Maddi {tutu cute} | Central Newfoundland Baby Photography

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Joelle and Bob bought their gorgeous four-month-old daughter, Maddi into the studio last week for her first Christmas photo session. She was so good. We let her roll around and have fun while I shot the following photos.

Joelle ordered the most adorable tutu for Maddie. Check it out!




The Strobist in Me {learning to light} | Newfoundland Photographer

Friday, November 26, 2010

If you've been following my blog, you may recall an earlier post entitled "Lightyear = Taking it off." Reading that post again, made me smile. I don't think I realized then, how much I would actually learn in 2010. My latest glamour session with Leah allowed me to incorporate many of these new skills.


I have to admit, when I was first introduced to the idea of off-camera flash, I was a little apprehensive. I had become so comfortable bouncing my flash, that just the idea of learning a "new way" was a little too intimidating. It didn't take me long to realize I was being silly. I felt the same way about switching from slide film to digital and I'm looking at buying my fourth digital camera. So, my slight fear of change, obviously doesn't have much baring.




I've always used my flash on camera, usually bouncing it off a white ceiling. I've known for a while, this wasn't always going to be possible. During the wedding season, I spend a lot of time in churches. Not only do they usually have high ceilings where the flash may not reach, but often dark wood paneling to boot. The whole idea of bouncing the flash off a white surface is to increase the size of the light produced. High ceilings and dark wood....not going to cut it.

This led me to experimenting with "lighting gadgets" such as the Lumiquest quick bounce and softbox. I LOVE this thing. Its a little big and flashy {pardon the pun}, but if you can get past that, you'll never stop using it. These days, I'm using the softbox even when a white ceiling is available. I love it that much!






My initial experiments with lighting in the studio started out simple. One flash, off-camera and a light box. The light produced was crisp, clean and if the flash was positioned correctly, there were no shadows. I thought, if only you could get that kinda light on a larger scale. Answer: two umbrellas and two light stands.


Studio lighting is where I learned the most this year. The different styles, techniques and lighting equipment can be overwhelming. The key is to find the right inspiration. I've done a lot of research and studied the work of many masters of lighting. I'm also lucky to share my passion for photography with my Dad. Having someone to bounce ideas off, learn from and experiment with, is awesome. We've experienced many "wow" moments together. Remember the Beneath the Bottle post. We couldn't believe what was possible.



The two images you see above are a prime example of my latest lesson in lighting. All the head shots in this post were taken using the "clam shell" lighting technique. I've used this set-up many times. But, for the glamour session, I decided to add a third strobe. A hair light, placed directly behind Leah's head. Take another look at the images. Not only does the hair light give separation between the subject and background, it completely changes the  overall feeling of the image. This was one of those "wow" moments.


When I began experimenting with studio lighting, I was using an STE2 to fire the flashes. Based on what I was reading from the pros, I knew a big purchase was in my future...and the "fear of change" kicked in. While I was getting really comfortable using the STE2, I knew pocket wizards were the way to go. At this stage, I was using two strobes with two umbrellas. That meant, I would need at least three wizards {ouch}. I figured a third strobe would eventually come into play, so I ended up with four remote triggers. As photographers, we must invest in new equipment {at least that's what I keep telling myself.} What's that saying?..."you have to spend money to make money" or something like that. Again, that's what I keep telling myself.


To think I've gone from using one flash on camera to three strobes on lights stands all fired using pocket wizards in eleven months, blows my mind! But, my strobist journey is far from over. Not only do I plan to master my craft, there is so much more I want to learn. What's to come? I plan to take this studio set-up outdoors. Hmmm. Where will 2011 take me?

Glamour Photography {unveiled} | Central Newfoundland

Monday, November 22, 2010


This is just a small sneak peak. I was going to wait until all the photos were ready for publishing, but I'm just too darn excited!! Last week's glamour session was monumental for me. It started as a simple photo shoot. Leah and I met at the studio and BAM I was morphed into my first modeling session. But, it wasn't until all the studio lights were put away and the backdrop was pulled up, that I was realized how important this session was for me. More on that in the full post.

I can't begin to explain how much fun we had. Leah was fantastic. She didn't even look at me crazy when I said, "OK, now wrap this scarf around your head." We focused on head shots {for now}. But, I have a feeling you'll be seeing more of Leah on my blog.


It goes without saying, Leah is absolutely gorgeous. Canada's Next Top Model? Possibly. There is one thing I know for sure. Out of the two hundred photos we took last Thursday, she will have a portfolio agencies will be fighting over. I've already told her to remember me when she's famous : )

Ann-Marie + Ryan {facebook love story} | Newfoundland Wedding Photography

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

This couple have an amazing story about how they met. One night, while Ann Marie was asleep, she got a phone call from her friend Tammy. Frantic, Tammy explained how she had just met the man of Ann-Marie's dreams. Still half asleep, Ann-Marie brushed her off and went back to sleep. Ryan on the other hand was listening. He turned to facebook, did a search and added Ann-Marie as a friend. Eventually, they starting talking and finally decided to meet in person. The pair hit it off and this past Saturday, after a short courtship, became Mr. and Mrs. Stacey.

Ann-Marie and Ryan couldn't have asked for a better day for their wedding. The weather was incredible. I still can't believe I managed to stay outdoors in a shirtsleeve shirt for two hours. Usually, myself and the wedding party are forced in doors to avoid having to defrost the poor girls in strapless dresses. That being said, I didn't think bridesmaid Victoria {known for being cold all the time like myself} was going to make it. But, she stuck it out for her friends.

Well folks, this is my last wedding story for a while. The 2010 wedding season has come to an end. I anticipate just as much excitement, beautiful couples and fantastic weddings to come in 2011. In the meantime, I have many upcoming photo session and personal projects to share. In fact, I'm off to the studio now :)

Thanks for following!







A few last minute touches before the ceremony.






The knot ceremony.


Ring Bearer, Ethan played along with a few members of the wedding party during the signing of the register.


Mr. and Mrs. Stacey.

























Melissa + David {my photogenic friends} | Newfoundland Portrait Photography

Sunday, November 7, 2010


I love the photos from this session for mainly two reasons. One, David and Melissa are friends of mine. And two, don't they look awesome!?


One of the great things about being a photographer, is once in a while, you get to photograph your friends. When David and Melissa told me they were interested in doing a photo shoot, I was pumped. While I'm never afraid to try something new with clients, there's definitely more creative freedom and less pressure when working with someone you know on a personal level.

David and Melissa not only looked awesome, but nailed every pose. It kinda felt like an e-session, without the e. David and Melissa have been married a few years now. They may be married, but the "engagement" magic was still present during our photo session. These two have a-hell-of-a connection and I think it shows in many of the photos. He's her Yin and She's his Yang....if you get what I'm saying.

Thanks a million for a great afternoon. I love you guys!










Archive

Ourblogtemplates.com

Back to TOP