This image was created with two bare speed lights, one white reflector and a 4×8 sheet of white latex board to act as a nearly 360 degree circular light reflector with the white reflector placed over the top. This essentially created a completely white “cylinder” for the strobe lights to reflect internally.
[Think of it as photographing your subject inside a white soup can.]
This ultimately produced a nearly shadowless effect. Of course Syrie was excited about entering this cool lighting contraption!
As usual, I got my 4 minutes of cooperation and this was the result. Nice big/even light from the most unlikely source.
Finally, a 2009 holiday picture!
Wishing you all happy holidays and a wonderful new year!
Here is a simple two light portrait of Chris against a large corrugated door. Behind this serious face lies a great sense of humor and a passion for photography that made it somewhat unbearable for him to pose rather than be at the controls behind the camera. Even photographers need to have their portrait taken. There are individuals in our lives that will appreciate these memories long after we turn off the camera for the last time.
For the full month of November someone was sick in this family. To put it a different way, no one wanted their picture taken and no one wanted to take any pictures. Thankfully, we are past that and are very much looking forward to Christmas and all that surrounds it – such as decorating. Why not combine decorating with a quick holiday portrait? The kids sure seemed to think it was a good idea. (Syrie warmed up to the idea after a minute.)
Happy holidays to all. Big and little – with or without lights.
Here is a minimalistic portrait with no ambient light and the soft glow from the laptop.
Simple.
Now that it is almost Thanksgiving (and December), I have decided its time to start asking for snow. It is not for me, but for my kids.
My best (and only) strategy for snow is to publish a picture I took last winter of a snowman I built, decorated and photographed. This is a photography blog after all, right? And yes, this is a real snowman. A carrot nose, dog food eyes/buttons, pipe cleaner mouth and a hand knit stocking cap all seem to create the traditional “look” for this snowman.
This has got to work!
Many adults wince when you ask for snow. I know… because I am one of them. But to be totally honest, I still remember how magical winter was in my early years. Then, I grew up, got older and changed my mind.
Now, watching my kids in the snow I am beginning to remember what I gave up as an adult. So, perhaps I am asking for the snow for me and anyone else that might be willing to rethink this white stuff.
This year, I want to experience winter with my kids. Together. Having fun. All over again.
I recently had the pleasure of working with little Hazel and her parents. I was yet again reminded why these small bundles are such an incredible experience in so many ways. In the most basic sense, babies are all about details – very cute details. The little eyelashes, fingers, toes – and everything in between. This photo session brought back those early sentimental moments of my own kids.
Congratulations Hazel on your triumph into this life.
This is my friend Bruce who also happens to be an accomplished dancer, actor, business owner and parent. We got together recently and put his impeccable dress/acting skills in front of my camera. Let me tell you, I was laughing the entire time. How could you NOT laugh? I have always admired those that allow themselves to be so creative and free spirited in life. Thank you Bruce for the opportunity to photograph you and for the entertainment you always provide.
Life is more fun with you around.
This portrait of Syrie was taken a few minutes after I unboxed my Alien Bees (ABR800) ring flash. Similar to the last post, I just love the “light up the eyes” quality of this light. The overall size of this unit provides a reasonably soft effect for those up close and smaller faces. This is not a “do everything” light, but given it’s merits, it should be considered as a competent tool in your lighting strategy.
Syrie was kind enough to give me a quick pose on her way to better and more important things. In many cases, the camera qualifies as neither in her mind. Nevertheless, some day she is going to realize just how much I truly appreciate these brief moments.
The long awaited appearance of the Praying Mantis and lion has brought Halloween 2009 to a successful close. All FIVE days were filled with anticipation, non-stop chatter, candy and the opportunity to run through the neighborhood – in the dark – way ahead of your papa (Finn – STOP!!), completely unaware that fingers went numb 20 minutes earlier only to push a bag into otherwise perfect stranger’s doorways to receive the most desired things imaginable to a 3 and 4 year old. Once back home, attention quickly turned to stuffing the bags of all the little creatures that were descending upon our front door.
After our treat supply was depleted we closed the door and turned out the lights. Then both kids began to survey the entire contents of their evening’s efforts. Then the Praying Mantis and lion began the attack. The candy didn’t stand a chance.
Halloween 2009 was another reminder for me how much things change in just one year. Last year I carried Syrie to a few homes and purposefully avoided all the scary stuff.
This year she was on her own… and I watched. Quietly, I was pining for the earlier days when she needed my help, when I could see the expression of her face in my arms as we experienced the evening’s delights, and when she would pull me a bit closer if things got a bit too unfamiliar or scary. She is growing up fast, and I know it. Now, she takes on the world with confidence and independence.
Finn and Syrie, you are my favorite little creatures on Halloween and every day in between.
This is a recent portrait of Finn taken with an Alien Bees (ABR800) ring flash. Note the circular catch light in each eye. While I am still trying to make friends with this lighting device it proves to be extremely proficient at drawing out the detail of the eyes – simply revealing what is there. As a photographer, the eyes are the point I instinctively seek in a photograph. Eyes are unique, expressive and captivating. Capturing the eyes properly can make for a very compelling portrait and give a viewer a sense of connection with the subject.
Welcome to Finn’s hair. I presume I had something to do with this genetically, but THIS hair is the product of some “super gene” to which science cannot explain. It takes forever to dry, brushing it immediately qualifies you for 4H membership and the thought of haircuts makes me ponder lawn care services – especially those that specialize in trimming hedges. At the age of 4 Finn has grown more hair that I have in the first thirty years of my life. When Finn grows weary of me cutting his hair we will be forced to perform a cost analysis between the barber and Petco. That sounds nice because we always thought Henry needed some company during his haircut appointments.
Related to Petco, we have this special dog hair brush that we use for Henry. It gets out knots in hair, especially really THICK hair.
The answer is yes, I used it…..and it worked. Finn knows the brush belongs to Henry and he repeatedly commented on that fact the entire time.
You are one of a kind Finn – hair and all.
