Hey Readers! Long time no post, eh? If you haven’t already noticed, there are some new changes to HoV. A new logo and a new site design (for the umpteenth time, god). I like change. Change is good. Change is sexy and fresh. Anywho, I digress! Speaking of change, I had the chance to get out and shoot around the DC Street Meet at Soleado Lavender Farm! Like how cool! I’ve never done a photography specific event before so I was tremendously excited. Plus, it ‘s nice to get out a shoot in different areas with different people. A change in energy is like a cool glass of water on a muggy day ..read more

If you are new to photography, shooting portraits is the best way to get started! Everyone has shot a portrait of someone in their life at one time or another. But, how exactly can you take your photography to the next level? Well, in my experience, buying the right equipment is the first step. From amateurs to seasoned professionals, the studio is the best place to shoot portraits. No need to worry about the weather, the direction of the sun or external background distractions. Without further ado, let’s get started! Location, Location, Location Before I discuss equipment, let’s talk l ..read more

Photography is an amazing hobby! With your camera in hand, you take amazing sport action shots or photograph loved ones at the family barbecue. It’s easy to take pictures for fun, but, how exactly do you start getting paid for photography? Well, dear reader, I will show you 3 easy ways to get started making money with photography! Before I begin, I do want to say that with everything be patient. It may take a short while to generate income and things might be slow, but do not give up! The more energy you put into selling and growing your brand as a photographer the more clients will come alo ..read more

Happy Thursday Everyone! Last month, I purchased the Rode Go Mic for my canon T6 Rebel. Well, it turns out the mic input on my camera is too small for plug that goes to the mic. Unfortunately, I found this out during a video shoot. A VIDEO SHOOT! Naturally, I was a little pissed. When I bought the mic, I thought, hey I saw a microphone input on my camera. I didn’t check to make sure it fit because I wanted to film an unboxing video. Side note: This video is not happening, I have something better I am working on. I take the mic and camera to the shoot and wabam! Shit doesn’t work, woo! Thank ..read more

Yuichi Ikehata is the Salvador Dali of the contemporary photography world. His surreal photography blends 3D sculpture and digital editing to create photos that are breathtaking. His existential take on photography is sensual and decaying in ways that shock you, but makes you think. He works largely with a gray scale color palette and incorporates life-like pops of color with his digital additions. In the series, Fragment of Long Term Memory, the photos’ dystopian nature reminds me of a breakdown of humanity, amnesia, or just losing one’s sense of self. I liken the wiring seen in the pi ..read more

Welp, dearest reader, if you remember from my last post, I am in a slight slump with finding places to shoot portraits. I have to get CREATIVE, dear reader, and I mean CREATIVE! Literally, I am looking everywhere and at everything for inspiration. Model: @kristendavis95For some reason, I completely forgot about the power of a good parking lot. Yes, parking lots. They’re absolutely phenomenal for portrait shoots especially if you’re going for a rustic look (in my opinion). The overall aesthetic of the shoot does depend on the look of the parking lot. As you can see in my photographs, th ..read more

Hey Reader! Just some random thoughts on this stunning September day! Model is Chelsea- @chelseab_x3. Life is a phenomenal, beautiful experience. Everyday we are blessed with the opportunity to embrace life, try new things, and take a step toward your purpose. What is your purpose? It’s that nudge or gnawing desire you just can’t get out of your head. The deep ingrained feeling that you know you are supposed to do that one thing (or things). I’m not talking about everyday tasks, but that desire you know you were born to do. Life is beautiful but it throws curveballs at us: Sickne ..read more

In the mirror I judge myself pick apart enigmatic flaws leave myself barren In the mirror I love myself Pray these feelings last Wrap myself in the love my own embrace In the mirror I cry to myself Deep down, I know I am the only one who fully understands the tears I cry In the mirror I heal myself Self inflicted verbal wounds Hallucinating festers Heal from my body As I mend the pain away In the mirror I find myself My soulmate, my twin flame The perfectly imperfect reflection of a woman that is enough Photography by Leatherman_Photography. Share and follow me on social media ..read more

Hey There Reader! Long time, no post! I am back and better than ever and I have a plethora of new content planned for the blog and YouTube channel. I’m excited and I hope you are too! Keep checking back as I will post on Tuesday and Thursdays. Also, I will be bringing back the monthly newsletter so make sure you are signed up! Any who, onto the post! Rich Myaing – @RICHIE.rawIn my photography excursions, one dilemma I’m facing is trying to find decent places to shoot portraits. Yes, I could set up a portrait studio in my house, but I like taking portraits outside. The weather outside i ..read more

Dear Reader, Happy Freakin’ Friday! May you play hard and rest hard this weekend! For those of you that have followed my YouTube channel or Instagram, I started a series called “Artist Spotlight” highlighting up and coming artists of all kinds. I love creating this series and I am happy I get interview fellow creatives that are chasing after their dreams and making them come true. I am up to two videos in this series and my most recent video I interviewed a very dear friend of mine: Robbie Soto. He’s a director, producer, “retired” actor, and president of  Authentic Community Theatre. I ..read more