Penning Photography Daily

The new all-digital Studio F at my local National Public Radio affiliate WUIS 91.9 FM.

I was taking a series of head shots for WUIS to use for publications a few months ago. At the end of the session, they asked if I could get a shot of their newly remodeled studio. They’ve been upgrading gradually from vintage equipment to an all digital recording studio and were very proud (and rightly so) of the new setup.

I had my ultra-wide lens with me, the Sigma 10-20mm, and knew that I could get a good capture of nearly the entire space with that lens set at 10mm. I mounted the camera on one of my light stands, which gave me the height that I was looking for. I set up a remote shutter release, so I could be outside the room and out of the range of the lens. I stopped the lens down to f11 so I could get everything into sharp focus, and, just using floor lamps and the directional lighting on the console, my shutter speed was set to let enough light in so the computer screens and the light from the electronics were visible and clearly seen.

I know it looks a bit odd, with me sneaking out of the room and standing outside, shutter release in my hand. I had to let the camera stop swaying. The height and weight of the camera made the stand sway, every time I would check the results, and set up for another go. I took seven frames, and this one, the last, got it right.

Each time I had to allow for about a minute so the camera sway would stop. With all the adjustments, it took me just 30 minutes from first attempt to last, to get the right one.

Worth the effort.

You can imagine the radio host, and perhaps guests, sitting around the console, sending out their discussion or music, into the radio ether. The lights are subdued, making the computer screens pop. The headphones on the table top are ready for the next shift to come in and entertain, inform, or engage the audience.

WUIS is a great station. It presents a wide variety of programming to the Central Illinois community. From classical, jazz, folk, international, and progressive rock music, also insightful discussions and commentary of the Illinois political landscape, to news – Local, State, National and World news, to humorous and informational programs of all sorts. You can listen to them online as well as on a local radio, which is nice when I’m away from home to get that touch of Illinois into my ears. www.wuis.org/

Just a room, on a college campus.

This is also the living room to the world.