Dustin Diaz Photography

348/365. Exit strategy — as the end approaches

My mind is starting to check out early as I ponder only 17 days left of the 365. My creative juices didn't take me much farther than sitting me down and throwing light at myself. A road I've been down many times.

So tonight, make your time useful and browse another great source of inspiration I've had this year from a guy whom coincidentally also started his 365 at the same time I did, Ed McGowan. Ed, you completely rule.

341/365. I am not a permanent — and the only thing keeping me dry is where I am ~ Postal Service

I can feel my throat getting dry.... which means I shouldn't be taking photos like this outside in the freezing San Francisco weather. As I'm typing this I may have finally caught that cough I've been avoiding all year.

Anyway, today was a Monday. This is how Monday's go.

Lighting geeks, do your thing :)

setup, camera, strobist info: see here

339/365. The Red Zone — color yourself

Today we had quite a fun outing doing a paid shoot, and of course, with proper permission, was allowed to post this one for the 365.

My recommendation for others... if you're scouting places for shooting well-lit portraits... never pass up a red wall. ever.

rearding the lighting, unfortunately i don't have the setup shot for it since we move along quite quickly, but you'll be happy to know this was one simple SB-900 @ 1/2 @ 24mm thru a 43" white shoot thru umbrella.

camera info: nikon D3 | 14-24mm(ƒ/2.8G)@16mm | ƒ/5.6 | ISO 100 | 1/250s — Handheld (of course) via pocket wizard II's

and oh yeah. still up for voting? do that while there's still 7 days left.

336/365. This is how it's done — join this dance party

Everyone, this is Shakuntala. A client we shot this evening who graciously allowed me to post one from the series for the 365.

Not only that, it was her request that we get a shot of her jumping. With that in mind, I only asked that she "jump like this" - and this is what came of it.

And yes, this is yet again the famous charcoal making another appearance. And with proper white balance, you can get this deep blue.

Lastly, the lighting for you strobist freaks (that's what we are), you're looking at a lighting setup pretty darn near this setup with some extra help from Erin.

And holy crap. It's December. See ya tomorrow.

333/365. Is that a lens cap in your pocket? — why yes it is, sir.

quite a few things...

this is in fact a separate shoot altogether, separate from yesterday, which means as you can tell I'm still excited about this new charcoal background. I feel like no matter what I shoot can go straight to a magazine ad.

That is of course, with proper lighting. Which is why I've been doing a bit more in the studio lately since it brings forth a new challenge of obtaining "perfect light"

The difference is, when going outside in the deep darkness of the city, carrying softboxes, speedlights, and telephoto lenses, it's more of a miracle that I even get lights to those places, since I usually travel alone and don't have a car (and don't need one).

Which brings me to the point of shooting in the studio. It comes with an unsaid rule of "if you don't take a good photo, then you suck" (yeah, that's what's going on in my head). Afterall, you're in a controlled environment, and able to fiddle with lights all day long without worrying about bums asking for change, or rushing to beat the sunset, or timing your "in the middle of the road" shot before a trolly runs you over.

What's all this mean?

Shooting in the studio is hard, and it takes time, and involves making a lot of mistakes.... like.. a whole lot.

On a related note, when you're behind the camera AND in front of the camera, it takes double-time. But really, throwing on a nice jacket every once in a while doesn't hurt your photos. Sure beats the 'ol t-shirt 'n jeans.

Ok, enough typing of words that most folks blow by. Let's do this...

setup, camera, strobist info: see here

332/365. Underestimation — forget about it

Some of you knew already, but this is my first play with the new charcoal seamless, and it's completely awesome.

Plus I got to finally sport my new Ted Baker Jacket (purchased in Paris during our Honeymoon)... and I'm pretty sure I made the jacket look better than they did on the Ted Baker website.

On another note, turns out I'm in competition with a Youtube star for "Flickr" Photographer of the Year. So if you're still up for this quest that seems to be taking forever (Mashable allows you to vote once a day (gah this makes me sick to my stomache)), you can still do this....

But nevermind that now, we've got real problems.... let's check out this stupidly complex setup!!

setup, camera, strobist info: see here

331/365. Black Friday — never looked so good

Holidays and work and drinking... all stumbling blocks getting thru the 365.

The light in this shot was provided by fluorescent bulbs about 5 feet above.

Lastly, thanks again everyone for your support. It's only a matter of a weekend and the month of December.

Cheers.

325/365. I know sentences — with real words too

I figured it's time to do another video treat for everyone. A lot of folks want to know how to create simple, yet elegant photos without crazy dramatic lighting (like 90% of my photos), plus this video answers yet again that timeless question "How do you pre-focus the camera when doing a self-portrait?"

Well here you have it.

See the strobist info video!

and of course for you old shulers (that's me trying to be hip and say 'old school')... here's the classic setup shot.

setup, camera, strobist info: see here

324/365. Hot to the touch — so wear some gloves

Sorry for the wait folks. Major thanks to those who have been voting for me (for Flickr photog of the year)! You guys rock! And of course if you haven't had the chance yet, you still can. It's crazy to know that 2009 is coming close to an end and this 365 will sadly be discontinued.

Anyway, here's a classic of Erin for ya. She is damn hot; this I know.

And now for the rest of the goods...

setup, camera, strobist info: see here

319/365. Nearing Departure — a bittersweet moment

A huge thanks for those who nominated me for Flickr Photographer of the Year. Time will only tell now to see if I'm in the top five. There's about 15 minutes left to nominate me if you didn't have the chance.

Anyhow, this is a shot I've wanted to do for a while — facing away with the barrel down Market street from Embarcadero. And now it's done.

I can't believe this 365 is so close to being over.

Weird.

So let's just jump to what's important here.

setup, camera, strobist info: see here