Making wine

Making wine by Archerphoto, professional photographer

I have always liked seeing pictures of people working. It is always interesting: watching how they did things in the past tells us many stories and gives us a perspective on where we are and where we come from. Without needing to be more transcendent, all this comes because, talking with my friend Arturo Blasco, we talked about the possibility of making a series of photos about a version of the winemaking process. Specifically, a process that is somewhat more traditional than the one usually done conventionally, because at Bodegas La Purísima, which is the company where he currently works, they would dedicate an effort to produce one of these wines and he would direct the operation. So I went with him, I spent a day in Yecla (Murcia) seeing how they carried out the whole process.

Making wine in Yecla, Murcia, by Sergi Albir professional photographer Spain
Felipe Martínez checks the state of the selected vineyards.
Grape in Yecla, Murcia, Spain by Archerphoto, professional photographer
Forcallat is one of the varieties of Yecla, Murcia..

Making wine in Yecla, Murcia, by Archerphoto, professional photographer

Making wine

Depending on the weather, sugar level in the grape and other factors, it is determined when the harvest is due. One of those factors that Arturo told me about is polyphenolic maturity. This maturity determines the quality of the grape. It is necessary to evaluate if the color is present and if the nugget when biting it is crunchy and without astringency. Arturo prefers to take the grape to the mouth and chew it. In this way, he says that it is like seeing a color photograph of what the wine will be.

Making wine in Spain by Archerphoto, professional photographer, commercial photographer Spain
Making wine. The vintage is made in a rather traditional way.

In this regard, if collected too far in advance the wine that is obtained will have a lower graduation. This, which for anyone would be only a detail, for the farmer has a key importance: the price is fixed in a significant part by the degrees of alcohol. In this way, when the grapes enter the cooperative, this variable is measured.

Making wine in Spain by Archerphoto, professional photographer
Mariano receives the grapes and makes the relevant checks to determine the price per kilogram.

Archerphoto, professional photographer for business

After transportation

Once the grape is in the cooperative begins the process of elaboration: in ancient times the grape was treading, but today mechanical processes are used. In the case of the grape ink, falling into the hopper goes to a crusher. This paste is pumped to its final destination so that the skin and nuggets get better contact with the must. In this way wine acquires color and body. Hence, in this case, it was sent to a couple of small vats, on which will work later.

From must to wine by Archerphoto, professional photographer
From left to right, Oscar Soriano, Felipe Martínez and Arturo Blasco about to pass the must to one of the vats.
From must to wine in Bodegas La Purísima by Archerphoto, professional photographer
The process of filling the vats with the previous protagonists.

These vats, which I was told were small for the industrial volumes they usually work with, had a capacity of about 300 liters.

Dry ice

Once in the vats, Arturo wanted to lower the temperature to 5ºC. This way the fermentation does not start yet, and thus the mix is acquiring color and aromas. To lower the temperature in a plastic tank has been forced to use dry ice (carbon dioxide in solid form, which is about -60 ° C). When carbon dioxide comes into contact with the must, it goes from solid to gaseous state immediately. The high concentration of this gas, makes a mist appear that offers really impressive images. The process is quite spectacular, and although it seems to be doing something more typical of a Harry Potter movie, he’s only making sure there are no thermal differences between the surface and the inside.

Arturo Blasco virtiendo hielo seco en una de las cubas.
Arturo Blasco pouring dry ice into one of the vats.
Arturo Blasco, enólogo, haciendo vino.
Not Harry Potter. Dry ice is used in both industrial and film making.

The must is left to macerate from that moment, and will begin to become wine. During the process most of the residue will be deposited in the bottom and ready to be filtered and bottled. Or to transfer it to the barrel.

Acknowledgements and contact

By the way, if you are interested in knowing more wine, Arturo writes in El Correo del Vino. It is imperative for me to thank him, not only for having taught me the process, but also because he has lent me a helping hand, proving that I did not commit any important wrongs by telling this. Here you can take a look at his articles related to oenology: http://www.elcorreodelvino.net/seccion/index/72. Also Felipe Martinez was explaining in detail each part of the elaboration.

I’m Sergi Albir. I am a professional photographer (you could say also a commercial photographer, if you like it better) and if you need portraits, videos or anything, you are in Valencia, Madrid, Edinburgh or Tierra del Fuego, and you want to contact me, an email to sergi@archerphoto.eu is the fastest way to find me. Well, and a Whatsapp to +34 644459753. Both things are worth it.

Casting tips

portrait professional photographer

When people from Elite Models tell casting tips it’s time to pay attention.

Casting tips

They recommend not to wear make-up, not to be lazy, get something to do while you’re waiting and not to be shy. And don’t hump. Well, it’s a bunch of things for such a brilliant short video. I just can thank them for being so precise.

If you need a model portfolio, please contact me. I am Sergi Albir, professional photographer. I shoot in Spain and UK, sergi@archerphoto.eu or +34 644459753, Whatsapp and Telegram available.

Check here: http://www.archerphoto.com/modeling-portfolio/

And here you have some samples of my work as a photographer.

L. Mariola by Archerphoto, professional and Fashion photographer for portfolio
L. by Archerphoto, professional photographer for portfolio
Africa
Africa
Anna Kurika, actress, in her portfolio with Archerphoto, professional photographer in Spain. Casting tips.
Anna Kurika, actress

 

Competitions: Bikini Class 2015, Open Héctor Defez in Castellón, Spain

Bikini Class

Bikini Class usually arouses more interest than any other in bodybuilding and fitness championships. It is actually the entry class for women, while men enter into Men’s Fashion or Physique. Or something like that because often classes are named a little different, not to mention that each organizer named as you want. Lately I’ve been to some championships, both AEFF (NAC) and IFBB, which are currently the two most powerful federations, at least in Spain.
In the higher classes, men and women they have more muscle, so there’s always discussions in the public on the tastes of each other on the amount of muscle and how much it motivates each each physical.
I have chosen this competition -the Hector Defez Open (IFBB), held on September 12th 2015 specifically for two reasons: because the level was much higher than that of a standard regional championship and because the winner got a photographic portfolio by me as a prize.

Bikini Class

Claudia Fernández, winner in Open Héctor Defez, in Castellón - Bikini Class
Claudia Fernández, winner in Open Héctor Defez, in Castellón – Bikini Class.
Mónica Santos, in Open Héctor Defez 2015, Bikini class, second place.
Mónica Santos, in Open Héctor Defez 2015, Bikini Class, second place.
Georgina Pedrós, tercer puesto en el Open Héctor Defez.
Georgina Pedrós, third place in Open Héctor Defez.
Miri Calderón en el Open Héctor Defez.
Miri Calderón in Open Héctor Defez.
Yolanda Romero en el Open Héctor Defez.
Yolanda Romero in Open Héctor Defez.

Finally, a picture out of competition. As soon as fhe awards were presented  I was flying to backstage to take a picture of Claudia, the brand new champion, with the check. It is quite logical that just as the championship ends, athletes are wishing some relax and often even go away from the premises, and  I did not want to miss the opportunity.

Claudia Fernández, ganadora de la categoría Bikini
Claudia Fernández con el cheque por un book fotográfico.

I am Sergi Albir, professional photographer. If you want to contact me, sergi@archerphoto.eu is the easiest way. You can also try the phone, +34 644459753, with Whatsapp and Telegram.

Season’s Greetings 2015

Season's Greetings 2015As I have never felt particularly comfortable about Christmas, I thought celebrating the holidays in general was more appropriate. And it is respectful about different beliefs and cultures, so I am inclined to that option. If I had made mention Hannukah, Christmas, Yule, Saturnalia, Pancha Ganapati, Kwanzaa, Winter Solstice or Festivus (this is Seinfeld’s) I would have filled the image of letters and it had looked worse, so with that I am satisfied .

Season’s Greetings 2015

In any case, I wish for all my friends, readers, occasional visitors, customers and anyone reading these lines a Merry Christmas 2015. The subsequent years, as might be expected, I’ll be congratulating when the ideal moment is approaching.

The same, in Spanish: http://www.archerphoto.eu/felices-fiestas-2015/

7 tips to look better in pictures

7 tips to look better in pictures

Here are some tips to look better in pictures. Perhaps many will seem obvious, but it’s likely that some of them is new to you.

7 tips to look better in pictures

1. Do not fear the camera. They don’t even have teeth. Many people are intimidated by the camera. They look at the gear and feel panic at the glass eye that haunts them. They say things like “I always look bad in camera.” That’s not true, but if you look with fear or distrust, guess what … Exactly that: you look fear-faced and distrusting. This way it is difficult to look fine. Look at the gesture face other people when you shoot them if they look scared or just look in the mirror, making that faces. Bad business.
2. Look directly at the target. If you want to look good in the picture, that probably will help. If you are heading the camera to your neck, then your neck is pictured. If you are moving like a monkey, you may appear moved or with a facial expression less than standard. And keep your focus in the camera. It is usually a short while and will be worth. If you don’t, it may capture you out looking at somebody’s ass someone or answering a joke.
3. Keep a relaxed pose. You may not know how to pose. There’s nothing serious. Stay more or less straight and don’t tenses each muscles of your body. Think the photo is a bus you want to climb and fancy that bus. That will help your attitude is positive and do not adopt strange poses. Really, it does not hurt.

7 tips to look better in pictures
Gema in 2014

4. Avoid make pictures with a huge amount of alcohol or similar. If you are baked, your eyes and your facial and bodily expression will be revealing. Furthermore, if you show the pic, then everyone will know. Yes, it can be fun, but that’s not how look good. Small details like the dislocated jaw, eyes bloodshot or a trickle of drool falling from the corner of your lips are probably things you want to avoid.
5. If you have the previous overcome tricks (come on, is not so difficult), you can try to read the letters and numbers that appear in the lens. It’s not magic, and when you notice your brow wrinkled, have to relax the expression, but this will give strength to the look, and often it helps to improve the final result.
6. If you are by yourself in the picture, try to offer a three-quarter profile. This is slightly tilted to one side. It is usually more interesting than full front face, but if you are going to make several photos, shoot in all perspectives and choose later.
7. Try to find a person who knows about photography. Sometimes you can pick the person you give the camera and you can give him or her some idea. If you are in backlight or somewhere with too much shade, probably pic won’t show as you’d like. Try to find sites without intense sun and where no shadows are made in the face. People who know something about photography probably try to get creative. That can give great results and that may also bring terrible photographic disasters. Settle an agreement to choose together the photos you will be showing.

7 tips to look better in pictures
Angela in 2012

 

With these tips you can improve the outcome of your photos every day. Obviously, if you are to make pictures with a specific purpose, there is much more to tell, but this should be enough for snapshots of any day. And if you need professional, good pictures, I am a professional photographer. Contact Me in sergi@archerphoto.eu :)

[FAG id=1019]
Estas fotos están en mi Flickr. Puedes ver todas las fotos aquí: http://flickr.com/photos/archerphoto

Five tips for your profile picture in Linkedin

It is pretty obvious that Linkedin is a business network. So if there is a place where appearances are important it is there. A controversial appearance can make you lose a job that aspires or a customer decides not hire your company to appear unprofessional.

Five tips for your profile picture in Linkedin

 

 

Five tips for your profile picture in Linkedin

1. Choose a positive image. Except that you must prove that you are hell’s human resources director, you should not use a photo that you seem angry. Avoid aggressive looks of concern to the observer. If you use that kind of photo people seeing your profile will have very little desire to make any deals with you. Best if you smile.

2. A personal image. This means  no dogs, no logo of your company as unique id, and forget completely that idea of a photo of your child, your niece or your cousin. You. They want to know who you are. You can also save a group photo.

3. A professional image. We’ve got to be alone and reasonably positive picture. Now discard all those photos that you are under intoxication or other. A little decorum does not hurt, and if visitors to your site think they’re too prone to bebercio or drugs will feel somewhat unsafe to put their money with you.

4. A well-made image. It is not necessary that you show the world’s best portrait of the year, but a professional photographer will do a good portrait. Save yourself poor focused, blurred, distorted or neglected. The work of a professional is available. You can get an affordable session and it will be a profitable investment. Try to be critical of the image you want to use: the fact your brother-in-law has bought a new SLR camera won’t get you good photos if he is not really great. And please do not use that picture you did at the wedding of someone, that will present you with a little acceptable appearance.

5. A recent image. All Right. Everyone says that in 2008 that picture came out great. It is true that you have gained, you no longer have a mustache, you have a new nose and  you have no longer these hairs, but, uh, you look like Tom Selleck. Nope. Not working. The photo must be recent and a normal person should be able to recognize you smoothly.

Some of these tips can be applied to many of the photographs that you want your customers to see, and Linkedin, and on your website or on your Facebook, but that depends, of course your common sense.

Obviously I can give more advice, but it is also true that I am a photographer and am dedicated to making professional portraits, among other things. So if you need photos is not a bad idea you contact me and concert an appointment. Working mainly in Valencia (Spain), but I will go almost anywhere when needed. You can send an email to sergi@archerphoto.eu or send me an Whatsapp or Telegram at +34 644459753, or even call me, because when  I’m shooting I won’t take the phone.

Fitness photography

Fitness photography

There are people in this world who are really concerned about their bodies. So they are especially interested in having pictures. Frequently they compete in bodybuilding and fitness competitions and I’ve been shooting as a professional photographer in some of them. I do appreciate the effort they do, even when it’s very far from my own personal interests. However, I’ve learnt a lot from them and their way of life. And about how they prepare to compete, and how they face their challenges. Some of them are even my friends, and some of my friends have been really successful. Like María Herranz (http://www.mariaherranzfitness.com), Miss Universe 2014 or Ana Insa, Alexandra García and Jaime Vergara, all of them Spanish Champions.

Bodybuilders, fitness, athletes

I’ve developed a separate style for this kind of work: they are eager to see each detail and are, mostly, less interested in elaborated compositions. So, most of those pictures seem not to be exactly my style, but I’ve arrived to the conclusion these is a part of me now. So I have a mixed, perhaps heterogeneous, even eclectic style. When we are taking their shots during a competition, they are having their bodies at the peak of their capacity. It’s been a long work and they expect to get the maximum detail.

However, if you need professional fitness and/or bodybuilding pictures, feel free to contact me in sergi@archerphoto.eu. I live in Spain but I can shoot wherever you are. Or you can travel here. It’s up to you.

 

María Herranz, by Archerphoto, professional photographer in Spain
María Herranz

 

Fitness photography, Archerphoto, professional photographer in Spain
Jorge Nieto

 

Photo by Archerphoto, professional photographer Spain
Jaime Vergara

 

Photo by Archerphoto, commercial photographer Spain
Alexandra García

 

Fitness photography by Archerphoto, professional photographer.
Ana Insa

 

10 headshots I did in 2006:

Sometimes it is interesting taking a look back to what you were doing some time ago. I don’t think they are my best pieces of work, but there’s some life in the looks of the people I do like especially. Less process, less shots, less quality lenses and cameras but, however, portraits done with the gear I had in 2006. It seemed enough in that moment :)

Some of them are shot with Fujifilm S9500, some with a Nikon Coolpix 5000 and they determine partially the style I had to take: both of them have a noticeable shutter lag (especially the Coolpix 5000), so you will see the pics are mainly calmed, still. When I moved to DSLRs all I wanted was capturing movement in the right moment, but that’d be in later pictures. It’s very curious because I have had SLRs (a Mamiya ZE  and a Canon EOS 300), so when I moved to digital, I felt terribly frustrated about shutter lag.

10 headshots I did in 2006

Nadia and the blanket - Archerphoto, professional photographer

Nadia and the blanket

Isabel Bayonas - Archerphoto, professional photographer in Spain
Isabel Bayonas
Lucía. Archerphoto, commercial photographer
Lucía
Nuria. Archerphoto, professional photographer
Nuria
Archerphoto, professional photographer in Spain
África
Archerphoto, commercial photographer in Spain
Marta
Nadia in a Black Dress - Archerphoto, professional photographer
Nadia in a Black Dress
Professional photographer Spain, Archerphoto
Joana
Commercial photographer in Spain, Archerphoto
Kristynka
Professional photographer, Archerphoto
Lola

You can find all that pics (and more) in my Flickr page: http://flickr.com/photos/archerphoto. If you need pictures you can contact me in sergi@archerphoto.eu

Flickr Blog: Selected pictures of Flickr.

Flickr Blog: Flickr best selected photos.
One of the photography blogs I do follow is Flickr Blog. In this Flickr page, which is the most important page photograph in the world, they are conducting thematic selections or focuses attention on a photographer or group of photographers. The result is often spectacularly good.

FLICKR BLOG: WHY IS INTERESTING?

Grace, of course, is in the excellent selection Flickr people do. Flickr also provides a daily “Explore”, which is a complicated selection-by-programming algorithm of the 500 most interesting photos that have been uploaded in the last hours. I’ve been lucky enough to see my photos in Explore on many occasions, but the truth is that I have appeared on the blog. Yes, you can take a look at my photos on http://flickr.com/photos/archerphoto

Screenshot of Flickr Blog. The rights belong to the author of each photograph.
Screenshot of Flickr Blog. The rights belong to the author of each photograph.

In any case, the blog is chosen by direct human intervention using a computer valuing  many factors, and the result of personal touch is much better and more interesting. Whether you’re a professional photographer or just an amateur photographer you love photography, I recommend it.

And one more thing, Free Flickr accounts now have 1 GB of free storage, so if you liked your blog, you might want to join the page and have chances to appear on your blog. It’s not impossible :) This also should join one of their groups, Flickr Friday, where calls for photographs related to the theme each week.

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