Black Mamba

moomba-2
Originally uploaded by Michael Slear

Another of my favorite subjects besides people is wildlife. This image has both. I wanted to give the ‘otherside look’ if you will. So they let me in the backdoor of the Moomba cage, at Alligator Adventure. I had first recruited the family and set lights for them in the normal viewing area. The glass reflections were reduced using a polarizer. I was able to get just inside the cage with my arms to eliminate the doorway, so was unable to see left or right. I was later told that this bigguys mate was just to my right inside. Which I confirmed later. Interestingly every time the on camera flash went off, this snake would jerk as if he’d been shocked. Black Moombas can strike 3 times their body length, also told me later. He was 8 ft I was 5 ft from him, even closer to his mate. The zookeeper who allowed this was later retired.

Chef

This was a great concept by our own Jon Leon. We had the theatre for an hour, lights were required camera left to illuminate Cinthia and her “date”, at camera to light John Rusher our chef and at the curtains to brighten them. Specific placement of the people was necessary as we were limited on numbers. An extreme depth of field (we’ll discuss another time) was required to keep foreground chair, chef, lights, & screen in focus. Jon added an additional set of lights and enhanced the curtains. Overall, lots of pieces brought together, and a successful shoot for posters, to promote "Dinner and a Movie".

Witch1

Witch1
Originally uploaded by Michael Slear

witch2

witch2
Originally uploaded by Michael Slear

One of my favorite subjects of course is the golf landscape. Late afternoon light is pleasant given the right quality, it will present long shadows and delineate the contours of the land. A sky with clouds will give added depth. Mix in some sunrays and you’ve got the makings of something special. I originally transplanted the flag to be in keeping with the rule of thirds (tic tac toe grid). But kinda like it being framed by bridge. What do You think?

Night Pool

Night Pool
Originally uploaded by Michael Slear

This location shoot was a real challenge with a mixture of tungsten, fluorescent available light and bar inside. But with a few strobes to accent the very dark antique bar and the fountain as well as the pool and roof line, this twilight scene comes off inviting and well lit. It also points out the balance of timing when doing this type of shot. Just 5 minutes earlier or later can change the balance of available light and twilight sky. 1-4 seconds @ f 8

Rainbow

Rainbow
Originally uploaded by Michael Slear

Last weeks rainbow, after a late afternoon shower if the sun pops out, check out the eastern sky, you'll usually get a colorful show.