Getting Ready to Shoot

Tomorrow, I am shooting my "Editorial Portrait" at lunch.  I am glad I stopped by yesterday WITH my camera and equipment.  I took some test shots and was a bit nervous.  Here are some things that did not work or I forgot.

• Wireless transmitters were not working on light stand.  These are new.  Turns out that it was an issue with the setting on my SB-600's.  Went home and got both speedlights working with the two transmitters.   They are ready to go.
• Forgot 18% Gray Card.  Now that I learned how to use it effectively, I was disappointed with myself.  Taking it tomorrow for sure.
• Did not have my reflectors or my black foam board.  What was I thinking?  Answer...I wasn't.  Definitely will need these for final shoot tomorrow if I am going to take the best advantage of my light. 
• My softbox has shipped.  I am hoping it arrives before tomorrow's shoot!
• Had my 70-200 with me, just wasn't happy with the results.  Going to use a more wide angle tomorrow.
• Thinking I might like taking this from a ladder looking down on subject. 

Think I just typed my "to do" list for tomorrow!

Second Assignment, "Still Life" - Done, Posted, and Critiqued..

Well, I struggled with this one.  Just coming up with an idea was tough.  We had a theme like relaxed/peaceful.  Not sure this hit it, but I tried.  I actually stretched this project over a series of three shoots before I ran out of time and had to submit.  I changed backgrounds, books, glasses and lighting each time.  Here are examples of the three sessions.

First Try

Second Try

Third Try - Submission

All the lighting was coming from a small LED light, and my SB600 Speedlight which was on camera.  Wish I had had the lighting class I took last Saturday for this assignment.  I thik I would have enjoyed this assignment much more if I had worked that speedlight off the camera.

Comments by Don centered around the reflection in the glass (great, per Don, Brandy glasses are some of the toughest to photograph.  I would have been well served adding some fill to this so the glass would not have reflected the room.  I agree.

Would like to shoot this again, but we are off to the next assignment which is an Editorial Portrait.  That should be interesting.  I have purchased a transmitter for my Speedlight along with an umbrella.  Looking forward to seeing if we can utilze that to come out with some shots to use for that assignment.

Learning lots!

Posted Assignment Two. Three and Four have been assigned.

Okay, went with Kendall's picture for "Portrait of a Stranger" assignment.  Here is the post on Flickr.  I am looking forward to the discussions on Thursday night. 

I actually enjoyed that quite a bit.  I joined a new group on Flickr called "100 Strangers" as a result in which you take a picture of 100 Strangers and post with notes.  Some of the shots are awesome, and there is no specific timeframe on that one.

The assignment next week is "Simple Still Life" and due the week after is "Editorial Portrait of an Entrepreneur".  Started working on the Simple Still Life last night, but that one needs some work.  The Editorial Portrait is going to be a real challenge as I have no idea how I am going to approach it. 

This Project 52 is certainly proving to be challenging in many ways. 

Assignment Two - Portrait of a Stranger

Today, I went to the Farmer's Market to work on the "Portrait of a Stranger" assignment.  I printed a copy of the assignment which made it easier to introduce myself and ask to take pictures.  It was very cold, but the clouds provided a giant "soft-box" for me.   This was not an easy assignment to ask a stranger to take their picture, but it was definitely a good exercise.

I used my 18-105 lens in Aperture mode.  I thought I had set my camera to shoot RAW so I could take advantage of using my trial version of Capture NX2 software, but actually was set to JPEG.  Oh well.  If I get the opportunity to shoot again, I would be much more aware of the DOF as the backgrounds were distracting in some of the photos I took.  I think I was a bit concerned about asking people for portraits and less concerned about camera settings.  I will be much more relaxed next time.

Everyone I shot was a vendor and were so willing to help with the assignment.  Wish I had been just a little more "ready".

Here are a few shots:

Kendall - Natural Soap Vendor

Iriana - Knit Hats and Garden Ornaments

Max - Garlic & Tomatoes

Christy - Hummus & Natural Foods





Posted my First Assignment!

Okay, posted that first assignment.  Not sure it is the best shot or best vision statement, but it is done. 

I have two more that I need to be thinking about.  "Portrait of a Stranger" and "Still Life". 

Taking a "portrait"...not a street shot of a stranger is proving to be a bit more challenging for me.  I am thinking of places that individuals may be open for photos.  I am thinking that the Farmers' Market on Saturday would be a great place.  That one is due next Wednesday, so I need to get busy. 

The "Still Life" is due in two weeks.  You need to shoot a well-planned shot with simple lighting that reflects "calm/relaxed".  I am jotting down thoughts right now on this one. 

small light
water/boat
seashell
tea/teabag
Mayfield bench

We will see.  However, feel a major victory in at least posting my first assignment!

Assignment One - Who Are You? - Vision Statement

"I have really been shooting for about 2 ½ years. Each time I pick up my camera, I have renewed creativity. Photography and talking to others who love to shoot energizes me. It is like a “mini-vacation” where I get to explore equipment, light, scenery, and subjects. I love thinking about that I am shooting a particular moment in time. In this upcoming year, I want to make improving my technique and creativity with light a priority. I have learned so much from shooting and sharing with local photography groups than I could have ever learned on my own. I am anticipating that participating in “Project 52” with the feedback will help me reach my goals."

I went with the vision statement above along with the picture of my grandmother's clock I had in the first post.  Kept thinking I would shoot some more, but realized in this stage of the project, I should probably go with my gut feel.  Besides, the second assignment, "Portrait of a Stranger" is due, and I want to put some effort into it, and it is not the most comfortable of subjects. 

Got to get some ideas together.

Who are You?

I am so excited to begin the year with Project 52.  I wanted to do this last year, but just didn't.  I am so glad to see it back again.  I am nearing the end of my second year of my 365 Blog and may continue on with that, but was looking for more of a challenge to improve my skills.  I have created this second blog to follow my process with Project 52. 

Assignment One - "Who are You"

So we begin with a "vision" statement with a photograph from around your house that reflects that vision statement.  Sound easy?  It is not.  Here is what I have so far...not sure I will be posting this for critique, but it is a start.  The first project is due on January 18th.

"Each time I pick up my camera, I feel like I am on a “mini-vacation” since it often takes me creatively to new places even when I am in ordinary, usual surroundings.  I love the fact that scenery and people around me are ever changing, and the photo I take reflects that particular moment in time.  In 2012, I want to make my photography a priority and bring more depth by more creatively using light and texture in my shots as I capture that moment in time.  If I am fortunate, may others just pause for a moment to view and appreciate."