Day 25 - Project 365

"Her Fearless Companion Will Protect Her!"

Today started out with a suggestion from my mother. "Why don't you go up to the firehall and get a firefighter portrait". I immediately agreed that it was a great idea and called the fire department only to have them tell me that I would have to call the administration office in the morning and get clearance. I was unaware that the fire department was now ran by the CIA. After he said that I even tried the old "ok, I understand, but can't we just forego all the red tape, Its just a quick portrait. I'll be in and out. It's not for profit and will only be used for that purpose. One of your men would definitely have to agree to his picture being taken" well that didn't work. But you know what… If I had a pretty girl walk in there, I'm more than confident I could have gotten a picture. Tomorrow I call the Administration office and cut through the tape. It better be one hell of a picture if I'm going to jump through hoops to get it.

I decided that since the fire department would require more than a phone call I would capture day 25 with a subject that doesn't make me apply for a permit or beg. My mother, being the source of my life and care taker for most of it is eternally available for my ever imaginative and sometimes overzealous photo adventures. After seeing what I did to my father she was a little apprehensive about going along. Of course I assure her that she has nothing to worry about and I will take care of her.

We make our way to the marina which is only about 5 minutes from the house. I decide that a shot of her in the woods acting scared would be great. Her beefy yorkie Gidget being the fearless wonderpup would be a great addition to the shot. We made our way back into the forest and found a nice section with plenty of room to move around. The light was fading fast and once again I find myself in a race against time. I keep telling myself I will get out before 6pm and capture the glorious wonders of the day. But time and time again, the day fades into night before I get motivated. We snapped a few shots and before we knew it was too dark to snap a HDR shot of the background. I'd have to settle for a nice long exposure. I feel the final shot turned out alright. However, I feel I could have done better. I didn't capture the feel I was after as it is more like a composite and not a natural looking shot. I'm wondering if it's just me getting more critical over the days or is my work suffering. I can't help but feel the quality and pop of my natural style slowly fading as the days pass. Perhaps I'm just getting a little carried away. On our walk back to the car, I noticed the light hitting the water on the river was perfect. I stopped, had shawn take the light in trade for the vagabond power pack and the tripod. I captured a beautiful long exposure. I grabbed the tripod and hurried back to the car. Once we got back home we realized we were missing something. Oh, no... the vagabond! I had left it by the river. Luckily it wasn't more than 5 minutes to get back and it was so dark that no one would have seen it till morning. We pulled up, shined the high beams and I ran to get it. Phew, that was close one. First time I've ever left anything at a location. Hopefully the last!

The last few days I've found myself staring at the finished picture, in a daze. Eyes glossed over with a spot of drool trying to figure out a proper and fitting title for the shot. I'm normally pretty quick and witty when the pressure is on. However, for the past few days, I find myself drawing blanks. So I will name tomorrows now.

Day 26 - Time to step it up! Until that time - Michael

Lighting:

AB800 Beauty Dish Boomed overhead and angled down towards subject. Light posistioned at approx. 8:00. power set at 1/16