Day 1:
-Must be totally flexible. I created 3 presentations. I only gave 1. I don't think people really wanted to hear me talk all day! :)
-Dedicated most of today towards shooting.
-I saw several different approaches to using my "one-light" that impressed me. Keeping well within 6 feet of the model (more like 3ft.) the beauty dish gridded produces a much softer light, one that isn't tremendously susceptible to blowing out highlights as long as you feather it.
-What is feathering? When you point the light directly at your model all the light reflects directly back into your lens thus producing hot spots. Angling the light sideways and off the subject allows the light to "skim" off the model and while darker, does not present the same glare for highlights.
Day 2:
-Sometimes seeing/shooting completely with ambient light is better than using a strobe.
-Pasadena City Hall has nice scenery for shooting
-You can't reflect much light when the sun is even marginally compromised by the slightest hight of wispy clouds
-Bring water when you shoot on location... even when you're in the city LOL :)
-I found a new corner in my studio that can be used for a set
-Catering for the different levels of photography while challenging is the only way to maximize the return on investment for workshop participants.
Some general notes not particular to either day but kind of important thematically:
-There's no wrong answer in photography. The most important thing is that you have a direction, purpose, intent and look to achieve that intent which leads too...
-Shooting purposefully. Don't rely on luck to get a good shot. Set your shot from the beginning with the lighting, relative positioning of the model, her range of poses, along with your perspective of shooting. Sure a lot of it is still dependent upon luck but you're going to increase your probability of getting lucky if you shoot with intent.
I really had a good time. We had a great group that each contributed to the workshop's success! Here's the image that I retouched live for the workshop today!
Kaley by LD Photography D3S/18-200mm AF-S DX VR 1/160th f/20 ISO 200 @52mm. B1600 in 40ยบ gridded beauty dish from camera upper left. Retouched by L U C I M A.
