f-Stop Workshop

Had a great time this weekend attending the f-Stop workshop up in Boulder. It was hosted by two great photographers, Jenna Walker and James Christianson. They really did a great job putting this course together. We covered a lot throughout the day and spent a good bit of the time actually shooting and not just listening to lectures. The had us shoot in a variety of lighting conditions, shade, direct sun, sunset and flash. I believe they are having another f-Stop Workshop later this year. Take it if you get the chance.

We shot in various situations and had great models to use throughout the day. One of the couples we photographed were actually photographers taking the workshop but volunteered to jump in front of the camera. What a fun couple they were.




Another couple that were models for us were were past customers of Jenna. You could see the love between them all day. They were very patient also which was necessary with all the cameras going off in their faces all day.








Another trooper did an wonderful job modeling. She could really play the camera and kept a smile going all day even in a heavy wedding dress. I got some wonderful shots of her.






Oh, I also want to give a shout out to Jessica for doing a great job on the makeup. You can check her out at The Face Lab. Here's she is doing the makeup for one of our great models.



If you're looking for a nice quiet place to stay at up in Boulder and don't need anything fancy check out this place. It's where I stayed while I was up there, Boulder Mountain Lodge. Here's just a few pictures of the place.





One last picture for fun. There is a trail within walking distance that runs up and down the canyon road. On my way out I pulled over and went down the trail a little ways. Found this little gem hiding in the trees and had to take a picture of it.



I hope you enjoy these as much as I enjoyed taking them. Again, thanks to Jenna and Jim for putting on a great workshop. Also, thanks to all the other great photographers and models that made this class a success.

R.A.P.S.

Got this new toy in the mail yesterday! It's called R.A.P.S.. It is designed to carry electronics while protecting them from the elements. The inside lining is copper based. It's "sacrificial", meaning it will corrode instead of anything stored within it. It's the same process used on boat motors with sacrificial metal to keep other parts of the motor from corroding.

I've been looking for a while for something to carry a camera in a backpack without having to shove a camera case in there. I've done the wrap it up in a down vest or jacket but never felt secure with this system. I was always worried about it tumbling out when trying to retrieve it from the backpack. With this system I feel a lot safer.

This is the large size, it's 20 inches square. You can see I have a 30D with a Sigma 24-70 lens attached. It's folded up almost like putting on a diaper except you close the top. I don't think a child would care for that part! If you look at the picture of it folded you will see sewn in squares. This is the Velcro that keeps it closed. It will stick to the red material anywhere and seems to have a real strong grip. It also has some foam padding inside to help prevent bumps and scratches. It's not real thick but feels like it will be up to the job. If you are looking for a way to carry an expensive camera like I have been I'd recommend checking these out. I picked mine up on B&H Photo online. A great online camera store that I have done lots of business with. Happy hiking!

Snow

We had a little bit of snow this last weekend and I went out and played a little. Drove up in the mountains a little ways and then back down into the city. Saw these trees just starting to bud outside the Penrose house and had to stop and get a few pictures. I then drove up to the Broadmoor Hotel to walk around a little. Really nice, relaxing place. It was all cold and misty. Had a nice serene feeling to it. I just threw together this slideshow to share the day with you. Enjoy.

Finally got to use my teacups

Did a shoot last night with one of my favorite families. With three boys running around it can be a handful to get good shots but I did manage to get a few. Also got to take some of the little one in my new teacups. I think she really enjoyed sitting in them. We plopped here down in one and it looked like it was made for her to sit in. Here's a few for you to enjoy for now.

It's Cold Here

They were saying snow but all I've seen so far is ice falling from the sky. Everything here is covered with it. I have to be careful just walking down the driveway because it's covered in ice and it slants. Here's a few shots of the ice around here.

Big Brother

Can't resist, must post one more picture before I go to bed. It's only 1:30 in the morning. Besides, sleeps overrated. Just a cute picture of big brother here with his new little brothers sock covered feet next to him. He had a ball tonight. He was actually coming up with his own poses. May have a future model here!

World, Blake. Blake, the world.

Just introducing an adorable little fellow to the world. He was born a few days ago and I had the privilege of taking a lot of pictures of the little tyke. I also got a home cooked meal out of the deal so it couldn't go wrong tonight!

He cooperated some of the time. We were going to try for an Easter theme in a basket but he was having no part of being surrounded by plastic grass. Guess I can't blame him. Blake really enjoyed being held by his Dad under the warmth of my studio light though. Here's one of them together. Enjoy!

Chocolate Black and White

Here's a version that I'm going to call my chocolate B&W conversion in Lightroom. Started as one of the many beta testers for LR when it came out for Windows a while back. So far it's a really good program and I love some of the work I'm getting out of it. I still have a lot to learn about it but it has become my main post processing program. I started out with DPP that came with my first digital SLR and moved on to a program called RSP. This was then bought out by Adobe to bring their talent on board to help with converting Lightroom over to the Windows platform. Lucky for me, they grandfathered any one in that had bought RSP over to LR. So, I ended up getting a good deal by not having to buy another program to replace RSP. Wasn't happy at first because RSP still had an easier workflow but the colors coming out of it weren't as good as the ones LR is producing. Hope you enjoy.

Just one more

It's kind of funny posting these that I took a couple of days ago. Seems the little tyke was born today. Looking forward to doing some shots of him with Mom and Dad and his new big brother soon! Here's one more I think I like. Wish a little more of the crib showed but I think you get a feel for what she is feeling here.

Maternity Shoot

Had a fun and long maternity shoot last night. She was a real trooper. I think we shot for almost 4 hours. We took lots of breaks though. She's due in a few days. Here a just of few of the shots that I really like so far. Lot's of other good one's still to process.

Good Looking Couple!

Just another picture of the bride and groom that I happen to like.