Camera Samurai

Some great photography enthusiasts came to this past weekend’s workshop on portraits, product photography and home studios. I had encouraged them to bring a selection of things to photograph for the product photography part of it and they got very creative. One person brought tulips and another brought jewelry she had just purchased.

Somebody got the idea to put it all together and thus we have the tulip wearing an earring. Other things we had to photograph included wine and various knick-knacks from my own shelves. All that stuff I tote from one home to another has to be good for something, right?

Getting to see people be creative like this is really quite inspiring. I love to see the energy and spark of genius that comes from simply playing and having few rules about what to do. I pretty much set up the lights, we worked on how to adjust them, how to use strobes with the camera and then let them go be creative. I poked around and answered questions, gave the occasional bit of advice for how to do something, and enjoyed watching the process.

The portrait section was good as well. I had two lights set up but encouraged the participants to try using just one to get some experience with bouncing lights and getting a really good ratio lighting effect. Another purpose to using only one light was to simulate the small, at-home studio setup, which might include only one light. How do you deal with that? The same way you deal with everything else in photography – through creativity and working within your constraints to achieve the best possible outcome.

Unfortunately, I do not have photos to share from the portrait sessions, as I spent almost all my time playing teacher and photo assistant. It’s good to step out from behind the lens from time to time to see how someone else does something. The teacher-student relationship is one inherently set up to have a one-way stream of knowledge, but it just takes observing how someone else does things to see that we all have much to learn from each other.

Want to stay on top of the latest goings on with Camera Samurai photo tours and workshops? Subscribe to my newsletter and you will hear everything that is going on.

Technorati Tags: home studio, photograph, product, photography, inspiring, ratio lighting, teacher, Camera, Samurai

Hi, folks. Come on down, learn new skills and hone the ones you already have. Carl Weaver is conducting a workshop on portraits, product photography and building a home studio. These may seem like very different topics but come to the workshop and see how I weaver them together. We will have plenty of time for both instruction and practice.

You will be able to use professional studio lights, as well as see how you might improvise to create your own lighting systems on a smaller budget or even just a smaller footprint. A studio does not have to be a huge space, just a good space for what you want to do. My studio is outfitted with both my newer, fancy professional strobes as well as my older, lower-budget lighting equipment, so you will get to see a range of different types of setups.

What: Photography Workshop
When: February 23rd, 12:00-3:00
Where: Carl Weaver Photography, 5407 36th Street North, Arlington, VA.
Cost: $35 per person
What to bring: Digital camera, flash, tripod, and any other equipment you might have.

In addition, if you plan to do some product photography, bring something interesting to shoot. We will be feeding off each other’s creativity and having a good time. The point is to have fun and build skills you can take home with you. Let’s be creative, have a good time and practice photography!

Please RSVP so I can know how many people to expect. I look forward to seeing you here. And hey – help a fella out. Tell your friends about the workshop. Bring any new people to the workshop and earn valuable discounts on future events like this, or on photography services for yourself and your family.

Technorati Tags: workshop, portrait, photography, studio, Carl Weaver Photography, creativity

This picture was taken at the Clarendon Metro station in Arlington the other night. Notice the ghosting effect the people have, due to the long exposure. Eight seconds will certainly do that! In addition, I set it to ISO 100 and f13, so I have the best sensitivity and an okay f-stop. I would rather have gone to a smaller aperture to get a better depth-of-field but this turned out pretty well, I thought, for a spur-of-the-moment shot as I was waiting for someone.

Does all this mystify you? Do you want to learn nighttime photography? Just let me know. Also, sign up for my email newsletter so you can learn more about upcoming classes, workshops and fun educational events. I have a workshop coming up about nighttime photography and all the variables that go into a great photograph.

I know you are dying for a preview, so here are some of the necessary ingredients:

• Stability – A tripod is essential if you are going to be out shooting at night. For the picture above, I improvised and used a newspaper box. Hey – sometimes you have to improvise.
• Depth of Field – Know how to adjust depth of field so you can get the photo you want.
• Remote Control – This keeps the camera from moving as you press the shutter release. This little tool, likely just a few dollars, can save you the headache of getting home, only to find that your pictures are all blurry.
• Creativity – Bring an open mind and the realization that there may be more than one way to get the photo you want. Again with the improvisation.

Please come join me. Like I said, sign up for my email newsletter and you can stay on top of everything that is going on. I look forward to seeing you soon!

Technorati Tags: picture, Clarendon, Arlington, long exposure, nighttime, photography, photograph, picture, photo