New Year, New Learning

“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.”
― Benjamin Franklin

More than six years ago, I received some lighting equipment as a gift.  It was a gift that I requested.  Since that time, I have acquired more lighting equipment and multiple books about using artificial lighting for photography.  I have even taken at least one class on the subject.  Using artificial light has been a subject I have feared and avoided for years.  The equipment and books have been quietly collecting dust.

I decided that 2021 would be the year that I really took time to learn about using flash and studio lights to add more to my photography toolkit.  I already owned a lot of the things I would need in order to get started.  Santa and friends helped me tremendously this year by adding some additional things I would need for a great start.

Since I am limited in places I can go to photograph this year, the time seemed optimal for this learning.

In order to really commit to learning new skills, I decided to do a 365 project.  In this project, I would create one picture a day in the year 2021 using artificial lighting of some sort for each picture.  I decided I would share at the end of each month on my blog some of the images I created during the month.

The first month has already been quite the learning experience.  I am getting much more comfortable setting up equipment.  I have used the flash I have owned for  years off camera using Pocket Wizards triggers.  I have also used MagMod modifiers that I received over a year ago.

I am finally delving into the books that have been waiting on my bookshelves.  My first book, The Flash Book:  How to fall hopelessly in love with your flash, and finally start taking the type of images you bought it for in the first place, by Scott Kelby, was a perfect first pick for me.  It was informative and extremely easy to understand.

These are some of the images I created during my first month.

One evening, Randy and I went out to dinner.  While there, I saw three decorative rabbits hanging on the wall.  I decided it would be fun to get a picture of Randy standing by the rabbits.  As he got into position, the manager of the restaurant jumped into the frame to join in on the fun!

Luckily, I have have willing models at home to help me with my lighting endeavors.

The final image I will share from January is my favorite from the month.

While I am by no means a lighting expert, I have read, studied, and most importantly worked with using artificial lighting this month.

I look forward to February’s adventures in learning light!

What are you planning to learn in February?