Archive for the 'Tips / Recommends' Category

January 22nd, 2017

Behind the Scenes: Photoshoot locations

When thinking about a photography topic to talk about, I remembered how Liz recently asked me whether I figure out the photoshoot locations or if the cosplayers do. I haven’t really touched on this part of photography, but I thought it’d be an interesting thing to go over!

At Conventions

Most of my photoshoots happen at Anime conventions, which makes sense since it’s where cosplayers typically wear their cosplays. The “pro” is that I can meet cosplayers from other cities, and I can book several in one weekend. The “con” is that I’m pretty much stuck to locations at or within a short walking distance of the convention.

If the cosplayer has a location preference, we’ll use that. For example, when we did a Scooby Doo photoshoot, we used an abandoned building that the cosplayers found as the background.

A couple times, I’ve been requested to do a hotel room shoot, and we’ll use the one they’re staying in for the convention.

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September 1st, 2016

Game Recommends – Couch games

Making a console PC to play multiplayer PC games on the TV is one of the best decisions my husband and I made this year. We’ve had several game days with friends, and it’s been a ton of fun to have them over. Online is great for convenience and for playing with people who don’t live near you, but it’s definitely missing the type of interactions that you get when playing together in person.

We’ve been keeping an eye out for multiplayer games that would make great “couch games” and have tried many of them out. These are our 5 favorites so far!

SpeedRunners

(Up to 4 players | Steam page)

game_speedrunners

You know how there’s always that one jerk who runs ahead in Mario levels and kills everyone by leaving them behind? Well, that’s the point of SpeedRunners. You run through a course filled with obstacles and items, and you win if you leave people behind enough that they hit the edge of the screen. Thanks to the game’s fast pace, it’s also really fun to spectate while you’re waiting for a turn.

The great part of this game is that people seem to get the hang of it quickly, and being in front isn’t all that easy. The person in the lead is near the front edge of the screen and cannot see the obstacles ahead. It gives people in the back a chance to catch up, and we’ve had a lot of really close matches because of it!


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June 15th, 2016

A few movie recommends, part 2

It has started… summer blockbuster season! It’s the time of year when many major movies release, taking advantage of a time when many people have vacation. I’ve already watched a few movies that I’ve been anticipating, and I’m excited for more that will be released in the next couple months.

While I do love a good blockbuster, it’s still nice to try a movie that breaks the mold because there’s so many good ones out there. I highlighted a few in a previous entry, and I wanted to give it another go. Here are a few more recommends!

In Bruges

movie_in_bruges

In Bruges and I started with a shaky relationship because it really did not match up with its trailers. Since it didn’t match expectations, I ended up with mixed feelings. However, it stayed in my mind, so I watched it again and found that I liked it. A third time sealed the deal, and it’s now one of my favorite movies. So, do me a favor. Don’t watch the trailers. Just don’t do it.

The movie focuses on two hit men, Ray and Ken. After Ray botches a hit, he and Ken are sent to Bruges to hide out and await further instructions. It’s a dark comedy that delves into life, death, guilt, and atonement. The movie’s pace also shifts around a lot between funny parts, slower parts, and action. The witty dialogue is what makes the movie so great though, and it’s so very quotable. If you’re a fan of subtle humor, then I think this is a movie for you.


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