<a href="http://richardduong.com/blog" title="Richard J. Duong Photography" rel="home">Richard J. Duong Photography

Monday, February 1, 2010

A Photo Walk at Cal Poly Pomona University

Posted in Photo Walks

During the Fall of 1998, I started college as a Freshman at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (a.k.a. Cal Poly Pomona). Among the courses that I took that quarter were two photography classes – COM 131 and COM 131L. These classes focused on basic photography techniques, including taking, processing, and selecting good photos. Keep in mind that these were still the days of 35mm film. “Processing” meant just that…processing and developing rolls of film in the dark room, not on the computer like we’re accustomed to today.

As a result of an architectural print assignment, my photo of the gazebo at the university’s Rose Garden was selected to be published in the upcoming university catalog (1999-2001, pg. 68). Here’s a scan from an actual print…

The Gazebo at the Rose Garden at Cal Poly Pomona University

Now fast-forward to nearly 12 years later where I recently had the opportunity to go back to my old university for a casual photo walk. A lot has changed since I graduated in 2003. Among the changes that I saw included a new parking garage, several new buildings, and a Japanese Garden complete with Koi pond, bridges, and bamboo. Although I didn’t take nearly as many photos as I would on a normal photo walk, I did manage to visit the Rose Garden to photograph the gazebo in an attempt to replicate the same photo I took 12 years earlier. Again, a lot has changed, including the gazebo and Rose Garden itself. Light rods have been installed and of courses no roses during this time of year.

And here’s a more contemporary version…

Posted in Photo Walks

1 comment

Sunday, January 31, 2010

Air Jordan II Retro Product Shots

Posted in Personal, Product Shots

It’s always fun when I get the opportunity to combine multiple hobbies into one. Among the several hobbies that I currently have, I obviously enjoy photography and collecting sneakers, Kobe Bryant signature sneakers to be exact.

Recently, I added a pair of Nike Zoom Kobe V “Away” Edition to my sneaker collection. As I do with every single Kobe signature shoe that I purchase, I take product shots of them for web site use and online sharing. This also gave me an opportunity to shoot some of my brother-in-law’s Air Jordan sneakers as well.

The sneaker shoot ended up consisting of 3 sneakers – a pair of Nike Zoom Kobe V, a pair of Air Jordan II Retro, and a pair of Air Jordan III Retro. During the shoot, I experimented with different backgrounds and effects. Of the combinations I experimented with, I liked the look of the black background best, especially with the reflective surface.

Below are shots of the Air Jordan II Retro from the sneaker shoot. Photos of the Nike Zoom Kobe V “Away” Edition will be posted in a separate post once they are completed.

Posted in Personal, Product Shots

no comments

Monday, January 11, 2010

Dang Family Portrait Session, San Diego, CA

Posted in Families

So during Thao and Hai’s engagement session at the Grand Del Mar in San Diego, CA, we took a break from the e-session to do a fun and relaxed family portrait session of Hai and his family.

Hai’s immediately family and their significant others all came out to the Grand Del Mar for the shoot. Everyone wore matching attire; the men in jeans with olive green sweaters and the women in jeans with green blouses and off-white sweaters. The session first started with formal portraits inside of the Grand Del Mar and later moved outdoors for more fun and creative shots.

Although the outdoor photos were shot in direct sunlight, they came out pretty well despite the harsh shadows and squinting of the eyes. We were able to capture the family in a fun and relaxed atmosphere were everyone was not only comfortable but natural at the same time.

Posted in Families

no comments