Last night after trying out my new lens in Times Square I stopped at Caroline’ on Broadway and got to see Paul Mooney perform some comedy. It was a small crowd of 50 or less so Paul was making eye contact with the entire audience. It was a better then expected show. I exceeded the two drink minimum so this morning was little rough going.
Starting at 9am I attended a 3 hour session, Lighting for Digital Photography by photographer Tony Corbell. Mr. Corbell discused how many of his recent images have come together. An overall good discusion on Lighting for Photography. There is a theme at PhotoPlus 2008 and that has to do with the extremely well performing high ISO’s of the new cameras from Canon and Nikon. Everyone is excited about opening up their lens all the way and photographing in super low light situations. The message I continue to hear is about quality of light, not quantity. Images that I have seen displayed during the conference that were created using ISO’s in excess of 3200 look fantastic. 1600 is the new 400. There are new and exciting possibilities with these new cameras.
After lunch I atteneded a 2 hour session, Hot Sun, Cool Images by photographer Cliff Mautner. Mr. Mautner discussed how to survive and in fact thrive photographing in the worst of light. He demonstrated some excellent captures in the harshest of lighting conditions. I walked away with some very useful tips. I now want to practice shooting into the sun.
The final discussion of the day for me was another 2 hour session, Creating the Light by photographer Bob Davis. Mr. Davis performed a very similar routine as Joe McNally did during my first discussion the day prior. However, unlike Joe McNally who has assistants buzzing around him, Bob Davis is a one man show. His demonstrations used Canon 580 EX flashes mounted on light stands. He demonstrated how to get great light with the use of very portable diffusers, gels, and snoot options. He involved the entire room in over an hour of photography, creating various lighting options, while demonstrating the ability to manage it at the same time. It was great to see equipment that I possess being demonstrated in such a way. I am inspired and have some ideas I will soon try.
JetBlue canceled my original departing flight so I need to depart a little earlier then expected tomorrow. I was going to attend three more sessions but I will only have time for two.