Shooting with flash during the daytime

Do you shoot with flash during the daytime?  Do you get odd looks from people as they pass by that are giving you a look like you don't know what you're doing?  Well, if you are you are on the right track!  Using fill flash during the day time is an essential tool in a photographer's toolkit to provide the results that are better than the average Joe.  No offense to anyone named Joe out there...:)  If you use flash you can really drive the results that you might be seeking as it can help to balance out some very tough lighting situations where you have a lot of shadows and highlghts.

This is a production still from my workshop in Tombstone, Arizona.  Later on I'll be posting a shot comparison where I shot her where half her body was in sunlight and the other half was in shadow, and I'll show you the difference that using a flash made!

Next Workshop: Las Vegas Nevada, right after WPPI!!

Shooting the best sunrise of my career in the Glencoe Highlands of Scotland

This image is of me shooting the best sunrise of my career, truly awe inspiring.  This was taken as a jpeg image from my little Sony Handycam, so can you imagine what will come out of my D800?  This also hasn't been photoshopped at all. This sunrise was a once in a lifetime type shot and I'm so blessed I was able to get it!  I can't wait to share the edited version when I'm done with it!!!

Creating Your Own Production Images

This isn't a smile, but my little Sony Handycam sure thinks it is!  When I'm traveling alone I film a lot of my shooting with my Sony Handycam so I can share my Photo Adventures with all of you!  Well, I love my little Sony because it has a setting that detects smiles or opening of the mouth and when it is in recording mode it will simultaneously take a picture of it.  It's what enables me to share so many shots with you guys...:)

This is a picture of me putting on the quick release plate to my tripod on my D800 during a rainstorm.  So, my Sony actually captured me grimacing and thought it was a smile, but it regardless I have a fun shot to share.  I just love my production images because they are fun for me to go back and look at.  They also can be great for sharing some tips and other educational tidbits as well.  Thanks!

Jason Lanier shooting at the Dunnottar Castle near Aberdeen Scotland

Production image of me shooting at the Dunnottar Castle earlier today.  This is truly an amazing castle with a lot to offer including paths that take you right up to the cliffs that I'm next to in this shot.  It was beautiful and I can't wait to share some shots!

Jason Lanier Shooting the Old Canning Fort in Singapore

This is a production still of me shooting at the Old Canning Fort in Singapore while I was filming an instructional video there.  It's really an amazing place and reminded me of a place where Indiana Jones would have visited (if he were real of course).  I just love old and ancient places, photographically speaking I don't care for modern places too much.  Can't wait until I can share the video with you all!

Jason Lanier Shooting a Classic Bridal Shoot at the Eiffel Tower in Paris France

This is another production image of me shooting yesterday at the Eiffel Tower....just AMAZING!

Using Off Camera Flash with Ray Flash and Pocket Wizards

This is a production image of me shooting my Armenian wedding yesterday for Sako and Alvina in Los Angeles California.  It was the longest wedding of my career for a single day (17.5 hours), and that doesn't include any traveling time!  We had an amazing time with such a wonderful couple.  In this image I was shooting the dress using my D800 and then used my Ray flash and Pocket Wizards to shoot the dress from different light angles and perspectives.  These techniques can make a HUGE difference in getting killer shots.  Can't wait to share pics from this amazing wedding!