The Motherlode Pix Blog

Studios are fantastic for providing a safe environment for gear and total control of subject lighting. However, they are usually restricted by static backgrounds, expensive and cumbersome strobes, and limited working space. For this shoot, Faren and Emi (both with many years of dance experience) struck some phenomenal poses together at Natural Bridges State Beach in Santa Cruz, CA.  A very special “thank you” to both of them for their patience and dedication, which made this shoot possible.

(Click on the images below to see a larger image of each picture)

Exposure: ISO 100, Manual Exposure Mode, Spot Metering, 1/250s at f9
Fill light: SB-26 at 1/2 power slaved to SB-600 on camera at 1/16 power

Exposure: ISO 100, Manual Exposure Mode, Spot Metering, 1/250s at f9
Fill light: SB-26 at 1/2 power slaved to SB-600 on camera at 1/16 power

Exposure: ISO 100 Manual Exposure Mode, Spot Metering, 1/200s at f8
Fill light: SB-26 at 1/2 power slaved to SB-600 on camera at 1/16 power

Exposure: ISO 100, Aperture Priority Mode, Spot Metering, 1/80s at f8
Fill light: ambient light from setting sun, no flash

Equipment

• Nikon D300 DSLR
• Nikkor 17-55mm f2.8 AF-S D Lens
• Nikon SB-600 Speedlight
• Nikon SB-26 Speedlight
• Pocket Wizard wireless transceivers
• Manfrotto tripod with FOBA Superball M-1 head

For this shot two Profoto heads were set up behind and to the left and the right of the model.  Each strobe head was set at 1/2 power to maximize the effect of the infinity cove and make it appear as if there was nothing at all behind the model.  The key light was set above and in front of model at a distance of about 8ft.  To diffuse the key light, it was fired at full power in the opposite direction of the model and into a white umbrella.

Click on the image above for a larger version of the picture.

The diffused key light provides a soft, even and flattering light especially around the model’s face.

Model: Maili
Exposure: ISO 100, Matrix Metering, Manual Exposure mode, 1/250 sec at f7.1

Equipment:

• Nikon D300 DSLR
• Nikkor 28-70mm f2.8 AF-S D Lens
• Profoto strobes
• Pocket Wizards for wireless strobe control

Sometimes a softbox or an umbrella just can’t give you the lighting effect you want. Add a honeycomb grid to simultaneously narrow and soften the main light on the subject.

Click on the image above to enlarge the photo.

Model:  Kirsten
Exposure: ISO 100, Manual Exposure Mode, Matrix Meetering, 1/250 at f11

Equipment:

• Nikon D200 DSLR
• Nikkor 28-70mm f2.8 AF D Lens
• Norman strobes - 1 for the background, 1 as the main light with honeycomb grid, set above and to left of model

Click on the image above to enlarge the photo.

Subject: New City Hall, San Jose, CA
Exposure: ISO 100, Program Exposure Mode, Spot Meetering, 1/250 at f8

Equipment:

• Nikon D200 DSLR
• Nikkor 10.5mm f2.8G ED AF DX fisheye lens (effective focal length of 16mm)

A view from inside the Caltrain Station in San Francisco on bright summer day in July of 2007.

Click on the image above to a larger version of the picture

Equipment

• Nikon D200 DSLR
• Nikon AF-S 18-200mm f3.5-5.6G DX ED IF VR lens

I wasn’t able to partake in any festivities tonight but in honor of Cinco de Mayo, here’s a shot from a photo shoot held on May 5th, 2007.

_{click on the image above to see a larger version of the picture}

Exposure: ISO 100, Manual Exposure Mode, Spot Meetering, 1/250 at f11

Equipment:

• Nikon D200
• Nikkor 17-35mm f2.8 AF-S lens
• Profoto Acute 2R 2400 kit with softbox
• Reflector

A few shots from April’s photoshoot with Abby. She is an absolutely amazing dancer whom I’ve had the privilege of getting to know over the last couple of years.

• Exposure: ISO 100, Manual Exposure Mode, 1/250 at f9

• Exposure: ISO 100, Manual Exposure Mode, 1/250 at f11

• Exposure: ISO 100, Manual Exposure Mode, 1/250 at f11

All of these pictures were shot with a simple 3 light set-up and white roll-up paper background.  This was my first shoot with my new Nikkor 17-55mm f2.8 lens.  The lens is sharp, focuses quickly and the results are spectacular.

Equipment:

• Nikon D300 DSLR
• Nikkor 17-55mm f2.8
• 3 Alien Bee 400 strobes