D-90 Ending 3 months with a splash

My Friend Elli did a "Splash" image and today I thought I would give it a try. Here is my first, not so great attempt. This was a messy endeavour.


ISO 800
S1/125
F1.4
Lamp light.


Images viewed: Joey Lawrence

Pages read in the The Hot Shoe Diaries: Big Light from Small Flashes by Joe McNally 145-161

D-89 Simplicity

Got news today that my oldest daughter is being activated - thank God she's staying states side and not going across the globe. Unfortunately we have a 3 year old that we have to explain why mommy is leaving for a year. How do we do that?

Teeny tiny flowers that were part of a bouquet. I ran it through topaz.


Meet Cooper he's David's nephews dog. Cooper is 6 months old and has such nice personality.




Images viewed: Joey Lawrence
Take a look at how fun and easy these pros make OCF look. My heros.
Other inspiration: The shoot out with David Hobby, Joey L & Zack Arias
Pages read in the The Hot Shoe Diaries: Big Light from Small Flashes by Joe McNally 113-144

D-88 It's just me . . .

This session started out as a self portrait because I got new seamless backdrop and wanted to test it today before my session tomorrow. I set up the softbox and the reflector and the floor.
Then David, whom first introduced me to the concept of F-stops, ISO and shutter speeds (yes, he knew that stuff way before I did) wanted to stay and help after the set up. He later told me he wanted to work in something he's not usually to comfortable with, and that is photographing people and studio lights. Don't get me wrong, he's an outstanding photographer but he usually enjoys abandoned buildings and dark details.
So he jumped right in and added another light to my set up and I must say it did improve the look and feel of the image.
I'm happy with the images and I love the backdrop (thanks babe' for picking that up for me)





Images viewed: Shore Magazine Bride - Spring 2010
Pages read in the The Hot Shoe Diaries: Big Light from Small Flashes by Joe McNally 79-112

D-87 Meet my house guest

My House guest for a couple of day - Jelly Bean, he's 3 months old and I washed his face right before I took these pictures that's why he looks wet. He belongs to my co-worker.






He moves pretty fast so I had to be quick capturing these.

Images viewed: One Drop's Photostream

Pages read in the The Hot Shoe Diaries: Big Light from Small Flashes by Joe McNally

D-86 Congratulations to David

David completed his first 10K! Way to go baby, I'm so proud of you!
Job well done!





Images viewed: Andrea Joki

Pages read in the The Hot Shoe Diaries: Big Light from Small Flashes by Joe McNally 79

D-84 & D85 Sometimes Life just Happens . . .

Yesterday was my moms 70th Birthday! Feliz Cumpleanos Mom!
I think she looks great.




My friend Flora

This week has been pretty hard on us.
I love my friend Flora.
She's strong and courages.
She's overcome many obstacles
and has been able to succeed in life.
Flora is a Police Officer who's not afraid to take on men twice her size
(which happens to be a very small size)
She loves her family unconditionally.
She'll do just about anything for her friends and family.

I've always seen her as a warrior of sorts.
and yesterday she started the most intense battle of her life.
Flora was diagnosed with breast cancer.
I know that she'll pull through this just fine, with her determination
her sense of humor and all of her family and friends cheering her on.

You are not alone Flora. We are here for you. You have a whole community
of people at your bekon'call.
Don't forget "FIGHT LIKE A GIRL!"

Oh yeah, will be using John's clippers or Daves? ROFL

Thanks to Pam Lopez for this link.
Images viewed: Think Pink Photography

Pages read in the The Hot Shoe Diaries: Big Light from Small Flashes by Joe McNally 67-78

D-83 Illumination

Converted to black/white in PE 7, Lit with a shoot through umbrella and red gel to camera right. The gel was an experiment and what it did was outline the rose which helped when converting to black and white. It also enhanced the green.

Images viewed: Elizabeth Halford Photography

Pages read in the The Hot Shoe Diaries: Big Light from Small Flashes by Joe McNally 69-70

D-82 The end of the winter Garden

It was a long day and for the first time in a long time I went to bed at 10:30pm That's early for me.
I took the picture yesterday but posted it today.



Images viewed: Pareeerica on flickr

Pages read in the The Hot Shoe Diaries: Big Light from Small Flashes by Joe McNally 64-67

D-81 Monochromatic Monday *Change*

“Change is the essence of life. Be willing to surrender what you are for what you could become.” Arthur unknown

On the second day of Spring, I find this beautiful, delicate, skeletal leaf. I just knew I had to try it's in black and white. It's kind of sad yet beautiful.




Nikon D300, 50mm, F2.8, 1/800ss, ISO 250. Window light

Images viewed: Rangerfinder Wedding Special - Awesome images

Pages read in the The Hot Shoe Diaries: Big Light from Small Flashes by Joe McNally 32-64

D-80 Isabella Dress up

Isabella and I played all day today. She's fighting off a cold or something but was in good spirits after a couple hour nap.
Then she played dress up all day. I think I counted a total of 5 outfit changes. I played with my flash. I'm still trying to learn all of the different programs and numbers in it. Since she was moving all around the house I didn't want to put an umbrella or diffuser on it. I'm hoping that reading the book listed below helps me understand these "hot shoe flashes" better.
This first one is my favorite





Images viewed: Chrismphillips' Flickr
Other inspiration:
Pages read in the The Hot Shoe Diaries: Big Light from Small Flashes by Joe McNally 28-31

D-79 David's portraits

David after work yesterday.
Processed today. Mmm mmm - Looking good!


In full sunlight (late afternoon) used flash fill to combat the brightness of the sun.
Pages Read in The Hot Shoe Diaries - big light from small flashes, Joe McNally :23-27
Inspiration: Tasra Mar & coffee shop

D-78 Friday Photo Challenge "colors of spring"

Today's challenge is "The color of spring" and I must say it was a challenge for me. I had to think hard. Then I thought, when my mother in law has her Easter decorations out then I know it's spring. She has a talent for decorating her house EVERY season. It's very cheerful.
Most of these are pretty old but as her (our) family grows so does the amount of eggs in this basket. Every single person that is or has been a part of our family has an egg in the basket. Beautiful traditions.


These little guys sit on her fire place mantel.


Thanks Jan for making these traditions so wonderful!
Thanks for letting me come by and take pictures anytime I want - Love ya!



Pages Read in The Hot Shoe Diaries - big light from small flashes, Joe McNally : 18 - 22

Inspirations: Professional Photographer March 2010

D-77 Izzy's Senior shoot Part 1

I wanted to start out this Senior Session with "Night Photography" I'm learning how to use my SB800.


The shadow is intentional to add to the drama of the fallen helicopter.



Inspiration today comes from: Kaleidoscope

Pages read in: The Hot Shoe Diaries - big light from small flashes, Joe McNally 17 - it's been a busy non-stop day since 6:45 am. It is now almost midnight.

D-76 Spring is in the Air & Happy St Patty's Day

Spring is definately in the air
A nice serene view of "Hidden Lake" with great reflections you can also see someone fishing off in the distance. Just a really peaceful sight.


The same place just minutes apart the sun sets and throws a beautiful color across the lake.


Hope Everyone had a Happy St. Patty's day - it's our Aunt Pat's birthday. Happy Birthday Pat. Had a great time at your place tonight. Nice seeing everyone.


Added some fun textures:




Images viewed: Joe McNally

Pages read in the The Hot Shoe Diaries: Big Light from Small Flashes by Joe McNally 1-16 The Camera & Flash Concepts

D-75 Floating strawberry

Floating fruit I followed a tutorial on DIY Photography. Link is at the end of this post. Mostly just for fun and see how it would turn out. Not exactly how I envisioned it but not bad for a first attempt.



Remnant of a Clematis


Textures by Shadowhouse Creations



Images viewed: Jim Patterson Flickr
Other inspiration:DIY Photography
Pages read in the Nikon D300 Digital Field Guide: pages 234-256 I cannot believe I've finished this book!
I've had this book for 2 years and all it took was for me to hold myself accountable and document on this blog what pages I've read. Less than one month and I've completely read the Nikon D300 Digital Field Guide! I've learned so much about my camera with this book. Wooohooo I'm pretty excited about that. I also just finished reading The Time Travelers Wife by Audrey Niffenegger. Now I'll try to watch the movie.
I think the next book I'll be reading is The hot shoe Diaries by Joe McNally. To learn about speed lights/SB800 & SB600
Thanks for following me along in my journey to perfect my craft.

D-74 Monochromatic Orchid

Our Aunt Pat bought these for my birthday, well actually, she funded these, I picked them out. I've always wanted Orchids but was a little leery because I don't really know how to care for them. Well the floral shop I frequent had them and I thought I'd try. Very unusual care because they don't like the cold but the directions says to water them 3 ice cubes once a week. ??? I'll have to research that further.
Aren't they gorgeous?

Thanks Aunt Pat!







I'm loving this Project 365. I especially like that Tarsa Mars has suggested/recommended that we read our camera manual and study other photographers work. It has made a huge difference in my images.



Pages Read in the Nikon Digital field guide: 186-234 Real world applications & In Camera Editing.


Images viewed: Andre Bernardo Just amazing scenery and color.

D-73 Isabella

We had a fun and exhausting day at the Childrens Museum today.


Papa Dave lets Isabella get him wet - she had so much fun!


Have you had a chance to go to Tasra Mar's blog yet? She's very inspirational and gives lots of great advice. I even watched a series on video about getting organized in her site. Lots of stuff to look at and read. Take a look. It's worth the time.

Pages Read in the Nikon D300 Digital Field guide: 155 - 185 Real World Applications.

Pictures looked at: Marcin on Flicr

D-72 Following the smoke trail & Portraits by request

Smoke project
The smoke is from an incense the color is from a gel that I put on a speed light, which is the only lighting used in these images.





Dave sees the figure of a woman with a hat on this one. Do you see it?

Light to the camera left with a red gel.
Nikon D-300, 50MM lens, ISO 500, 1/100S @ F/5.6

Just learning this was my first attempt.
Dave saw how the images were turning out and he's always wanted a portrait with that type of lighting so we experimented some more
and he really loves these. Jan, the first one's for you



Lighting for these is
Nikon D300, F/14, 1/80s, ISO 500, 50MM


Pages Read in the Nikon Digital field guide: 147-154 Lights and light modifiers.

Images viewed: http: Poopoorama's PhotosOther inspiration:

D-71 Friday Challenge - Lucky Charm or Green

This is a little wood carving was made by an old work mate. His hobby was carving wood. He made all kinds and I planned on getting a collection but after he retired I didn't know how to get a hold of him. I even ordered the police officer from him but like I said we lost contact.
Here is my green for the Friday challenge.



Background are some crystal glasses with Christmas lights in and around them. I also used a green gel light to light the background. To light the little guy I used Nikon Flash off camera, set it at TTL and balanced fill flash (learned that reading the Nikon D300 field guide) My true inspiration of coarse is Dustin Diaz.

Pages read:138-146 Flash fill/bounce flash/Nikon Creative lighting system. More about lights
Photographers work admired: Dane Sanders

D-70 A sweet treat

This is a sweet treat my supervisor got us today. Very fresh and tasty. It was awefully nice of him.

It's been a long day and I'm glad I made my post today (barely) Looking forward to the weekend.



Pages read:126-137 Working with light and flash basics.
Photographers work admired:
If you haven't seen or heard of Jasmine Star than you're in for a pleasant surprise. Take a look at her blog. She's an inspiration.

D-69 More Flowers - Bright Red Mums

Another one from my bouquet see here


square crop

I'm really enjoying my flowers and they are lasting a long time.

Pages read: 111-125 Essential Photography Concepts
Photos looked at: Jinky Art

D-68 Tropical Flowers

Remember the flowers I bought for myself - actually a gift from my in-laws (here) well, today I took pictures of one of the tropical ones. I think I have a few more good days left with these.

O.K. I must purchase a flower book so that I can identify flowers. Sorry, I don't know the name of these.




Pages read: 91 - 110 Selecting and using lenses (read chapter 4)
Looked at Aralani Photography