Just like the ad says, book a portrait session in the month of February (for any date thereafter) and receive your choice of either a 25% discount on a regularly-priced session or 3 of your favorite digital pics from the session on CD. These are web-ready (low-resolution) files that are perfect for sharing online through emails, blogs or your favorite social networking site. Please contact me for more details!  cdubcak@gmail.com :: 713.548.4996

Notice how the black actually appears gray or charcoal. For added interest, I pointed a flash directly at the paper which creates separation between my subject and the background. Otherwise, Sweetie would have been lost in all the black.

This is one of my favorites. Her coloring is perfect for split toning.

A quick trip outside to smell what she could smell.

Bruno has threatened to run away from home if ever given the customary poodle cut known as the “Continental Clip” so Adam and Kate decided on a nice little mohawk.

Leave the pompoms for the girl dogs. Boys get skull-patterned bandannas.

And here is cute little Lamb Chop. Also into skull-patterned bandannas.

His cute little sister even got into the act.

— And please don’t forget about my portrait special at Elizabeth Baldwin park! See details below. —

Join me at Elizabeth Baldwin park in midtown Houston through the month of June and receive the Picture Perfect Package. Instead of choosing either one 8×10″ or two 5×7″ prints included in the regular session price, you will receive:

• One 11×14 wall print
• One 8×10 desk print
• Two 5×7 desk prints
• Three of your favorite web-ready, digital images on CD to share with friends and family.

Special includes 60 minutes of photography, up to 4 subjects (people, dogs, or a people/dog combination) for the regular session fee. Email or call to book your session.

—-

cdubcak@gmail.com

713.548.4996

First stop was at Numbers where we sat and watched our first band play. True to form, I didn’t shoot the band at all.

Then we walked over to Mangos and caught this uber-cute band called, The Handshake. Someone needs to write the drummer a ticket for being so adorable. Notice that he is also the lead singer, like in The Romantics!! And Genesis!!!! Visit their website and give them a listen.

http://www.myspace.com/handshakesmusic

This image says it all — music is supposed to be fun.

Here’s another band we saw out on the little stage in front of Mangos. They’re called Caddywhompus and lucky for me, the lead singer seems to prefer facing the drummer while he performs, which meant I had the best angle of him.

Consider these pics a little sneak peek.

Meet Myles and Jaren. We had tons of fun at the park.

I love this one of Myles cracking up. He just looks so happy!

“Why would I do this?” you may wonder. “Why can’t I just use the flash on my camera?” Because once you pop up the flash on your camera you’ve ruined the atmosphere. The whole mood has been destroyed by a bluish-white light washing over everything and everyone.

These photos were taken with a digital SLR, but most digital point-and-shoot cameras are capable of taking great photos with available light. You will need to start by turning off the flash on your camera. This will force your camera to choose a different shutter speed and/or ISO (similar to film speed) to compensate.

If you look closely at Ling Ling’s eyes, you can actually see the shape of the window she is sitting next to which brings me to my next point. Professional photographer’s have all kinds of ways to recreate this soft light without actually being next to a window. There are things like soft boxes and umbrellas, but when you are working in someone’s home, it makes sense to use what mother nature provides.

Previously I was relying on a very long cord to trigger my flash. One end was attached to the hot shoe on my camera and the other end was attached to my flash unit which was perched atop a light stand and had a cute little umbrella sticking out. If you’ve hired me recently you’ve probably witnessed this setup in action.

Although effective, the cord was…..well, a cord and people and animals trip over cords. Plus, being tethered to my light stand in this manner always made me a little uneasy. A few careless steps in the wrong direction and wammo!

I’ll admit, I had never even heard of Elinchrom triggers until I began my research on the “gold standard” of radio triggers. Also known as the very expensive and highly coveted, PocketWizards. The price doesn’t actually sound too bad until you realize you need two of them. One to transmit and one to receive. Who knows why they’re not sold in pairs.

Product review coming soon.