proven he can only create, innovative concepts for his widely, popular restaurants.

This group runs a tight shift and it obviously works since all of their other restaurants are winners. They take their staff members extremely seriously. During my training, I was required to memorize every ingredient in every dish and that was not including the daily specials. I even had to take a test! At the time I thought it was a tad ridiculous, but in the long run it helped me better describe dishes which, definitely sounded more appetizing. Also, it saved me when the conscious, food snob customers felt the need to quiz me on the menu. If someone had an allergy as well, this information was vital for me to know. Perhaps, the serious attitude is the reason why Jaguar Hospitality Group only develops victorious establishments. ..not so ridiculous after all.

Don’t worry, I don’t think the restaurant is haunted

Now, here is a little history lesson. Peacock Garden Cafe is named after the Peacock family. They were one of the first families to settle in Coconut Grove. According to Peacock’s website, the Peacocks moved into the area around 1870. The cafe has preserved not only the family but, also another early settler Eva Munroe. His grave is slightly hidden by the many ornate, elaborated, flowers right in front of the garden. My superstar, historian grandmother Arva Parks helped design this historic”sight”. Her theme was the history of the grove, and the inside walls are flooded with old photographs. The back dining room, named the Dinner Key, begins with the mangroves and picnic grounds, the story of the Dinner Key Naval Air Station, Pan American Airways AND the acquisition of the Pan Am Terminal and surrounding acreage and hangers by the City of Miami to eventually become City Hall. Not only can you feed your stomach here, but also your mind.

The Grove also happens to be the oldest neighborhood in Miami. The restaurant has honored the family by planting an abundant amount of beautiful, bright, colorful flowers resulting in the gorgeous landscape for this “hangout” cafe.

Guests have the option of sitting in the dining room or outside in the garden. You can even have the best of both worlds because, during the daytime if you sit inside by the a.c. (yes,please) the doors slide open so you can eat by the “flowerful patch.” There are also a few high speed fans outside. so you don’t melt onto your plate. The outdoor patio is the most ideal spot for any girly get together whether it’s for a celebration or just a sunny mimosa. They are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Are you planning a wedding rehearsal or giant party? The back Dinner Key room can accommodate large crowds for graduations, weddings, business luncheons…you name it, and you can speak to someone about special menus as well.

Enough of the small talk- let’s go onto my divine dinner.

My boyfriend and I arrived on a Wednesday night at about 8:30. The inside area was partly occupied and practically no one was sitting outside. We wanted to in the cool dining area at a candle lit table. After we sat down our waiter brushed by us and said he would be right with us. I noticed that the menu had more than a few additions and changes since I worked there. They added new Mac and Cheese Casseroles, Mussels, Corvina Ceviche, and Flatbreads. I was sad there were no more grilled artichokes with their creamy mayo based dip. However, they added tuna tartare so that made up for the loss. The drink menu still had their infamous Basil lemonade and sangria and popular Passionfruit Martini garnished with a chewy ginger candy.

Refreshing Basil Sangria

When our waiter introduced himself he was very upbeat and never stopped smiling throughout our entire meal. Right off the bat, I ordered the so necessary, signature basil sangria. The basil really adds a bitter freshness that counteracts with the sweet wine. My boyfriend ordered the Grayson Cellers Cabernet which was only $25 a bottle and very decent. Another Cabernet I recommend is the Louis Martini that ia a bit more expensive. A fabulous Chardonnay they offer is, the Sonoma Cutrer is a must for those heated summer days.

While we shortly waited for our drinks my date and I were arguing on how I was going to take the pictures. Ok, I HATE being the obnoxious camera flasher at dinners, especially in the secluded darkness. I find it incredibly, embarrassing and awkward. We agreed he could take the pictures so I don’t have to feel bothersome to my neighbors. Except, I did realize he is much more persnickety at taking photos than I. Even though, I should have this menu memorized I still did not know what I wanted. When I asked the waiter about the mussels (my boyfriend and I were both curious about) he said he always recommends them. He then shared the special of a fish casserole topped with a cheese gratin. It sounded delicious but, it was not that striking for me.

We started with the tuna tartare prepared too pretty to eat and an entrée of the mussels. The mussels were served in a heavy mini cast iron pot with some grilled bread for dipping. We also still had some hot bread that was brought over earlier. My boyfriend loves the bread there. I like it too, but I rather save room for the giant meal I had coming. I’ve had the tuna tartare before and it was just as good as I remembered. All of the flavors together form one match made in heaven. On top of the towering stack are the crunchy wontons,then the sweet, avocado sauce, as you travel down you get to the middle chunk full of fresh tuna seasoned with soy and sesame and last but not least, the underlying cucumbers in an acidic vinaigrette. This combination creates the perfect bite.

Mussels

My boyfriend and I (or maybe just me) are obsessed with George’s french style mussels so when this mini skillet arrived we were a bit thrown off. The mussels themselves were cooked thoroughly, and the broth was unlike any we ever tried. It was much lighter than your typical French creamy, sauce. Our waiter told us the broth was very simple yet, (clearly) flavorful. It consisted of white wine, a little butter, garlic, lots of fennel, giant cherry tomatoes, and earthy, tarragon. We could certainly taste the sweetness from the tomatoes and wine contrasting with the vague anise zing. This dish is very appropriate to have on the menu for those many Miami women watching her figure. It also isn’t heavy in the current blazing hot weather. However, we probably would not order this again. It was the same price of the mussels from George’s and half the size. They were tasty, but not that mind-blowing.

I knew I wanted an order of the Gravlax flatbread. Last summer, it was usually a special but I guess it became so demanding that the chef decided to make it permanent. I never heard of the word Gravlax before I worked here. It is a Scandinavian term for salt-cured salmon. When I explained the “gravlax” special to customers, I got more than a few raised eyebrows. The name sounds completely unattractive but, once you try it, the hideous title disappears. In addition to the bread, I kind of wanted a salad because, I love the way mixed greens cleanse my palette. Since, I could not make up my mind…yet again… my boyfriend ordered me the gravlax and greek salad with mahi mahi. He ordered the filet with asparagus. A different side suggestion I have is the crispy shoestring french fries, ask for the spicy aioli on the side for dipping. Caution: You may rollover in a food coma.

Winning Gravlax

Our gravlax came out first even though we wanted it to all come out simultaneously but, that did not stop us from sampling. We ordered the small flatbread which looked like a mini pizza for one. I was relieved it was not too large since I still had a salad coming. This dish is meant for an appetizer but, we love it too much to stay resistant. This amazing “pizza” is laced with smoked salmon, tomato, goat cheese, onions and lets not forget-you can’t have smoked salmon without capers. This is always worth ordering. If I came to this restaurant and had a glass of sangria and gravlax I would 110% exceed content. If you’re looking for a lazy pizza night, why not at least have this sophisticated flatbread? Get it to go and it will only cost you $12 and gladly feed 2.

After I attempted to grab another slice of the crispy salmon goodness, more food came out…good thing I ran that day…. The presentations of both our plates were spectacular. We would not expect anything less. The steak was cooked exactly to order and the side asparagus had the perfect crunch. It came with the best tasting chimichurri sauce I’ve ever had. I thought the jarred stuff was good but, I could sense the freshness from all the different herbs and of course the Italian side of me appreciates the garlicy touch. Ladies if you’re on a date, bring some gum. I didn’t care so much since my boyfriend was eating it too. We always share our food. If we didn’t I would mostly likely break up with him.

Greek Salad w/ Mahi Mahi

I could tell he did not seem too fond of me ordering a “salad.” But, people always have raved about their greek salad. It might be because, the chef adds a unique take and tosses in fresh, crunchy falafels. My salad was not dressed up too much, there were equal portions of the gorgeously giant cherry tomatoes, firm bell peppers, cooling cucumbers, acidic olives and salty feta. All of my falafels were eaten so quickly. When he tried my greek salad he was quite surprised that a salad can indeed taste that good. He never had falafel before, and after trying the chewy, fried chicpea he has a greater appreciation for it. The fritter was very earthy and seemed like it had thyme and undoubtedly parsley. My mahi mahi was my least favorite for the night. It wasn’t that it was dry, it was moist but there was no flavor. The little salsa verde on top, helped a little but, not enough to match my taste bud’s expectations. It was desperately screaming for seasoning.

Filet w/ Aspargus

No, our meal did not end there. We asked the waiter to bring out whichever chocolate desert they had. A slice of chocolate cake shortly arrived with a raspberry coulis and a dollop of whipped cream. Coulis is a fancy sounding name for sauce. The cake was as rich as I hoped and I could have eaten much more of the evidently homemade,whipped cream. It was a flawless ending. Our sweet teeth were wildly comfortable.

My only problem was that no one gave us the Spice Menu or even told us about it. The lovely manager reminded us about it, but this was after our dinner. Either way, I already viewed it online and was not tremendously, captivated. If I was a regular customer who has not seen it earlier, I definitely would have wanted to see it.

Chocolatey Chocolate Cake

Chef Oscar and The Jaguar Hospitality Group have done it again AND within the same block of another of their legacies, Jaguar. It’s not surprising that they don’t advertise for Peacock, and rather people hear it about from the ear. Perhaps this is a way to keep the effortless, engaging enviroment. The loud, large lines could possibly ruin this secluded atmosphere. However, either way on the weekends they are notably busy.

The menu is a bit pricey, though, this is a special, almost secretive, restaurant. Sometime it’s necessary to spend your time and money on one of the most enchanting evenings you can expose yourself to in Coconut Grove.

This is much more than your average outdoor patio eatery. This is unlike any garden you will ever visit. The entirely historical theme compliments the charming garden and elegant menu to a tee. It will impress anyone and every one. Peacock Garden Cafe is almost like the best kept secret in the Grove…at least for now.

• Located right next to Sunesta, under the BRIGHT orange awning (yes, people still claim to never notice it)
• Open for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Brunch on weekends till 2:30
• Giant parking lot is adjacent to the cafe, unless you miraculously find an empty spot on the street
• No, they do not validate parking ticket
• Don’t just have a quick snack here
• DO: Enjoy your surroundings and relax especially with a group of friends and a pitcher of Basil Sangria

Court documents show 31-year-old Wardell Hall and 23-year-old Rico Jerome Miller entered the pleas Thursday in West Palm Beach. They face a minimum of three years prison and a maximum of 10 years at sentencing in October.

Authorities say Miller brokered the trip with Hall for $2,400. The passengers attempting illegal U.S. entry were from Jamaica, Trinidad and Ecuador.

Passengers told investigators they boarded a boat in the Bahamas in April and were to be dropped off near Miami. Instead the boat became disabled east of the St. Lucie Inlet and was intercepted by a Coast Guard cutter. The boat eventually sank. No one was injured.

(© Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

Well, one thing no one can argue is their breathtaking, view and “chilled out” atmosphere. 

It’s weird that I never heard anything good about Monty’s  because, my mom and I ALWAYS eat and drink there during her visits(which is at least twice a year).  This bay-side restaurant is right on the water, has a convenient lot next door for FREE parking and there is much outdoor seating available.  As for the inside, they could easily, accommodate a small village.   Outside there are gazebos if you want some shade but, if you are looking to work on your tan, you are more than welcome to sit at one of the cabin like wooden tables in the blazing, sun.  They also, recently added a new bar with high top tables that are basically on the marina to provide customers with an even closer view of the water, which is totally,romantic for sunsets.  I guess they cannot be doing that bad. 

The vibe is extremely laid back.  One of the downsides to this is that sometimes the servers feel like they are just as much on vacation as their usual jet-setting clientele.  The service could be a little better, however our waitress was extremely sweet during our experience.  This place is ideal for anyone taking a beach, or boat break.  It is so casual here that 90% of the food is served on plastic plates or bowls.  I don’t find it bothersome because, I was after all wearing a cover up and just wanted a satisfying lunch after my long morning the beach. 

The perfect cure to a hangover or PAINful breakup

We walked above the little bridge into the outdoor entrance and were greeted by the bartender who told us to sit where ever we would like. There was no clear host, however one waitress guided us to a table and gave us menus when we sat down.  We felt super touristy since we were the only people sitting outside without shade hopeful of getting tan.  When our waitress asked us what we wanted to drink, we went for their house “pain removers.”  The name is pretty self explanatory.  After about 2 you’re as happy as a Katy Perry music video.  You have the option of ordering a pain remover from levels 1-3 (according to how much pain you are in).  We went for the level 2 because, we are champions and my mom was on vacation…and I felt like I was too.  It is the most appropriate choice for anyone who wants a refreshing, summer drink.  The pleasant thing about this drink is that it was not too sweet, like most sinfully delicious cocktails.  Pain removers contain rum, cream of coconut, pineapple and orange juice on ice in 16oz. cups.  I don’t think anyone could be in pain after 2 or 3 of these..not even Kurt Cobain (love ya man).

This menu is your typical, every day, American seafood joint.  Unfortunately, these standard seafood places feel the need to cater to every boring, standard palette so they naturally offer, overly fried crud like mozzarella sticks, and  popcorn shrimp and of course irresistible American favorites, like addicting  jalapeno poppers,buffalo wing and nachos.  Their menu is almost as large as the textbook at Cheesecake Factory. Dishes vary from BBQ classics and Hot Dogs to Philly Cheese Steak Sandwiches and Taco Salads…that just seems awkward to me.   Since my mom and I are practically pescatarians we were more interested in their seafood and no, I do not consider dolphin fingers as seafood. I’m talking about the REAL  fish, like the creatures that actually, taste like their ocean homeland. 

They came and we conquered

We unable to make it to the Bahamas this summer, so we felt obligated to order our favorite treat Conch Fritters (what a great excuse to indulge into these fried snacks).  Perhaps, if we closed our eyes while biting into the conch maybe we could teleport to Harbour Island….it did not work, but the taste reminded us of our precious, memories we have on that Island.   I have tried A LOT of these fritters, hoping I can find one similar to the ones in the Bahamas and I am pleased to announce that Monty’s is the winner.  I mean it’s no homemade, off the boat, out of the pretty pink shell, Habour Island conch but, it’s pretty damn close.  They were not over fried and BLACK like many I have received.  Instead, they were attractively, crunchy and moist full of familiar Bahamian spices like the essential thyme many fritters often, forget.  They came with a yummy, tartare and cocktail sauce.  I never really eat cocktail sauce unless it’s with shrimp.  With my Conch fritters I find the creamy dips much more complimentary (in the Bahamas they are typically served with a spicy mayo sauce).  Yes, I obviously added tabasco to the tartare sauce but, in my opinion it DID need it.  The appetizer came with about 7 or 8 and we ate them all…but after all I was on vacation with my mom….kind of…

A girl’s best friend

We then ordered half a dozen Oysters and an appetizer portion of Stone Crabs (4).  The Stone Crabs are explained on the menu as Floridian and fresh however, my most anticipated  time of the year is currently on hold SO don’t be fooled by the “fresh” description .  By “fresh” I am assuming they mean “freshly frozen.”  They came with the oh so necessary velvety mustard sauce and melted butter but, like I said before, I am super into creamy sauces.   Mustard sauce on Stone Crabs are the icing on the cake.  Also, our drinks were running low so it was only valid for us to order another round.. you guys did not want me to melt out there ..right?   I do remember our food taking much longer in the past, because I was extremely,surprised on how timely our chilled plates arrived.  By chilled,  I mean the ice on the plastic plates…not actually chilled plates.  Remember, this is not Joe’s Stone Crab.    mmm….Joe’s….

My mom and I were thrilled with the outcome of our lunch.  We were in such awe of the oysters that we even ordered another half-dozen!  Who can resist a genuinely delectable low-calorie cooling dish on a dazzling, heated day? ? I don’t know if it was because, the chilling aphrodisiac felt so refreshing or if it was the fact that these “zincy” pearls are like no calories and go down super smoothly well.  We later found out that they were from Apalachicola.   My mother liked these much better than the blue points she is used to eating at her home in Long Island.  When the waitress came to retrieve our completely, cleared plates our satisfied stomachs refused desert (so you know I must have been full)  even though she did rave about the Key Lime Pie…which I am intrigued to try since I make a bomb diggity version myself. 

Our first of two rounds of oysters

All in all I very much enjoyed my time there.  We could tell it was surely a touristy spot but, I think more locals need to head over and at least order from the raw bar.  I even brought my boyfriend a grilled Dolphin Sandwich to go, and he said it awesome-which means a lot since, him and I are becoming like Alex Guarnaschelli on Chopped.  The only complaint I have is during our meal, when I asked the waitress for the carry out order a busser brought it over but, it was served in the “in-house” basket.  When I told him I asked for it to go, he seemed extremely agitated.  He did not say one word or explained anything he brought over the 3 different times he brought food over.  I finally received the order in a box to go, about 7 minutes later.  I am unsure why it took so long to simply empty the basket into a box while there were not that many other customers.  He definitely needed to change his attitude, customers should not have to feel like a burden.

My suggestion to Grove locals is to give this place a try, especially for their top rated Happy Hour. 

Every one deserves a second chance.

Alex thinks you should know:

• There is a super trendy location in South Beach-with a pool
• They have live music-Contact them about times
• Miami New Times rated the Coconut Grove Happy Hour as one of the best in Miami (M-F 4-8)
• The unbeatable HH has not only 1/2 off drinks, but $1 oysters, shrimps, clams & $3 stone crabs!!!! If that does not sell you, you are one hell of a prima donna

One type that is close to my heart is the Bahamian spin on this classic. 

Now, I know what you’re thinking a hot island sun and elbows with cheese?  How does that go together? 

Honestly, I have no frekin’ idea. 

Ever since I can remember, I’ve been traveling to Harbour Island since I could say, foi gras. There is this one restaurant called, Percy’s (no longer there) my family and I visited. We all loved going to Percy’s because, it was like eating at your neighbor’s house.  The staff always remember us all, and treated us like family (however, not with the bill).  It was not as fancy as The Rockhouse, with their exquisite, thai stone crab and lobster rolls or The Dunmore beach club, featuring a more than irresistible, corn soup.  They only offered Bahamian traditional, novelties such as potato salad, coleslaw, peas and rice, johnny-cake (almost like cornbread but sweeter) and of course mac and cheese.  Not so different from barbeques in America….

When my uncle chef Rob lived on the enchanting island he had the liberty of finding out the proper way in preparing the native dish.  One major difference between the American and Bahamian way is they bake theirs and it has a spicy kick.   He made this the other night for my family and I.  Then, I immediately entered a food coma full of happy dreams. 

This recipe was cooked in a large casserole dish and can serve up to 10 people, but the dish is dangerously, delectable.  I am warning you, you will want seconds.  Also, Rob does not measure so you are going to have to work with me on this one. 

Robbie used:

1. 1 -1 and 1/2 cups of minced green pepper, celery and onion all combined
2. 1 can of evaporated milk, not condensed or regular
3. 4 cups of shredded cheddar cheese….yes it is completely necessary and totally worth the calories
4. Butter to grease your casserole dish with
5. Pasta….use elbow, penne, bow tie… whatever strikes your fancy…I happen to prefer the curly cavatappi
6. Salt and pepper to taste

It tastes as good as it looks

My uncle grilled me when I did it, but yes I had to add a little truffle oil on top.  I know I am a sucker. 

1. Get a casserole/baking/some sort of cooking dish and butter it all around. 
2. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. 
3. Get your water boiling and once it is boiled add your pasta. 
4. Cook until it is al dente since you also will be baking it.  No one wants to eat soggy noodles.
5. After you drain it, add the pasta back into the same pot. 
6. Add in the minced veggies, milk, salt, pepper and 3 1/2 cups of cheese. 
7. When it is all incorporated throw it into the baking dish and use the other 1/2 c. of cheese and sprinkle it on top of the oh so oozing cheesy, masterpiece.   
8. Bake until it is golden brown or however you want it.  This will take at least 15 minutes. 
    
   *Please do not eat the whole thing by yourself…I know you will want to but, you might have a belly that has doubled in size the day after.  Trust me, I almost have.
    
   I know, this dish sounds completely uncomplicated without any dramatic flavors and I am saying this because, I am obsessed with spices and probably over spice everything.   I was baffled when my uncle did not put in paprika, garlic or even parsley.  That might be why this is so good, there are no whimsical spices or hidden secrets.  It is a very upfront, easy recipe that almost sounds boring but, when you bite into it all the flavors are clearly there.  And this is even another one pot wonder. 
    
   This is a great dish to have already made to bring to parties since, you can make it ahead and just bake it before you are ready to serve. 
   When you cut into this dish they are little squares so, they are also perfect for an appetizer as well.  It is perfect for a side dish at barbeques. 
   Ladies, if you are suffering from a broken heart or PMS you cannot pass this recipe up. 
    
   Toss away that awkwardly orange, plady-doh in that Velvetta package. 
   Say goodbye to Kraft because, you are going to make an extremely, economical, edible craft. 
   Create this Bahamian Mac ‘n’ Cheese and feel warm and fuzzy inside. 
    

San Salvador Island provides a tropical getaway at its Club Med Resort, also known as Columbus Isle. This island in the Bahamas Archipelago, on the Atlantic coast is right in the heart of the beautiful Caribbean.

Columbus Isle is a hotspot for travelers of all kinds. Whether you prefer guided tours through caves, snorkeling, exploring the island on mopeds, or simply soaking up the sun on the beach with your sweetheart, Columbus Isle is sure to keep you satisfied.

This chic bungalow-style resort is perfect for romance and carefree fun. There are restaurants and bars located right in the resort, making it convenient to dine well.

Club Med is well known as a scuba diving destination. It has many breathtaking white sandy beaches. Be sure to try some local conch fritters and conch salad while on the island! Take a break from a hectic lifestyle to lay back and relish in the ultimate relaxation from massages given while facing the sea.

With this supreme Bahamian getaway to San Salvador Island, experience a laid-back and revitalizing vacation!

Don’t forget to check out our FACEBOOK page and subscribe to the blog. We really appreciate it!

“THE IMPULSE TO BE ELYTE LIES WITHIN SOCIETY.”

Freshly served, Bahamian Peas-n-Rice, a side of broccoli and carrots – vegetable medley, complemented by a moist corn on the cob to seal the deal!

Blackberry Torch

40″ silver reflector

Willing model – Treymaine

Blackberry App – Photo Studio Editor

Ive seen on the web where persons were making the Iphone all the rage doing their photo shoots in studio outdoors and using instagram to upload edit and share their photos. My thought was so if I don’t have an Iphone I cant have fun with my camera phone? Hell to the No… I could do that and I could make it look good as well.   The Blackberry Torch comes with a 5mega pixel camera that amazingly has an interesting flash installed. The Iphone 4 also has 5mp while the Iphone 4s has 6mp.  Things were looking up for this shoot.

I called up a fellow photographer Natasha Wallace who has helped me on a few off the path photo shoots before and asked her to borrow one of her friends as a model. Well she brought her niece Treymaine who was more than willing to be my test subject. Once those arrangements were made, it was off to the coast line to get as much light as I can for this shoot.

Now I know the biggest issue would be lighting, since the Torch does not allow me to adjust aperture and shutter speed I’m basically stuck with what ever options are built into the phone its self. Those options are not so bad, with options such as: Auto, Face detection, portrait, sports, landscape,party, close up, beach, night and Text built into the phone.  I first tried Face detection with my model’s back to the sun and it didn’t work so well as the background went completely white duh it exposed for the brightest thing in the viewfinder/screen. Then I tried Portrait mode which was a little better but not what I wanted so I decided to go with Close-Up which maximized details while maintaining a certain level of color in the background.

The next issue was to get as much light on my model’s face as possible. Well in theory it made sense to use a reflector but it was an overcast day which actually soften the light making it hard to get enough light on my subject. To make matters worse as strong as the flash is, it was just not enough to properly light my subjects face but it did add a great specular highlight in her eyes.  This was the main reason for choosing a spot on the beach, I was hoping the sun along with light reflection from the sand and water along with the silver reflector would give me enough light in any direction I placed my subject.

My lucky break came as I was trying to figure out the best way to make this shoot work I did have in mind of turning her to face the sun but that would be more for her full body shots. All of a sudden the skies just opened up for me, I felt the heat on my skin and knew the sun was out. So we set up again and I started shooting.

My reasoning for this shoot was only to see if its possible to do it and get usable images from a camera phone.  There are obvious drawbacks such as resolution, noise, and the inability to soften the background. This thing keeps everything in sharp focus in any mode, now that I have tried a few things and see how the camera phone works I think that my official Blackberry shoot will be a little different.

After the first set up I decided to use the sun as my main light.  Being on the beach made my scenery a little awkward for full body shots so I continued with a few head shots first shooting down on my subject and since the sun was blazing now I used the reflector as a diffuser to soften the direct sun light. After a series of those shots I wanted a few full body shots with direct sun, so using what was in the area I used the greenery of the shrubs on the beach as a backdrop. Not the best background but that wasn’t the point, remember this was just a test photo shoot.  I have to say that 5mp isn’t all that bad however the Blackberry Torch does add a TON of NOISE to an image, I mean a TON. It was ridiculous the amount of noise in each photo. At a small size the noise is not that noticeable but as you look at the image carefully you tend to notice the flaws a whole lot more.

After I was satisfied I got my DSLR and we had some fun taking a few more shots, since we were already on location.

At home I used software that I downloaded from the blackberry App World, Photo Studio Editor,  and edited the photos in phone. Its a basic software with upgrades but I decided to work with what I had the basic portion of the software.

Take a look at the final images and you decide…can a photo shoot be taken with just a blackberry camera phone a reflector and blackberry photo imaging software?  Oh and three official photos taken with my DSLR.

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Not my usual style of shooting, but I did however have fun. It was a bit challenging and I kinda liked that.  Anyway thanks again to my assistant and model finder Natasha Wallace, view her abstract work on facebook at Mariposa Fine Art Photography her friend Raquel for her assistance as well and my victim…eh emmm model Treymaine.

]]> http://theflostudio.wordpress.com/2012/05/24/she-sees-through-bahamian-eyes/ Thu, 24 May 2012 15:22:59 +0000 the flo studio http://theflostudio.wordpress.com/2012/05/24/she-sees-through-bahamian-eyes/ Everyone sees through their own eyes with their own unique perspective.
Determined by where they are from, past experiences, things they have endured, seen, been a part of, culture, upbringing, family, society, things that make them uniquely them. We have to learn to appreciate everyones perspective… even the ones we don’t understand. Then we can truly learn from one another.

“Ya see! He was ah insurance agent… AIN NO MONEY IN DAT!” X___x ROFLMAO!

My definition of culture is greatly influenced by the place where I grew up. It consists of a culture where the people have a laid back attitude that is as cool as the ocean zephyr that travels from the crystal clear aquamarine waters along the golden sandy beaches. These people demonstrate an immeasurable hospitality and kindness towards others even if they are total strangers. Culture consists of sultry and mouthwatering Sunday afternoon dinners immediately following a church service comprised of peas ‘n’ rice, macaroni, grouper fingers, minced lobster, plantains, and guava duff for desert. Culture entails traditions like “Junkanoo” (if you haven’t seen it in person; you should) a celebration held on New Years and the day after Christmas (Boxing Day). These celebrations combine pulsating music, costumes designed from an explosion of riveting colors, and dance to form a masterpiece that rivals that of Michelangelo’s painting of the 16^th chapel or the Mona Lisa. This is just a mere snapshot of the culture of a people proud of their heritage, The Bahamian People.

“The crucial differences which distinguish human societies and human beings are not biological. They are cultural.” -Ruth Benedict

We live in a globalized world. We encounter individuals from different cultures every day of our lives. When given the opportunity immerse yourself in a different culture. Take on sponge-like properties and soak up as much knowledge as you can!

An avid understanding of an individual’s culture can help your cherry tree of life blossom with new relationships!

Comments are welcomed

Reblogged from :

Andrew Burrows, Bahamian Citizen since 1970

For years, the FNM coasted on the idea that the Bahamian public would have no issue with them being a one man band with all instruments being played by Hubert Ingraham. When there were pundits brave enough to look at their situation, the warning was clear. Hubert Ingraham would be a liability to any organization hoping to remain relevant beyond the next ten years.

But to little avail, the FNM carried on as if Ingraham had some secret key to Ponce de Leon’s mythic fountain of youth and would not be aging or fading any time soon. And who could argue with them on this view? After many had considered Ingraham past his prime, he shocked nobody except Tommy Turnquest and took the FNM over and eventually to victory in 2007.

Where they went wrong was in assuming that Ingraham had one more run left in him and worse, that the Bahamian people would buy into his self created cult of personality where “no one” was “greater” than he in the FNM and that he was “simply the best.” Where they went wrong was in assuming that the red gas had gotten to the rest of the nation and that Ingraham’s reckless, some say corrupt, spending and constant put down of the Bahamian people would be forgotten once the tee shirts, pom poms and rallies started. What they didn’t calculate on was that the Progressive Liberal Party would pose a credible alternative to the FNM with its leading message being a believe in the Bahamian people.

There is little doubt the FNM screwed up too many times to count in the campaign. Attacking the PLP’s plan to double the investment in education was not a smart move. Attacking Dame Marguerite Pindling was another idiotic move. Spitting on Bernadette Christie didn’t go over well either but the real reason they lost was because of their arrogance and hubris toward the Bahamian people. They were pissing on the heads of the electorate and telling them to dance in the rain.

Now the FNM has lost and lost miserably. Ingraham is out and his lasting legacy will have to include being dethroned by the man he called “wutless” in such a spectacular fashion. Christie beat Ingraham at every turn and indisputably and he and his followers know it. That is why they are punch drunk over what happened and are grasping at anything they can find to deflect from the real story.

Many would say the FNM had a 60 something year old hard drinking cigarette smoking bigot got his business fixed and now that party is left without a leader, or anything resembling hopeful leadership. The FNM will not have an easy go of it if Christie’s administration holds true to its campaign promises. In fact, its looking more and more like the long and lonely days of wandering in the political wilderness of Bahamian politics is in that party’s immediate future. Consider who is left to fill the void and you will appreciate why “no one is greater” and “simply the best” were warning signs that when Ingraham’s relevance had expired, so too would the FNMs.

They foolishly traded long term viability for a win now strategy and have no one to blame but themselves.  Its going to be one difficult five years for them that may possibly stretch to ten if they don’t show they’ve changed.

This little restaurant could be anywhere off the Bahamian roads and you could not tell if it was in the Bahamas or Central Florida.

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Perched on Old Winter Garden Rd, between Kirkman Rd. and Hiawassee Rd. sits this quaint little place. I just wondered in to see what was inside. To my delight there was a cheerful young lady behind a counter who greeted me immediately. As I looked around it was evident that this was more of a restaurant than grocery store.  The extent of grocery was a few items on one shelf. There was also drinks in a cooler and Bahamian tee shirts.

Standing at the little counter you get the feeling of island nostalgia. There are coconut thrushes, palm leaves, bright colors, swaying Caribbean music, and Bahamian hospitality. I almost wanted to pull up a seat at the bar and order a rum drink with a fruity umbrella.  Not sure if they have rum, but there is Bahamian Kalik Beer, Goombay Punch, and the house’s very own drinks.

Mel, the very kind and gracious owner, makes and bottles her own drinks. She makes Switcher, which is made from limes and sugar; Peach Tea, peach and sugar; and a combination of Switcher and Peach Tea. I tried the combo. It is a very delicate balance of sweet and sour with hints of peach. A marvelous combination. Locally sourced and made, can’t beat that.

The menu is not extravagant. There is fish, chicken, pork, conch, and beef prepared a couple of ways; a few sides, patties, a couple of Bahamian Conch Specialities, desserts and soft drinks. But the smell coming out of the kitchen was very hearty.

I was tempted to get a conch dish. But the Curry Goat called my name. The difference between Bahamian Curry and Indian Curry was evident the minute I took a look a this dish. The heavy Indian flavors of masala were absent. But the very fragrant Whole All Spice, Sprigs of Thyme, and Whole Bay Leaves were swaying an island breeze across my nostrils that not even the temptation of conch could peal away. The goat meat was fall off the bones tender, but not dry. Pieces of semi soft cartilage still held the meat to the bones making for a very silky chew. This curry was served with the prevalent Caribbean rice and peas, you can order white rice if you so desire. The pigeon peas and rice was moist, tender, and delicate. My choice of side was sweet plantains. This is less sweeter and less riper than Dominican or Puerto Rican Maduros, but still firm and ripe.

I was taken by the simple, no hassle, laid back vibe from the staff. Then I found out that it was a family owned business and they all worked there. The matriarch, Miss Mel, even came out to say hello. She makes all the food. While this is be far not the poshest place in town, it is certainly well keep with heart and soul. The atmosphere is great, the service is true Bahamian hospitality, the food is spectacular. I am going back for the conch and everything else on the menu. Why can’t more restaurants be like this?

Gippie’s Kingdom is an 8 part series that tells the story of three generations of the Gibson family.  Life experiences and social issues, common to all Bahamians, are explored in each episode.

‘Tis the season for graduations! A dear friend of mine requested for me to plan his graduation from a local university. Being of Bahamian and Jamaican descent, an island themed party was warranted. Here is a little inspiration I found over the last week or so.

What do you think? Let me know in the comments below.

When i posted a congratulations to her page, needless to say she was estatic. I contacted her and discussed what she won and what to expect from the shoot and then we set a date which she decided would be her birthday.

I contacted a make up artist that I worked with before and really liked the results. Niska ad-Brown has done her homework on providing make up for photographers and the results speak for themselves. If you guys want to check out her work you can visit her facebook page at Callidora. So it was an interesting day as we sat out at arawak cay talking smack and getting ready for the shoot. I scouted the area and selected a nice are to shoot as i watched the sun light play on the blue waters.

Once make up was done we went to the location and as i was setting up a jet ski operator pulled up, then another and before we knew it there were atleast 8 operators outhere. Normally this would not be a problem but one guy started to become irritated by another and then sure as the sun was shining a fight broke out on locatin. Sigh…seing this I made the call to move to another location and make the shoot a sunset shoot.

We arrived on location and I did my usuall witty bantter to calm my model down from being nervous in front of the camera. Its always fun to see the transition of a client from being nervous to completely relaxed. The difference can be seen in the photos.

The Photo above is a nice photo but its not reflecting her personality, I not only want to make great images, I also want to capture the essesence of my subject. I want to see the real person in the picture.

This photo captures that essence that I love to see in peple. That part of them that they rarely show strangers. It is the tru representation of who that person is.  I believe we are all children at heart but we get caught up in the day to day riggors of life that we suppress our fun loving care free child like side. I strive to re introduce that child to the world.

All in all this was a fun photo shoot, the sky was was awesome, the sunset was stunning and my Top Fan was fun to work with, what more can I ask for? Enjoy a few photos from the photo shoot below or visit Shadow and Light Photography website to view them.

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