Jul 28 2010

Final School Project

Here are the images from last semester’s final project: The Dollhouse.

By the nature of the subject, scale was a pivotal formal element in the image, as was repetition and line. I used line and boundary boxes throughout the series to stress my concept, and the direction of the characters’ views were intricate to the overall story. The environment was exaggerated, with a somewhat unreal sense, and the values of the figures were altered. Leveling and sharpening were used in the context of the particular image.

I wanted to explore the ways in which we are impacted by the way that mass media manipulates fear and creates personifications—of individuals and of our broader society—that are artificial, unreal and unsustainable. The closed, contrived environment that I used to explore these subjects becomes part of the message, as does my choice of obvious Photoshop manipulation.

This project ended up as a philosophical exploration. What is the impact on individuals in a society where every magazine, advertisement, reality TV show etc. projects images of unreal people in unreal environments masquerading as everyday life? How have new technologies affected the way we interact and communicate?


Jul 11 2010

High Sierra Music Festival

I’m still trying to figure this out: I had a new camera to play with, a venue full of interesting people, activities,  and live music, and for once in a very blue moon, I just didn’t didn’t feel like photographing. I think that my brain was recharging after the months of school assignments and fun but very busy work assignments in recent times. After coming home and downloading just a few images, I feel like… I want a re-take!


Jun 15 2010

Music Promo Shots

Here are some shots from a recent session that I did at my favorite beach spot. One of the things that I love about this location is how versatile it is, to be able to get the mood for family portraits, edgy romance and yes, even promo shots for musicians!

I was testing some new portable strobe kit, and was thrilled with the results. In this series, I’m working with main light 400w/s with umbrella, sunlight, and a fill. You can see the lightstand in a couple of the proofs below.

Promo Shot 1
Promo Shot 2
Promo Shot 3Promo Shot 4


Jun 3 2010

Symantec Confident SMB Tearsheet

I noted that I had the chance to photograph Carine Clark, Symantec CMO for the Confident SMB magazine. Well, the edition’s out and here’s the tearsheet!
Note: bottom image from maginei.


Jun 1 2010

Beach Portraits

This weekend we had one of the very unusual Santa Cruz warm weekends, no wind, and clear skies at the beach. I had the opportunity to photograph in one of my favorite locations, and in this case, I’d photographed the family at this location before. It’s so fun to see the kids growing up in the same place.

TODAY SHOTSFamily portraits

CIRCA 2008


May 27 2010

Melvin Seales and Shady Groove, Don Quixote’s

Images from show last Saturday night with Melvin Seales and Shady Groove playing at one of my favorite local venues. Only downside – photographer lost her glasses!

Melvin Seales

Matt Hartle


May 26 2010

Symantec CMO Photo Session

I got the chance to photograph Carine Clark, Chief Marketing Officer at Symantec, last week for the Confident SMB magazine. Will post the images once the magazine is live.


May 26 2010

Ride A Wave Season Complete

It’s hard to believe that the season is over already! Here are a few shots from the season. A list of all camps are available at maginei in the community.

RAW surf shot RAW Camp

May 2 2010

Ride A Wave Video

maginei photography is a sponsor of Ride A Wave foundation, and has had the opportunity to photograph their amazing camps for the past several years. Here is some footage from the season, as well as footage from my first day photographing from the water.


Apr 19 2010

Symantec Conference

Last week I enjoyed the chance to photograph for Symantec Corporation, where they held their Vision Conference at the MGM Grand from April 12-15. I photographed a number of events, did headshots for their magazine, and had the opportunity to meet their community. I even got some down time to see Cirque de Soleil’s Ka show!