Parabola!!

This morning I woke up with the usual heartburn and spent the next two hours trying to fall back to sleep.  By the time 8:00 had rolled around it was too hot to even bother trying to sleep again.  With that said I went down stairsto get a bolw natures path granola and an odwalla.  As I was walking back up the stairs I noticed there was a long box lying against the staircase.  I must have missed it last night when I came home at like 11:00.  I took a closer look and low and behold!  I received a package from the fine folks at Paul C. Buff Inc.

I then proceeded to open the package.  I knew exactly what it was.  I ordered a PLM parabolic umbrella.  You can order them here.  I got the 64″ version with the white difusion sheet (1/4 stop china white I believe…).  Order one here: http://white-lightning.com/

With that said, you’re probably wondering what the deal with the whole parabolic umbrella thing is.  A parabolic umbrella is special because most umbrellas are not as deep as that of the parabolic umbrella.  The Parabolic umbrella like a graph on a chart is shaped like this from the side:

Given that umbrellas are mounted on strobe heads for the initial beam of light from the flash tube comes from the focus.  The light then hits the light modifier (the umbrella) and hits the vertex where the light is then reflected outward off of every other focus point  evenly.  The light source ends up being a lot closer to a perfect sphere of light than typical umbrellas that kind of shoot out a soft football.  Which also means the parabolic umbrella has a quicker cut off when the light hits the subject.  I like that.  I wish they made parabolic beauty dishes…

Any how.  That’s kind of what’s special about this umbrella.  Paul C. Buff also carries these things in other sizes.  I got the medium one because I didn’t want to spend another 20 bucks 😛 but yeah.  This things still huge.  And just like else where.  It’s not the size that matters.  It’s the distance between you and your subject 😉 … it makes for better contrast.

Have a good one all.  I’m going to go test this thing out

I Don’t Know

My dad has always questioned me through my though process as I’ve grown up.  A lot of the time my answer would simply be.  “I don’t know.”  For the last year I have been thinking about what I want in life quite a bit more than I ever really did while I was in high school.  There are many things in life that I am certain upon.  But I live with an acceptance of paradigm changes to come in the future.  As far as these questions go, the ones that will be answered will pertain to my professional life.  That said here is my first post in a while ( I will be trying my best to keep up with this much more frequently).

Back to my typical response of “I don’t know”.    Instead of babbling I’m going to give you guys three answers to do with my career that I feel are asked all to often… and in turn answered by myself with”I don’t know.”

1.  Why did you get into photography?

I can’t exactly pin point the very reason I got into photography.  But the initial reason I got into avidly taking photos was my friend Sarah Jerns.  She was always having the coolest shots of herself up on her myspace and stuff I wanted that.  Aside from the many other talents she had she kind of handed this one off to me and I guess I ran with it.  I think I kept with taking the photos because I’ve always been a pretty visual person (memory-wise at least).  But more than anything, I think I stuck with photography because it helped me find acceptance with my peers and even the ever growing list of big names I am blessed to have met.  The experiences I’ve had with some of these people are just the cherry on top.  But the real reason that photography was not just another hobbie for me is capturing the moment.  Every photographer will say the same thing.  Knowing you nailed a shot with technical expertise and your own style is the an amazing feeling.  And the reason I photograph people is because I get to share that feeling I get with them.

2. How do you think you are going to get established in the industry?

I really do think that I am going to have to go to school.  It’s that easy.  So this fall I will be working on a series of twelve photos that I hope will get me into a school for free.  I’m tired of wasting my time and everyone elses around me.  I want to pay my mortgage with the images I create, and the only way I’m going to do that is by moving away from Blaine.  Going to college.  Getting my degree.  Assisting some big names.  MAYBE!  I would like to maybe go about this a little differently also.  I feel that I can carry the load of big time commercial photographer given the gear, people, and experience.  I’m taking baby steps, so school is going to be my main priority.  I will be working on putting together a showing of the twelve pieces I mentioned.  I hope you all can come.  Send me ideas if you are interested in helping set something up i.e. you’re an art gallery with space or something like that :P.

3. Why are you shooting film only?

I did some stupid shit.  It’s the only camera I have.  And I can shoot just as well with it I think!  I love having to wait to see how your photos come out.  Most of the time I am more than surprised.

Here’s a recent shot that will let you know why I appreciate film (the viewfinder was covered when I took this).

please feel free to call me for booking info 360.961.5291

Class of 2010

I’m trying to keep my senior photos affordable due to the status of the economy.  If you want senior photos that are a few levels above everyone else at your school I know I’m the guy you’re looking for.  Albeit my age I am fully confident that I can deliver images you won’t find anywhere else in the county.  So please, hit me up.  I’d love to work with you and make you look AMAZING!  I can be reached at 360.961.5291 of info@mitchmoquin.com