LUMIPro Is Excited To Feature The Amazing Works Of Raven (Rayvenous Resident)!

Hello, all you lovely people! With so many of us being stuck at home right now MoMo and I thought it would be a great idea to bring a new artist to the studio! We are proud to be able to feature the works of Raven (Rayvenous Resident). I had the pleasure of sitting down with her recently, here's how it went...

I am so excited to have the opportunity to interview such an amazing artist! So first question… How did you hear about Second Life, and what got you started? 

Raven: I first heard of Second Life from a friend. I tried it for a few weeks and didn’t see the big hype but then I found photography and therefore my passion. 

What are some of the things that you love about Second Life? What keeps you coming back?  

Raven: I love meeting people from all around the globe. I love being able to be myself freely, without judgment. My love for my friends and photography definitely keeps me coming back.

I love your work. What got you started in photography?  

Raven: I met a friend when I first arrived in SL. He was a photographer himself so he introduced me to the lifestyle. After that, it was just an adventure finding my niche. 

I have always said photography is a journey; it is not about being the best, but about where you are going. Why do you take photos? Are you trying to say something to the world?

Raven: My photos are usually a pictation of the mood I am in at that moment. It’s a way of expressing myself and hopefully helping others that may be struggling with the same emotions.

When you decide you want to do a new photo what is your creative process like from start to finish?

Raven: Ha. I’m not sure I have a “process”. It starts with an emotion. Am I sad, happy, feeling sexy, or just in a melancholy state of mind. Then it’s the outfit, the outfit definitely sets the whole scene in motion. Then it’s either shopping through my inventory for decor, backdrops, anything I can find to create the perfect scene (or spending linden which I do way too often lol). Once the scene is set, the moment is captured, I then set out to find the perfect mood-setting song and the title flows from that. Pretty basic, nothing too elaborate, it just starts and ends with emotion. I think we can all relate to that. 

Yes, I think we all can! What advice would you give to new photographers in Second Life?  

Raven: Do what you feel in the moment. Do not worry if others will like it or not. It’s not a journey to be stressed over, it’s a journey of fun, learning, and expressing oneself.

I love that! Do you have any photography inspirations in either Second Life or Real Life?  

Raven: My first inspiration was Mark Steiner, he got me started and taught me so much and I’m forever thankful to him for that. There’s also Abyss Spires, who is a great person and teacher, willing to share any knowledge he has. Others are Dusty Pedroia, Terr Jedda, Lou Shadow and many many others. There are really so many great photographers that inspire me to do better.

So how about we talk about the hud that brought us together, LUMIPro! How did you hear about LUMIPro, and what made you decide to take the plunge and get the HUD? 

Raven: I heard about LUMIPro from Mark Steiner. The ease of use and tools available on one HUD sold me. It was a little bit of a learning curve at first but now I can’t imagine doing my photography without it. The ability to store poses, lighting adjustments, GOBOs (my favorite), and the fact you can use it without having to rez a pose stand (though that’s absolutely an option as well). 

I am glad you love it! Do you have a favorite LUMIPro feature?  

Raven: GOBOs and the projector are my favorite features by far.

TexasRob did a great job with the GOBOs. If you could pick a new LUMIPro feature what would it be? 

Raven: Maybe an impossible task, but the ability to save couple poses, that would be a wonderful feature 

So tell me something else… Maybe share something our readers won’t know. What makes you who you are?  

Raven: The main thing that makes me who I am is that I am true to myself. I don’t try to be anyone else. I love who I am and I want to share that with the world. I never meet a stranger and I am a friend to the end. 

Last but not least what are your hopes for your future in Second Life?

Raven: To continue on my journey of photography. To learn and grow as not only a photographer but as a person as well. I want to experience life in ways I am constricted to in Real Life. After all, that is what Second Life is about, right? It’s a gateway to so many opportunities one may not be able to achieve, for countless reasons, in Real Life. 

Thank you so much for this opportunity to let me shine. To show the world of Second Life my journey and hopefully join me on the path of endless possibilities.

Here is your ride to the show!

I had a wonderful time hanging out with Raven! I am excited to have her work featured in LUMIPro's Gallery. DJ 4-Play will be keeping the party going for us! I hope to see you all there!

Photo Contest Time With LUMIPro And The Isle Of Elar!

Hello, my lovelies! It has been s while since I have chatted with my favorite people so I thought I would bring you something exciting. LUMIPro has partnered Elar by Dominant Elegance to bring you a photo contest! 

Elar is a beautiful steampunk-themed sim with a BDSM flair! It is quickly becoming one of my favorite places. I thought I would let the owner Shayn Mackenzie tell you more...

"A short history of The Isle of Elar. It was founded by a group of BDSM practitioners that were fleeing persecution because of their chosen lifestyle.  They happened on a small island in the mouth of a dormant volcano. Beneath the island is a labyrinth of steam vents that the city's inhabitants were able to harness to create a city powered by the natural steam provided by the heat trapped within the volcano. The architecture of the city reflects both the founders' love of art and their desire to further their practice of BDSM. Throughout the city, you will find many buildings that beckon for a photographer's eye.  A great deal of time and effort has been devoted to the creation of Isle of Elar and it's intended level of detail. We call ourselves Elarians and welcome your visit to our fine city. We only ask that while here you dress either in Steampunk attire or something equally dressy in nature. We welcome humans, vampires, nekos and those with anthropomorphic avatars."

And now for the fun part... Contest details!

**Contest Rules & FAQ**

1.  Who is eligible to enter?

Anyone.  The contest is open to anyone who would like to join. The only requirement is that you follow our rules and be a member of Dominant Elegance. Entering is free. 

2.  What is the contest time period?

The contest will commence on the March 15th, 2020 and run until April 15th, 2020

3.  How will winners be notified?

Winners will be announced via notice in the Dominant Elegance group and contacted individually upon close of the contest.  The winning pictures will be displayed in the Emporium upon completion of the contest.  Additionally, we will be making a selection of noteworthy works to also be displayed in the Emporium.  All artists with work displayed will be notified prior to the grand opening of the Gallery.

4.  What are the prizes?

First Place:  A gift certificate for a LUMIPro 

Second Place:  3,000 L$

Third Place: 1,500 L$

5.  How will we determine the winners? 

The winners will be chosen by an anonymous panel of five judges.

6.  Where do the pictures need to be taken?  

All pictures need to be taken on the Isle of Elar, including the inside of buildings to qualify for the contest. Submitted pictures that fail to comply fully with this will be disqualified.  This is a great opportunity to explore the many unique places for photography throughout the city.  All photos may contain nudity, but if clothed, the pictures must follow the rules of attire for the sim.  This is a steampunk sim. Your photos should reflect that or our culture of BDSM.  If you can do both, it will go a long way in originality for your photos.

7.  May I rez things for the photos?

Yes, as always, visitors to the Isle of Elar may rez objects, but please remember to pick any items you rez.

8.  May I use post-editing for the photos?  

Yes, you may use any software at your disposal as well as inworld lighting.  Do not think that if you are not able to post edit the photos that you will automatically lose.  We are looking at content as major criteria for the photos.  We are choosing a total of 20 pictures to be displayed in the gallery.

9.  How do I submit pictures?

All pictures will be submitted to the "Isle of Elar Photo Contest" Flickr group.  Please add your Second Life name to the description section of the photo

Flickr Group

This contest is going to be a lot of fun! Here are some sim shots to give you a little peek... 

This is just a taste be sure you go check out the sim! 

The Isle of Elar ~ Dominant Elegance

If you have any questions contact Shayn Mackenzie

Also, be sure to check out The Isle of Elar website!

I cannot wait to see what wonderful things everyone comes up with! Until next time... Happy Shooting!