It seems “phototypography” is the craze nowadays. Especially with all of the GIFs and photos circulating around Tumblr and instant apps that can turn almost anything into a talking photo. But one thing that really catches my eye is the perfect placement of text and shapes/vectors on a photo and I’ve seen some beautiful ones as advertisements for businesses here in Oahu.
Here are some samples of phototypography I’ve stumbled upon by a 22-year-old Filipino graphic artist Patrick James Juplo.
I’m flying out to Guam and then to Saipan on the 4th. I’m kind of excited about it because I need a change of scenery, people, life, etc. The thing is, my main reason for going back is to visit and spend time with my grandmother. She’s a strong Chamorro/German lady who’s having a few health problems and I’ve missed her terribly.
It’s going to be interesting to see what Saipan is like right now. It’s been almost a year since I’ve visited. From what I hear, the island is becoming scarce. Resources are not as fresh and abundant as they used to be. Traffic lights are out and some locals can’t afford to pay their electric bills.
Everyone tells me that it’s depressing to go back but I’m anxious to see what my old home looks like. I plan to rent a car and drive around. I want to see my old home in Kagman, my best friend Annabelle, who teaches elementary school, and visit my grandfather’s grave. The only thing I know I won’t enjoy would be attending mass. Haha! But I’ll do it for my grandma. You can always count on her to wake you up at six in the morning to pray.
My friend Healani had asked me to take her family photos earlier last week. This here is their daughter Terina. She’s one of the most creative and expressive kids I’ve ever met in life. We shot everything in the little park and playground next to their house. Healani and her fiancee Warren have been one of my favorite couples since they’ve been together. They’re both so in love.
The shoot was simple and fun. The lighting was great, the park near their house was beautiful. Terina still hadn’t warmed up to me until Lan brought out a present for her to open and somehow get her to smile. She opened a tea set, which was perfect and kind of fit the theme of the shoot. So I decided a black and white tea party out in the garden would be appropriate for the holidays.
Here’s a cute one with just mom and dad. I caught them talking and joking while Terina was opening her gift. Candids are always the best!
This was a cute shot. I had them sit up on the hill and their outfits really popped with the green grass. It was fun to capture such sweet moments with this beautiful couple and their daughter.
Happy Holidays!
My cousin Momo asked me to take some fun photos for the UH First Year Program. This was probably one of the most hectic shoots I’ve done. I was a bit nervous at first because it’s almost impossible to manage more than ten people for a single shot. Luckily, my cousin rounded up a silly and crazy bunch of students/friends and they were a blast to work with. Everyone got creative with poses and concepts. This is not the best photo from the shoot but it was definitely the most fun.
Haha! I crack myself up thinking of witty titles for my posts. Um…yes, the sky was definitely lavender yesterday. I had a date with my best friend after work. The plan was to catch Yoza at Dave & Buster’s but the rooftop was closed off for a private party. Somehow we ended up in the mouth of Waikiki, right near Hawaii Prince Hotel near the harbor. We stopped to take a photo because the sunset was gorgeous and I didn’t feel like fighting the unbearable traffic.
We ended up at the always satisfying and expensive Chart House of Honolulu, where I felt extremely underdressed next to Japanese tourists in the latest Gucci. It was a hot afternoon so a tee, nerdy glasses and a skirt felt appropriate. Ahh, looking back I realize, it doesn’t matter, this is Hawaii. But I do need more yoga sessions at CPY to work on those thighs (utkatasana!). Haha. We also had the First Friday festivities in mind, but that obviously didn’t happen. There’s always next month. Lastly, props to my girl Abbey for the outfit photos. She’s on Instagram. Follow, follow, follow this beautiful person.
No podía capturar la luna llena este miércoles pasado, pero aprendí mucho de la fotografía de mi nuevo amigo Tommy. No sé mucho de mi cámara, mi especialidad es en diseño gráfico, entonces, tuve que cambiar la saturación y la exposición para estar satisfecha con mis fotos. Saqué esta foto de un sitio antes de llegar a la playa de Makapu’u. Aquí puedes ver las nubes, la luna, la silueta de la montaña y las estrellas también. ¡El cielo estaba hermoso!
Aquí es la foto de Tommy. Obviamente es mejor que mía. Él es un fotógrafo que conocí el mes pasado y me dio muchos consejos sobre la exposición y la composición de una foto. (Su especialidad es la fotografía de bodas y familias.)
I’m not satisfied with my photos from that night. They’re pretty blurry. But oh well, todos aprendemos de nuestros errores.
Here are some photos from last night’s Honolulu Night Market at Kaka’ako. It’s a monthly Art + Food + Fashion event held to promote young artists (painters, dancers, performers, photographers, designers, etc.) as well as drum up business for the new shops and eateries on Auahi Street. There were lots of pop-up shops, a fashion show, improv performances and ono grinds.
The Honolulu Night Market started in September and has grown a huge following throughout the past few months. It attracts a very diverse crowd. It’s appropriate for those nerds, hippies, hipsters, fashionistas and foodies who can’t resist good bargains and innovative art. The only downside to this event is the street parking. They haven’t figured that out yet.
Follow me @islandbohemian
Whole Foods Bakery
Macarons from Whole Foods
Treated myself to some Essie nail polish in Chinchilly & Set in Stones
Korean feast from Million Restaurant
Yesterday’s outfit: Red, white + Aztec print
Island Brew Coffeehouse has the best lattes in Hawaii Kai. I usually get the malabar latte with almond milk and this yummy everything bagel with cream cheese. Also, here are the latest cheap finds I’ve found in town this week >>> a Steve Madden cross-body bag ($20) from TJ Maxx and this Buddha necklace ($6) from Macys. I’ve seen the Buddha necklaces around the Downtown boutiques and in the yoga shops but they all cost over $50. This $6 necklace will do just fine. I really like the purple tassle at the end too.
…the sky was turning purple and lucky thing I had my DSLR in my trunk. This is one thing I love about working in Kaneohe. It’s country, it’s a little ghetto and you really can’t beat the beautiful scenery. These shots, however, were taken on my drive home through Waimanalo.
I usually listen to island music on my long journey home to unwind, but Frank Ocean made his way onto my playlist and paved the mood for the rest of the way.
You may be wondering why the sequencing of the photos don’t make any sense. Well, that’s because I was chasing the sunset towards Hawaii Kai. It was dark in Kaneohe and Kailua by the time I made it to see the sun go down from my house.
