Another personal blog where you can learn “hidden secrets” about me, my life and my photography. At the end of this blog I will give ONE photography tip to those photographers on how I assure proper skin tone exposures on things like fashion shows without using a light meter.

I have written two previous blogs about my latest health drama which started over 6 weeks ago.

One Breath Away: https://www.thomasschmukiphotography.com/blog/2018/5/29/one-breath-away

I hope to see Clearly again: https://www.thomasschmukiphotography.com/blog/2018/7/3/i-hope-to-see-clearly-again

For those few who actually read my blog, thank you. To me it means you care and are interested in my life and my work. For the most part I believe the blog is not really read by anyone, not even my wife lol. For those select few who do…. THANK YOU.

Here is my health update.

After multiple visits to the following doctors: optometrist, ophthalmologist, neurologist, hematologist, cardiologist. My neurologist basically said I need everything extensively checked from the “heart up”. Guess my privates don’t matter …

I have had a Brain Stem Scan, throat scan, EKG, 24 hour heart monitor, echo cardiogram, multiple blood tests, bla, bla, bla. Oh my.

My personal prognosis:

My urologist determined my testosterone levels (T Levels) were far too low …. about 175 and at my age should be approximately 700-1000. We discussed alternatives to fix my problem. I was convinced even though I had initiated a conversation about the risks that I should go on a regimented supervised testosterone shot treatment plan. Every other Friday, I have been shot in the arm with that stuff. After my first blood test, they found my T Levels were great, in the mid 700’s but my blood showed signs of “thickening” and should initiate a plan of purging some of my old blood with new blood. That is when I went and gave blood.

It was that day…. Read my blog on “One Breath Away”, that I believed I had a small minor stroke. Frankly I thought I was going to die lying on the floor. I think it may be called a TIA. I exhibited at least 4 of the major signs of a TIA.

I am still feeling weak, but a little stronger every day. I still see double (no improvement) without my prism glasses. I am convinced after talking with people who have gone through this that I will get better and my vision will improve. Can take 2-6 months.

My fear to be honest. I read 1/3 of all patients who had a TIA have a stroke within 12 months. Guess its time to ….. get in shape, fix my cholesterol issues, and most importantly enjoy my life and get that last great photo out there. I will NEVER stop!

Photography Tip - Proper skin tone exposure

Photographers here is your tip: I look carefully at my histogram. I zoom in on the skin tones and make sure the histogram is reading just past the middle and even as much as ¾. Lets face it, if the skin is not exposed properly, what is the use?????

Thomas Schmuki

954-439-1999

After shooting fashion show runways now for years I have noticed a distinct difference between the experienced and first timers strutting their stuff on the runway. Confidence and excitement exude from the pros. A pro literally takes over the stage, they own it so to speak. They take their time and their whole countenance glows. Each pose has clearly been practiced over and over, and the models give the photographers time to “get their shot”. The next pose just “flows” from the previous one. Almost like a choreographed dance.

I have included a picture of a model that clearly owned the stage. She was full of confidence, poise and fun. She loved being the center of attention.

Conversely the “first timers” or nearly first timers are very much the opposite. You get the feeling that they can’t wait to get off the stage, even to the point of literally not striking one single pose. Perhaps they think that strutting across the stage is enough.

Runway models, if you want great shots from the photographers then take your time, enjoy the moment, interact with the crowd and the photographers, pause just a little longer at the end of your pose, change your facial expressions along with your different poses. When you have traversed back to the beginning of the runway, turnaround, pose again, I am waiting for that last great shot! Pause, smile, enjoy the moment. You worked very hard to get here.

My hats of to the DAMA organization for mentoring and tutoring these wonderful young models. Their runway training alone stands out in every show! What the young models get from DAMA is much more than that including poise, respect and many others. My highest recommendation to attend their schools!

What do I know, I am just the photographer …

Thomas Schmuki Photography

Take a look at this fantastic link on model posing:

https://www.pixpa.com/blog/plus-size-models

The moment of Truth - a health update and photography tip at the end

Here is my health update.

My personal prognosis:

Photography Tip - Proper skin tone exposure

Fashion Show Runway Models – Pro’s OWN the stage