Lighting

I am very vocal that I am not a flash photography fanatic. I always prefer the natural lighting. That's why most of my indoor and night shots suck big time. I enjoy taking portraits, candid or posed. I just want to capture different faces and expressions if given the chance.

Last week, Lenard posted a photo shoot invitation in Timog Forums.

So for this workshop, we will be tackling the following:

* Camera operation basics.
* Photography Principles (apertures, exposures, etc)
* Composition styles
* Studio lighting (modeling light and strobes)

Since my field is in fashion/portrait photography, we will be having a model shoot. Settings, concepts and the above mentioned subjects will be tested and done hands-on during the shoot.

Fashion photography sounds interesting I thought. It took me a while to decide and when I am about to post my name on the list, lol, it was already filled-in. I was on the waiting list, but Lenard allowed me to be a part of it workshop anyway.

A day before the workshop, I decided to look for an external flash. I asked some of my fellow photo enthusiasts on what to buy. I went to Yodobashi Camera, saw two external flashes, SB 600 and SB 900. I picked the latter, paid to the cashier and went home immediately. I tried exploring the flash at home but, lazy as I am, I only managed to placed the batteries in.

Come Sunday, we met at Narimasu station. Lenard, now sporting a blond hair. Rance. Daryl and Steve. Reynanand Kid. And Kelley, our model with her boyfriend (I forgot the name). Off we went to Lenard's studio. He gave us brief introduction about the basics of photography while Kelley was getting a make-over.

I may be new to lighting, but I know I can trust not only Lenard but as well as the other enthusiasts to guide me.

Set 1. Combination of ambient and flash lighting. We went up to the roof deck. It wasn't scary going up, it was while going down (plus wearing a leather shoes definitely gave me a disadvantage). Ha ha!

I took lots of photos. Have some satisfying shots, and have disappointing ones (I always say, I should have trusted my instinct). But yeah, its my first, so be it. After the first set, we have a mini-break, feasting on the spaghetti prepared by Lenard's wife, Akemi. Yum! I guess she knew we needed energy.

Set 2. Its definitely all about lighting. And I am not talking about natural light. He gave instructions on how to use and utilize the available lighting set-up. He also challenged us to give instructions to the model, especially on what 'pose' we want her to do. She must comply, whether she likes it or not. Just kidding of course.

Set 3. A different location but with the same lighting set-up. Almost (I think, haha). This is actually my favorite set. I liked most of her pictures here. Funny but it never crossed my mind to use a different lens considering that there's no available light.

As much as I would like to get the technical details about the lighting set-up. I'm still unsure and I am afraid that I will be giving wrong information. Haha! Maybe Lenard can help me identify those.

By the way, totomai in action here.

video by Lenard

It was a fun shoot actually. Meeting friends is a great bonus of this workshop. Five hours weren't enough. Don't to forget to trust that your camera won't fail you in times you need it the most (well, include the batteries too).

'Nard, thanks again for the opportunity. And to the rest of the gang, see you again, I can feel it will be so soon.

Anyone interested in getting my services? Haha. Just kidding. Still have lots to learn.

/totomai
02/20/09