Monday, March 30, 2009

Chapel Hill, North Carolina - Serene...

My visit to Chapel Hill was short, but I enjoyed it. Stef and I went on official business, maybe later on you may get a hint of what it was. All the photos below were taken on the Saturday, pretty much documenting the one full day we spent there... We took an early morning stroll down the avenue, across the road from the Franklyn Hotel where we stayed. Stopped by Caribou cafe for coffee and hot chocolate, with almond nut bagel and cream cheese.

Stef was totally into her cup of coffee.We visited a few housing developments with Sharon, a real estate agent. Some were really lovely and yes quite pricey! Eventually though we found one to our liking and, so our main mission was accomplished. Anupa met us for lunch and I had a bowl of noodle soup. On leaving the restaurant, I encountered this 1974 Vespa 150 Super Scooter, absolutely beautiful! I hurriedly took a few shots and hoped no one chase me to pay for the photo op. Later that evening we went to dinner with Anupa, and Erin and her husband. I had the Flash Fried NC Yellow Tail Snapper... one ugly bastard! We flew back to Kingston the next morning. Chapel Hill is real country!

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Marshalee, Round I

We took these photos in Lavern's loft that had a very low ceiling and not much elbow room. I think it worked enough though for Marshalee to have a really nice photos for Facebook... hahah. She a very lovely girl to photograph actually. The Loft is ideal for a particular project I have to work on very soon. Will keep you all posted.

For these I used a Speedlight set to full power, off camera on a stand, reflected in an umbrella. The walls were more like beige, but were enough to fill the shadows on opposite sides of the flash. Strobist info: Nikon D300, Nikon SB-800 flash, ISO 200, Aperture f/7.1, Shutter 1/60sec...



Sunday, March 22, 2009

Sunday, March 15, 2009

Lamp, Trimmed & Burning...

On the other side of darkness, far away there shines a light,
A light to end all sorrow,
A light to be ever free,
A light for a new tomorrow
A light for you and me

On the other side of darkness, far away there shines a light,
A light which gives out joy,
A light which is made of love,
A light which minds employ,
That light in heaven above

On the other side of darkness, far away there shines a light
A light which bathes mans mind
in the wisdom of eternal flame
That which will redeem mankind
And make the highest truths plain

Raja Sivaji

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Pebbles Pastries... Round III

Yes I do have fun shooting (and eating afterward) these lovely cheesecakes from Pebbles. They are deeeelicious!! Visit www.pebblespastries.com for yours! D.Go had commented on the previous Pebbles shoot about my all white background. And to make sure I used more colours she was present at this shoot!! She assisted Stacie with the setting up of the shots as well. Thank you D.Go!

Strobist info: An SB-800 to the left at 1/4 power reflected by a 42" umbrella, and a standing 6' reflector to the right, supported by 2 light stands, with a small white card on the table to highlight the cake. I have included a photo of the set up. Shot with a Nikon D300 using the CLS to control the SB-800. While I kept the ISO at 200 and shutter 1/80sec, the aperture varies for each shot, ranging from f/6.3 to f/10...

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Signature/Logo

Am trying decide on a Signature / Logo for watermarking my photos. Not sure if am happy with the current one. See a short list below and choose. I await you comments... Thanks.

Sunday, March 8, 2009

Ishack & Olivia... By Nikon CLS

I have always disliked shooting weddings that start late afternoon, and would go on into the night, as it would then call for flash photography. I would be turned off by the direct harsh light with strong shadows. However the Nikon CLS has opened my eyes to a whole new way of working with flash photography at weddings.

At this wedding I used 2 SB-800 Speedlights in Groups A & B on Channel 1, and controlled them from the camera, my Nikon D300. Anique assisted me with the Nikon D200 with same wireless settings and she was able to use the exact SB set-up. We just pretty much took turns at the recycling. I used the Gary Fong Diffuser on one flash and a white umbrella, and bounced in the ceiling as well where possible, to soften the light sources. I think with more practice I will have it down to the photon...






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Saturday, March 7, 2009

Desiree & Collin

I spent a few hours with this lovely couple several Sundays ago. February 22, to be exact and the venue was Hope Gardens, Kingston. They were easy to work with; Desiree was very pleasant and has a welcoming aura while Collin was more laid back but followed instructions well. I am most definitely looking forward to their big day later this year.

André "McNally" and Alecia came as well to assist with lighting. SB-800 triggered by pocket wizard, shot through a white umbrella, and a 6'x 2' reflector...



Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Pebbles Strikes Again...

Stacie (aka Pebbles) and I spent the better part of 2 hours fixing light and cake so we could have a few more decent images for her pastry website (www.pebblespastries.com). I think we did ok. I used Nikon D300 with 2 SB-800s triggered by the camera (thanks to Dré "McNally" Milford's Lesson on Nikon CLS), through an 80-200mm f/2.8 lens. Shutter was set at 1/80secs, aperture f/9 and ISO200. Group A SB-800 was set at M 1/4 power, while Group B was set to M 1/8 power...