PUG meeting

Last night I attended my first PUG meeting - Pictage Users Group. I've meant to stop by for their monthly meetings for awhile now but something always came up last minute.

Last night we met at a church in Excelsior to discuss lighting techniques for the processional, recessional and alter shots. Unfortunately we only got about 45 minutes of shooting in, but I did get a chance to work on a few things. Take a look at a few images.

The first two shots were just standard shots for processional. I personally stand midway up the aisle just inside the pews. I usually keep one pew between the last row of guests and myself. Last thing I want to do is knock someone in the head while switching cameras. I typically have an on camera flash with Gary Fong's Lightsphere II diffuser. This gives me good light on the subjects but tends to give a harsh shadow in some cases. Example below.

Jason from StaJa Studios

So as a result, here's a typical shot from a one light setup. Nothing wrong with the lighting of the subjects (although they look dark on the blog), but I'm still not a fan of the shadow on the back wall.
Stacy and Jason from StaJa Studios

Next up is an experiment. I've always wondered what a second light would do for the processional but didn't want to experiment with an actual event. I guess that's why we met at a church.

I set up a second light on a stand across the aisle from my position, one aisle up. I think I had it set a bit strong as the result was a bit harsh (plus I didn't have my other Gary Fong Lightsphere with me) but I definitely like the idea. You can see the shadows on the floor from the second flash but it does put some great shadows on the couple's faces plus fills the background more eliminating the harsh shadow from the on camera flash.


One thing I did notice that I didn't like was when Stacy and Jason got closer to the light, the light got way too intense leaving harsh shadows on the faces. This may be just a matter of positioning the light better or adjusting the power, but it'll take more experimenting to resolve. I'll let you know after more testing.


Also, here are a couple fun shots of those who were there.
Tasha and her bad self

Sue, Jason, Stacy and Tasha

Special shout out to everyone in attendance last night. Thanks for letting me join your group and bounce ideas around with. I know it'll make my business stronger.

Would love to hear any feedback you may have.

Thanks,
Jason