Feeling Gaby

I've been wanting to return to the Bakersfield AMTRAK Train Station and shoot the interior.  It a nicely lit structure with a lot of windows that provides for really nice ambient light.

I don't recall the details of the communication, but one of my Model Mayhem Model's friend, Gaby, and I became friends on MySpace.  I bounced the idea off of her and she agreed to help me out.  She has never modeled before, but she has a really exotic look. We figured two looks, one in a white dress at the Train Station and one a little edgier in a back alley of Bakersfield. We set the date for Oct. 17 and figured we'd meet at 10 AM.  I think I need an assistant, because at 9:10 AM I received a TXT from Gaby asking me where I was.  Well, I had been volunteering at my work's Flu Clinic and lost track of time.

Anyway, I called Gaby, apologized, tried to blame her, and got to the Amtrak by 9:30.  We began shooting on the main public area, and then I asked an AMTRAK employee if we could shoot in the Station.  He informed me that I shouldn't be shooting on their property, but that he would look the other way.  As we were getting ready to leave, I decided we would go into the station and shoot anyway.  "It's easier to beg for forgiveness than ask permission"  We shot about 20 frames and then left.  These pics were done with Natural Lighting and the ISO set at 400.

We wrapped up at 10:30 and then headed downtown.  I found the alley I had seen in other photog's pictures, and figured I'd use one Speedlight since there was enough light bouncing around the buildings.  I tried using Auto-FP so I could set my Aperture at f/2.8, but for some reason I was getting some weird color casts from the Speedlight.  I ended up shooting this pic at f/8, which explains why the background is pretty sharp, instead of the usual blurred background I prefer. Even one of my FLICKR friends pointed it out.  Oh well, this was shot with an SB-900 using a HONL 5" Snoot.  The sky was actually pretty light and there was some light fog.

For this being Gaby's first time, I think she did really well.  We'll probably shoot a few more times. There's plenty I learned on this shoot, especially with lighting, but I had only two hours to shoot and I definitely don't like shooting when I feel rushed.  Quick shoot out to Gaby for being a "pro" and a sweetheart to work with, and of course to C.J. for helping out, as always.

Anyway, quick post, I have a Model Mayhem Group shoot up in Fresno tomorrow, so it's time to hit the sack.  Thanks for reading and ...

...That's A Wrap!!!