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Tuesday, February 22, 2011

How'd They Do That?

You ever see a really cool pic that was taken by someone who obviously knows what they are doing and think to yourself "how in the world did they do that?".  If your anything like me, it happens all the time. 
I often browse the flickr pools and photography forums looking for images that make me mutter an involuntary "wow" for the sole purpose of trying to recreate in my mind how said image(s) was pulled off. 

Well, if your constantly trying to figure out lighting schemes of the "big boys" in order to take your photography to the next level, I have found a very helpful tool.


Meet my new bible (just kidding Jesus).  I have just ordered this little $20 gem of a book based on several rave reviews from different sources.  You can visit the website here.

Here is a quick excerpt from the product description:

"Learn to light your photographs creatively using small flashes and other lighting gear with 24 inspiring examples from contributors to David Hobby’s famed Web site, Strobist.com. On the reverse side of each photo you’ll find a lighting diagram and helpful tips. Tear out individual cards and take them with you for quick reference on your next shoot.
Printed on thick card stock with high end UV coatings, each photograph has been carefully reproduced at the highest image quality. There is one gallery worthy image on each card with insights and lighting diagrams on the flip side. Edited by Nice Photography Magazine's Zeke Kamm you can be sure these cards will help you raise your game and entertain you, too."

This is exactly the kind of nuts and bolts descriptive info I crave.  Volume's 1 and 2 each contain 24 images printed on card stock.  On the flip side of each image is a complete diagram with setup info on how the photographer was able to get the shot.  Anyone who is into using off camera flash would be crazy not to want this kind of information from such established photogs.

I plan on giving a full review of the book in the near future after I have played around with reproducing some of the images. 

Any volunteer models out there with a samuri sword willing to help me out?  If not I guess I'll have to recruit my 5 year old daughter again...............kidding...............sort of.

Monday, February 14, 2011

Tootin My Horn


I always cook breakfast with a cat on my shoulder..........who doesn't?

I like to think I'm a fairly modest person.  But sometimes you need to give yourself a little pat on the back and share your accomplishments (even the small ones) with others.   Follow the jump for more.

Friday, February 4, 2011

WHO DAT? Nawlins Bound


Last week I was a pretty lucky guy. 

I got to spend 4 days smack dab in the middle of the French Quarter in New Orleans eating beignets, sucking crawfish heads, and trying to figure out if that lady who had just come on to me while I was walking down the dark end of Burbon St. was really a lady (no, I didn't stick around long enough to find out, and no, I doubt "she" was a lady).  Oh, and this whole trip was paid for by someone other than me. (thanks SIH!)

  I was chosen to take this adventure with approx. 20 of my fellow healthcare cohorts to attend a conference on healthcare service excellence.  The conference was really pretty engaging and entertaining, and I definately came home ready to service treat anyone and everyone in a particulary satisfactory manner.

When it comes to my photograpahy, though, this trip was just what I needed.  I spent almost all of 2010 taking images of people, mostly posed, mostly for paying clients.  That was great and I enjoyed every minute of it, but being in New Orleans and having a decent amount of free time gave me a chance to do some photography that I had not done in a very long time.  Follow the jump to see.