The Group Hug of Group Hugs: MESS in Atlantis (Photographers in Peril part 8)

Last September 2010, I met M.E.S.S.(Middle East Shutter Squad) members based in Bahrain in flesh whom I only have known or met through the web via Flickr and Facebook. Shooting with them, these guys are the most down-to-earth and cool photographers I've known and we enjoyed each other's company through photography and the 1st Pixelrocket basic photomanipulation seminar. With great hospitality extended to me through out my stay in Bahrain, it was a challenge for me to make a photoshop manipulation for the group as a tribute. So, it took me more than a month conceptualizing the best possible themes: first there was underwater (but I've Been There, Done that already) then a jungle fun tale (cool but can't visualize an epic piece) and lastly the mythical Atlantis. Well, it is a challenge indeed and the lost Atlantis is an EPIC and mysterious place to delve on...it's like a BIG IDEA waiting to explode. So my imagination work eventually. I primarily envisioned a tidal wave then came a lost civilization aura on my head. In the end, It's an utter ADVENTURE when I combined Greek, Egyptian and Aztec stuff to create my ideal Atlantis paradise with an EPIC wave engulfing the place. :) So, how did we saved our selves? Soon you'll know....more Photogaphers ala Indiana Jones! I extremely salute MESS!..keep on shooting! *Click out images to make it bigger! :)

"I Gonna Save My 'Wacky' Prince!" (Mall Mario Mania Experience)

Malling is part of our everyday lives and of course we have our dreams too for our future shopping bags.
Of course, my Bahrain adventure last vacation would not be complete without a malling experience in the island in the sun. And this was taken to a higher level through great friends I met in Bahrain. (M.E.S.S. photogroup)My last day was fun as we dine, stroll and searched for fancy stuff in one of the collectible stores. And with a camera in tow, I couldn't help but shoot my new-found friends with their "dream-pose" per se..hehe. So here it is, a Super Mario dreamlike mall experience the Pixel Rocket way. It's another light and fun photomanipulation from me before my 'darker side photomanips' will arrive in due time..SOON! (^_^)

Pixelrocket invades Bahrain (A George Pontino Jr. and M.E.S.S. collaboration)

Island in the Sun. That's Bahrain for me. And one more thing, the photography lifestyle in this Gulf island is full of vigor. With the collaboration of Middle East Shutter Squad and Pixelrocket, everything just came in place. For one, photo shoots have become possible as well as a seminar for photoshop manipulation, which is of course, becoming a a dream for every photographers. Above is just a sample image I've created in collaboration with Mr. Raffy Dulay and Mitch Mapili as the photo's model. It was taken in Manama market.
My stay in Bahrain was pumped up with chef Piggy's delicious and mouth-watering delicacies. Of course, I ate pork..hehe. Thank you guys!