Poo-Poo Platter

strobist boot camp II: assignment 1 - the headshot

2009-06-23T17:04:39Z

I’ve been feeling a bit direction-less with my photography lately, so I thought that it might be fun and challenging to get involved with this summer’s Strobist Boot Camp II. There are regular assignments designed to push my skills and my creativity with off-camera lighting. There are prizes (although the competition is really stiff). And, really, there’s no pressure to get it done other than for my own learning and enjoyment. I’ve got nothing to lose.

The theme for the first assignment was “the headshot”. Nothing terribly fancy, but there was an added twist. After I got my shot, I needed to turn things around and have my subject shoot a headshot of me.

I had been looking at the portrait work of Timothy Greenfield-Sanders lately and felt inspired to try something similar. I wanted something clean and simple. No fancy lighting setups, no crazy background elements. Just focus on the portrait.

Margaret was kind enough to help me out with this assignment. The challenge for me wasn’t the lighting technique or even photographing Margaret (I do take a lot of pictures of her) but directing her and looking for just the right expression on her face. Sure I would’ve been challenged more if I had shot someone else, but I really wanted to create a nice portrait of Margaret.

I wanted a little bit of attitude but nothing confrontational or abbrasive. I didn’t want a standard corporate headshot, but I also didn’t want anything wild and crazy. I think I found the right balance in the final shot.

Since Margaret is familiar with Greenfield-Sanders’ work, she knew exactly what I was trying to achieve with these headshots. I handed her my camera and let her direct me, and I’m very happy with the final shot. I’m not making a cheesy smile or some goofy expression. It’s not forced. I’m relaxed. It feels like me.

Overall I’m very happy with the final results. Yes, I can nitpick the tiniest little things, but both images achieve what I set out to do. Not a bad start to Strobist Boot Camp II. :)

You can see more excellent examples from this assignment in the Strobist Flickr group.

just a spectator at the fremont solstice parade

2009-06-22T18:25:41Z

The last couple of times I photographed the Fremont Solstice Parade, I got some great shots but didn’t really get to enjoy the show. I actually gave myself a headache trying to compete with other photographers to get great shots all the while trying to make sure I wasn’t getting in the way of the parade and the spectators. I also exhausted myself silly from marching up and down the parade route.

This year, I decided to not worry about documenting the entire event and just be an observer. A few of us strolled around the staging area and then grabbed a standing spot near the start of the parade. We didn’t have the perfect location, but we still had a great time.

I did snap a few shots in the prep area, because I think that is more interesting than the actual parade itself. People are getting dressed, rehearsing their routines, and just hanging out and having a good time. I got to see people being themselves and not their parade personas.

I think that if I go to the parade again next year, I’m going to do the same: just walk around, watching people, and maybe taking a few photos if I feel like it.

Incidentally, I also got the new iPhone 3GS and played with it a bit at the parade. Here are a couple of photos and a video. I’m pretty impressed with the new camera so far.

dog-sitting spencer

2009-05-29T19:52:38Z

Margaret and I dog-sat our friends’ dog Spencer over the Memorial Day weekend. It pretty much consisted of us taking him for several walks, feeding him, and taking lots of photos. Being the pet of a photographer, Spencer really didn’t seem to mind too much.

There was much snuggling and belly rubbing.

There were quiet moments when we just hung out

There were actual portrait sessions (kind of).

And there was much drooling over human foods.

We had such a fun weekend with Spencer. Definitely wouldn’t mind dog-sitting again sometime.

margaret/sadako continues to haunt me

2009-05-29T19:52:38Z

These are just too much fun. :)

channeling sadako

2009-05-29T19:52:38Z

skagit valley tulip festival 2009

2009-05-29T19:52:38Z

They’re a bit late, but the tulips up in Skagit county are in full bloom. I made two visits up to the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival this year, and both trips did not disappoint. Despite the overcast weather, the flowers were absolutely gorgeous. The festival is open through Mother’s Day, so, if you have a chance, I highly recommend heading up north to check them out.

You can see the rest of my photos in my Flickr photostream.

star wars fun at emerald city comicon

2009-05-29T19:52:38Z

This past weekend I joined the crew from Garrison Titan at the Emerald City ComiCon in Seattle to do a charity photo shoot for Children’s Therapy Center. Hundreds of fans lined up to have their photos taken with Darth Vader, Boba Fett, Chewbacca, and more than a handful of stormtroopers. It was a crazy weekend of nearly non-stop shooting, but it was such a blast. I’ve already been invited back next year!

Here are a few of my favorite photos from the weekend:

You can check out the entire set in my Flickr photostream.

Also this photo was featured on the front page of Utata with some awesomely funny text. You should definitely check it out.

charity photoshoot at emerald city comicon

2009-05-29T19:52:39Z

This weekend (April 4-5) I’m going to be joining the crew from Garrison Titan at the Emerald City ComiCon in Seattle to do a charity photo shoot for Children’s Therapy Center. I had such a blast last year that I just had to go back for more. If you’re heading to the con this weekend, swing on by booth #422 to take a picture with stormtroopers, clone troopers, Boba Fett, and Darth Vader, and make a donation to charity. It’s fun, and it’s for a good cause.

Here are a few shots from last year to whet your appetite.