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Friday, March 12, 2010


So, I had posted a photo from a shoot together I took part in last weekend.  It was my first ever shoot-together which spanned Friday and Saturday. Corey, with http://www.lastminutephotostudio.com/ arranged with Mike and Andy from http://www.lightenupandshoot.com/ an informative shoot together using portable flash units. 
Well, let me tell you, I've never seen a speedlight a.k.a. off-camera flash in use, nor had I ever seen a softbox in my life! I was intimidated about joining this group but figured I could sneak away if I felt completely lost while working with some very seasoned photographers.
Mike and Andy were delayed on Friday, but Corey jumped right in asking about what my skill level is and promptly handing me his camera to start using the softboxes, speedlights and radio triggers that they and other participants provided. We just randomly asked strangers if they wanted their photos taken and easily convinced them that it was harmless and for fun/teaching. They graciously agreed. Mike and Andy arrived with Amber, a Westcott (the company that makes the softbox we used) marketing rep.  She wasn't there to sell or market, just to watch us in action.
So, Friday night was all urban shooting at the Jacksonville Landing and downtown Jacksonville. Luckily, it was a small group and I was able to get great tips and advice from everyone there! I learned so much and couldn't wait to join them again on Saturday at Jacksonville Beach. A larger group arrived but it was still so informative. They added reflectors and scrims to their arsenal and showed us how to use them, talking about catchlights and the pros and cons of the tools.
Mike and Andy LOVE their backpackers' studio.  I do too! I finally found my 1st speedlight and after I'm finished blogging, I'm going to search for the rest of the things that we used. I am so excited!
It was great to meet so many photographers who truly ALL were friendly and helpful.  I had so much fun and was so bummed that my weekend with this awesome group was coming to a close. I am so grateful for the generosity of Mike and Andy (whom, I might add, actually live in Columbia--as in the country!) and Corey to share their tools, time and knowledge to someone new like me.
I truly enjoy natural lighting but I believe that these new tools will enhance my work and will provide me with a great deal of flexibility.
Here are some photos I took from this weekend. Also, some photos others took to show you what a shoot together is all about. The final photo of me with Andy, Mike and Corey was taken by Rebecca Rogers of http://www.rebeccarogersphotography.com/.  Oh! And my new profile picture is courtesy of Benjamin Wilson. 
Here's a video Mikey took from this weekend: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fse6LP_kghA
I can't wait until they arrive again next year! I'll definitely let you know!

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