Call me narcissist if you must but this blog is all about ME. I have another blog about my kids, whom I love and adore writing about. But I was Nicole a long time before I was mom and I don't intend to give up being Nicole overnight.

p.s.
You can read all about my kids at Naptime Optional.
Or you can follow along on our Arizona adventure on my 365 project blog.

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Studio Lighting 101

Yesterday I attended the Photowalking Utah annual Studio Lighting event. And I realized it's not hard to take good photos when you are working with expensive lighting equipment and professional models. :)

Actually it was a really fabulous event. I must say that photographers are quite an eclectic bunch. But they are also amazingly giving people. There was 9 different lighting set ups and a host photographer at each setup to guide and instruct. And every single one of them was extremely patient with my many MANY questions. I learned not only about lighting but about how to use my camera better in different lighting scenarios as well as a wealth of information about how to work with models. Everybody was so kind and generous with their time and talent.

And so now this is the part where I shameless post a bunch of the pictures I took so you can all tell me how good they are. :)

In one corner they had set up a trampoline and you could shoot your subject from the top of a ladder while they jumped. It made for some fun images.





This was a natural lighting set up. The outside light from the window lit them from one side and a reflector on the opposite side smoothed the harsh shadows. No lights or flash used.



This was Rembrandt Lighting.





A high key lighting set up



This set up was similar-the white background is the same. But there is no light on the backdrop itself. All the lighting is focused on the model for this look.



I liked this set up because it used just one light. Very enticing to an amateur like me who currently owns no lighting equipment of my own.



Okay, I won't torture you anymore. (although if you want to torture yourself you can see a few more shots on flickr page)

And now that I've made you look at my pictures, you can also go to the Photowalking Utah Group Pool on flickr and see pictures from some real photographers. Including pictures of Andrew the Rock star on the trampoline.

6 comments:

Andria said...

These aren't photos by a professional photographer? These are photos by my cousin? Am I soon going to have another professional artist as a relative? I need to catch up to you!

I think you need to take pictures of my stuff the next time I want to put something on etsy. You'll make it look better than it really is.

Karen said...

These are really good!!! Also darling, I would like to point out that you are a real photographer. Ahem....who did I call to take photos for my 8 year olds special days?

AND I AM NOT JUST SAYING THIS TO BE NICE!!!!!

orangemily said...

That is awesome! I really love the shots you got. What a great opportunity!

ty said...

Anndrea says: Wow good job. Sounds like you learned a bunch. Good luck developing a new talent!

Holly said...

Very cool for you! I've never heard of workshops like this. Excellent photos.

Emilee said...

you looked great!!! wow! i dont know that i have the guts to go to one of those if i have to take pictures in front of people! i need to get some self esteem in the camera area first! your pics turned out great! love em! maybe we should go into business together and get some lighting equipment and watch each other's kids when neded!