easy subject, tricky lighting

So all of the studying I do about how to set up lighting correctly was not entirely helpful, because as it turns out, when you have people waiting to have their picture taken and the room is small and warm -- well, I lost a bit of technique to to plain nerves.

But it was a satisfying first event. I won't post more pics here for the privacy of my friends, but this little girl was a sweetie who slept right through our time together. Her parents (good friends of ours who live nearby) are totally laid back and fun, and they three make for a beautiful family. Can't wait to come back when she's older for more pictures.

practice

Replace sneaker with baby? New light and newest lens make for delightful combination.

This was a fantastic Saturday. We worked at the farm for several hours, went on a long walk and generally soaked in some beautiful weather when it was supposed to have rained. I used the camera -- a lot. Tomorrow I get to photograph a newborn using my new flash stand and diffuser.

Demo's done -- now what?!?

Not that this is photo worthy, but its at least some explanation of where my Saturday's been spent...

We're enlarging our laundry room to capture some much needed eave space. The horizontal boards you see just beyond the stud wall are actually the underside of a steeply sloped roof, and there's about 2.5' of space there to be had if we take out the studwall and nail a sloped ceiling/wall to the back of the roof rafters. I will confess I didn't realize this wall would be bearing, but indeed it appears to be, so progress has been brought to a halt while we figure out what to do.

Can this be a photo/construction blog?!

portrait

IMGP7853.DNG, originally uploaded by elbowclarke.

We spent an overcast day talking and walking with my brother Adam, including this stop off inside a crowded dog park -- you can maybe detect the bright sandy ground giving his complexion a bit of glow amid otherwise gray scene.

chops

IMGP7743, originally uploaded by elbowclarke.

Who'd have guessed that the Natural History Museum would let you take pictures in nearly every exhibit? This was also a highlight of our trip.

happy happenstance

IMGP7553, originally uploaded by elbowclarke.

Just back from three wonderful celebratory days in New York City, and the wedding of dear Heather and Victor on their 10th Anniversary of their first date together. It was the most special event I've attended since, oh, about 6 or 7 years ago! Fantastic days.

The whole event was actually crawling with photographers because their professional photographer actually had two assistants in tow, and when he learned that I was a budding amateur, he welcomed me to keep my camera out of the bag and snap all I liked. It was great. I was gleaning tips from the other guys, comparing settings and generally watching their actions.

This shot seemed an appropriate one to share: because there were actually four of us with serious gear taking pictures, this was a happy coincidence where two flashes and two cameras enjoyed a symbiotic synchronization.

Yes, they make a beautiful couple!