Ask me if I shoot Nikon or Canon and the casual answer you will here, "I don't ask what brand of underwear you wear, so why should I care what brand of camera you use?"

D700 (FULL FIGURED FX)                                              D600  (just FX and skinny) 

beat up, but not broken                                                     hmm...                                   

For the story of why I use Nikon and my evolution through camera bodies and FULL FIGURED FX...

 READ ON??? CLICK READ MORE!!!

I like showing the creative process with behind the scenes tips.  I'm not a camera scientist; but I do think about how to manipulate light on every shoot.  I knew exactly what I wanted with this portrait session and I dialed in the shot before I found a subject. 

I started by picking a location.  For this shot I was with 3 other photographers during one of my "tag alongs" in the coffee region of South America.  I wanted a shot of a coffee farmer inside of a small coffee brokerage.  Because there was florescent lighting I decided to kill the available light completely and re-create the ambient using a scrim.  I had a scrim handy, although an umbrella would have done the trick just as well, shot through it to fill up the environment.  I dialed in the exposure for the ambient first.  Then worked on the main. 

Note:  I backed the light faraway to increase the depth of flash exposure (more of an area within the same stop of light (the distance from subject to the back wall was within the same stop of light, creating an even fill)).  See the Vbook for details of creative technical, gear and working with subjects.

READ THE FULL SKINNY -  CLICK BELOW

All Access Tag Along with Lightenupandshoot

August 16-22, 2012.

Email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for all details and sign up information.  Limited to 4 photographers.

All Access Tag Along?  International Photographer, Michael Thompson has been traveling the globe for the past three years shooting commercial photography and giving workshops on his unique approach to photography:  33% Gear, 33% Creative Technical, 33% YOU and 1% LUCK. 

A Tag Along is better than a workshop because you are part of project to photograph and explore with Michael during one of his photography journeys/assignments.   This is a different Tag Along that Michael has done in the past because you have the opportunity to shoot alongside Michael while he is on assignment to take photographs for local goverment in the Departmento de Antioquia, Colombia.  You will have full access to models, unexplored locations, colonial pueblos (200-450 year old towns), and the diverse culture in the region. 

Email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to receive information on becoming a part of this trip.  The trip is limited to 4 photographers (spouse or non-photographer friend can accompany the attendee at no additional charge)

Happy July 4th!!! Be sure to watch in 720pHD

I just finished up a 5 day photography adventure in NYC and this time I was followed by filmmaker, Adam Mizrahi.  Adam rolled footage the entire 5 days of me doing what I love most:  PHOTOGRAPHY.   In this behind the scenes video you get a glimpse of me giving a presentation at B&H Photo, shooting models we encountered walking the streets of Manhattan during a Lightenupandshoot workshop, and footage of JZ who flew all the way from Colombia to tag along. 

Over the next few weeks Adam and I will be releasing some of the footage shot that shows my formula to photography...more on that later!   So be sure to tune in and come along for the ride.  Some exciting times for Lightenupandshoot and I'm jazzed to put out something of quality that aims to inspire the creative you.

I am gearing up (literally) for a two day presentation at B&H Photo in NYC May 30-31.  This will be my fourth time to speak at B&H and I am really excited this time to talk more about being a creative artist.  With so many Youtube videos out there, anyone can learn the technical skills in photography.  But,  how often do you get inspired to find the creative artist inside?  Search for that on Youtube and see what comes up...

My unique approach to photography goes beyond the technical.  I use certain pieces of gear to create my style and I have a few secrets to make anyone your model.   There is a creative artist inside all of us and I help inspire others to bring out that artistry. 

After B&H I have a two day Lightenupandshoot Workshop in NYC June 1-2.  The cost is $600 and there are a few spots left.  You can sign up here or email me you like to reserve your spot.  What will be covered?  Watch the following video if you want a glimpse of what it might be like.  Or click here to sign up and read details.