I've been in Melbourne for the last week or so doing the things described in my yet to be completed Foodies And Theatre Trip gallery . Consequently I haven't been around to post PADs or comment on PADs or reply to comments on PADs, or do anything relating to PADs (except take them) for the last few days. But rather than clear the backlog I'm going to get some more current stuff out of the way first, including today's PAD.

Today was half booked out as well, for I attended a half day course on "Studio Lighting for Portraiture" conducted by retailer Digital Camera Warehouse. (Since it was in Sydney I had to add a couple of hours driving as well.) It's early days for DCW's courses, and there are some kinks to be ironed out... but it's brilliant that they're adding this extra string to their bow, and based on today's one these courses are going to become a very valuable resource indeed for photographers.

As one can tell from my own galleries studio lighting, and indeed most artificial lighting, is not really my thing so it was interesting to explore another direction in photography.

This shot is of Bree, our model for the day. For the most part we were encouraged to keep her centre of frame, but you know me, I go my own way with framing even if I have no idea what I'm doing with portraiture as such.

This was our original setup with two Elinchrom ELC Pro HD Compact 1000 (1000 watt) flashes ($1.8K each, ouch) with one on the left of frame as the primary unit (with an octagonal softbox mounted over it), and the second as the fill unit with a beauty dish reflector at the back of it on the right of frame. I don't recall what the ratio of the primary and fill units' powers were.

Now all I need is about a grand to buy some lights. (More, much more, if I want these lights.) And some space into which to fit a studio. And a model that doesn't try to face rub the camera lens or throw herself upside down and meow when I try to direct her.

Hmm, maybe I'd better stick to shooting urban alleyways and beach sunrises...