Notes and break down of the technical/creative on the Lightenupandshoot style of shooting (examined in detail CLICK below):

* Creative - there's a lot that goes into creating an awesome image.  The Lightenupandshoot style of shooting gave me the chops needed to get the shot almost every time.  Understanding how to quickly manipulate light and use the technical in creative ways is the key.  Everyday I think of new ideas and ways to implement my vision. You can do it too!  The Vbook has all that knowledge of the technical and gear rolled into one big video/book series.

*Technical - I'm not a camera scientist or a pixel peeper.  I'm more concerned with how to use the technical creatively.  That's how I think.  For example:  a lot of people tell me they aren't sure where to start when it comes to getting an exposure.  I start with aperture.  Do I want to a shallow depth of field?  Then I build from there.  What about ambient?  I'm I concerned about motion blur?  These are the types of questions that go through my mind.  I'm thinking more about the shot than about the techy crap.

* Gear used for the photos in this series:  50mm 1.4, 12-14mm 4.0, 105mm 2.0, Alien Bee B1600, Nikon speedlight, Saberstrip Strip Light,  Westcott 28" Softbox, Photoflex 60" Umbrella

Pictures from this shoot and more notes CLICK BELOW:

This is one of my favorite videos because of the subject, location and an experimentation with gear.  I had been on the road teaching workshops around the world and decided to come back to Latin America to relax for a month.  This was a day of having fun with photography...no client shoot, no workshop, no stress...simply take out a bunch of gear, invite a few talented friends, a cute girl to assist and take some images. 

While driving around I located an interesting door on the outside of a museum.  I noticed there was a security guard and immediately sent in the cute girl to disarm him.  Once we got the security guard out of the way we began setting up the shoot.  The fine folks from SaberStrip gave me two strips to play with; you'll see a bit of discussion and my experimentation process. 

My thoughts of the Saberstrip:  

There is no one modifier that does it all.  But, this is a fantastic piece of gear.  I like to really control light and the Saberstrip does that.  It doesn't throw out a bunch of light like an umbrella, but you can use two or three strips to create a lot of light throw and have more control (if you wanted to).  I like the fact that you can carry it around anywhere, because of it's size and shape you can hide it almost anywhere.  Great light!   Downside:  sort of clumbsy trying to figure out how to put the trigger on the outside of it (I use gaffer tape).  Kind of bulky to travel with (but weighs practically nothing).  I have minor gripes.  Highly recommended.

Saber Strip from the front and rim from the back  (you can see the light in the background)

Some of the other shots you see me using a cheap-o Tokina 12-24mm lens on a full frame camera.  I like the effect, even though Ken Rockwell advised against using this lens in this way.  Like I said, I'm not a camera scientist;  I consider myself to be more of an artist.  I love seeing a set-up in the shot...this achieves both cool image and set-up.  Notice that the further the light is from the subject the more pronounced the shadow.

Below, an extreme close up using the wide angle lens at 22mm.  I was right up in his face,  I love the look of a wide angles (but not for a hot chick in a swimsuit).  I don't use extreme wide angles that much.  This series reminds me how important lens choice is to achieve the vision. 

Let's let's look at another shot using a 105mm lens.  Light set-up:  Alien Bee with a 30 degree grid and a Saberstrip for rim.  See the compression?  See the creative difference? 

I hope you enjoyed the video and post.  If you want to learn lighting in a fun and easy manner I suggest buying a copy of the VBOOK or attending one of my events or tag alongs.  NYC  June 1-2, Budapest June 6-10.  Email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it if you are serious about taking your photography to a whole new level.

More info on a tag along watch this detailed video