This week at the Frankston Photographic Club was a beginner's session to learn and develop our studio portrait skills. Off camera / remote flash gear was available to share and try (sorry didn't get the technical detail), and another location was set-up with permanent lighting in place. Hard to take really good portrait photos without a subject, so the club thoughtfully arranged three young art students to come along and pose for us. Must have been daunting for them having twenty or so cameras poked at them for a couple of hours. Thanks and well done girls!

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I didn't realise what was in store for the evening so didn't have a flash or tripod with me (doh!), which made the fixed lighting session a bit difficult and therefore the results not as crisp as I would have liked given my rather shaky hand-held skills.

Pondering.........

But overall, I was not unhappy with some of the results, and I learned a lot about direct lighting, reflected light and the different exposure levels that flash and studio light impose on pictures taken. Hmmm, food for thought.

Friends together

Overall though, another most enjoyable and educational night and my thanks again go out to the members who were willing to help me and generously share their knowledge. Just when I thought my skills were improving an event like this showed me that I still have so much to learn about this fantastic 'hobby'. Thanks to those at the club who lent their equipment / props and organised such a valuable experience.

And the session has really stimulated my interest in flash / portrait photography.