All of the images were shot with either one or two fill lights. One large light into a 60″ umbrella was the main light used – but on occasion the umbrella was removed for a more stark light and feel.

Costuming and make-up were done by Grace – she has a significant collection of costumes that she loves to wear and that tell a story. This story was that of a stark Russian winter (complete with authentic-from-Russia fur hat).  At one point, another visitor asked us if we were shooting for a magazine, and then commented that they loved her “authentic” Russian look- and that it reminded them of Dr. Zhivago.

For me, I am VERY satisfied with both. Don and Zack are GREAT teachers. I am a National Board Certified Physics Teacher and also have a Master’s in Education. I have been in education for 20 years. I am very picky about learning – and love to do so hands-on and make my own classes engaging by having labs and explorations. Both of these classes do this.

Don and Zack approach their workshops in slightly different manners. For me, I am very glad I have seen both methods.

The main difference between the two classes: the amount of lighting modifiers explored, and the way that the instructor “looks” and “measures” the light.

• Don is more of a traditionalist, making use of a light meter and using it to set the exposure and for reading the light. That isn’t to say that there are times in the class that Don just “looks” at the light and goes for it – he does. But most of the time he uses meters for a while to explore where the flash is set and how the overall exposures are comparing.
• Zack is more of a “new” school of thought (think “Strobist”) of using what is existing, knowing how shutter speed controls ambient and aperture controls exposure (flash/strobe) – and modifying as needed from looking at the exposure in-camera and using the histogram.

Which method is “better?” I don’t think there IS a better method. I think both men do a great job of starting where YOU are – whether novice or pro – and helping YOU craft the light for your needs.

Things to expect:

Don’s class will use lots of lighting modifiers and light set-ups – very cool if you have never seen these (and I had not). You get to play with multiple lights, multiple set-ups, and moving around and doing both indoor and outdoor. You don’t get to see a whole lot of what Don goes through when he is set-up and shot and seeing what decisions he makes.  Don shoots very little during his class.  Some talk and discussion about post-processing was done in Don’s class.

Zack has made his career on using one light either bare or with a 60″ umbrella on a stand. Yes, we explored the Westcott Apollo softboxes (with flashes, not monoblocks) as well. But most all the time, one light.  Zack did a number (3?) of shots where he talked through what he was thinking when doing the PROCESS of making one image – approaching the shot, how he is looking at the subject, the background, and the lighting and the choices he has to make based on what is going on with the light. Zack also at the end of the day talks a bit about workflow and how he goes through editing.

What would I like to see in both classes? More time in POST – what makes the image POP for you as the photographer – why you select one image over another for final delivery. This, I realize, could be a whole second day (or third, fourth, etc) in learning. For me, this is what I need “next.”

Bottom line? Both classes will make you a better shooter – whether just starting out or a seasoned pro. Looking at how someone else approaches photography is always a learning experience and something to enjoy.  Take advantage of either class if it comes to a place near you. Don and Zack answer questions in a non-threatening, non-condescending manner. They are laid-back, and love what they do. Their passion for life and photography is astounding! Neither instructor ends a class until YOU are satisfied. I never got the feeling that either gentleman was watching a clock or wanting to be done. They fielded questions relating to gear, lights, exposure, running a business, making prints, and working with clients. BOTH emphasized not being “that guy” (the dreaded GWC jerk) when males are working with female clients or models.

Brendan - Senior Portrait B&W

Brendan runs cross country at a local high school. Because of this, he didn’t have time during the season for a senior portrait session with me. Once the season ended, the weather was too nasty and unpredictable for  outdoor photos (who wants bare trees or only evergreens as background material?). We booked our session coinciding with another shoot I had going on with Tony and Heather.  We split the time between all of the clients – and they all had a great time seeing each other working in front of the camera. It made for an energetic session for all involved.  My make-up artist, Tiffany, did a great job of working with Brendan’s hair and skin for his shoot.  Yes, even guys can benefit from a light base of make-up in front of the camera!  For me as the photographer, I loved the way the photos worked after Brendan got some basic make-up done.  We had some fun towards the end, with Heather coming in and making a special portrait with Brendan. It ended up being a fun image for both of them!

Are you thinking about senior portraits for this year? For next year? Please use the contact form or give me a call to schedule your appointment.

Heather and Brendan - Fun Senior Portrait

Brendan - Senior Portrait

Brendan - Head Shot - Senior Portrait

Model and Blues Musician

December, 2009 – Working a photo session at TRUE Studios: The job – Heather, for photos for her portfolio and Tony for head shots and promo shots as a blues musician.  While they had initially come to shoot photos individually, it became obvious that we needed to work them together.

Tony is not normally in front of the camera. As a musician, he is used to people looking at him, but usually there is a guitar between him and the audience.  Tony quickly grew comfortable with the lights, the camera, and someone telling him how to stand. The photos really grew better as the time progressed.

Looking sexy and with a great organic background, Heather works a great look and outfit.

Tony with his two favorite things.

Drummer for Trampled Under Foot

This past weekend was a 2 night concert followed by a studio session with a number of bands and individual artists in Central Ohio. I was brought in to shoot photos and video of the events. My team consisted of two additional photographers and a videographer. We documented the whole weekend of music. The headliner band was Trampled Under Foot – a family blues band from Kansas City. They headlined the 2008 concert as well.  TUF did not disappoint. Their music was energetic and brought the crowd to their feet.

Guitarist for Trampled Under Foot

Bass player for Trampled Under Foot

The concerts took place at the Vonn Jazz Lounge in Worthington, OH (At 23 and 270) and the recording sessions were done at Central City Recording studio.  Check out Blues For A Cure – there will be a 2009 studio album out soon! You can also make a donation and receive the 2008 album from the site.

So, we set out to assemble the family: mom, dad, son, daughter, dog. Cool. But, how do you get interaction? At this point, don’t lose your cool. Take a drink of coffee. Wait for the tree to catch fire. Or not. Those LED’s don’t burn very hot.

Cue kids melting down. Cue one kid looking at camera, other not. Cue dog. Exit dog. Cue dead battery on PW. Cut! Regroup. Bribe kids with candy. Ask: “Do you have a lollipop?” – YES!  And they did – a huge candy-cane-swirled sucker! Yes, both kids loved it – but the dog went nuts!

2009 Family Holiday Photo

Thanks Chris and Kristi for trusting me to be able to get a family photo of you and your family. I learned a lot and had a lot of fun as well! Happy Holidays to all!!!

Dr. Schuler, Stefanie Spielman, Heather Pick, Mark Puskarich

Central Ohio is mourning the loss of Stefanie Spielman this week. Her very public battle with breast cancer ended with her loved ones around her.In 2007, I was asked by Mark Puskarich to bring my camera and shoot some photos at his annual fundraiser: A Christmas to Cure Cancer.  Many people attending the event, including  Stefanie Spielman and Heather Pick – both of whom were diagnosed with breast cancer many years prior. Both ladies publicly talked about their struggles, treatment, hair loss, and hopes and dreams. They put a face to breast cancer, and put their names behind foundations to raise money for breast cancer research.

Yes, these photos are “mine.” They have graced many local media outlets and I am proud that it is available for use. Please, follow one of the links and donate to one of these charities.

Stefanie Spielman Fund for Breast Cancer Research

Heather Pick:

Circle of Support (CD)

Columbus Cancer Clinic – Heather Pick Spirit Fund

A Christmas to Cure Cancer

Blues for a Cure

There are many more – these are the one’s I support.

I didn’t get many chances to shoot, but did get a chance to meet all of the models and watch everyone work. I cannot thank everyone enough for their patience, humor, and willingness to share.

I particularly have to thank Moishe Applebaum from Midwest Photo Exchange for his support of lending us gear and for helping out financially to rent the space.

I got to shoot with Megan on Sunday morning – we had seen this amazing arch in the middle of the dessert and thought it would be a great element to use in the shoot. We have previously played with using small strobes and eliminating them from the shot by shooting two images. This is one of those types of shots – it is a combination of two images – one with the model and all the elements present, the second using a light to give great exposure on the model to balance the lighting throughout the image. Without the additional lighting, the photographer is stuck with either an overexposed sky and properly exposed model, or underexposed model and properly exposed sky. This technique gives the best of both!

Don holding the Beauty Dish close to Megan.

Megan looking just fabulous with the light balanced on her and in the sky.

The lighting was done using the Speedlight Pro Beauty Dish and Canon 580EXII at full power – triggered by pocket wizards. The sky was darkened by using a 1/200th sec shutter speed and exposure for the shot was at f/16 (ISO 100).

Just one example of how a photographer can use all the tools available, including a small speedlight in the place of large studio style strobes for balancing against the morning sun.