FAQ : LIGHTING

fter receiving a lot of questions through e-mails about lighting, equipment, and photo shoots, I figured it would be easier to write about each section.  
 
So, the first FAQ I will be posting is about lighting. My FAVORITE thing about photography is lighting!! I have received a lot of e-mails about off camera lighting and I thought since this was the most asked question, I would begin with lighting options.  
Lucy asked: What off camera lighting do you use?  
First of all, I should mention that I shoot with all canon 5ds. I can't shoot with anything BUT the canon 5d. There is just something so wonderful about that 5d! A little slice of Heaven :) The external lighting I use is not very difficult to use or super extravagant but is worth looking into. It all really depends on your style of photography. I love something a little bit different and bold.  
 
One lens that really helps me with off camera lighting is the 50mm 1.2. Because of the 1.2, I am able to get some awesome indoor reception shots when there is less light available. I finally decided months back to look into some extra external lighting since I was feeling bored with just my camera flash. I wanted something more creative, something more fun, something with a PUNCH of light. When I have any questions about equipment, I always call B&H. They have the best info on cameras and awesome deals.  
I called B&H and explained my situation about an upcoming wedding. I NEEDED more light!! The reception room I was going to be shooting in was basically a black room. Hardly any in house light would be available. So, when in need, B&H was who I called. 
I basically talked this poor guys ear off but he definitely gave me the info I needed.  
 
I just needed another flash and some pocket wizards. Unfortunately, its not as simple as you think. These so called little pocket wizards are no little magical wizards. They are fickle and its safe to say that they are a pain in the butt...... BUT, I have gotten some awesome shots with them. If you are looking for a more affordable option, this is the way to go. It took me fooling around with them a lot to figure it all out. I bought a stand to attach my extra flash to and two pocket wizards and that helped me achieve the look I wanted. Before just ordering these little guys, you definitely need to know how to work your flash manually. Read the manual! Then, you will have to sync the same settings on the flash to the pocketwizard. This is also achievable apart from pocket wizards but again, they are fickle. Apparently, they have come out with now the "miniTTI" which are a lot smaller and easier to use pocket wizards. If you are interested in working with off camera lighting, definitely read more about it HERE.

This is one dance shot that I LOVE. Just a bit of extra color and that big punch of light really gives this photo more life. I shot this photo with a Canon 5D, 50mm 1.2 ISO 640 (My ISO is usually higher) If you are looking for a bit of a more grainy look, knock your ISO even higher. F-stop: 1.2

While I was writing this post, my doorbell rang and my neighbor screamed, "there is a rattle snake on your patio!" My heart dropped because for a second I thought my poor dog Margo was outside probably trying to eat the vicious thing. I looked over at the door and Margo was just staring at me. I grabbed her, grabbed my camera and ran outside. Stephen ran outside immediately after he heard about all the commotion about a snake on my patio. For those of you that don't know Stephen, he just recently moved here from San Diego and has experienced a centipede in Margo's bed, and now a rattle snake on my patio. I simply turned to Stephen and said, "welcome to Arizona" with a large smile.