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11/25/2004 Entry: "photo toys and news"

Last weekend's rain pushed aside plans for the model/photog get together at Cunningham Falls. I was disappointed not to be able to hook up with the group again. I hope we can reschedule something soon, though it is getting a bit too chilly for outdoor photo play.

Took some steps to prepare for the coming cold and dark of winter. I've been able to get the okay on weekend use of a big studio in the art center at work. It's nothing fancy and shooting will mean a bit of furniture moving, sliding tables, chairs, easels and what not aside. It's a huge play space, though... at least 40 x 60 feet, and all I need is a little section to play in.

Scored a dozen or so yards of muslin fabric to use as backdrops. I may dye it a neutral gray but will give it a go in its present bright white state and see how well it works. The muslin is cheap enough to make up a few different sets as time and finances permit.

The main lack in the studio space is decent lighting. There are several tungsten flood lamps with short cords on funky light stands. They really don't have either the power or adaptablity I'll need, so I pried open the wallet and ordered a monolight from Alien Bees. It arrived yesterday evening, along with a light stand and reflector/bounce umbrella. It's a small and light enough rig that dragging it to the studio won't be a burden. I hope to be able to use my existing shoe mount strobes as fill and/or background lights and can also use a bit of matboard as a reflector.

Hope to be able to squeeze in one or two more outdoor sessions, possibly as soon as next weekend, to keep the nymph series alive. I've found a new model to work with who is very much into Greek myth, so I think we'll work well together if scheduling problems don't interfere.