Thank you to everyone who attended the Beginner Photography Workshop + Photo Safari from Mike Maez Photography! Hopefully everyone learned something and had a great time at Venue at the Grove interacting and shooting with our team of models and photographers. For those of you who stayed until the very end we also appreciate all of the feedback and we were happy to give away some cool prizes. We have finally received all of the entrants for the photo contest and after careful consideration for each and every photo we are glad to announce our winners!
First place is awarded to Kimberly Dodd for her great photo of Sarah. Although technically incorrect with a very blown out background, I feel the touch of flare and angle that she captured really gives the image a good feel. Great job Kimberly!
Third place is awarded to Miachelle DePiano for her clean headshot of Gavin. A classic headshot at a great angle, and I love how the thin depth of field really brings focus straight to the eyes. My only small nitpick on this image is the lack of highlights or catch lights in Gavin’s eyes. Notice how the above image of Mahiba has a pleasing catch light that adds a touch of drama. Other than this small nitpick though this is really an excellent photo. Nice job Miachelle!
Here are also some behind the scenes images from the past month:
Behind the Scenes | Gallery One
Behind the Scenes | Gallery Two
Even if you did not win a prize it is my goal that each and every one of you walked away with a better understanding of photography, and your camera, than you came with. If you would like to progress your skills even further, I encourage you to utilize the Online Resources Page I have set up and explore the many websites dedicated to increasing your photographic aptitude.
I am also hosting the four powerpoint presentations that I utilized during the workshop for attendees to download directly as a zip file from the following link (please right click, then save as):
Mike Maez Photography | Beginner Workshop | Powerpoint Presentations
Also note that for those of you asking for exactly what gear I was using during the workshop, here is a very detailed breakdown which should answer more than a few emails. I tried to be as thorough as possible and have also included direct links to buy these items directly from the same places where I bought them myself:
Camera – 5d Mark II
Lens – Sigma 50 1.4 (Canon Mount)
Flash(es) – Yongnuo YN-560 (NON-E-TTL/I-TTL)
Triggers – Radiopopper JrX System
Sync Cords – Paramount Hot Shoe to Pocketwizard
Stands – Lumopro LP608
Umbrella Adapters – Lumopro LP634
Umbrellas – Photogenic Eclipse Plus
On-Camera Flash Diffuser – DEMB Flash Diffuser Pro
Gels for WB Correction – Strobist Rosco Kit
Bag – Think Tank Photo Retrospective 20
Do you have any recommendations for us Nikon users. Specifically, I just bought the d7000 and was looking for a good portrait lens. I currently own the 18-200 VR 3.8-5.6 and a 50mm macro. should i stick with the sigma 50mm 1.4 as well? and then, what about a flash?
also, i want to shoot in RAW but am not sure what editing program to use to edit the photo and then convert to jpeg. Thanks for your help.
Chad,
Sorry I hadn’t seen this post before, but if you haven’t picked it up already do check out the recently launched 85 1.8 from Nikon.
It should be available next month:
http://www.dpreview.com/news/2012/01/06/Nikon_Nikkor_AFS85mm
Here is a link to pre-order:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/838798-REG/Nikon_2201_AF_S_NIKKOR_85mm_f_1_8G.html
As for a flash, the gold standard is the SB900 but if you are looking to save some money then the SB700 isn’t bad:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/734997-USA/Nikon_4808_SB_700_Speedlight_Shoe_Mount.html
Lastly if you want to shoot in RAW the best program sans Photoshop for editing and converting to JPEG is Adobe Lightroom 4, which is currently in BETA and available for download FREE for the time being:
http://labs.adobe.com/technologies/lightroom4/
Thanks!