9. Master the use of off camera flash with Zack Arias.

It’s AH-MAZING what you can do with your camera and one single off-camera flash!

As most of you know, I have been a natural light photographer up to this point in my career…. which means I rarely use flash (except during times like wedding receptions). I use whatever available light is in my shooting environment. This kind of photography can be challenging and definitely limiting at times. So because of this, I wanted to get over my fear of those intimidating flashes and master how to use them both correctly and creatively. There’s nothing worse to me than a pic that screams the deer in headlight look of “I used flash in this pic.” I hate flatly lit images too. And I think that’s why I’ve shyed away from it for so long. But after I started following photographers like Zack Arias, I knew that there was hope for me. So I signed up for Zack’s OneLight workshop. As soon as he posted the dates I jumped on it because his workshops usually sell out quickly. And I can honestly say, it’s some of the best money I’ve spent this year! He’s an excellent teacher!

I’ve been looking for inspiration to take my skill to the next level. I feel like I am still searching for my “corner” in this field. And after this weekend, well, I think I may have found the path towards it :) The use of one off-camera light makes your creative options endless. And I can’t wait to get out there and have fun!

FYI for the photographers reading this: I’ve done NO edits to these pics. They are straight out of camera.

The workshop was held in Jeremy Cowart’s studio. And I think we all fell in love with the red velvet drapes he had there!

This above image was literally taken in the middle of The Factory’s lobby. The lights you see behind him are actually the lights from the shops.

This last shot was taken after 9pm. Outside. With a speed grid. I LOVE knowing I now have the option of shooting whenever and wherever! For those of you following me on Twitter, you probably saw that we were shooting outside as late as midnight!

I’ve already found my next willing model… so stay tuned to see what creative images we come up with!

As I write this I am praying for everyone in and around the Mid South/Nashville who have been affected by the storms and floods we’ve had. I have both friends and family in Nashville who have posted pics of the devastation. It’s unbelievable. The worst flood in that area. Ever. Wow….

Here in our small town, we’ve had our share of rain too. (Nothing like Nashville, mind you.) But enough rain that the local Kroger parking lot became a tourist spot for an afternoon. And the entrances looked more like boat ramps. Parts of the local roads were completely underwater. The next few images were taken with my iPhone because that’s all I had on me. I was just going to the grocery store to pick up a few things — completely clueless that our small town now had a new “lake.”

If you look closely, you can see there is a car just about covered in water in the back right of this photo. And believe it or not, there is actually a road that goes through the middle of the image. You just can’t see it.

This next image shows the “boat ramp” entrance to the local Kroger. No clue what that is floating down the highway.

And as I mentioned, the Kroger parking lot was the happenin’ place to be last Saturday night. Everyone was out taking pics with their phones. Just like we were ;)

If you haven’t already, would you please stop and take a minute to pray for those affected? Lots of people have lost their homes, cars, and even a few have lost their lives.

I know they can use your prayers.

Ahhh…. Valentines Day!  Some think it is the most romantic day of the year…  while some call it the official Hallmark Holiday. However you choose to celebrate it, it’s still a big day for Love.

So, in celebration of Love, CJ Photography is offering a Valentine’s special for all newly engaged lovebirds!

During the month of February, book your engagement session with us for just $75 and you will also receive an uber cute basket of goodies to help you both plan & celebrate your upcoming wedding :)

So what’s in this basket, you ask?

- A bottle of sparkling cider to toast your engagement.
- Chocolate covered fortune cookies (because chocolate is always a must ;))
- Custom designed picture frame to show off a pic of you and your new bling.
- The Knot Book of Wedding Lists to help keep you organized with all your wedding plans (from the editors of The Knot.)
- and… a certificate for $250 towards photography services when you book your wedding with CJP!!

Interested? Call us now at 901.428.8577 to book your engagement session. We look forward to hearing your Love story :)

*flowers by Regis*