Portraits - Lucid Light

Portraits

March26th

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Re-awakened!

Posted in: Client/Commercial, People, Portraits, Studio

Every photographer knows what a creative slump feels like. I feel like I’ve been in one for years and am just waking up. I’ve been crazy busy reading and learning and immersing myself in this thing I love so much. I’ve been writing articles for The Hideout Photography Forum (if you haven’t checked it out yet…do!) and snapping away!

I had a session in my “home studio” (living room) with Boston hip-hop artist Greg Dor, here’s the first edit from that:

He’ll be using these for his next CD, which means I’ll be getting published soon!

And of course, there was the model party myself and the amazingly talented Adam Wills threw here last weekend. If you’re a hideout member, I’ve done a 2-part article on throwing a model party (an idea I probably didn’t invent, but will take the credit for anyway, hahaa) but basically, it’s like a group-shoot where photographers pool their talent, gear and ideas and switch off shooting different models…all with music, booze and good times! All the fun of an evening party with all the awesome of a group shoot! We had an absolute blast, and these will be happening again!

Our photographers were supposed to number 4, but ended up being 3 when James (of UndyingPhoto) couldn’t make it. So it was myself, Adam Wills and Kelly Ellingsen (who 2nd shot wedding with me last summer).

I gathered five of my beautiful lady friends to be models for the evening and one of those ladies happens to be a very talented hair and makeup artist (the lovely Miss Ashley MacLean) who literally transformed these women into glamourous models in no time!

Here’s the first round of edits from me:

The lovely Dina:

Julie, ever beautiful…REALLY played her part and got the best pics for me!

Jacky (who was one of my very first models!) played soft and elegant like a pro:

And Ashley, our makeup artist (here she is on Model Mayhem- hire her!) is also an incredible model (and person, I love her)!

Our other model, Erin, had to leave before I could photograph her but Adam got AMAZING shots of her, like this one. Erin was also, along with Jacky, one of my first models!

Stay tuned for more from all of these shoots, plus more! I’m feeling absolutely caffeinated lately and broke my camera down to it’s smallest bulk (removed the battery grip and have re-acquainted myself with my nifty fifty) so I would use it and carry it more.

On Monday I’m taking it to IKEA for a field trip with James Barron of Undying Photo! Hilarity should ensue!
January28th

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Long time, no blog!

Posted in: Bands & Concerts, Blogging, People, Portraits, Studio

I’ve been slacking on blog updates lately! Between wedding inquiries, bride meetings, email piles and my surprise! abdominal surgery, I am just now catching up from my recovery time. I have also been shooting! I’ve lost all use of my Cactus V4 triggers. They both died within a few months of getting them (the 2nd one died a few WEEKS after I got them) so am just miserable over losing my wireless flash ability.

HOWEVER, I’m going to suck it up and buy a couple Pocket Wizards this month, whether I can afford them or not…because I am just dying with being tethered to a flash.

As for 2010 weddings I’ve got about 15 inquiries pending and a few confirmed dates already. I get inquiries every week so I’m hoping to have lots of work this year! This is my 2nd year and I feel really confident about my ability to improve this year and really push myself. Thanks to all the couples who are trusting me with such an important job!

Now, onto some photos! Here’s a sample of my last few projects.

Last night my friend and photographic muse Hope stopped by with the lovely Adrienne on their way to a club to see their friend spin. We had an awesome hour long session just goofing around. I spent a couple of hours figuring out how to set up high-key (white backdrop, bright) lighting with one slaved flash and one attached to a sync cord. I manged it with the assistance of flags and reflectors and some stretching of muscles I probably shouldn’t have stretch. Anything for the photos, right?

And a few nights ago I did a last-minute session with some friends for their new band, Sauriel. We didn’t have a lot to work with (again, this no wireless flash this is obnoxious) but we got some good shots to start with and will be shooting again after I get my PWs.

I also shot some self portraits just screwing around and finally got some I like so I could update my website photo and whatnot. One light, shoot through umbrella camera right, black side of a zip disc for backdrop.

Alright, I’ve got to get back to editing! Thanks for reading!
January2nd

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Fun with color temperature.

Posted in: Self Portraits, Tutorial

In an effort to keep up with my project 365 this year, I’m leaving my camera and 1 off camera flash on a stand set up at all times. This sparked a random selfie session this afternoon.

I just hung these sheer panel curtains in my room and I just love how soft the light that comes through them is. I wanted to play around with it and started messing around. I decided to throw the white balance to tungsten (the light bulb) to change the neutral daylight to blue. I under exposed the background to enhance the blue, and figured out the right aperture to balance my 1/8 power flash. I put a full cut of CTO (though I wish I’d doubled it now) over my flash and stuck the flash in my shoot through umbrella. I added a reflector just under the camera to fill some shadows and went with it!

Camera:Canon EOS 40D
Exposure:0.01 sec (1/100)
Aperture:f/5.6
Focal Length:24 mm
ISO Speed:800

Here’s a lighting diagram of the set up:

If you’ve never played with flash gels, head over to Strobist and meet your next obsession.
January1st

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A new year, a new chapter and a new project 365.

Posted in: Blogging, Project 365, Self Portraits

You may have noticed I’ve been a bit absent lately. My last semester at school pretty much crushed my love of photography for a few months, but I’m happy to report that all it took was one semester-long leave of absence to bring me right back. My break from school was a hard decision, but considering that my marriage have dissolved and I will need to focus fully on supporting myself and kids alone for the first time…I think it was the best decision. Things are changing for me, but I’m not afraid of change.

I’ve found the best way (for me, anyway) to keep moving forward is to start new projects and set new goals. Among these for 2010 is a new Project 365 project. I’ve failed this not once, but twice now! This year I have the added motivation of knowing what a life-changing year this will be for me, so the end product of 365 photos seems so much more important now. If you’ve never heard of Project 365, check out this Photojojo article and see what all the hype is about.

Another cool thing I’ve started is I signed up for Photojojo’s Time Capsule, which is a 2x/month email that shows photos from your flickr from that time last year. I’ve read a lot of articles mentioning reviewing old work from time to time to improve your photography, and this is a nice lazylady way about it!

So to celebrate 2010, I’ve decided to back in time and pull some of my favorite photos from 2009 together and slideshow them here. They’re in order from Jan 09 to Dec 09. Enjoy and I hope you have a wonderful, healthy and fulfilling 2010.

(there is a middle finger in one pic for those watching at home with small children.)
December7th

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Long time, no post!

Posted in: People, Portraits, Sports & Action, Studio

Why? School and life are pretty rough right now, I’m pretty down about it all but I’m still shooting! Here is proof! I have TWO shoots with Missi and one with Mara (you may remember her, formally a bride on this little blog). I did some studio time with Missi and she was kind enough to hoop for me while I took her picture. If you don’t know what hooping is, check this video out. It is a new obsession of mine and I wanted to do my final project on unconventional dancers and performers. I’m hoping to get some belly and burlesque dancers soon!

Mara is another one of my kind friends who are helping with the performers project. Mara does aerial silks. If you don’t know what that is, watch this video! I can’t do that stuff but I did manage to get in and out of the trapeze net without injuring myself or anyone else. Not bad.

Here’s a couple peeks, many more coming!

Mara:

Missi:

I am a lucky girl with beautiful friends!
November10th

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More of baby Max!

Posted in: Childhood, People, Portraits

Finally finished up Max’s park session. This baby was oodles of cute and seemed happy as a clam to smile wherever we put him!

We had perfect cloudy light, a nice fall day and lots of leaves for him to try and cram into his mouth before his mother stopped him. Doesn’t get much better than that!

Here’s some more faves, flickr set here.

Epic drool
November10th

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Model Shoot: Hope

Posted in: People, Portraits, Studio

My friend Hope is a fun model. We had a great time Saturday night getting inebriated and shooting. I ran into the downside of Cactus Triggers…if the batteries aren’t spanky new, you’re screwed.

So we had no new batteries, it was 10pm and I refused to be defeated (again, we’re not going to talk about the humiliating experience I had on a child shoot last weekend) by these damn triggers.

I ended up attaching my 430EXII flash to my little Canon cord and mounted it to a light stand. This was annoying because I was stuck to a lightstand (which clocked me in the head once during the shoot…) but sacrifices had to be made. I aimed the flashhead into an open reflective umbrella (not the straight up silver kind, so the light wasn’t too harsh) over her head at 45 degrees to camera right. That light then bounced off a silver reflector gaffer-taped to a reflector to camera left, as well as another silver reflector on the floor as a skip.

Somehow, this ridiculous set up worked pretty well! Only downside is I wasn’t able to really light the backdrop and blow it out. Next time.

Here’s some favorites, all black and white because I was shooting for a black and white assignment for class.

<a href=”http://www.flickr.com/photos/lickmysticks/4088392942/” title=”Hope by Pam Helme, on Flickr”><img src=”http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2599/4088392942_8f1185dbe5.jpg” width=”334″ height=”500″ alt=”Hope” /></a>

I have some color shots coming soon when I get a little more editing time, and you’ll be seeing a lot more collaboration with Hope in the future!
November6th

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In which I distract you with something shiny…

Posted in: Client/Commercial, People, Photojournalism, Portraits

…so you don’t notice my lack of blogging!

Things have been kinda crazy around here and I do have some kid portraits coming up, but for now here is my favorite from last night’s “Trashion” show at UMASS. I had to shoot it for The Torch, and unfortunately couldn’t stay too long but once again the Nifty Fifty really worked it and I got some good shots.

This is my favorite, I love this girl (how gorgeous is she?) and her outfit and the red and the sharpiness! (It’s a word now!)

Shot @ 2.8 (with my 50mm 1.8) 1/200 at ISO1600
September7th

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Julie & Alexis

Posted in: People, Portraits

My friend Julie has had an 8×10 frame hanging on her wall featuring a smiling family for some time now. Unfortunately the smiling family was not hers…or anyone she knows. They are the model family that comes in the frame. We took a quick trip down the road to Battleship Cover here is “lovely” Fall River to get her a nice photo of her and her daughter. These are my two favorites:

Few more here, I’m still editing a few others.
July31st

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Finn: 6 Months Old!

Posted in: Childhood, People, Portraits

A knitter friend of mine managed to birth the cutest baby boy…next to mine of course…ever. I can safely say that editing photos of such a cute little person make the work fly right by! I cranked these out in one sitting.

We had a nice cloudy morning, so these are all natural light. I had my flash on at 1/32 power and pointed up to (attempt to) grab baby’s attention and put some catch lights in, but the light itself is all natural.

Here’s some favorites, the full flickr set is here. (20 pictures)

I’m always looking to photograph kids…when did you have your kids’ pictures done last? *eyebrow waggle*