What’s Gotta Stay

Laarni Hernando

Yesterday I had the opportunity to participate in my second event with the “Photowalking Utah” Flickr group (formerly Photowalking Salt Lake City). This young but burgeoning group is made up of Utah photo hobbyists of all experience levels simply looking to have a good time and an excuse to get out and take some photos. I have enjoyed meeting so many new people and for having an excuse to dedicate some time to my hobby.

This most recent event might have been stretching the definition of a “photowalk” a bit because it was indoors, but noone was complaining. Not only was it much warmer than outdoors, but the event was a huge hit. The event was themed around using studio lights to take portraits, and the turnout was phenomenal. Eight photo setups were collected in a huge room, and everyone was able to wander throughout and try out the different rigs. Even better the owner of each rig helped out and offered explanations and tips to taking better photos. The general willingness to share knowledge was just lain awesome.

I wandered around with a video camera hoping to do a little behind-the-scenes video piece, so I ended up not taking many photos. I did take a few minutes to try out the Alien Bees Ring Flash that was incredible. I now have a new item on my wish list! This flash is literally a large donut looking device that sits on a tripod, through which you stick your camera lens in the middle while taking the photo. The cool effect is a bright center and shadow completely around the subject. I think the effect is very cool. Thanks to Kim for sharing his rig and Laarni for modeling for all us photogs.

Canon 40D, 24-105L, 1/250 at f/11 and 100 ISO
see on flickr

Tags: photography, photowalk, photowalking utah, portrait