Photostories of a Meager Mind

So in my previous post I alluded to my ulterior motive for being in Washington DC.  Well, that motive was to ask my girlfriend to marry me!  The first day we arrived in Washington DC, we went walking around the White House past the Washington Monument down to the Reflecting Pool where we sat at a bench to rest.  While sitting there engaged in conversation and well…reflecting, I got down on one knee and asked Honey to marry me.  Thankfully she said YES! (I knew she would)

I was fortunate enough to go to Washington D.C. at the first of this month.  Wow.  What an amazing experience!!  The history that is in this town is breathtaking.   My main reason for going was for a conference with Farmers Insurance.  I did however have an ulterior motive that I will save for another post.  Over the next couple of days I will try and post some other photos from my trip.  The above photo is obviously from the United States Capitol

EXIF:  1/320 @ f/11 ISO 100

Today the Flickr Strobist: Austin group had a portfolio shoot.  This was a really fun shoot with a lot of models.  We had the opportunity to shoot at Siena Restaurant.  After shooting for half the day, I saw Kaitlin hanging around waiting to get her picture taken, so I offered up my camera :)  This shot is probably my favorite of the day.  The lighting, her pose and expression were all just what I envisioned.

Strobist info: 1 vivitar flash camera right set at 1/4 power bounced into umbrella

EXIF: 1/60 f/4.5 ISO 100

Two of my favorites from my trip to the Texas Capitol a couple of weeks ago.

EXIF: 1/320 f/7.1 ISO 100

EXIF: 1/3200 f/9 ISO: 100

A couple of weeks ago, Honey and I went to the Texas Capitol for her birthday.  We both loved to just roam around there and gaze at the buildings.  I’ve been down there many times before for various photo gatherings, so this time I was really looking for things off the beaten path.  I really liked the way this scene looked.  Between the sign in the foreground to the leading lines of the building on the left, along with the great clouds behind the capitol building, even the Frost Tower was visible in the background.

EXIF: 1/320 f/7.1 ISO 100

So, about 2 months ago I blogged about My Wonder Woman and how my girlfriend was such a trooper after major surgery in the hospital.  Well, yesterday she got a brand new hairdo that floored me.  When I saw her, I was in love all over again.  After getting over the initial shock, I came to my senses when I heard "take my picture".  Well, let me just tell you, that she rarely EVER lets me take a picture of her (without her usually blocking her face).  Needless to say, I ran and grabbed my camera and lights and set up this shot.  I actually have several great photos of this beautiful woman.  This one stood out.  It screams an "Aveda Hair Salon" shot.  Oh, I’m probably a dead man for posting this, but I just can’t help it :)  I Love you Honey

Strobist info:  1 Vivitar shot into an umbrella set at 1/4 power camera left with a sigma flash set as a slave for the hair light.

EXIF: 1/200 f/5.6 ISO 100

This is one of my favorite photos from the day I spent at the lake.   The sun was starting to set and I caught some good side lighting.  I was really going for a somewhat serine yet minimalistic shot. 

EXIF: 1/400 f/2.8 @ ISO 100

I’m really trying to push myself lately when taking photos of people.  My main focus is the eyes.  I’m working on learning how to bring the colors and brightness of the eyes out.   Here I had my subject facing the sun, but had her turned slightly away, so that the sun was at about 3/4 instead of straight on.

This is a photo of my Mom, whom I love to photograph.

EXIF: 1/250 f/2.8 @ ISO 100

That’s how I would describe Dave Jorgenson’s show.  He really knows traditional country music.  Check out his gig’s page and see his next show.

EXIF: 1/125 f/1.8 ISO 800

You can have a steel guitar in the band too.  Went out Friday to see an old friend, Dave Jorgenson play out at the Coupland Dancehall.  It was great to get out and shoot a little and dance a little.  It’s been a long time since I’ve heard Dave play and he always plays his heart out!

Exif: 1/80 f/2.0 ISO 800