Feb 3, 2013
Lights, Camera, Filters, Effects...Action!
Good morning! In bed after calling out of work today. Feels good to relax! There is a perk... it IS Superbowl Sunday!!! May the best team win! Ravens vs. 49ers! B...as in Bey...as in Beyoncé is set for halftime show. A good day!
Well, I decided to blog today because I wanted to address the truth behind pictures, my pictures and these "effects" that a lot of cameras have. Living in a world of commercials, glamour, photoshop, re-touching...it's hard for an amateur to really distinguish the difference between what is real and what has been altered.
Example: A comment was left on a picture I posted of my cousin and I taken yesterday. Something like..."Mel, you photo well. It must be the flash." (WAS THAT SHADE?! I'll let it pass LOL!). I explained, after thanking her for the comment/compliment, that there was no flash involved. Great lighting and enhancements from an effect on Instagram were used though.
That comment got me to thinking about myself, people/friends that have used the filters, people I've seen pictures of and then have met in person and the people that live through social media sites through these effects and enhancements. Understand that more times than others when you see these people in person...they WILL NOT look like their IG photos, Facebook or Twitter photos.
Take myself, my looks are what they are. The way I smile and my eyes are my best features in my opinion. Skin tones and angles (which alters the way the fat shifts as well) will change based on lighting (where the light hits you) and the angle of the camera. That is a fact. That is something I've learned over time and damn near mastered to produce the best pictures taken of me. Now, strip me of moisturizer, put me in a room w/ bad lighting- NOT even "bad lighting" but the sunlight that lights up your room with the blinds closed type of light and i DO NOT look like my pictures. How do I look?
You be the judge. But I think I look like Mel as you would see me in person. And that is ok w/ me! I think sometimes people get too wrapped up w/ these filters and lose touch of how they really look.
Then there are younger people trying to imitate and emulate something that is NOT completely true. That becomes a problem.
*sips wine* (it is now NOON - who's judging?!)
That said, Yes I'm gonna angle, find great lighting and use photo enhancements when I damn well please. Do understand that I am in that number of being aware and knowing the difference that of all these beautiful people you see through pictures, in person, most of them are an altered version of that picture and THAT is how they look.
I hope I didn't step on too many toes. If you know me, I'll attempt to care less if I did.
And to my friends that DO know the difference..please share this with those who DO NOT. You know who they are!
**The purpose for this post is to really have us all take a step back and look in the mirror and say, "That is me right there!" Take away the makeup, the morning facial routines, the camera effects, the "best" lighting...everything...and that is YOU.**
I love myself and the way I look WITH AND WITHOUT the touch ups.
Ps: I think y'all are beautiful and handsome with and without too!
Jan 12, 2013
Cheers! I see you...
Too often, we as individuals do not take the time to acknowledge one another; whether it be a simple "Hi" or "Hope all is well". In this case, I'm speaking directly to everyone I know, don't know, or maybe have only heard about in social settings. Whether we've come from the same hometown, high school or.college, thanks to social media, social outings, networking etc, EVERYONE has heard your name, seen your work, know that you have things in the making, have seen your triumphs, seen some set backs, even some failures - and that TOO is ok! The point is, as most of us begin to enter into our mid-20s, we're all working hard! I know for a fact, I haven't been able to go to every party- if any, buy your mixtapes, come to your fashion shows, congratulate you after your countless auditions, see the movies you've been apart of-the list goes on! Fact is, like you, I'm out here making my own lane too. And since I'm only able to observe from my current location, I just wanted to say Congratulations on EVERYTHING! I know at times, it gets hard, but I see y'all, putting in the work, working overtime because you believe in yourselves-- and that is beautiful and worth being acknowledged!
So to all my...friends...promoters, producers, businessmen/women, singers, rappers, songwriters, doctors, therapists, models, teachers, college graduates, grad students, fashion designers, actors/actresses/directors, computer engineers, athletes - AGAIN, the list goes on........CHEERS! I see you!
M
Jan 3 2013
It was written...
Ever been so sure of something? That is how I feel about music and my place as a songwriter. Nevermind the fact I wrote my first song at age 8 or that I'll be 25 this year which means I've been writing for 17yrs. The fact is, in this life thus far, if there is one thing I'm confident in, it is my ability to write a song.
One could only imagine how much one could have improved over 17 years of writing. As I enter this next chapter of my life, now, more than ever, my music needs to be heard! It deserves to be heard.
I hear so much noise on the radio at times. I miss the essence of good music. I miss R and B...which happens to be my favorite genre. Favorite or not, I can write it all because I have an appreciation for MUSIC!
Lately, I've been seeing glimpses of a genre "comeback". Melanie, Tamar and Brandy just to name a few...singers who can sing...lyrics with meaning...music composed beautifully. What young, up-and-coming songwriters aren't inspired?
I'm excited! Over the years, I've come across talented individuals: ALL GENRES. Music and the music industry are about to receive a makeover. Rappers are writing their memoirs, singers are SINGING, songwriters are storytelling and composers and producers are shaping the soundtrack to this next generation. I love music. I live for music.
M
One could only imagine how much one could have improved over 17 years of writing. As I enter this next chapter of my life, now, more than ever, my music needs to be heard! It deserves to be heard.
I hear so much noise on the radio at times. I miss the essence of good music. I miss R and B...which happens to be my favorite genre. Favorite or not, I can write it all because I have an appreciation for MUSIC!
Lately, I've been seeing glimpses of a genre "comeback". Melanie, Tamar and Brandy just to name a few...singers who can sing...lyrics with meaning...music composed beautifully. What young, up-and-coming songwriters aren't inspired?
I'm excited! Over the years, I've come across talented individuals: ALL GENRES. Music and the music industry are about to receive a makeover. Rappers are writing their memoirs, singers are SINGING, songwriters are storytelling and composers and producers are shaping the soundtrack to this next generation. I love music. I live for music.
M
Jan 1, 2013
Happy New Year 2013!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
I hope all resolutions have been made. Prayers have been sealed with "Amen." A new year to try and do things the right way, a different way, any way out of no way...! Anything you have every wanted to do, work towards getting it accomplished this year! Have faith and confidence!
That said, WELCOME TO MY BLOG!!! (yeah...the old one is now...I'm unsure...but HERE is where you need to be!)
It's me, Mel! I'm so excited and READY for this year! I have so many projects on the horizon and I cannot wait to share them with you all. Stay tuned! This will be an interesting ride.
.
For the love of music and God,
M.
I hope all resolutions have been made. Prayers have been sealed with "Amen." A new year to try and do things the right way, a different way, any way out of no way...! Anything you have every wanted to do, work towards getting it accomplished this year! Have faith and confidence!
That said, WELCOME TO MY BLOG!!! (yeah...the old one is now...I'm unsure...but HERE is where you need to be!)
It's me, Mel! I'm so excited and READY for this year! I have so many projects on the horizon and I cannot wait to share them with you all. Stay tuned! This will be an interesting ride.
.
For the love of music and God,
M.
