I am constantly awed and challenged by what I see on Strobist.http://www.strobist.blogspot.com/
The photo community that has gathered here continues to give me new ideas and makes me strive to stretch my technical and creative muscles in photography. As lonesome as photography is, a community like this is invaluable to my personal and professional growth as a photographer.
David Hobby has created a new series of "Boot Camp" assignments to test this great group of photographers. First assignement was to create a head-shot of someone that has been affected by this global economic meltdown. My first reaction was to enlist my best friend Tammy. Although she does have a full-time job, she has just gone through an amazing spiritual growth to become a yoga instructor. She inspires me every day to listen to my heart, and allow the universe to guide what is spiritually right for me. I wanted to reflect this in the photo.
For some technical stuff: Lit this with 1 strobe (Canon 430EX), off-camera shoe cord, hand-held above camera left. Tried to balance the ambient lights of the bridge to incorporate the rigid structure. 2nd Curtain shutter enables to create slight blur on Tammy to give her a more ethereal quality. 2nd part of the assignment was to include a picture of myself. I hate sitting still, and having my photo taken, so the use of the 2nd curtain allowed this interesting view.
What I will improve next time:
- I didn't quite get the balance of the flash and ambient right. Although limited to 1 strobe, I think my power balance was a bit off
- This is technically NOT a head shot (as per the assignment). I think I got carried away with capturing Tammy's spirit/form and tried to incorporate too much of the surrounding. I should have just focused on her for a real head shot.
Can't wait to assignment #2.
