Alex at the Rochester Incinerator

Last weekend I was tagging along with Carl Smith assisting him on a shoot with Alex at the Rochester Incinerator.

I had fun helping Carl out with the lights or reflector and helping Alex in between shots. Being the light and coat guy isn’t as fun as being the shooter, but it has its benefits.

Being at a photo shoot and not having the responsibility of being the primary shooter is helpful to developing shooting workflow, light placement technique and looking at alternative ways of shooting. It also helps you develop a good dose of “shut the heck up”. When someone else is shooting and you see something that you would or would not do, have respect for your fellow shooter and don’t blurt it out. Take an aside with the photographer and mention it. That’s all! Don’t get hurt if they choose not to use your suggestion. You don’t usually know what the other photographer is thinking unless you are collaborating on a project.

I would mention something quietly to Carl when I had the opportunity, but there were times when I did blurt something out during the shoot. Carl would be grateful that I caught a potential problem, but when it comes to creative issues make sure you know who’s running the show. If it’s not you, then understand your place in the pecking order. I had to shush myself on more than one occasion after seeing a potential shot or pose. I had to give the shooter the space to find their shot and not be pressured or undermined by my “creativity” creeping into their shot. When I was asked about a set up or lighting situation, I provided my input. And I was grateful that they asked. I think that some photographers are good enough that the last thing they need is my input, but I appreciate being asked!

I did get an opportunity to work with Alex when Carl was done shooting. She was a joy to work with, an adventurous model who is willing to try what she can to get the shot. Since this was our initial meeting, I really didn’t have an agenda. It was a new location and a I wasn’t sure how much time we had. I scouted a couple of locations within the complex and my favorite spot was the large windows and a small alcove with natural light coming through a hole in the roof. I had Carl help me with the flash in the window shots. I had actually warmed up the light with a colored gel so that the natural light would go toward the blue side. In the alcove I had no flash, it was all natural light, and forced the scene to go blue in the camera.

I look forward to working with Alex again.

Click on any of the pictures to see the larger images.

Saturday school

Local photographer John Larkin has has been hosting a workshop for photographers in the area. Saturday school is geared toward helping photographers expand their creative and photographic skills.

On February 6th, our Saturday school topic was off-camera flash. We covered the basics and had an opportunity to shoot a model, Elizabeth, who was kind enough to brave the cold to be our subject. She was wonderful to work with. Since off-camera flash is something that I’ve been involved in for a while, I decided to step back and let the other class members indulge and didn’t start shooting until we were nearly done. Considering that the class of 13 were all trying to get her attention, Elizabeth was quite patient.

I also managed to get a shot of another local photog Val Sorrells. During a break in the action, I was able to get her close enough to my light that all I needed to do was focus and shoot.

I love Saturday school! It’s a great opportunity to get together with other photographers that I don’t see on a regular basis and share experiences and ideas. Thanks again to John Larkin for giving back to the community and helping others expand their skill set.

Please click on any of the pictures to get a larger view.

Jugglers

I mentioned this in my last post and promised the guys that I would post some pictures on the site.

Members of a Rochester juggling club were practicing on the second floor of Village Gate. They were kind enough to let me take a few pictures and even invited me to get closer while they worked. I’ll have to arrange to go back with some lights and shoot a some portraits! This was the perfect example of why I have a camera with me. You never know what you’ll find in the world.

Click on any picture to get a larger image: