A new technique to me at the time.
A totally dark room. Lens stopped down to f27, exposed for 20 seconds.
Magic ingredient: a video light, snooted with black craft paper to only show a very narrow beam.
Take the snooted light and start “painting” the subject with the light, being careful to A) not get in front of the camera too long, and B) avoid shining the light to at the camera.
Our model had to stay still for that time.
We all were holding our breath, watching the light play over her face and hands.
Bonus: She wore an outfit of all black!
I got my Pentax back tonight. My main dude of a camera.
My son took it with him to use for an engagement (couple) shoot in Missouri this weekend.
I missed it.
But it’s not the camera, it’s the person using the camera which gives the most in my photographs. Or so I tell myself. 
I was busy tonight putting some web site work in, and realized that I had no idea what my picture of the day would be.
Since I scared folks with a ghostly looking painted with light photo a couple of days ago, I figured a good capture of my mug would help soothe those painful retinas.
So I set my exposure, turned off all the lights in the room except for my computer monitor. Moved the monitor (on a swing arm next to my recliner - yes, I put my legs up and surf) to my left. Held out my camera and started clicking and chimping to see what I had taken.
This is the best of the lot.
The bad news is the lens I use, the Pentax SMC FA 50mm f1:1.4 is a sharp and marvelous lens. It picked up every skin abberation that I have. I have a few. Especially on my nose. Go figure.
I used Lightroom’s spot healing capabilities with liberal abandon on my most noticeable imperfections. Yes, I left a lot.
I like the DOF here, the lighting. and my smile.
For your dining and dancing pleasure, my patient viewers.
Really.
16 hours at work today, rather yesterday and today.
Well, if you really count this weekend it’s more like 32 hours since Friday morning.
I am tired.
Still sane, but tired.
I owed a POTD - Picture of the day.
Here it is. Painted with light. Long exposure and a small LED flashlight cupped in my hand, waving it around my face.
I moved. Dang it.
But it looks interesting to me. My eyes are in there a few times, and so is my nose and ears and mouth, etc.
It serves to represent my inner feeling of being a bit mixed up about what time or day it is.
Fun stuff at 1:45 in the morning.
I wonder how well I’ll sing and play guitar at church in the morning? =)
Matt is such a loving father.
He exudes care and concern with every movement.
This exemplifies how I see Matt as Father.
Holding his crying child with loving warm arms. Consoling, just letting her feel the warmth of his touch.
One of my favorites from that time we had together.
Photo tip: Carry your camera everywhere.
I put my camera into wireless master mode and my external flash on the sun room table pointing up at the ceiling.
I tried for an over head point down shot, but I had my 50mm on and it’s no macro.
Even though Johanna’s eyes are out of focus, there’s enough in focus on her that I picked this one.
I love when she lays her head on my feet. She’s almost there in this shot.
She got tired of the flash, and scampered off to less flashy confines.
Oh, by the way, it’s World Pentax Day and this is my contribution!
After a wonderful taste-testing party at the kitchen of their caterer for the upcoming wedding, we went to Washington Park for a short shoot.
This is the best portrait I have of Chris.
I love the look of his eyes, and the slight smile.
On my Flickr pages there are more photos from the shoot.
