Let there be Light!

I really am trying to get back on the blog more, while I can. So for Christmas I received a new umbrella lighting setup! It is always entertaining when people who are not into photography ask me what I get and I reply with an umbrella. The look of confusion on their face is always very humorous to me, especially when they look at me and say"...an umbrella?"

Of course I explain to them that it is a flash umbrella that is used to diffuse the light spill onto a subject, thus creating a softer feel. What I enjoy about this Westcott umbrella is that it is not just a shoot through softbox, but it also has a reflective black cover you can ad to make it a bounce (as seen in the photo below).

I hope everybody had a great Christmas and I will try to keep you up to date to the new year!

Day 313 - Let there be Light!, originally uploaded by griffithgreg.

Day 307 - Homage to Mad Men

I got a suit! You can not really see exactly how awesome it is in this photo, but as soon as I got it I knew exactly what I had to do. This image here is a homage to the opening credits to a TV series known as Mad Men. If you have no idea what I am talking about go here -> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WcRr-Fb5xQo

Now of course this is not a graphical representation of myself in my suit, but if I were to do it exactly how they did it wouldn't be mine now would it? Let me know what you think and if your a fan of the show let me know that too!

Day 307 - Homage to Mad Men, originally uploaded by griffithgreg.

Day 236 - Lit Bed

So day two of trying out my off camera flash. I wanted to try this out last night after I took my other photo, but it was to late and I would have had to find a dark enough location to do so. While driving around tonight I found a fairly dark spot, that I knew would not show background lights at a high enough shutter speed. So I set up my flash in the back right of my truck bed and set the camera to a 10 second delay. I think it came out pretty well, especially for a bare flash aiming straight at me.

I also want to apologize for the lack of real emotion in yesterdays shot. I look like I should be telling a scary story, rather than showing off my flash. Well on to think of newer and better ideas for tomorrow!

Camera: Canon 40D | 17-85mm f/4 | 24mm @ f/4 | ISO 100 | 1/25 sec

Strobist Info: Canon 430EX II @ 1/4 - 24mm | 5ft from subject in opposite corner of truck bed | Triggered via Cactus V4

Day 236 - Lit Bed, originally uploaded by griffithgreg.

Day 235 - Off Camera Flash

So, this is my first photo with an off camera flash. I know it is kinda gloomy, but I really did not have much energy to come up with a good idea for my first go around. I was also trying to tinker with all the settings since I am not able to use ETTL with my flash when it is off the hotshoe. Not to bad for my first go I guess...

Day 235 - Off Camera Flash, originally uploaded by griffithgreg.

Day 234 - Todd Ingram

My oh my, I have not done this much photo-manipulation in a long while. As you might have guessed my 40D is now back in my hands, oh and I am going to see the Scott Pilgrim vs The World premiere at midnight tonight! What a day, I did, however, not use my off camera flash for this one. It just was not needed for this photo.

So, just in case you have not guessed it yet, Todd Ingram is the third evil ex-boyfriend in the Scott Pilgrim series. He is a vegan, which gives him super telepathic powers and his eyes glow white with rage with smoke raging out of them when his powers are activated. Oh he is also dating one of Scott's ex-girlfriends...which makes his character even more unique. I hope you enjoy this heavily photoshopped day 234. Until tomorrow!


Camera: Canon 40D | 17-85mm f/4 | 17mm @ f/4 | ISO 100 | 1/60 sec

Strobist Info: Canon 430EX II @ ETTL | mounted on camera | 3ft from subject

Day 234 - Todd Ingram, originally uploaded by griffithgreg.

I also thought it would be fun to show you one of my "working layers." This is what I call the photo map, so I am able to get all of the curves and bumps just right when I am editing in photoshop.

Day 207 - Shoot from the Hip

You remember how I said my 40D was broken? Well, to help me ease the pain I rented a Canon 7D and an 18-35mm f/2.8 L from rentglass.com. The 7D is by far the best camera I have ever used and really have not been able to put it down since I received it earlier today. I will be sure to post some of the shots I have taken with it so far.

The 7D is so far superior to my 40D it is not even funny. Not only does it have an ISO that goes up to 6400, shoots up to 8 frames per second, 18 mega pixels, and it even has a level built into the camera! Oh, did I mention it shoots HD VIDEO!?!?! I know I have always said that video on a DSLR was something that never matters to me, but to be honest, it is pretty sweet to have on this camera. I might just have to get one for real...

I have also started to get really good with my 430EX II flash. It has really made me want to go out and start taking more and more portraits of anybody that will let me. So if your in the mood for a cheap photo shoot let me know and I will be more than happy to come shoot it.

Camera: Canon 30D | 17-85mm f/4 | 53mm @ f/5.6 | ISO 100 | 1/60 sec

Strobist Info: Canon 430EX II @ full power | mounted on camera | 3ft from subject

Day 207 - Shoot from the Hip, originally uploaded by griffithgreg.

Day 205 - Texas Weddings

Well, here it is. My very first public published magazine as a graphic artist. I was given a copy of it today while at work and thought I would let you know to keep a lookout for it if your planning on getting married. It should be hitting news stands soon! Other than that, I am planning on attempting a week long series either tomorrow or within the next month that is dedicated to replicating stills from the Scott Pilgrim graphic novel series. I already have one shot planned out and if I can get six more very quickly it will be done.

Day 205 - Texas Weddings, originally uploaded by griffithgreg.

Day 203 - Going Up?

Final day of the Bridal Extravaganza and I can definitely say it is a very unique experience. Overall, it was a good one that I will walk away having learned more about anything and everything that is related to this show. A good portion of my time, when I wasn't out photographing the event, was in the entrance to Hall B. They have four escalators there that will take you to the 2nd floor and I probably went up and down them to many times to count, in order to get to my 2nd floor room where I took photos for a time lapse.

Even though I got a few laughs from my fellow co-workers and a few of the vendors at the event, I think this photo came out really well. I especially like how it captures my reflections on the side as I sit in between. It was a fun, yet busy, weekend and it's funny to say that my work week has just begun.

Day 203 - Going Up?, originally uploaded by griffithgreg.

Day 202 - Warped Reflection

At the end of the day at the Bridal Extravaganza I was heading to the second floor to grab my bag, and I noticed that the glass bends the reflection of the downtown skyline. I thought it was pretty awesome so I went back down the escalator in order to grab a shot of it as I passed by. Today went by really well, got to shoot the fashion shows and that was a learning experience for sure. Well, off to bed for the final day of the Bridal Extravaganza!

Day 202 - Warped Reflection, originally uploaded by griffithgreg.

Day 201 - The Orb of Knowledge

Walking around the GRB (the George R. Brown) Convention Center today, I noticed just how crazy some of their decor and architecture is. It really is a great place to be a photographer, everywhere you look there is something amazing to take a shot of. Sadly, this is one of the the last photographs that was taken with my Canon 40D. While trying to set up for a Time Lapse of the event, I received a Error 99 on my main screen, which in Canon talk means out of commission. I am hoping it is easily fixable and will not take to long, until then I will be shooting with my mothers Canon 30D. Not to much of a difference, but it still feels strange not having my 40D with me when I am shooting. Hopefully, it is just a minor fix.

Day 201 - The Orb of Knowledge, originally uploaded by griffithgreg.

Day 200 - Bridal Extravaganza

Bridal Extravaganza starts this weekend and if your a bride-to-be it is definitely where you will be this weekend. For the most part I should be snapping photographs of the Brides and their guests. So if your there Saturday or Sunday be on the look out for me. I will be one of the few guys there.

Day 200 - Bridal Extravaganza, originally uploaded by griffithgreg.

Day 196 - Happy 4th of July

Not a whole lot of time to really get all of this as perfect as possible. I am a little blury, there are some crazy glows around the plants, and the roof is way to bright from the flash going off. Despite all that, I think the final result came out pretty descent and it is always fun to shoot fireworks each year. Hope everybody had a great and safe 4th of July!

Day 196 - Happy 4th of July, originally uploaded by griffithgreg.

Day 195 - The Mighty Wallet

Just recently I purchased a mighty wallet from www.dynomighty.com. This one in particular is known as the "Color Bar Mighty Wallet." They are made of Tyvek® and was designed by Terrence Kelleman. They are a single piece of origami that was incredibly folded into this form. It is tear resistant, water resistant and also made from 25% recycled H.D.P.E which in return makes the whole wallet is completely recyclable. They have many MANY more designs to check out on their website, especially if your looking for an ultra-thin wallet.

Day 195 - The Mighty Wallet, originally uploaded by griffithgreg.

Day 194 - Sin City

I have been on a Graphic Novel trip for the last few months. I have been wanting to replicate different themes that are used in different ones and today it's Sin city. I think it turned out okay, but it is the first of a few I plan on doing with a replication of a GN in mind. Well, off to play in the rain!

Day 194 - Sin City, originally uploaded by griffithgreg.

Day 192 - Yes?

I decided to go Pop Art Silhouette on todays photo. It is an idea I have had in my back pocket for a while since I went to an arts fair in Austin with Catherine. I am thinking of continuing on with this style for a few other photos, but not necessarily of myself.

So what do you think? Do you like this style or not? Let me know.

Day 192 - Yes?, originally uploaded by griffithgreg.

Day 184 - The Summer Solstice

Today is the first day of summer and by how hot it was outside when I took this shot I will totally agree. Actually, I would not say it was hot, more humid. When I got back from riding around I checked the temperature, it was only 87. The humidity actually knocked that up a good 10 degree's to the point it felt like it was midday, even though I was under this shady tree. I really wanted to wait until the last bit of sun was going down to take this shot, just to see how late it would get. It was just about 8:30 when I took this shot and I think it turned out well.

Oh, I also got a Canon 430EX II for my birthday. An external flash is something that I have had my eye on for quite some time. So today I took it out with me to give it a go for the first time. This means I finally get to add strobist information to my post!

Camera: Canon 40D | 17-85mm f/4.0 | 17mm @ f/8.0 | ISO 200 | 1/25 sec

Strobist Info: Canon 430EX II @ 1/2 power | mounted on camera | 10ft from subject

Day 184 - The Summer Solstice, originally uploaded by griffithgreg.

Day 183 - Happy Fathers Day

Today's photo goes out to all the fathers in the world. This one was interesting, because I had to find a way to incorporate my father in with a self portrait of myself. So if you look very closely, you can actually see myself in the reflection of his glasses as well as my camera and part of the rest of my family. Tomorrow is Monday and that means back to the grind of the work week, hopefully I can pull off some interesting photos.

Day 183 - Happy Fathers Day, originally uploaded by griffithgreg.

Day 182 - 24th Birthday (NOM NOM NOM)

Short write up today, but basically today was my birthday and the cake that I am holding was a very special treat provided by Catherine. You may recognize it from previous photo's, but either way I would like to thank everybody who made it special and especially Catherine for assisting me with this photo.

Day 182 - 24th Birthday (NOM NOM NOM), originally uploaded by griffithgreg.

Day 181 - USA vs Slovenia vs Rookie Referee

I really cant think of any other way to visually represent how I feel about the USA game vs Slovenia today, well other than a huge face palm. The US played like crap the first half and should never let themselves go into the half down 2 to nil. I never like to blame officials for a game's outcome, because if a team truly was better during that game the officials would have no say in the final outcome. Oh well, no need fretting over a game that is over. All the US can do now is go into the Algeria game with guns blazing and never hold back. Its the last shot we have at getting into the 16.

Day 181 - USA vs Slovenia vs Rookie Referee, originally uploaded by griffithgreg.

Day 180 - Well Played Sir...

This is sort of a homage to my friend Matt's younger brother. He had created a, what I hope was a joke, video about a card game known as Yu-Gi-Oh! In one part of the scene he gets beat in the game, makes a funny face and says..."Well played sir..." Ever since then he has been given a hard time about it, mostly from me and my own younger brother. The only difference is I was beaten in a game of chess rather than some child's card game.

Day 180 - Well Played Sir..., originally uploaded by griffithgreg.