Things I've Learned from my Photograhy Mentor: Basic Flash and Studio Lighting

This post took me almost 2 years before posting so sorry for the long delay XD

Last January 22, I was the first one to arrive at the studio this time since I went straight to Sir Jo's Studio in Annapolis street. We had a small chit-chat while waiting for the others to arrive as well. By 2:00pm, Sir Jo started his lecture on Basic Flash and Studio Lighting. This is one topic I must learn perfectly so I could get better photo. 

Since I was the first one to arrive in the studio that day, I got a free autographed Canon 2011 Calaendar signed by no other than Jo Avila himself. I'll make sure to keep it as a souvenir after using it for this year. XD

Anyway, here are some things I've learned about Basic Flash Photography and Studio Lighting. I'd share 15 of them. If you want to learn more, you may check his facebook page. Sorry guys if it took me almost two years to post this =P

1. Observe how sunlight moves.
2. To modify quality of light, it should be diffused.
3. The sun at high noon is a point-light source (harsh).
4. Crumpled silver surface will scatter reflected light.
5. Don't shoot at high noon if there are no clouds.
6. Gold surface gives reflected light a warm glow.
7. Windows are your best friends when shooting indoors.
8. Light meter doesn't trigger the light.
9. Kelvin is used in color photography
10. Master the use of one light as if it looks like several light sources.
11. Learn to appreciate the quality of light than the quantity.
12.An umbrella and a softbox works differently.
13. The main light is not necessarily the brightest source.
14. Always worry about the distance of the light to the subject.
15. To master portrait lighting, learn to use window light.

There you go. Wanna learn more? Then I suggest to enroll at his basic photography classes. XD

My First Prison Riot Experience at Casa San Pablo

Last Sunday, I had to get up early to join Jo Avila's prison riot. It is an event where his former students and VA (voluntary assistants) meet up not just to shoot but also to gain further experience as well as to meet new friends. I made sure my wife would allow me since its just once in a while XD.

I got up at around 3:30am covered with excitement as I would be joining a group in an out of town shoot after a long while since my wife got pregnant. I left home at 5:00am and took a cab since there were no buses available that were bound to Ortigas (and there goes my 120 pesos XD). In 15-20 minutes, I got there and I wasn't even surprised that there were those who came earlier than me XD.

By 6:00am our group left the studio as advised by Sir Jo as we will be meeting at Petron in SLEX for a quick breakfast and some more reminders. Going to Perton SLEX was like a walk in the park as we didn't encounter any traffic (being a Sunday XD). We were only 2 in the car with the other two backed-out at the last minute probably.

We got to Casa San Pablo after 3 hours of traveling to the south. It made me reminisce the good old times that I used to go home to Batangas whenever we visit our relatives there. I haven't been there for the past year or two. Then Sir Jo gave a short lecture on Ambient Lighting and Strobist Photography by showing his photos and he explained how he lighted each of them. I was really amazed at his photos since light was not too harsh or too soft. Then he had to us group ourselves so we could go out and take pictures but we had to apply what he taught us earlier.

The owner, Mr Boots Alcantara gave us a tour at his home to check out its interiors and meet his mom as well. There were interesting subjects to shoot at and got some after a few minutes before heading out again to shoot for more

We settled ourselves first at room 18. It's Casa San Pablo's newest rooms to brag and I saw pieces of construction material within the place signaling that the place was under renovation. Anyways, our group started looking for interesting subjects to shoot at. I was able to try strobist photography myself and I think I need more practice here XD.

My only decent strobist shot XD

Aside from trying strobes, I explored the place and took some pictures of them hoping I would be able to capture them perfectly. Shooting in RAW was really challenging as I had to limit my shooting to avoid filling my memory cards to soon.

Lunch was served by 12:00pm as everyone of us got really hungry. I forgot too take some pictures of what I ate since I was really hungry that time but I like the food though. I felt shy to go back for seconds since I don't see anyone of us going back to the buffet table XD.

After lunch, we took a breather before going back to shooting again. This time, I explored the place by my lonesome to check out more. And I was able to see more than what I expected. I just practiced shooting using ambient light and compare it with my other shots.

I wasn't able to change lens whenever the need arises since our room was locked as most of us were outside shooting too and trying to apply what they have learned from Sir Jo.

Taken from Sir Jo's Camera

Then before we wrap-up, we had our meryenda at the pavilion. I was able to get seconds as I enjoyed their turon. Sir Jo gave out some of his printed shots to the group leaders for the day since they facilitated their respective groups. And finally, we had our usual group shot to serve as a remembrance for the trip.

It was really a fun learning experience for me and my fellow photographers as most of us were first timers to visit there. I'll make sure to go back there sometime soon but this time, together with my wife and our baby to relax and enjoy (and shoot again for me XD). Here are some more.