Shine a little light on me… well, on my knowledge!

Lighting makes the difference between good photography and great photography.  It can have such a demanding impact on the viewer.  That is why I consider it to be one of the most important elements of photos and the reason I am spending far more time on it lately. 

Last week when reviewing my shots I realized I had some lighting knowledge gaps.  Instead of pushing it off until later I decided to do something about it ASAP.  So, in the period of 48 hours I found a class at Working Proof Studios, signed up and finished the course.  Luckily only two other students were signed up that night so I maximized on my time with the instructor Philip Maglieri and our model/dancer Jennifer Mote. 

After 4 hours of shooting and learning not only did I clear up many of my question I also walked away with a series of great shots.  Bonus!  In all fairness I thought it was of the utmost importance that I share these shots with you.  I mean, if I don’t share them… who would know they even exist?  Anyway, my point is... there is always a solution if you have a minute to look for it.

For all those interested, I highly recommend taking this course or one of the others at Working Proof Studios.  For those advanced students, take a look at what they offer!

A BIG THANK YOU TO THE MODEL JENNIFER MOTE!

Happy shooting!

Koray (Core-EYE) Salih

Head to www.koraysalih.com for more stuff!

Sweet Revenge Inc.

Last week I had the pleasure of photographing Steph G the owner and baker of Sweet Revenge Inc.  The custom bakeshop known for bringing joy into the lives of those with specific dietary plans has made and continues to make an impression on all those who take a bite.  Since 2004 Steph has been in the business of custom baking; however, in her own words she has been “baking and being a "sous chef" to both my parents all my life.” 

When I caught up with Steph she was in the middle of the action as she whipped up some Maple "Buttermilk" Pancake Cupcakes for some of her vegan clients which I have captured below.  Let me say… delicious, every bite! 

Think you recognize the name Sweet Revenge Inc.?  You may have seen their work in the media as the custom baked goods have appeared both in Strategy Magazine as well as EYE Weekly.  But, don’t let that intimidate you!  The down to earth personality, warm smile and delicious baking of Steph G will have you calling her again and again!

For more information about Sweet Revenge Inc. on Facebook follow the link below:

http://on.fb.me/e6fqNS

Koray (Core-EYE) Salih

www.koraysalih.com

“Real” is in the Reel!

I am excited to announce that our video for Crown A Thornz’s “Real” has been invited to participate in the Reel World Film Festival.  Big congratulations to Crown a Thornz, Sterling Pache and me too!  I have reposted the video below for anyone who hasn't seen it yet!  And... we are almost at 10,000 hits.  Help us celebrate by watching again!

Becky!

I had a chance to drag my friend Becky around so I could photograph her.  She was kind enough to let me do it.  This is what I captured!

Tru-Paz: Behind the scenes with Koray Salih

This past holiday season I had the opportunity to work with Sterling Pache from Romantic Child Studios on the video for Tru-Paz’s single “Black Widow.”  What's that?  You haven't heard of Tru-Paz?  Well, you my friend are missing out.  The group consits of Boozie the vocalist, Akim the lyracist and DJ Unknow the producer/DJ and they have come together to produce a unique sound with songs like “Hotel Hell” and “Rude Boy."  Having won over several fans in Toronto they are now ready to take on the rest of the world with the song "Black Widow."

Take  moment to watch their interview below with Hip-Hop Homage and watch out for their video coming soon!!!

For more behind the scenes head to the Romantic Child Studios Blog
 

Crown A Thornz "REAL"

And after a lot of dedication, drive and determination the Crown A Thornz music video for “Real” has been released.  Please enjoy like we have.

Crown A Thornz: Behind the Scenes with Koray Salih

The holiday season goes by without a music video shoot?  Impossible.

My good friend Sterling Pache and I got a chance to connect once again this past holiday season to shoot not one, not two but three hip hop videos over the course of three days.  No typo.  Three music videos.  Three days.

How true it is that you don’t know your own limits until you’ve tested the mind, body and soul to prove what they can achieve if the desire and passion are in every fiber of your being.

Our first two videos were shot with the talented hip hop group Crown a Thornz.  A unique combination of hip hop with an infusion of soul and a dash of reggae to produce top tapping, hip shaking, soul moving beats.  Their conscious hip hop would make the Roots and Mos Def do a double take. 

Crown A Thornz is a group of driven creative talented artists that consists of Kolor Brown, the group’s producer, an emcee an artist and a barber, J Wyze know for his contributions to Toronto’s Flow 93.5 is also a poet and an emcee, and of course Eklipz the artist, painter, emcee, photographer, videographer and the man behind www.hiphop-homage.com.

When we teamed up with Crown A Thornz we had big expectations of the group.  In the time we spent together they did nothing short of shatter every one of our expectations from a creative perspective, a performance perspective and a dedication perspective.  When we couldn’t find a way to get to Hamilton with all our equipment they hooked us up with a limo.  When we needed a restaurant to shoot in they hooked us up with an amazing restaurant.  When we need people to help out in the video they brought a crew.   They’re a quality group both on and off the screen.

Over three days we slept less than humanly necessary, carried more than thought possible, we shot more than we could believe and we produced some great quality footage.

While you may have to wait a minute or two more for the final video you have to check out the behind the scene shots found below to get a feel for what we have been up to and watch the behind the scenes video at the end brought to you by www.hiphop-homage.com!  Big PS!  Click on any of the images for the full size!!!

Special thanks goes out to….

Sizzle’s Caribbean Take Out

Working Proof Studios

Jason Laramee

Mike & Ruk Rajczak

Ravi Ramnarace

 

Go to www.koraysalih.com for more stuff!