mitch_parker

<p>Get to know the person and the dog first ... capture emotion</p>

<p>Maria - love and passion shinning though - sweet art on 1 n 3</p>

<p>Make images ... from the heart ... keep it fun ... and interesting .... capture emotion ... create images people long to revisit.</p>

<p>Fun stuff ... </p>

<p>More and more flexible lighting is the key, the tripod great. I would think in terms of getting the room or "Fill" light right in the overall room first so that no matter where I set up to shoot the overall room light would be pretty dead on. I do this with my quantums bouncing off the corners using the whole room as a big umbrella. I would then use my Sekonic L-358 to take readings at the various places I'm going to shoot with and without my main lights. The practicing is a good idea for getting posing, team work down etc ... but if you need to get it right in the LIGHT of the room you will be shooting in. You have a low ceiling which is not going to work to your advantage for spreading light, anything has a solution. Getting the overall room light right is always the answer before focusing on main light and creative fill. A couple to a few reflectors on stands or with assistants will work wonders in the final creative light mix "In the moment". One assistant with a reflector would be a must have. Study and perfect the room light first. Make notes. A good trick is to place - place cards with your readings at various places in the room so you don't have to waste time during the shoot - just a quick double check. If you are shooting digital, which no doubt you are, and you are relying on on camera flash without a flash meter you are likely already in trouble and will fixing a lot in post op. If you are relying on your camera's metering you are also likely going to miss the mark quite a few times even with histograms. Think old school, think like a film shooter, think window light emulation to create your overall room or fill lighting. Don't think like a point and shoot - soccer mom - no disrespect intended - and don't take this thing "lightly" - it's a wonderful opportunity for a portfolio placement - or it can be a black mark on your reputation - hope it helps, Mitch Parker www.mitchparkerphotography.com</p>