Scott[o]Smith’s Digital World

Canon 40D * Canon EF-24-105mm f/4.0L lens * ISO 400 * 1/250 second * f/4.0

This past weekend I joined our local photowalking group on a great outing at the Great Salt Lake. I missed the last event so it felt like it has been a while since I met with the group. We had about 40 people show up, I was surprised at how many were there for the first time. It’s great to have a venue where people with the same interest can get together to share ideas an make new friends.

We met at Saltair then drove west just past the Marina. We had a model that volunteered to do a trashed dress style shoot. She was great and was in the salt water for about two hours. I don’t know how these models can do what they do, I’m just grateful I’m on the other sided of the lens.

As always I’m amazed at the quality of pictures that are produced. I’ve lost count at how many photowalks I’ve been on but each time I come away grateful for the experience.

I’m not going to be able to make the next photowalk. For more information on the details visit our flickr group.

Be sure to check out other photogs blogs that were there:

Rich Legg

Jeremy Hall

Mike Calanan

I had the pleasure taking portraits of some good friends recently, the Landvatters. Lexi, their daughter, was approaching her first birthday and her mother wanted some photos of her to use for a birthday announcement. They also wanted some family portraits in the park.

For the studio shots, I used a roll of white seamless paper with two soft boxes; main to camera left and the fill camera right. I added a third light for the background to avoid shadows. I was able to buy a small light at my local hardware store. I made a small curtain out of black poster board to avoid any light spilling onto Lexi.

This was my first time shooting a one year old. It was fun, her mother was keeping her entertained making her smile and laugh. We took a few breaks to give Lexi a chance to play.

I’ve had the chance to do quite a few photo shoots lately and will be blogging about those later.

The weather was cooperating and I was finally able to get out and try my 70-200mm lens for some portraits. My daughter (Britney) was more than happy to pose to show off her new hair style. We only had a few minutes, the sun was setting and I was loosing light fast. I noticed that when the shutter speed would fall below 1/200th second it was difficult to keep everything tack sharp. Even though I’m not 100% pleased with the quality of this portrait due to using a slow shutter I’m still happy with how it turned out.

Canon 40D * Canon EF-70-200mm f/4.0L lens * ISO 250 * 1/160 second *f/4.0

Today’s image is of my niece Kassidy. Thanksgiving not only was spent visiting with my family but gave me an opportunity to take some portraits in my studio. I recently purchased this backdrop at Pictureline in Salt Lake City and rigged up a backdrop stand hanger so I was anxious to give it a try.

This pose was her idea and I have to admit it’s my favorite of the set. She let me shoot for about ten minutes and then was ready to play with her cousins.

The setup was very basic. Two softboxes, main light left of camera and the fill light rear and right of camera set to -2 f-stops below the main light.

Canon XTi
Canon EF-24-105mm f/4.0L lens
ISO 100
1/200 second
f/4.0

I spent Saturday at a seminar Photographing People Part 1 by international photographer Kenneth Linge. I’ve been looking for a local photographer that teaches seminars for a while now and have no regrets in taking this class

Taken from his description of the seminar:

“a fast-paced seminar style class for those looking to take their technique to the next level. It’s about lighting, perspective, color and creativity. Best of all, it’s about the thought process behind solving challenging situations.“

Kenneth teaches seminars in the US and Europe. He successfully completed five European tours last year. Kenneth and his wife Marylyn taught the class of 15 students. Their class was structured in a way to teach some basic fundamentals with techniques they use and build upon them in upcoming seminars. One of the highlights for me was to participate in a live model shoot in downtown Salt Lake City. It was amazing to watch Kenneth look for the natural available light and apply it to create some amazing photographs.

It was great to be taught by someone that has been in the business for 30+ years. It’s a big risk to share your secrets and techniques with others, I applaud Kenneth and Marylyn for their willingness to share and help others. I’m planning on attending part 2 and encourage others to join.

For more information check out his seminars here: www.kennethlinge.com/seminars

Canon XTi, Canon EF-24-105mm f/4.0L lens, 1/80 second, f/4.0, ISO 100

Macey, originally uploaded by Scott O. Smith.

I’ve recently added a reflector to my kit. For this photo of Macey, I placed the evening sun over her left shoulder to give her hair a glow. The main light was provided by the reflector at camera left held by my daughter and new assistant Britney.

Canon XTi, Canon EF-24-105mm f/4.0L lens, 1/80 second, f/7.1, ISO 100