Roxy H3DII-31 1/800th f/6.3 ISO100 @80mm. Beauty dish from upper camera left and reflector board from camera right.
Had a few minutes here in Singapore and decided to retouch this picture of Roxy. This was one of those shoots that I felt inspired and like I was growing throughout the shoot. I should thank my MUA Jen Evans for providing the amazing wardrobe and inspiration for the shoot. Rochelle was a great sport and brought the wardrobe to life.
So what did I do differently this time?
I was thinking about this earlier. There are so many workshops out there. There's so much information available online. Why should anyone come to my workshop?
I was rethinking my earlier post What's going on with the Hasselblad? I speculated that the reasons I'm shooting fewer frames was due to slower capture rates and write/review speeds (on the digital back).
Kaley H3DII-31 1/180th, f/4.0 ISO100 80mm lit with a reflector from camera right
It's been quite the journey with the H3DII-31. Without getting into specifics, after playing with the Mamiya 645AFDII with film back, I began researching medium-format digital.
Being comfortable enough to experiment is the only way I've ever grown because for me, growth equals change.
Models: This is a paid shoot. If you're agency-represented and interested in modeling for the workshop, please message me on ModelMayhem.com or email me charles@lucima.com
So I've been talking about this workshop for a while and I wanted to post some details since we're coming up on the 45 day mark until the workshop. Based upon your feedback, I've created an agenda for the workshop.
L U C I M A will be hosting a fashion/beauty lighting and retouching workshop on July 31-August 1 at L U C I M A Studio.
When: July 31, 2010 and August 1, 2010. 9AM to 5PM.
Where:
L U C I M A Studio
2620 Concord Ave. Unit 120
Alhambra, CA 91803
+1 (626) 674-2858
Why: I feel like this is the most important question. There are so many workshops out there, why come to mine? While structured, I will tailor this workshop for each individual participant. My goal is your personal growth as a photographer, but every photographer comes in at different levels with different goals. At the beginning of the workshop I will create a personalized goal with each participant. Throughout the workshop I will work with you to achieve those specific goals regardless of the challenge. With all the personalized attention this should feel like a 1-on-1 workshop. You're not coming to watch me shoot. Instead I'm there to ensure your growth as a photographer. Additionally, there will be plenty of time to cover any questions/topics and I'll show you all my camera settings, lighting setups, etc. I'll hold nothing back! 
Day 1
Day 1 covers a wider range of topics from "the approach" to lighting to retouching.
My Approach to Excellent Captures: In a short introduction I will empower you with the vision and critical thinking that will elevate your "batting average" for getting incredible shots. I'll go over my philosophical approach to pre-production to execution.
Lighting 1: This was the #1 requested topic for the workshop and I will dedicate the majority of the workshop time towards this topic. Consistent with my approach, I'll show you the techniques I use when creating a lighting setup including my "one light" demonstrations.
Makeup-to-Retouch: This segment will feature MUA Kathleen Ty and her tips for photographers on how makeup interacts with lighting and how to achieve that extra "pop" in your images. I will follow up on tips for retouching and what to look for throughout the shoot.
Hands-on Experimentation: I'm a huge fan of "trail by fire" and learning-on-the-job. Throughout day 1 we will have plenty of time to work through "challenges" and situational opportunities.
Day 2
Day 2 really focuses on experimentation and working with models on set with 1-on-1 coaching during the shoot. Day 2 has less structure and allows photographers to test their knowledge and skills on set.
Lighting 2: Expanding upon Lighting 1, I want to introduce the idea of fill/bounce via white walls. I'll demonstrate how to effectively use my set walls to achieve certain lighting results.
Retouching 1: Detailed workflow of my retouching practices.
General Notes
-Good models are paramount to getting "the shot". The workshop will provide experienced agency-represented models for you to work with.
-I'm not a big fan of memorization, formulas, rules, structure even. I'm going to teach you "how to fish" so you can eat for a lifetime.
-Photographers will be learning/shooting on-the-fly. I'm not a fan of lectures but rather a constant dialogue and sharing of knowledge. That also means, you're not paying to watch me shoot... you'll be doing all the shooting!
-One of the things I enjoy most is keeping the workshop small for more one-on-one attention. I will cap the attendance at 10-12.
-One-on-one time with models is critical to the learning process. At the workshop you'll have plenty of time to work with models.
-You'll be shooting with all the studio gear including the AlienBees system with all the light modifiers and the RadioPopper JrX system. Studio is privately owned, indoors with A/C, plenty of white wall space and portable set walls, and plenty of parking.
-Lunch is included for both days.
Cost $395 for Day 1 // $695 for both days. Register by July 16th for 25% off! Payment in-full is required prior to workshop. Please message me for registration.
Please let me know if you have any questions!
But I look like death. Seriously. I caught my reflection in the mirror today and I look like I aged 10 years in 5 days.
I want to talk about first impressions. I don't care if you're a photographer, makeup artist, designer, model, agency representative, or what. It doesn't matter. This applies to EVERYONE.
A couple hot-pixels, a few faint horizontal lines, had to the Dremel down the RadioPopper to fit on the H3D, futzing around with Hasselblad's Phocus software to get it to output .DNG
On the eve of the Lakers' third game against the Celtics, all I ask is for us to score 1 more point against the other team.
Because a win is a win.
I realized that I just suggested people to know their camera without really explaining the benefits of doing so. Basically, and I can't believe that I'm about to do this, Ken Rockwell said it best when he said "Good cameras get out of your way. Good cameras are an extension of your imagination."
Problem is, a good camera can get in your way if you don't know how to operate it quickly and efficiently.
Sounds stupid but it's paramount to know your camera and know it well.
How well?
Found this in the forums over on ModelMayhem.com. The question was presented where the OP asked what were the benefits of frequency separation. One of my heroes replied:
