We're Jammin'

Last year I attended my first Portfolio Jam, which is a networking event for Photographers, Models, Make-Up Artists and others.  The two day event was held on the weekend at Pismo Beach and Paso Robles and had a really good turnout.  Unfortunately the models we brought didn't expect the cool and windy weather and we ended up leaving after only two hours.   This year, Rob, Brian and I attended, sans models, and had a good time working with some of the new, to us, models.

The shoot started at 4:00 PM at one location which is about 6 sets of stairs, so I decided to travel lite and bring my California Sunbounce, the guys also brought reflectors.  The Sunbounce is fairly large and is a rigid reflector which provides for even lighting as a opposed to collapsible reflectors.  Problem is that when it is windy, it can also become a sail.  We shot in both direct sunlight and shade and  achieved adequate results.  One of my photography associates brought along his Strobe, Beauty Dish and portable battery and achieved some really nice lighting. 

After an hour and a half of shooting, we returned to the meeting point and set out for location number two.  Location two is also a bit of a hike.  This time I brought my Speedlite, Beauty Dish and stand.  The tide was rolling in, so finding a dry place was difficult.  I basically got wet up to my thighs during the early evening shoot. To minimize any problems with my Telephoto lenses, such as getting sand in the mechanisms, I decided to shoot with my 85mm Prime.

The lighting for the remainder of the images were done all in Manual Mode as I learned in the One Light Workshop, but triggered with Nikon CLS, I didn't want to risk my Pocket Wizards getting misplaced or washed out to sea.  As it approached 8:00 o'clock the Meetup Organizer called it a wrap, but that's when the sun was setting.  So model Sierra stuck around and let me shoot until I was satisfied with my images.


What did I learn?

• Speedlites work well in shade and after 6:30 PM during the summer months on the West Coast since my meter readings for Ambient light was at about f/8, 1/250 and ISO 100, with my flash at close 1/2 power.  As it darkens, then Flash Power needs to drop along with Shutter speed, and Aperture and ISO needs to increase.
• Bring along some extra clothes and bring along an assistant to carry all my gear ;)

It was a worthwhile event, I got to work with excellent photographers, new and old, new models, and work on my lighting.