Wipe That Smile Off Your Face

I was given an opportunity to take senior pictures for a good friend.  We were under the crunch on time and went out on a sunny afternoon…which made taking pictures a real pain.  The sun was so harsh and bright that trying to get some fill light was tough.  We came back a few days later to take some more, found a few shaded areas, and was able to shoot later in the day which made all the difference.  One thing is for sure, taking senior pictures of guys is a little more challenging than girls.  You have to find a way to show their artistic style, yet kept their masculinity in tact.

This was my first chance to use the long flash sync cable that I got recently, and remotely fire my flashes.  I was looking to get some interesting light angles, as well as use the softness of the umbrella to help lighting the face.  It worked really well…although I will be looking to purchase another one.  Naturally the wind is strong when you need to use an umbrella…rain or photography.  I will be looking to radio transmitters in the future, however right now the 32′ cable is working wonderful for my needs outside.  At some point in time I plan to head to the Third Ward of Milwaukee to take a few more industrial shots.  Most likely spring time…but who knows, Milwaukee winters are strange, it could be sunny and 50 degrees in December.

All in all, there were lessons learned from this experience.  Take senior pictures well before the school needs them, find the right day with the right light, and most importantly have fun…since this is one time where many people will look at this picture this year, and many years to come as they reminisce high school years.