LIAM IAN

THE CREATIVITY OF LIFE.

Filtering by Category: 2024

INTERIM ACTIVITIES!

WHILE IN BETWEEN PROJECTS, WE’RE STILL KEEPING BUSY CREATING.

CRIMSON CAPE : THE CRIMSON CAPE COLLECTION

Creating Custom Pop-Culture Products inspired by Modern Pop-Culture Stuff!

We develop ideas, concepts, imagery and media in the hopes that they Encourage and Inspire African Americans, Black and Brown People and People of Color, Ethnicity and Culture.

— For BEST mobile viewing, TURN your device horizontally for Landscape Screen Size. —

[ALL above images are © 2024 Liam Ian (LIAM IAN LLC) All Rights Reserved.]

As we continue to develop products, services and assets that cater to who and what we fundamentally are, we’re INNOVATING by continuing to learn and staying in lockstep with the newest developments in tools for creativity. This feature is for our use and development of Ai Art and Imagery thru platforms such as MidJourney, Leonardo.ai and others.

We’re continuing to use what we develop to further cultivate other projects that serve our purpose and goals.

See our commentary on How Best to Use Ai Art for Impact and Profit!

LEARN HOW WE CAN SERVE YOUR CREATIVE PUBLISHING NEEDS TODAY!


BUSINESS - LIAM IAN-BUSINESS™

LIAM IAN™ - LIAM IAN LLC™ - LIAM IAN-Ai™ - www.Liam-Ian.com - © 2024 Liam Ian (LIAM IAN LLC) - © 2024 Liam Ian (LIAM IAN LLC)⩀ All Rights Reserved.

SMARTPHONE PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS

Photography Tips: Capturing Stunning Shots with Your Smartphone

In today's digital age, almost everyone carries a powerful camera in their pocket – their smartphone. With the right techniques and a little creativity, you can capture breathtaking photos that rival those taken with professional cameras. In this blog post, we'll share some essential photography tips to help you elevate your smartphone photography game.

1. Clean Your Lens

It may sound simple, but it's often overlooked. The lens of your smartphone can accumulate fingerprints and smudges, affecting photo quality. Before you start shooting, wipe your lens clean with a microfiber cloth or lens cleaning solution to ensure clarity.

2. Use Natural Light

Good lighting is the foundation of great photography. Whenever possible, opt for natural light. Shoot during the golden hours—early morning or late afternoon—when the sunlight is soft and warm. Avoid harsh midday sunlight, as it can create harsh shadows.

3. Composition Matters

Pay attention to composition. Use the rule of thirds by dividing your frame into a 3x3 grid and placing your subject along these lines or at the intersections. Experiment with angles, leading lines, and framing to create visually appealing shots.

4. Focus and Exposure Control

Most smartphone cameras allow you to tap on the screen to set the focus and exposure point. Use this feature to ensure your subject is in focus and properly exposed. You can also lock the focus and exposure by pressing and holding on the screen.

5. Use HDR Mode

High Dynamic Range (HDR) mode is excellent for capturing scenes with a wide range of light and shadow. It combines multiple exposures to create a balanced image. Experiment with HDR mode in situations with challenging lighting.

6. Experiment with Apps

Expand your photography capabilities by exploring camera apps with manual settings. These apps allow you to adjust settings like ISO, shutter speed, and white balance, giving you more control over your shots.

7. Portrait Mode and Bokeh Effect

If your smartphone has a portrait mode, use it for stunning depth-of-field effects. It blurs the background, making your subject stand out. Experiment with this mode for portrait shots and close-ups.

8. Editing Tools

Editing can enhance your photos further. Use photo editing apps to adjust brightness, contrast, saturation, and sharpness. But remember, less is often more. Avoid excessive editing for a natural look.

9. Avoid Digital Zoom

Digital zoom can reduce image quality. Instead of zooming in, physically move closer to your subject. This will result in sharper, more detailed photos.

10. Practice and Patience

Like any skill, smartphone photography improves with practice. Take your time, experiment with different settings, and learn from your shots. Don't be afraid to take multiple photos of the same subject to find the best one.

With these tips in mind, you can take your smartphone photography to the next level. Remember that photography is not just about the equipment; it's about your creativity and how you see the world through your lens. So, grab your smartphone and start capturing stunning shots today.

Join us tomorrow for our Wednesday blog post, where we'll explore "Starting a Small Business: From Idea to Launch."


PHOTOGRAPHY - THE FEED - LIAM IAN-BUSINESS™

LIAM IAN™ - LIAM IAN LLC™ - LIAM IAN-Ai™ - www.Liam-Ian.com - © 2024 Liam Ian (LIAM IAN LLC) - © 2024 Liam Ian (LIAM IAN LLC)⩀ All Rights Reserved.

LIAM IAN DESIGN

NEW PRODUCTS - ARTS QUARTER ACTIVITIES

Taking advantage of everything we’re doing in this year’s ARTS Quarter, we’re replanning and repositioning what kinds of products we’re bringing to market. Exploring Wall Art is a more satisfying endeavor than just that of clothing and apparel. In general, our effort remains the same in developing and communicating messages that serve to Appreciating, Encouraging and Inspiring Black, African American and other People of Color, Ethnicity and Culture of yesterday, today and tomorrow.

As we revise, our newest products will embrace the Mid-Century Art Style of Black Subjects, Interests, Ideas and Concepts as we’ve come live and understand them. Here are the image categories we’re focusing on developing in this art style; Music-related, Jazz, Jazz Club Environment, Lounge Environment, Records, Records and Record Player, Hip Hop, Library, Books and Book Shelves…just to name a few.

The second of new products (to be developed and brought to market) is The Motivation Book. This book is to be the first in a series of custom IP publications and other peripheral supplemental products conveying images, thoughts and ideas that are to further Appreciate, Encourage and Inspire Black, African American and other People of Color, Ethnicity and Culture. Featuring depictions of historical Black and Brown Life, the conveying of key experiences and the potential of possibilities into the future.

The third of our new products is JusThoughts (#JusThoughts); a collection of innovative clothing and apparel that convey unique ideas and perspectives on current events and modern activities as to reinforce positive and supportive inspirations. Using Art and Design elements, this apparel will rely on a dynamic strategic marketing plan (or suite of plans) to implement effectively especially as to market within the local Washington DC metropolitan region and areas.

THE LUXURY OF OUR PRODUCTS

While these products will be made available on our Shopify and Etsy locations, select pieces will also be exclusively available here and through our exclusive The Circle Membership. We hold a deep regard for the craftsmanship and the ethical approach we adopt. In aiming to appeal to a specific audience, we acknowledge the significance of offering specialized and distinctive items without external assistance or influence. Whether meticulously crafted by hand or innovatively developed using technological resources, we are committed to showcasing the true essence of our business and our personal values. Stemming from the 2024 theme of “The Dichotomy of…”, our core objective is to unveil and communicate—to reveal…and share.

THERE ARE MANY OPTIONS OUT THERE THAT HAVE MADE THINGS LIKE STATIC NOISE. WE’RE HERE TO OPERATE TO ONE THING IN PARTICULAR AND SPECIFIC; TO CREATE FOR PEOPLE OF COLOR, ETHNICITY AND CULTURE.

OUR PLATFORMS

We have three main channels that we prefer to use. For Safety and Security, we’re on Shopify, Etsy and here on Liam-Ian.com hosted by SquareSpace.com. With the last as the primary and core website, we use the three of these platforms to communicate and generate sales. While we’re in the business of creating art, we’re also mastering the art of being in business making it all work together generate Value—value to generate Revenue and Profit.

Not only are we creating visual products and meaningful services that bring and offer substantial value but we’re using our profits to help others. While we haven’t gotten to a point of being a high-end philanthropic entity or endeavor, we do and intend on continuing to entertain and invest in others. We believe in investing Black and African American Art and artistic works of Ethnicity and Culture within America. We see that it is a responsibility—therefore a priority—to invest and give unto others to help spur growth and development. As good as it is to be giving, it is also strategically sound to help others to grow and ascend to their next levels.

REVEALING LIAM IAN BLACK

All that is and has made this small company is due to the ideas, passions, concepts and creativities, interests, activities, experiences and concerns of the man born as William Burrell Philpot IV…now self-identified as the Artist, the Designer, the Photographer, the Entrepreneur, and the—soon to be—Storyteller, Liam Ian Black. 2024 is themed “The Dichotomy of…” because there are two sides to every coin yet even in that simplicity, there’s the chaos of so much more.


LIAM IAN DESIGN™ - THE FEED

LIAM IAN™ - LIAM IAN LLC™ - LIAM IAN-Ai™ - www.Liam-Ian.com - © 2024 Liam Ian (LIAM IAN LLC) All Rights Reserved.

2024

CREATE CHANGE OR BE SUBJECT TO IT!

ART. DESIGN. PHOTOGRAPHY. MORE! + INTELLIGENCE. ETHNICITY. INNOVATION. MORE!

PROFOUND CREATIONS!

We’re here for other Visual Artists and Creators and Entrepreneurs! Click HERE to join our Circle!

For exclusive content in Art, Design, Photography, Ai, Entrepreneurship and Small Business News, subscribe for THE CIRCLE ELITE Membership.


CREATE CHANGE… - LIAM IAN DESIGN - THE FEED - LIAM IAN - © 2023 Liam Ian (LIAM IAN LLC)

AD | GRAPHIC DESIGN SUBSCRIPTIONS...LEAD TO...

…MORE SERVICES IN THE AREAS WE KNOW BEST!

WE’RE ADDING NEW SERVICES SUBSCRIPTIONS THAT MATTER MOST TO OUR CLIENTS AND INDUSTRIES.

ALREADY WITH OUR SUBSCRIPTIONS DO OUR CLIENTS HAVE TO PLAN AND REQUEST AS MANY DESIGNS AS THEY’D LIKE…BUT ALSO…

…THE POWER TO PAUSE OR CANCEL YOUR SUBSCRIPTION AT ANY TIME!

NOW…WE’RE ADDING THE OTHER KEY CATEGORIES OF OUR BUSINESS FOR SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES!

ART! PHOTOGRAPHY! CREATIVITY COACHING! ENTREPRENEURIAL AND SMALL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE!

Our clients benefit from having Design Services always—ALWAYS—available when they need them. As business and organization activities are ongoing, design assets are consistently needed for branding and marketing purposes. When developing new projects, small businesses need the resources ready and in place to be utilized at a moments notice.

DESIGN BOARD: Add as many design requests to your board as you'd like.

FAST DELIVERY: Get your design one at a time in just a few days on average.

FIXED RATES: No surprises here! Pay the same fixed price each month.

INDIVIDUAL. UNIQUE. CUSTOM TO YOU!: Each of your designs is made especially for you and is 100% yours.

FLEXIBLE: Scale up or down as needed, and pause or cancel at anytime.

HIGH-END HIGH QUALITY: Insane design quality at your fingertips whenever you need it.

SEE WHAT WE CAN DO FOR YOU!

2024 IS PROMISING TO BE AN EXCITING YEAR!!!

We’re providing *special pricing to select companies, entrepreneurs and small businesses. Verifications are required.

Contact us for more information TODAY!


AD | GRAPHIC DESIGN SUBSCRIPTIONS...LEAD TO... - THE FEED - LIAM IAN

© 2023 Liam Ian (LIAM IAN LLC)

2024 PLANNING - PHOTOGRAPHY

AD - WE’RE PLANNING EARLY TO POSITION THE RIGHT RESOURCES FOR THE RIGHT PROJECTS!

PHOTOGRAPHY - ALL YEAR PROJECTS - 2024

We’re looking for NEW Models of the Washington, DC areas to work with us in building out and developing the LIAM IAN SIGNATURE IMAGE BOOK.

Models must be local to the Washington, DC areas with a preference of the Bethesda to North Bethesda communities. With ALL YEAR projects, we’re expecting to shoot selectively for each season and associated events and/or holidays. The purpose of the shoots are to further develop the LIAM IAN Official Portfolio which will then contribute to the year-end Signature Image Book.

All models are signed under dedicated established Model Contracts with included Non-disclosure Agreements to maintain the privacy of party-related information. Compensation to models should be expected. Compensation is negotiable and is dependent on project circumstances. Projects range and may include Erotic, Exotic and Nude types for artistic compositions and overall subject matter. Studio / Studio Setup Projects are to be expected.

For those interested, please complete and submit the COLLABORATOR PROFILE FORM. We will contact you before the end of the year.

All projects are scheduled and published here on our web calendar. Photo Shoot Project Descriptions are provided to assigned Models with shoot details and established expectations. We encourage full transparency for interactions and activities including “Wrap-Up” (Post-Project) Assessments. Chaperones are welcome. Photographer to Model relationships may not be managed by the Photographer and may be handled by a separate manager or associate to ensure strong professional relationships and the potential of ongoing project activities.

Documentation is our policy!

Please see our PHOTOGRAPHY section for further reference on our style and genre of professional photography. Do not hesitate to ask questions. We welcome unique and origin perspectives and ideas.

*Preferred Models: 21+. African American, Hispanic, Ethiopian, Caribbean. Male & Female. Local to the immediate Washington, DC areas. Openminded and willing to work a variety of shoots, shoot styles and compositions.


AD - WE’RE PLANNING EARLY - THE FEED - LIAM IAN

© 2023 Liam Ian (LIAM IAN LLC)

AD - THE CIRCLE - 2024

LOCAL ARTISTS OF THE BETHESDA, MD AREAS, WE WANT TO JOIN WITH YOU!

We’re looking for unique and inspiring creatives that are looking to continue making their mark on the Creative and Visual Arts worlds into the Future. Within the LIAM IAN CIRCLE, we’re looking to establish a foundation—a committee—of individuals who will be interested in further exploring the Arts within the local communities to help bolster the concept and idea that the Arts are fundamental to the development of following generations and communities of color, ethnicity and culture.

Positioned within the North Bethesda, Bethesda and Potomac areas of the Washington, DC suburbs, we have an opportunity to interact with and take advantage of all the creative works and activities of quality and substance that come out of this richly resourced region. Our goal is to fully engage those who have the resources to impact young creatives. We believe the future is dependent upon a few individuals to gently nudge things in a different direction.

If you’re a Visual Artist (Painter, Illustrator, Sketch Artist, etc.), Designer, Photographer, Writer, Videographer, Model, or just someone who has experience and a vested interest within the Arts, CONTACT us today to start a dialogue.


AD - THE CIRCLE - THE FEED - LIAM IAN

© 2023 Liam Ian (LIAM IAN LLC)