Reality Check

It's been almost a year since going to Israel, Jordan and Egypt. I've obviously not finished posting everything from that trip here, and much is happening currently. So this blog is now going to cover current events (at least the ones that are in my little corner of the universe) in nearly real-time.

If you discover any errors in my descriptions of the sites in Israel and Egypt, please feel free to leave a comment.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Shooting for the church is a good thing

09_04_TBBF_Youth_Choir_014.jpg

Lately I've been asked to shoot various ministries and groups at my church. I'd post a link to their website, but right now it's about to go through a major update (for the better, I'd add). But oh, what the heck, it's www.tbbfchurch.org. The church is a synthesis of two former churches that came together with common ideals and common purpose to form a new church. It's called The Bridge Bible Fellowship, and it's really great.

I introduced myself to the new (to me) members of the church staff as a photographer, and offered my services for whatever they would see fit. That has led to many a growing experience photographically, as well as being able to bless the church with what I'm able to do. No money, but I figure at this stage in my photographic "career," it would still be a good thing, shooting in various situations. Professionally, I chalk it up to "paying my dues" as an aspiring creative professional. Of course I've been in graphic design for a lot of years, but making the leap into photography is no small feat.

The most recent shoot was last night. I was asked to shoot the youth choir, which consists of high school and college-age singers and the worship pastor, Steve Lively.

Above is one shot that came from that session. Basic three-light setup with umbrellas, seamless backdrop, nothing else. Used my three JTL 160's; one to camera right as key, camera left as fill, and from the top of the backdrop stand as a hair light, with a barn door. Triggered with my on-board flash on the Nikon D200. No post production - I'm happy to say none was needed.

Mental note: It took longer to set up and tear down than it did to do the shoot. Could I have done the same thing using two SB800 speedlights? Probably. But I figured there might be enough people in the group that depth of field would be an issue, and I wanted everybody to be sharp. So I opted for the more-powerful studio lights. Plus I have three of them, vs. only two SB800s.

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