I had the opportunity to do some work in Bogota and then I spent a few days in a 450 year old town called Villa de Leyva.  I really dig this place because of the history of Colombia, Spain and the race to the new world.   Inspired by the beauty of the area and old world character of Bogota I decided to shoot from the hip, loosey goosey style. 

Not worried about imperfections, under/over exposures or what people thought, I shot what inspired me and was fearless to ask for a photo when I needed it.  Putting this series together was an after thought;  imagine what would have happened if I knew I was going to go crazy taking photos for several days and then turn it into a story?   I used 500px "story" to put this series together,  what a beautiful way to share you story of photography.   

Click read more (below) to see PICS on 500px, info my B&H Presentation, and NYC Workshop June 1-2

I used both the D700 and D7000 for these images.  I prefer the feel of the D700, but sometimes I was rolling video and handed off the D700 to JZ.  JZ rolled video of a lot of the portrait sessions you see here.  The portraits are a combination of natural light and some off camera speedlight action.  I'm just getting into this style and want to do more story telling.  The minimalist gear approach was a necessity, but being a light chaser was important to create feel.

This will also change up my approach to teaching workshops;  I'll have to include the techniques used in this series.

Gear:
Backpacker Studio Style or just a messenger bag loaded with creative lenses 50mm 1.4 and the 20-35mm 2.8, and some gaffer taped stuck to the outside of every bag I carried.  Sometimes I only brought my light bag and other times I brought the sling or messenger bag.  I was on vacation after working in Bogota and had JZ with me.  We wanted to be able and slide into a cafe or have a nice lunch without lugging gear. 

Modifiers:
My trusty scrim/reflector which has snapped in two twice now, 28" softbox, Genus ND, Westcott flag,
and Roscoe gel pack.

Video:
D7000 and 24-70mm 2.8, Sennheiser lav mic, Manfrotto video-monopod

With the help of JZ we rolled video the entire time.  Video coming soon...
Notes:

Bogota is an international city full of art, museums, incredible food and cultural diversity.  Villa de Leyva is an important 450 year old town near Bogota which is full of history and amazing architecture.

To view all the pics from this series check out my 500px/lightenupandshoot. 

Be sure to stop by B&HPhoto for my presentation May 30-31.  Followed by my Lightenupandshoot Workshop that focuses on what I call the 33, 33, 33 that is in every session of photography.  My unique approach involves 33% awesome gear, 33% lighting techniques, and the 33% YOU!!!  We all have the creative artist inside of us, you just have to find it.  Lightenupandshoot Workshop is June 1-2. You can sign up HERE