Working with lights

Last night it was very cloudy and raining a little. Perfect time to get out the camera and work with my speedlites outside. Speedlites are the flashes that go on top of a pro camera. This picture was done with two Speedlites off camera. The main light was to the camera's right and a kicker light from camera left behind Dylan. I usually do this kind of lighting during wedding receptions but recently I decided to use them when I do portraits. I really like the way images look using off camera light and the Speedlites are small and very portable. I usually use my studio flashes but that requires an outlet, bigger stand and me lugging it around. I'm planning to use this method for senior pictures this year. Now don't get me wrong, I do prefer natural light and will continue to do those type of pictures. Using the lights give my clients a different look.

Random Image

Bad Blogger

I haven't blogged this whole week. I've been busy getting orders out and getting ready for upcoming shoots. We had a fun time in Taos last weekend. Me and my boys had fun attending the Taos Festival. It rained most of the time while we were there but the temperatures were very nice compared to Pueblo's heat. I actually had to were a jacket at night. It also turned out pretty good business wise. I met with one of my wedding couples who wedding I'll be doing soon. I also booked a Senior shoot and Family shoot. So over all a fun weekend.

Out of town this weekend

I'll be out of town this weekend. I'm heading to Taos, NM for some R & R and also to meet with a wedding client who's wedding I'll be photographing in October. All e-mails and phone calls will be returned Monday the 23 of July. Hope everyone has a great weekend.

Video of the day

Lifehouse "First Time"

Point and Shoot Digital Cameras

People are always asking me what camera should they buy. Of course they are referring to the point and shoot digital kind. This gave me the idea of posting some advice on my blog. Now remember these are my opinions and recommendations. This will be an ongoing series due to the many aspects that I'll cover.
The first place to start is to do your homework on different types of cameras that are out there. You can do a Google search. This will give you many stores to see whats out there. You can also take a look at Best Buy, Circuit City or your local camera store. Now remember there are many brands of cameras out there. Different people have different taste. For myself my digital point and shoot cameras are Canon. The reason for this is my pro digital cameras are Canons and I just prefer Canon.
Once you find a camera that you like see if a store in your area has it on display. This will give you the opportunity to get a feel for the camera. Hold the camera, take some test shots. Getting a good feel for the camera is important because if you like the feel you'll want to take the camera everywhere with you. And this is important if you are planning on taking pictures.
One of the first questions people ask is "how many megapixels should the camera be?". It all depends on how big of picture you want. If your wanting 4x6 up to 8x10 in size you can look at 3 megapixal cameras. If your looking for bigger print sizes you'll need to get 4 megapixels and higher. Don't forget the more megapixels the more you'll pay. In a recent workshop I attended I've seen a print that was 16x20 made with a 3 megapixel camera and it was sharp.

Don't be afraid of all the buttons and knobs. The next part to this series we'll cover the buttons and knobs. If you have any questions up to this point go ahead and post them I'll be happy to answer them.

Who Are You?

Another Day, Another Video

Fall Out Boy "Thanks For The Memories"

Quote of the Day

"Only three things can enhance your life: the people you meet, the places you go, and the books you read"
-Matthew Jordan Smith-

Picture Strip

Today while editing pictures Dylan wanted to have some pictures taken of his toys. In all these pictures he has some toys in his hands. To make the Picture Strip I cropped them out. This is just something fun that I was messing around with which I just may send off to the lab to get printed. You know I took a break from editing pictures toooooooo..... edit pictures. Anywho, it was fun taking the pictures. Dylan is not camera shy.

Video of The Day

Fergie "Big Girls Don't Cry"

Live Earth

Live Earth is a 24-hour, 7-continent concert series taking place on 7/7/07 that will bring together more than 100 music artists and 2 billion people to trigger a global movement to solve the climate crisis.

Live Earth will reach this worldwide audience through an unprecedented global media architecture covering all media platforms - TV, radio, Internet and wireless channels.

Live Earth marks the beginning of a multi-year campaign led by the Alliance for Climate Protection, The Climate Group and other international organizations to drive individuals, corporations and governments to take action to solve global warming. Former U.S. Vice President Al Gore is the Chair of the Alliance and Partner of Live Earth.

Live Earth was founded by Kevin Wall, the Worldwide Executive Producer of Live 8, an event that brought together one of the largest audiences in history to combat poverty. Wall formed a partnership with Al Gore and the Alliance for Climate Protection to ensure that Live Earth inspires behavioral changes long after 7/7/07.

Live Earth will stage official concerts at Giants Stadium in New York; Wembley Stadium in London; Aussie Stadium in Sydney; Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro; the Coca-Cola Dome in Johannesburg; Makuhari Messe in Tokyo; the Oriental Pearl Tower in Shanghai; and HSH Nordbank Arena in Hamburg.

Video of the Day

Gym Class Heroes "Take your Clothes Off"

CSU- Pueblo football

Colorado State University Pueblo will have football again starting in 2008. They announced who the head coach will be. They named John Wristen as the new head coach. Everyone is very excited to have college football back in Pueblo. I'm a 1995 graduate of CSU-P.

The 4th

Hope everyone has a happy and safe 4th of July.

In The Motherhood

Check out this website. They want mothers to send in true stories about raising children then the cast will act them out. The website is called Inthemotherhood.com. Anyone with children can relate to the stories. This week is the fifth episode.

Today Show Wedding

Any couples out there wanting to get married on national television? If so go to The Today Show's website and fill out the form. This is their yearly contest. O' one more thing if you win the wedding is paid for by the Today Show. And Martha Stewart will be taking care of some details. Good Luck.