Practice Session: Studio Portraits

I attended a portrait photography workshop last weekend and I really enjoyed it. I can't wait to experiment further with strobe lighting. It's exciting because you can't tell what an image is going to look like until you press the shutter and the lights all flash in sync and BOOM! A photograph is born.


Caitlin was a great model for us. She was a true professional and very patient while we learned how to properly use the lights.









I might be asking Santa for some lights this year :)

Practice Session: On Camera Flash with Molly

I have added another momentous piece of equipment to my arsenal - a speedlite.  More commonly known as a big, honkin' flash that attaches to the top of your camera.

I bought one for my Mom for her birthday and of course we had to break them out on someone.  Enter my cousin, Molly.  She was free on Saturday afternoon for a little while, so we invited her over for a little sesh.

She was a great subject and didn't mind being photographed.  I mean, she's BEAUTIFUL so there's not much to nit pick about, right?

I also had some really cool software I'd been wanting to try, but needed some true portraits to give it a workout... How about some purple eyes?

I love this photo because the smile is as genuine as it gets.


Molly also has a really cool tattoo of an owl on her forearm.  I had to get a shot of it.  I also got to work out the new lens I posted about recently.  See that blurred out Molly in the background?  Yep - my fancy lens at work :)

I hope you all had a splendid Thanksgiving and were as fortunate as I was to spend it with friends and family.  With a little one, it makes the Holidays far more enjoyable!

Take care,

LadyD

Practice Session: Waterfront Sailboats

After a LONG day of being a Mommy on Saturday, I absolutely needed a  time out of my own.  Around 5:30 I got in my car and drove down to the local marina.  I have been down there before to photograph the sailboats, but it was when I was first starting out and the photos were not as good as these turned out.

As the sun went down, the photos got more interesting.  I could feel more emotion coming through when I was editing them.

As much as the trip was just a run up the road to take a break, these photos embody peace and calm.  

Thanks to my husband for taking care of the rugrat so I could have a "time out" today.  I needed it, and I think it was worth it.