One last thing… Congratulations and best wishes in her photography business to Ruby Vargas Lainez!  We conducted a raffle among the photographers we worked with at the ShootOut.  The prize was a two hour consulting session (it ended up being a little more than that) at our home studio.  Ruby was the winner.  We enjoyed spending some time with her, I’m sure she’ll do great!

Our friend Jennifer Owens gave us a hand with reflectors and translucent panels. Thanks Jennifer!!

Here we tried to show that good subject placement and an inexpensive reflector can make a difficult location look great!

I think good light is more important than a good background.  Unfortunately, sometimes you can’t turn your subject to take advantage of the best light, so adding a translucent panel can make the image… And a little help from a friend… Or two…

Usually the little on-camera speed light is no match for the sun.  It’s difficult to expose your subject correctly while keeping pretty blue skies…  But used correctly, the on-camera flash can be a mighty friend as the image below will prove.  Who needs a gas generator and a 2000 watt pack with a beauty dish…  I do!!! But not for this shot…

If the background is malo… Go shallow… I like the sound of that!  (malo = bad in spanish).

We want to thank all the class members who volunteered to play models for us.  Great job!  As always, if we featured your image on the blog post or you want the group shot, you’re welcomed to it. You can use it on your facebook page, make prints, etc.  Just drop us a line and we’ll email you a 4×6 @ 300 ppi JPEG  Except for the one below… You can’t have that one…  But thanks for helping us demonstrate the importance of subject placement and shooting for the album.  What does that mean you ask?  Well, you’ll have to sign up for the next workshop.  Keep an eye on this blog and on Samy’s website for future workshops.

If you’re interested in more in-depth private instruction, Mirta and I offer consulting sessions for individual photographers and groups of up to four people. Give us a call for more information.  Thanks for stopping by, feel free to leave us a comment!

Our models Sam, Matt, Brett, Shelli and her two beautiful daughters looked stunning in their outfits provided by La Monir of Corona Del Mar and Friar Tux.  Many of the photographers who attended the workshop have posted their images on FaceBook, their websites, etc.  Everyone did a great job!  Here are some of the images Mirta and I made.  We were both were busy directing and lighting our models, but we managed to sneak in a few shots…

This is in “Rick’s Cafe” one of the many little gems at Rancho.  It got a little crowded in there with about 12 photographers around Shelli and Brett, but you wouldn’t know it by looking at them… What pros!!

Before we went out on the grounds we did some head shots on a background with a beauty dish… I love the Mola!  Shelli looks great.  Great make-up Caren!!

The swing and the bridal cottage.  I saw great images on the swing by some of the other photographers… The pressure’s on

Shelly looked great in this La Monir gown… Like it was made for her.  Two great Rancho spots; the main bridge (there are more than one) and… Well, you should come out next time…

Brett looking groomie on another bridge.  Great afternoon light with a little help from Mr. Reflector.

Here are Sam and Matt in the Orange Grove.  Later Matt actually had an orange and he said it was one of the best he’s ever had.  All the models changed at least once.  Below are Sam and Matt again in street clothes by the phone booth…

Sam’s make-up and hair looked amazing… Of course, she looked great before make-up and hair too…

And here’s the gang… From left to right… EVERYBODY!!  Thank you ALL for coming.  Let’s do it again soon…

We’ll go over everything listed on the promo below.  There will be environmental shooting, so bring your cameras.  We’ll have special discounts on the goods and services we use and fun giveaways!

TO SIGN UP GO HERE:  http://www.samys.com/index/page/product/product_id/35398

Mirta and I hope to see you there!!

For more information, please call us at:  714-549-4900 or email us at:  joe@barnetphotography.com

Space is limited for optimum learning and creativity!

To view some of our weddings at this great location CLICK HERE

If you’re winging it… John Wayne Airport in Orange County (SNA) is your best choice.  It’s less than 30 minutes from Rancho Las Lomas by car.  Long Beach Airport (LGB) would be the 2nd choice as far as distance and Los Angeles Airport (LAX) would be the last choice.  LAX is about 2 hours away.  You might find a more affordable flight there, but don’t forget the cost of the airport shuttle.

Where to stay:

These hotels near Rancho Las Lomas offer special rates for our workshop students:

Foothill Ranch Courtyard Marriott

949-951-5700

www.marriott.com/snafr

Staybridge Suites

949-462-9500

www.lakeforestsbs.com

If you’re coming from out of town and can turn the workshop into a mini vacation, the local attractions include Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm, Laguna Beach and its great art galleries, Newport Beach and much more.  Los Angeles and SanDiego are less than 2 hours away by car.  For a great shopping experience, Fashion Island in Newport Beach and South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa offer a wide variety of stores from the very chic to unique boutiques.

If you need more information, directions or just want to find out more about this exiting opportunity please feel free to email us at joe@barnetphotography.com or just give us a call at 714.549.4900

We hope you can join us this Memorial Day!

THANKS SAM!!

Nuf Fluff Looking for a workshop that sells you an image or a lifestyle? Then don’t read any further. There are a ton of “rock star photographers” that would love to take your money and talk about themselves and some vague theories of how to become successful. If you’re looking for real information that can help your bottom line, then you want to listen this. Joe and Mirta Barnet are the real deal. You won’t find too many people that will be as transparent about their business as the Barnets. To be honest, I think they give away too much information. It’s just their nature–they really enjoy what they do and can’t help themselves from talking about it. Want to know their prices? Just ask them. Want to know how they close more deals? Just ask them. Want to know Joe’s credit card number? Well, you can try asking him. As a business owner myself, I’m always looking for profitable information. The one thing I noticed is that the most valuable sources tend to be less visible and generally found by a friend’s recommendation–not media hype or mass advertising. Don’t be marketed, learn how to market with the Barnets. Most workshops of this caliber often run in the thousands. You’ll be pleasantly surprised that they charge MUCH LESS. I’m pretty sure you’ll get a great ROI and leave the workshop with something you can use immediately. Check out their latest workshop at http://www.barnetworkshops.com/?p=314 To your success. Sam the Fotoman

In this image of Jeni sitting on the railroad tracks, the sun was directly behind her and a white reflector was used to fill in her face.  f 3.2 for shallow depth of field @ 1/800 with 200 ISO. Almost all images were made with matrix metering and some exposure compensation.  This one is -1/3.  Sometimes it’s too bright to see the image in the back of the camera, so just make sure the histogram looks good.  All images were retouched by Mirta using Photoshop CS4 tools and Kevin Kubota actions.

I often bring a very expensive optical device that allows me to see the monitor on the back of the camera on a sunny day.  It keeps the sunlight off the monitor as I check it.  It’s called the TPRC and it’s available from several manufacturers: Northern, Charmin, Nice & Soft and a few others.  Oh yes, TPRC= toilet paper roll core…

This is a great way to bring your own shade with you, inexpensive compact and easy to set up.  We eventually moved the assistant to the other side to hold the panel.

Reflector for fill light. If it’s sunny don’t use the silver or gold side… Too harsh and uncomfortable for your subject(s).

Here’s Carolina with the set-up above.  She looks great… Except she’s holding a Canon… Well, no one’s perfect… f 3.2 @ 1/640 with 250 ISO Spot meter with no compensation.  70-200 at 135mm.

Now we’re using the big cement power pole for shade with a white reflector as the main light.  The angle of the camera controls the background.

I know Jennifer was not very comfortable sitting on the rail all twisted like that, but her great smile won’t give that away!  f 3.2 @ 1/1600 with 250 ISO and -1/3 comp. Spot metering. 70-200 at 150mm.

This was the set-up for the next two images and the first one of this post.  Sun directly at the back of the subject (it was about 1:30 pm) and a white reflector for fill. You can use flash fill in this situation if you don’t have a reflector or an assistant… Not as pretty, but it’s better than nothing…

Low angle, 70-200 @ 160 mm . f/ 3.2 @ 1000 with 200 ISO. Matrix metering w/-2/3 compensation. The exposure for the next image and the first one of the post is pretty much the same.

Same exposure as above.  70-200 at 190 mm. Matrix with -1/3 compensation.  Pretty low angle here.  The image below is the uncorrected file.  We shoot RAW by the way. The following one was corrected in Lightroom, then taken to Photoshop and our basic retouching was done, Mirta also opened the mouth a little and took the highlight off the wrist.  She used Creamsickle and a little Digi Fill Flash on this image.  Both Kubota actions.

Here’s the set up again.  Someone’s holding a white reflector off camera.  I shot the following two images from the other side of the hedge at the left, and the green covered wall to the right was the background.  Both with the 70-200

Here’s Manda with a little highlight in her hair.  That’s from moving the translucent panel just enough to let in a little light.  An assistant is always better than a stand. the background looks nice and soft from the 2.8 f/ stop and the long lens, 70-200 @ 180 mm. 1/250 and +1/3  compensation, ISO 320 Metrix metering.

This was f/2.8 at 1/320 +1/3 compensation. 70-200 @ 120 mm.

Another very nice way to shoot a couple, there are many variations to this pose.  Open shade with reflected fill from the cement in front of the subjects.  ISO 500 f/3.5 @ 1/500 Matrix metering with -1/3 compensation. 70-200 @ 130 mm.  I just realized that all the images that made it into the post were made with the 70-200, my favorite lens.

Here’s the crew!  What a great group.  Thank you all for a terrific day!  Some of you will be joining us at our full day workshop on Memorial Day at Rancho Las Lomas.  We can’t wait to see you there!  Mirta and I sincerely hope you all keep in touch!!

If you enjoyed my brain droppings and our images please leave us a comment!  We’ll also post in FaceBook, so stop by and Tag yourselves!!

After Yervant’s presentation, we were treated to an amazing party given by Graphistudio.  Great music, a Venetian theme and lots of great energy filled the room.

Joe Photo looked as stylish as ever in his custom David August suit as he photographed the Venetian beauties.

Then the Party got started…It was paparrazi on the Catwalk and off, as models strutted gorgeous gowns by Kirstie Kelly and Suits by David August.  Here are some highlights…

There was a concept dress too…made with beautiful photos…

Once the fashion show was over, the party moved onto the catwalk….

The music was so amazing that I couldn’t sit down for long.  As soon as I saw people get on stage, I joined in too.  That was my workout for the week!  On the left we have Bob Davis working with me on the Flamenco and then Yervant and I did a little salsa.

We had the pleasure of running into Jerry Ghionis, Yervant and John Michael Cooper.  We admire their work and they are the nicest people!  Later in the week we met up with Dina Douglass…she introduced us to her friends and we took a moment for a group hug in front of the camera.

It’s so great when we can meet fellow photographers who follow our Barnet Workshops blog!  Courtney and Stacy introduced themselves and we got to chat a little bit.  We’ll keep the “Behind the Image” posts going…Thanks for your support!  Bob Ortiz pried Joe’s camera away from him long enough to take this quick photo of the two of us.  Thanks Bob!        ~Mirta

Mirta shot the image above in the court yard of the Mission Inn at ISO 1250. f2.8 @ 1/60 with a D300 and a 24 – 70 @ 40mm.  I held an SB8oo flash off camera using a translucent panel as a soft box off camera.  It was outdoors and very, very dark!  The high ISO and the light on the wall behind help separate the subject.

This was shot in a dark Beverly Hills Hotel bungalow with the bride leaning on a chair and the background is the TV armoire.  I used a 24-70 @ 2.8 at 1/125 with ISO 800 and my trusty movie light on a boom.  It was very sunny outside so I thought I’d give the client something besides outdoor portraits since she liked the old Hollywood art deco feel of the property.

Same wedding, first dance shot with the videographer’s movie light in the back… If you can’t beat them…  This was a very dramatically lit ballroom, and the videographer’s light sometimes became a problem, so  we used it when we could to create a little drama of our own.  Mirta shot this with her D300, 24-70 @ f.4.5, 1/60 with a little flash and 1000 ISO

Also same wedding during the USC Band performance.  This was my D3 with the 14-24 at f.10 and 1/10 with ISO 1000 and a little on-camera flash.  These guys were great, but you gotta work fast!

This is New York’s Time Square of course, after an all day engagement session.  We had just come from having dinner after finishing the daylight stuff on the Brooklyn Bridge at dusk.  D3 with a 24-70 @ 3.2 and 1/320 with 1250 ISO, Tungsten setting some exposure compensation and the trusty movie light on a boom.

Same day in the subway on the way to our hotel.  We love working in New York.  No one even gives you a second look when you’re shooting.  This was a D3 with an 85 1.4 @ 1.8.  1/125 with 2000 ISO and a little kiss of fill light from the on-camera flash bounced of the ceiling.  This was a great session.  Our couple couldn’t stop kissing, and we didn’t mind it at all…

This was on the top floor of “The Hotel” in Las Vegas, Mix Restaurant; their logo is the big X.  We had just tried to get some views of the City but the terrace was closed because it was dangerous due to strong winds, it was also very cold!  We were waiting for the elevator to leave when I noticed our couple was standing under a ceiling spot light. I asked them to embrace, and then I told him to bite her in the neck , of course,  she threw her head back looking up, and bingo!  D3, 24-70 @ 3.5 and 1/50 with ISO 1250 and a little on-camera flash bounced off the ceiling with a bounce card.  Right after this shot the elevator doors opened and about 10 loud people filled the very small area.

Just before we left The Hotel, I noticed there was no one in the beautiful lobby, (maybe it’s because it was almost 3 am), so I thought we’d do a few shots there.  We got great stuff! This is one of them.  The walls are great, the whole place is very dark and they have very cool, small lighting fixtures on the wall.  Here I used some camera tilt, leaned her against the wall, braced myself on the opposite wall and went at it.  We also added the groom later, did some verticals, etc.  A very dark and unusual place but it worked out great!  I shot this with the D3 and the 24-70 at 38mm.  2.8 @ 1/40 with 2000 ISO and the on-camera flashed bounced off the wall behind me way down for a little fill.

The image above and the next two are from the same wedding, (the couple from the Vegas engagement session above).  They were sooo much fun to work with!  Mirta shot this image on the way to the ceremony. We were all in the long limo, the couple were in the back seat, our assistant and I were sitting on the long side seat and Mirta was sitting with her back to the driver  facing the couple.  She shot their reflection on the mirrored ceiling of the limo.  because of the movement of the car and the slow shutter speed, some of the images were soft, this one came out great!  It looks so much better in black and white, and of course, we had to invert it.  As you can see, because it’s a reflection, you can see the boutonniere is on the wrong side.  D300 w/ 24-70 @ 2.8 and 1/60 with 1600 ISO.

Details, details…  The race to get room and decor images before the guests come in… We never get enough time, and the staff never realizes that even if they standing against the wall they are in the shot!!  But somehow, we always get it done and then it’s party time…  This is The Island Hotel’s ballroom beautifully decorated by Square Root.  I try not to use a tripod for these shots, it takes too long to set up.  This is the D3 with the fish eye, f. 2.8 at 1/80 matrix metering with exposure comp. ISO 1250 with a little on-camera flash fill.

Party on!  This could be dangerous!  It’s great when you have a good crowd and the band is doing a good job.  It makes for great party images. Here I’m holding the D3 with the 14-24 at 14mm over my head.  f 3.5 @ 1/80 with 1000 ISO.  A little bounce flash fill.  This was towards the end of the reception.  The high ISO allowed me to get background detail and avoid the “dark cave” look.  The white dance floor also helps reflect light back.

I hope you enjoyed going over these images.  We love this kind of shooting, it makes you think of the best way to handle an unusual situation. The trick is to try something out of the box, look at the back of your camera and go from there, many times after you look at the first shot you get ideas on how to improve it or change your approach all together. I noticed I didn’t use the 70-200 in any of these images.  That’s very unusual.  I use the long zoom (my favorite lens) in low light situations often.  The VR feature allows you to shoot slow without movement.  Please feel free to send us your comments.