Posts Tagged ‘flash’

Cicadas 17 years

Close up view of cicada on a leaf ©TimeLine Media Cicadas 17 years
Close up view of cicada on a leaf ©TimeLine Media

Virginia

This summer, we expect to have an explosion of cicadas – 17 years after the last time this brood was above ground. Since the last time they were around, their nymphs have been buried underground. Although it is unknown how or why they have such a long dormant time, it is precisely timed. So do not be alarmed if you are awakened by their loud buzzing later this summer! Being that the first time I remember this phenomenon was the summer before my wedding, I will have this strange date range in mind.

Off camera flash to simulate daylight on a cicada in the garden ©TimeLine Media - Cicadas 17 years
Off camera flash to simulate daylight on a cicada in the garden ©TimeLine Media

On this occasion, I found some cicadas sitting on large leaves in my garden. It was not moving at all even though I was adjusting my camera and flashes on stands. In this case, I used a macro lens to get the camera as close to the cicada as I could. Surprisingly, it did not move even as I got the flash and lens remarkably close to its face!

Cicada on a leaf in the garden ©TimeLine Media
Cicada on a leaf in the garden ©TimeLine Media
Clematis bloom in the garden ©TimeLine Media
Clematis bloom in the garden ©TimeLine Media

TimeLine Media – www.timelinedc.com
703-864-8208

Quarantine 5 – 2020 Clematis Blooms

Clematis flower blooming in the back yard ©TimeLine Media
Clematis flower blooming in the back yard ©TimeLine Media

Falls Church, VA

As can be seen in my 2020 Clematis flowers, my garden is growing beautifully this year! This is despite my very limited knowledge on how to grow anything out of the ground. When the blooms start to come out in Spring, I usually get a few photos. However, the quarantine keeping us at home gives me a new subjects to test some lighting setups.

Macro image of Clematis bloom with extra lighting ©TimeLine Media
Macro image of Clematis bloom with extra lighting ©TimeLine Media
Setup of camera and off camera flashes in the back garden ©TimeLine Media
Setup of camera and off camera flashes in the back garden ©TimeLine Media

During this shoot, I used my camera with two speedlight flashes. Although you see two speedlights here, only one was actually adding light to the photos. One was only used as a trigger for the off camera flash. While moving the lights around, I found that the small lights were nice to control what parts of the flowers were illuminated. After each photo, I could move either the flash or the camera with very slight movements. It produced a large set of varied images! I felt it was a productive way to spend a lock-down afternoon.

Newly opening 2020 Clematis flower ©TimeLine Media
Newly opening 2020 Clematis flower ©TimeLine Media
Flower bloom with some added sprayed water ©TimeLine Media
Flower bloom with some added sprayed water ©TimeLine Media
Lady bug on a clematis flower ©TimeLine Media
Lady bug on a clematis flower ©TimeLine Media

TimeLine Media – www.timelinedc.com
703-864-8208


Carahsoft 2019 Gov Con

Headshots at the Carahsoft 2019 Gov Con event in Washington, DC ©TimeLine Media
Headshots at the 2019 Carahsoft Gov Con event in Washington, DC ©TimeLine Media

Washington, DC

Stemming from a referral from another photographer, I covered the Carahsoft 2019 Gov Con in Washington, DC. On this occasion, their event was held at the Grand Hyatt, a hotel fitting of the name. Attendees would be in the conference center, attending lectures and breakout sessions during the day. For the most part, I would be outside of these sessions creating headshots at a step and repeat.

Since the booth was a little slow on traffic at the beginning of the day, I went into the conference center to see the opening remarks. Of course, I am familiar with so many of the Adobe products, and these attendees would be discussing their newest tools for government agencies.

Carahsoft 2019 Gov Con headshots
Carahsoft 2019 Gov Con headshots

For the most part, I was outside at the step and repeat. The background was branded for carahsoft, and Adobe the two sponsors for the event. When people would come by, I offered them an updated headshot. Not only was this a little out of my comfort zone, but it is immediately broke the ice. The subsequent quick headshot session was much less awkward to go through comparatively! As I warmed up to the situation, I had a nice long line of people that wanted to get new portraits made. I ended up having a great time, and I hope I made a good impression for carahsoft and their guests!

Carahsoft 2019 Gov Con headshots
Carahsoft 2019 Gov Con headshots

TimeLine Media – www.timelinedc.com
703-864-8208

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