Class Is In

Dear Blog:  I have not been ignoring you. Really. I have been a little, just a little busy. And maybe a tad sidetracked. And frankly, I'm a little frustrated with you that you want to load my pictures so small! I'm going to try and figure this out. I have re sized my images so people can see them, but they still load small. I apologize for this, not just as a newbie trying to figure out the blogging world, but because I really don't know how to fix it! I've tried everything and I know there is an answer to this problem, which I will find. Eventually.
But for now....
   I took another dramatic lighting class from Darin Warnick in Pasco. darinwarnick.com  I have such a great time. I learn so much with each class, but I have such a fantastic time just socializing and learning from some of the other talented photographers that take the class.  We went to the TRAC in Pasco so we could use the covered areas as it had been pouring down rain during the classroom time. By the time we reached the TRAC and everyone gathered together with all the gear, it had stopped raining, but still appeared somewhat dark and stormy. Darin split us into three groups. I always sort of hang back. I'm not a pushy person. I really should learn to be more assertive because sometimes it can be worthwhile. In this case, it wasn't necessary as we all were to have a limited time with each model and light setup, and since Bob and I were the only two left in the last group we actually had the advantage of taking more pictures with a faster recharge time for our flash unit. Everyone else was so jealous!  *grin*

   Bob and I started with Richae. We decided to move far down the walkway so we would have room away from the other two groups.  It was Family Day at the TRAC and tons of people were coming & going through the front where the other two groups were setup. At the backdoor however, we had dogs coming and going! The Washington Kennel Club had a booth and owners would come out periodically with their various breeds of dogs. One older gentleman with a pug was very interested in our little shoot, so I asked if we could borrow his pug. He was thrilled and Bob & I got some fun and unique shots as Richae had a great time posing with the pug!

 Just imagine Blogspot would allow you to see this in a larger size... the top middle box is a soft box used with Majesta (see picture on far right). It allows for more dramatic lighting then the picture just below it of Corrin with the umbrella (also used with Richae). The umbrella gives a much softer bounce of light due to the larger area  the flash is bouncing light from.  Ooohh, I just LOVE learning & experimenting with the dramatic light!

 Our second model was Corrin.  Such a gorgeous girl! She was located in the middle of the breeze-way with one of the umbrellas.  Each group had the freedom to move their model to a new spot to capture their own unique shots. It was fairly dark in the corridor, but the sun did peak out from behind the clouds through the glass next to us and we had to move the flash units to compensate....more learning!

 Majesta was our final model for the day. I asked if we could move her out into the front of the TRAC by this great warning light.(I don't know what you call it. It was located by the mailboxes on this little 'island' so I just call it a warning light...)  Now we were at the edge of the parking lot with people and cars coming and going.  It was a little unnerving, but I tried to ignore people watching us and just take pictures. It was getting late enough that we had the sun setting in the background with the same orange light coming from the warning light. So cool! Darin came over and gave us some gels for our flash so the light hitting Majesta would be the same warm glow as the sunset and warning light. Yea! More learning!

Majesta earned a much needed break so I twisted Bob's arm to get in the shot. I'm sure he was just as thrilled as he looks! He was a good sport. *noticed I conveniently stayed out of any pictures....* He was so great to work with. Quiet like me, but as I got creative and moved models, he would re-adjust our lighting. We made a great team, because without him I forgot where my lighting was and was busy snapping away like a crazed paparazzi, and he liked my creativity! I.must.learn.to.slow.down.  Thank you Bob!

While taking Bob's picture a family walked by and the kids were enthralled with all the lights. So, of course we had to end the photo shoot with a little Diva! I think she's a natural.