Exciting Module

This Wedding Module has been fun! Did two engagement shoots which turned out great! We took one both couples down to K St along the waterfront in Georgetown. Our mockup wedding is on September 19th! Can't wait for that.

But lately, I've been feeling excited, scared and discouraged about the whole photography thing. I knew when I got into this that its an expensive hobby/career. I want to be able to shoot weddings but unfortunately, I don't have two good cameras or a very good set of lenses. With money being tight, I don't see myself doing weddings for a while. I may ask around or even my current teacher to see if I can be a 3rd shooter. That way I can get the feel for things and still not have to worry about having extra equipment.

I guess time will tell. At least for now I can do portraits and location shoots when I have time. Next module is about the business side of weddings. Well business in general because that can apply to anything else.

Missing?

So I've been MIA for a while. I've gone through the Web Marketing class and the Photo Illustration Class. Now I'm taking the Wedding modules. Its pretty much 2 modules of shooting, marketing, etc for weddings.

Our teacher is Moshe Zusman. I'm real excited about these modules! Coming into school I wanted to concentrate on weddings and portraits. I've been through portraits and now I'm finally taking weddings.

Our first shoot is on Wednesday and it will be an engagement session. I'll be back soon! Hopefully I don't go MIA again. I've been just too busy with work, life and school.

Time went by fast!

So we finished class with Sonny. I learned a whole lot about stock photography and I really like the way its supposed to look. There's a certain look to it that doesn't make it look setup.

We shot a set of twins and we did about 4 different shots and them came out well. You don't always need a whole studio setup to make a picture look good.

Now I'm in Website Marketing. I took a mini vacation and missed the first day of class. But I picked up on what I missed last night. So far I've emailed 3 photographers regarding their marketing techniques/plans. Hopefully, I'll get a response back from at least 2 of them.

This module we will create/update our websites and create a database of 50 potential clients. We shall see how it goes.

BACK TO SCHOOL!!!

We start stock photography with Sonny on Monday. Both nights were high paced. He's full of energy which keeps us on our toes!

We were in the studio on Wednesday night and I shot my tools. I used the 100mm MACRO lens that the school has. I fell in love with it! Sonny had us setup two different table tops. One in the studio using a Profoto pack and another outside in the school lobby using Kino lights. I definately got my shots. I just need to pick the best 10 out of the bunch I have.

Next class is Monday so lets see how that goes!

Wacom Intuos 4

So yesterday I finally got an email back from a client who listed his choice of pictures. Since I'm not going to school until June 1st, I didn't have the Wacom tablet at my disposal. So, I jumped the gun and bought the new Intuos 4. My director said this was a real good tablet so I looked into it. I just couldn't justify the $350.00 for a medium tablet.

I started my post processing this morning and I got irritated with the mouse. I just couldn't do it. Now that I have the tablet, I finished a few pictures in no time.

THANK YOU WACOM! THANK YOU FOR BREAKING MY POCKETS AND FOR CREATING SUCH A USEFUL TOOL! lol.

Its Offical..

Location Portraits is canceled. This module has been added to the end our program here at CDIA. We start our new module on June 1st.

CS4

Went to a training class last night for CS4. The school plans to wipe out CS3 when the new class starts.

I need CS4..lol. I was impressed by some of the things they added to the program. Did I mention I need CS4? lol. I can't wait to play around with it on the computers once its installed next week.

Module is over wth..

Just got an email that location portraits has been canceled. I'll find out Wednesday what the deal is and whats going on.

Locations...

We finally finished speedlites and now have moved on to Location Portraits. On Monday it was a bit challenging because of the rain. It was nice one minute and then the clouds took over. We ended up shooting Larkin under the Key Bridge until almost 9:30pm. I think we all got the shot we wanted.

Now today, we'll be shooting right outside the school. Of who? Well, your guess is as good as mine. Lets hope it goes well.

First time shooting in the rain..

So last night we had to get one of our night shots using speedlites for our deliverable. It wasn't easy to pull off. Our orignal shot was at Jack's Boathouse with Paul in the boat while its tied to the dock.

Since it was raining yesterday, we couldn't do that shot for numerous reasons. So we decided to use the boathouse as our next shot. We setup the lights and did some final touches. A young woman named Larken stopped by to see how the shoot was going because she was interested in attending CDIA. So we used her as a model instead of Paul. She was a great sport and put up with us..lol.

The rain came down hard but we managed to cover up the camera and speedlites. the final shot came out good.

The highlight of the night was watching a group of kids that were trying to get into some fraternity/soroity. They were made to clean the kayaks in the river and then they had to parade around in diapers..lol. I wish I would of gotten a picture of that.

Not so easy...

So last night the class went to Jack's Boathouse in Georgetown to get a few shots. First we did a shot against the sunset and we got the shot we needed. The next shot was the harder to get. We put Paul on the boat and tried to shoot him. Problems were the boat and the deck were both moving cause of the water and it got real dark outside. This caused us to show the shutter speed down. That caused issues because nothing was in focus and there was alot of movement in the pictures.

We wrapped up around 9:15pm and decided we'd be back on Wednesday to get the shot but this time, we plan on using the available light before it gets too dark out. This way we won't have to slow down the shutter speed so much. At least we know how to set things up so it shouldn't take long.

Lots of fun!

Another night with Speedlites. Amie and I setup 3 speedlites and the look I was going for worked out pretty good. What she was looking for took some work because we gelled the speedlite in the back and it kept coming up white. Finally figured out that the light was spilling out from the umbrella we had on another speedlite. Once that was fixed, the image came out better.

I wish I owned more than one speedlite. :(

Speedlites

We started our new module on Saturday. We are now being taught how to use Speedlites/Speedlights in place of our studio setup.

So far things are pretty interesting. I finally learned how to control a 2nd unit and how NOT TO TRUST CANON on fully automatic. We played around a bit in the studio last night and I was impressed with the outcome. The shot we took was exactly the same thing I could of done with studio lights. Just less equipment to deal with! If only I could win the lottery so I can buy everything I want..lol.

Finally done..

Got finished with the three images for tonights last class. I should have my images resized and handed in tonight. I also did an extra image of the model we had on April 4th. I didn't have to but I decided to do it. If they like it, cool. If not, then thats cool too.

I definately learned alot this module. Thanks goes to Chris Alvanas for that!!

WHY?!?!

Why did an instructor tell us to give the Wacom Tablets a try?! WHY?!?! Now I'm hooked on it!! lol. I think thats the best thing to have when doing post processing. I think it makes the process alot easier and faster, IMO. Now its time to save up and buy one. Along with a new camera and a new lens and a new computer and so on! Why can't I just win the lottery? Do the lottery gods hate me? lol.

Working with Models 2 will end on Wednesday. I'm practically done with my images. I think some digital makeup will work but we'll be learning that tonight. It's amazing what I've done so far. I'm no expert but it sure does work!!

Here is the picture that I recently worked on. Its a before and after.
Before:


After:


Too much? Too little? At first I thought it was too much but then I toned it done a bit and got the result posted above.

This makes you think..

I mentioned earlier about how I watched a video in class regarding retouching and what is too much or too little. Whats going overboard and what is not. After seeing this I won't see another image the same way I used to before I learned about all of this.

http://video.nytimes.com/video/playlist/opinion/op-ed/1194833176718/index.html#1194838469575

Photoshop Photoshop Photoshop...

Can't get enough of Photoshop! lol. So we ended Working with Models 1 and now its on to Working with Models 2. We're taking our images from the previous module and doing hardcore photoshopping to them.

On Monday, we watched a video that pretty much showed us how crazy things can get with Photoshop. I saw websites as well that showed the before and after. I'm just amazed. There's also something going on in France where they want to ban ads that are heavily photoshopped or at least put some type of scale on the ad to show how much Photoshop was done. I can understand their reasoning for it as well.

On Wednesday, we started retouching. We learned how to soften skin. I also used a wacom tablet for the 2nd time and this time I actually liked it. I had a hard time softening the skin because it looked so fake. But Chris helped me out and showed me what he would of done and it all made sense. So I borrowed the tablet from school and went home to practice. I did another model's picture and it looked so much better. I even asked my wife (who always gives me her honest opinion) if it looked fake. And to my surprise she said no. There have been times where I do something to an image and she tells me right away what she sees wrong. I'm no expert but I did get a good grasp on skin softening.

On Saturday the class is working as a group to shoot a model. We have to all agree with how the makeup should look and the type of setting we are to use. Hopefully, everything goes well.

A video from DC Shooters

This is a video that is about the first roundup with DC Shooters.

Its over...

Working with Models 1 has ended. Working with Models 2 starts on Monday its mainly going to be photoshoping.

I gotta say this module was fun. I learned alot and after looking at all my pictures at one shot last night, I definately changed the way I shoot. I started off with playing it safe and taking pictures of everything and the model was always centered. By the last class, I was cropping the image and coming in real close. I filled in the frame better. And honestly, I like the frame filled in. Not only with my images but with everyone's images. I'm no longer fond of full body shots..lol.

DC Shooters first meetup

So Chris Alvanas put together a group called DC Shooters. It's pretty much open to any photographer on any skill level.

Our first "roundup" was on Sunday (22 March). There was a pretty good turnout. We could have used more talent though. We had a skateboarder, soccer player and parents came by to get their kids photographed. Penn Camera also was part of the event as they sponsored it.

I photographed a little girl named Alanna and took a few shots of a couple. The rest of the time was spent helping others. The photographers that did show up were new to the DSLR camera or didn't know how to work studio lighting. They had questions and I (and many others) helped them understand certain things. It felt great that I was able to help someone who reminded me of myself when I first got my DSLR. I wish I had the opportunity that these people did.

When I first started, it was all trial and error. I read up on different things on the internet. But nothing really stuck with me until I got to school where I learned all the things I needed to get me started!

On Sunday all these photographers got to try the studio lighting. One person even told me that he would of never thought that the images he took would come out of this camera the way it did. I was even amazed by the images he took.

I just felt good helping others. I may not know everything there is to photography, but I did share what I did know/learn. Can't wait for the next "roundup"!!!!

Last day of shooting with models

So Saturday was alot of fun! We had four models come to the photoshoot. I had a small issue with 2 models as far as directing them. The other 2 were amazing to work with. One was just bubbly and upbeat! Perfect type of person to photograph! I think it was more of a challenge to get her to be serious..lol. The other model took some working with but he loosened up a bit. By the time everyone left he was dancing and just having a good time!

So over the weekend I went through my pictures and I have to finish off some pictures to hand into the agency. So I'll be busy tonight, tomorrow and probably Wednesday. Next Monday we start Working with Models 2. Its mainly photoshop. I can't wait cause we have Chris Alvanas teaching that module.

Great day overall!!!

Great time!

I had my critque on Monday night and we went through all the images I picked out. It was pointed out that the double butterly look wasn't on point. The bottom light was brighter than the top light. Lesson learned! Also, it was suggested that the next time I have an older model to use softer light so its easier on the skin. Other than that, I was told my cropping was good and I worked the frame well.

Last night we had three models in class. Two female models and one male model. All had a unique look to them. I decided to be different and try a different style of lighting. It came out rather well, IMO. The male model was easy to work with. He knew the looks and went through them all. One female model was good to work with as well. She gave me different looks and was ready to do whatever. The other female model was a bit harder to work with. Thats where my problem kicked in. I still have this thing about telling people what to do and how to do it. Since I'm not too familiar with poses, it was easy for me.

Now for the SHOCKER! I tried the Nikon D700 for the first time. It was a little hard to work with but after that, it was a go! I filled up 1 4gb CF card and a 2GB CF card. I put the picture on the laptop last night and went through them all and the images are imazing! What I did realize is that the images where I thought I came in close really have some negative space either on the sides or on the top. So now I have to crop them which is something i did not want to do. But thats how you learn. Not bad for a Nikon though..lol.

We have another shoot scheduled for Saturday and then Critque on Monday. Next Wednesday is our last class with Ron, I think. Then its on to Working with Models 2 with Chris Alvanas, the Photoshop Master! lol.

FUN FUN FUN!

So Monday night we went through the pictures in class. I was told that I need to work on working the frame and shooting tighter. I enjoyed the critique cause it gave me ideas.

On Tuesday we had our final Studio Portrait class. I found some issues that I didn't spot from the begining. Now that I know what I did wrong, I have to prevent it when I hand in my deliverables for Working with Models (WWM).

Last night was FUN FUN FUN! We were supposed to have two male models but ended up with 2 female models. One was a bit older and the other was only 17yrs old. I shot the older model the entire night and got a few of the younger one. We had a makeup artist come through and that really helped out!!

I started off with a rembrandt lighting. After Amie and I were done, I switched to a ring flash. I never used it and never learned how to use it because that was the class I missed when I was sick. I'm in love with the ring flash! lol. It gives a whole different look to a picture! Now that I know how to use it, I want to use it again but on a male model just to see the difference.

After I got over my facination with the flash ring, we decided to do the double butterfly lighting style. This worked out pretty good.

I gotta say though, out of all my pictures, the one with the ring flash came out the best. :)

It's been a while..

So our studio portrait class is having a delayed ending. We didn't have class last Monday due to the snow storm. Then I was sick as a dog for Wednesday's class. So now our final day is tomorrow night. In the mean time, we have started "Working with Models 1".

On Saturday we shot 2 models. One was a college student and the other was a teenager. Both were very different to work with but very easy to work with. One required more direction where as the other did it more naturally.

Time flew by but working with models was fun. Tonight we are to critque our pictures so we can submit them to the modeling agency.

Picture published in Washington Spaces

Just this week I found out that my entire class (including me..duh..lol) had our pictures published in Washington Spaces magazine. The pictures are also on their website at http://www.washingtonspaces.com/2009/2/articles/a-colorful-new-start

Here is the picture I submitted:

Thanks to Morgan for getting the class this gig. This was one of our deliverables as well since it was part of a school class. This was a tough picture to work with, but it got done. I love all the expierence I'm getting from these different classes!

Studio Portrait

I've learned so much out of this class. When I started school I wanted to do portraits to begin with. So this class was one of my favorites. Zaid really taught us what we needed to know. Now its just getting the deliverables together to hand in.

I think the hardest thing was working with a subject that didn't know much about posing. Class is almost over and we still have one more night that we will be working with models (hopefully). We'll see how it goes.

What a week so far..

I recently started a new class at school. Pretty much its studio portrait. Its been interesting so far. I learned some things I already knew but now I know what the technical terms are and why its done that way.

I even used what I learned the first day in a recent shoot I did. Tonight should be interesting because the teacher was going to try and get 2 models to come by. So far so good though.

What a relief

So I was extremely stressed out by the pictures from the Saturday shoot. Things didn't go as planned over the weekend. So last night I worked on the picture again and with the help of Morgan, I was able to correct the issues I have having.

Dog-Themed House

So off to Ashburn I went and didn't know what to expect when I got to the single family home. I was expecting dogs everywhere..lol. When I entered the home, it was nicely decorated but nothing like what I was expecting. I was a beautiful home! So Amie and I setup in the living room and in the "movie room". We took our shots and were done. The rest of the class took pictures of the dining room and some detailed things.

I get home and upload the pictures to send Amie her set to work on. I begin to work on my set from the living room and lets say I'm nervous. No matter the exposure the light seems to blow out parts of the curtain. The shot I had of the chair with the hot light on it was blurry. I figured that was because the leg of the tripod was next to an air vent. So when it went on, it must of started vibrating a little bit to cause the tripod to move.

So I did what I could and will speak to my teacher about the picture. HOPEFULLY, if I can get it right, the picture will be up on Washington Spaces' website. I got my fingers crossed this all works out.

Gigapan

I love panos but now this is very cool! Its a pano from the inauguration. Whats cool about it is that you can actually zoom so far in that you can see people's faces!!!

http://www.gigapan.org/viewGigapan.php?id=15374&window_height=410&window_width=833

You think that would be a huge camera that is exclusive to certain photographers, but no! For as little as $379.00, you can own your very own....

http://www.gigapansystems.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=GS&Product_Code=I-E1&Category_Code=GPI

And yes, all it is, is a point and shoot camera docked on a little machine!

Nikon D3

So I came across a website on a Canon forum I'm subscribed to. It's a Nikon D3 that was cut in half. I found it quite interesting. It's one thing to explain the inside of a camera and think about it, but it's another to actually have half a camera in front of you to actually see the parts!

http://designzen.wordpress.com/2009/01/27/camera-autopsy-nikon-d3-cut-in-half/

Boffi Photoshoot

Last night the class did a photoshoot at Boffi in Georgetown. It was a very nice showroom! We first shot a kitchen. The kitchen was a bit challenging because there was very low light and there was a lot of reflections everywhere.

We then moved to a bathroom and shot that. Took a little bit but we managed to get it right. I can't wait to work on the shots!

Had fun last night..

Last night in class we went into the lobby of the building and took some pictures. After about a trillion years (what it felt like..lol) we finally got everything to work. We had some pocket wizard issues and Morgan decided he would use his 5D to take the shots we needed. He brought his Noodle Ninja as well. Neat little gadget too.

So we took the shots and I started to put them together. But I'm gonna work on that tonight, hopefully. But we did a pano in class and it came out pretty good. Its not perfect but hey its my first time! lol. At least I know what to do now to get a good pano done. I'm learning alot with Morgan. Tomorrow night we're off to Boffi in Georgetown to do a shoot.

This will just get more interesting...

Saturday was our first full day of Interior Architecure at school. I got there real early and started to setup the equipment that was needed for that day. When our teacher got there, we went over the various pieces of equipment and he explained what to do and so forth. I did learn quite a few things. The rest I already knew.

After lunch we decided to take pictures of the lobby at school. It was a bit challenging because of the lighting situation but it all worked out. We wrapped up at about 2:30pm or so and then we started working on the pictures. I was able to get it down to what I liked. Lets just hope the teacher feels the same. I'll find out tonight and once I hand in my finalized picture, I will post it up.

New to blogging.

With the suggestion of a teacher and after reading so many other blogs, I've decided to start my own.

A little info on me. My name is Wilson Roa and currently reside in the Washington, DC Metro area. I started photography about 4 years ago. In 2007, I decided to take photography more seriously. I'm currently enrolled in the Photography program at the Center of Digital Imaging Arts at Boston University in Washington, DC. I just started the Architectural module and although it seems to be challenging, I look forward to see what the outcome is going to be at the end of the module.