Archive for February, 2010

Vin Santo

February 27, 2010

In the studio with one light.  Putting into practice some of the things we learned at the One Light Workshop.

For this I needed the subject to be still.  That ruled out the dog and boys.

Vino Grid #10
This is shot with one light, a speed light with a #10 honey comb grid (ghetto style).  M&M was my VALP (voice activated light pole).

I hope to get back to Italy soon.  My photography skills have improved since my trip to Florence.

XOX-S

One Light Workshop

February 26, 2010

I recently attended the One Light Workshop by Zack Arias in Atlanta.  The experience was beyond anything I could have imagined.  Zack and his wife Meghan Arias were the most gracious hosts.  And you can only fall fast for Hawke Danger.

Zack is one of the most humble people I’ve ever met.  He shares so much of himself.

If you are interested in photography go spend some time on his site. Better yet, attend one of his One Light Workshops.

We had amazing models to work with.  Meghan and the models did a fabulous job styling the wardrobe, hair, and makeup.

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This was shot using a speedlight modified with a shoot through umbrella.  We were outside and temps were dipping below freezing.

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This was shot with one speedlight modified with a soft box in the studio.

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Same set up as previous photo.

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This was taken with a speedlight modified with a shoot through umbrella.

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Same as above photo.

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Photographed the same as above, the only difference is the amount of ambient light had increased as street lights came on and increased light from head lights. While this photo isn’t perfect, what is amazing is that I hand held with a shutter speed of 1.0 second.  AYKM.  Rest of the data for those that want to know ISO 800 and 2.8 f stop.  I had to trust Zack that I could shoot with a shutter speed of 1.0 second hand held, it took a bit of convincing on his part!

I’ll leave you with one of Zack lines from the workshop.  “Where do I start?” “Somewhere”.  When you are trying something new just remember to start somewhere.

XOX-S

Happy Valentine’s Day

February 14, 2010

I hope your day is filled with all kinds of sweet surprises.

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XOX

S

We are in the process of having a studio space available on a limited basis.  M&M has been working hard to build out the space for me.  One of my requirements is that I want to be able to shoot high key photography.  Cosmo likes to go to work with me, he likes to be wherever I am period.  M&M is in the process of finishing the cyc wall (how lucky am I).  Cosmo loves to play on the cyc wall, he’s even willing to pose on occasion.

Cosmo High Key002_0008I have had a really difficult time getting good photos of Cosmo, especially inside.  That is until I met Paula Wessells of Doxzen Pet Photos. Paula has given me several tips on how to photograph a black dog with all black features. Take a look at her portfolio, her photography is inspiring.

In the studio we’re still making decisions on lighting.  Hope to have something on order when I get back from the One Light Workshop with Zack Arias. Lights and a few more construction details and we’ll be booking studio sessions.

Through the glass

February 6, 2010

I was having a conversation with Spike through the window.  He was messing around.  I had my camera (trying to photograph Cosmo).  Spike messing around + camera+a sprinkling of post processing= A R T.

JMSTEAMI love that his left eye is prominent.  (Spike, Ike, and I are all left eye dominant and right handed).

I’ve been wanting to mess around with ttvf and haven’t had a chance.  This will have to satisfy the want for now.