Color capture converted to B&W

With the wide variety of editing software available I never shoot in Monochromatic mode.  I always prefer to shoot my originals in color and then convert them to B&W in post-processing.  For the example above I wanted the red shirt darker than it would have rendered had I shot B&W in camera.  This was my first conversion using my new nik Software Silver Efex Pro2 plug-in for Photoshop CS5.  I have used the original Silver Efex Pro for several years and finally upgraded today.  This shot was intended to be a little edgy so I left the soft box in the gear closet and went with barn doors to control where the hard light went.

The Desserts at the Skyline Club

I attended an Event Professionals Luncheon at the Skyline Club today.  It was my first time visiting the facility which is on the top floor of the 2000 Tower of The Town Center. The view was obstructed by the snow storm, but I could tell even with the low visibility that on a clear day it would be stunning.  The event was the brain child of event planner Andrea Solomon.  I’ve know Andrea for a couple of years now, and everything she does is well orchestrated, and fun.  This was no exception.

Kate Montgomery, Private Events Director, was our hostess.  I’ve known Kate for several years and can recommend her and The Skyline Club should you ever have occasion to need a first rate event with unrivaled views of the city.

Careful control of light

Today’s post actually come from two days ago.  I am taking artistic license with my 365.  The reason I am posting a second image from February 18th is that I had two very distinct experiences that day.  I started the day teaching a beginners studio lighting workshop, which I enjoyed very much.  Then I returned home and finished installing the new floor in my studio in time to head out to Mary Duprie’s studio for an evening MeetUp.  The image above is the result of a collaborative effort of about 8 people arranging 7-8 ProFoto studio strobes.  It is a great set, and was really fun to light.

The crowd cheering as Colin McConnell appeals to Kid Rock.

I volunteered today to document the shooting of a Viral Video appeal by Colin McConnell to Kid Rock to participate in a Charity fundraiser basketball game on April 1st at Oakland University.  It was a great effort.  Kudos to Main Street Billiards in Downtown Rochester for hosting the event.  They went above and beyond, graciously supplying food and beverages for everyone in attendance.  I will post updates once the video is edited and on-line.

Single light without a reflector

I held a studio lighting workshop today.  We started out with a basic explanation of equipment from light stands to lights and modifiers.  What I bought, why I bought it, and would I buy it again.  Then we setup some lights and started experimenting with one then two then three light setups.  Using a simple reflector and one light can yield some very different results.  The shot above is the result of using one light to create a moody portrait.

The new Studio floor is nearing completion

Julie returned home this evening and try as I did I couldn’t quite get the floor finished, but we got close.  The 3/4 inch tongue and grove red oak looks great.  I can’t wait to get it sanded and finished.  Tomorrow is the Studio lighting workshop, so I had to stop work on the floor to make sure I had everything ready.

Nunchucks as a door prize?

While photographing the Local Business Network (LBN) Winter Mixer today I managed to capture a rare sight.  One of the exhibitors was rumored to have been giving away nunchucks as a door prize.  I guess that is one way to handle problem clients.  As it turns out it was actually a pair of folding travel umbrellas.  I thought nunchucks were much cooler.

Brings back memories

If you are old enough to recognize these then you will understand when I say that images can bring forth powerful memories.  Juliann and I had a great time flipping through these and reading all the attractions that are no longer in the park.  20,000 Leagues Under The Sea, Skyway to Fantasyland, Mickey Mouse Review, Flight to the moon, Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes, Frontierland Shootin Gallery, Mike Fink Keelboats, Omnibus, Horse Drawn Streetcars, Main Street Vehicles.

I always strive to capture “the” image of whatever I am shooting, but I have to force myself to remember that sometimes simple documentation has a place.  The last few trips I have been on I have taken time for some of the more rudimentary documentation images.  It is surprising how quickly you forget about simple things like the amazing condo, the fun pool at the resort, etc.  I used to scoff at such images, but looking back at them I find they serve a valuable purpose.

Red Straws on Valentine's Day

With Juliann in Arizona, I have started tackling a few too many jobs around the house.  It is only 8:00 and I’m ready for bed, but I had no shot for the day.  The studio is torn apart for the flooring remodel, and the rest of the house is a jumble for various reasons.  It will all come back together, but for now I did a moody shot with low light in the kitchen with red straws in honor of Valentine’s Day.  I made sure to keep the light low to hide the disaster that the kitchen has become.  Aperture was f1.4 for the extremely shallow depth of field.  I keep telling myself that I have plenty of time to recover before she returns.

A nice casual portrait, perfect for social media

Ron Mitnick, a friend from Local Business Network, was in the studio today to get a series of images to use on his website and brochures.  I enjoyed working with Ron, and we created several great images that will serve him well.  As a business person that networks regularly, I know first hand the importance of a good profile image.  People remember faces.  If someone hands me a white business card with no picture, chances are I will not be able to remember who they were within a week.  A face on your business card helps people remember who you were, and why they want to do business with you.  Oh, and please make it a picture from this decade so it actually looks like you!  Ron’s business is Daily Money Management Services, LLC.  He helps seniors that are getting forgetful to stay on top of their bills and such so they keep current.  If you know anyone that might be in that situation look Ron up on Facebook and start a conversation.