@_natashaleigh's photostream

I spent most of 2011 preparing and trying new things. Up until I moved to North Carolina, the majority of my work was self portraits. It's difficult when you're branching away from that to learn to direct your models to feel comfortable and get the poses you want.

I shot Apirl's session not that long ago and I was nervous that because she wasn't talking I wasn't doing something right. She was just a little more quiet than me (which I talk a lot, so ya know it's not that difficult to do). I loved her shoot and thought it was very American Eagle! Maybe I'm just hoping it is, since it's my dream to shoot for them at least once some day.

I've decided to start playing more with lighting. I absolute love my friend Allison. Well, I always hold a special place in my heart for friends who let me practice on them. I've spent so much time on the strobist blog lately, I was relieved to experiment a little. I love CC :D

Strobist info:
Flash: SB-900
Shot through Westcott umbrella (need to figure out what size I have! It's mediumish)
Cypersync Trigger/Receiver

Obviously I have a reflector here but I'm pretty sure it didn't do much for the lighting in this photo. I was trying to do some backlighting with it, but it was pretty pointless ;) Going to have to invest in another light.

Edited in LR, a little contrast bump, brightening and skin smoothing.

Oh I miss these days. No really. Pushing to try and be creative. Getting excited as I scoot over to the back of the camera to see if I got at least the general alignment I was hoping for. Some major differences these days are the exposure is much better than when I first started, as well as my focusing.

My Flickr account doesn't even show my 365 anymore because I let my pro account expire ;) Maybe if I start getting into selfies again I'll upgrade. I just don't have time to do much else other than study :\ Stupid Master's Degree. Boo.

We did an intro video for the new website and I got the opportunity to work with 4 different models for 4 different looks. The beach shots were some of my favorites, Kaley was stunning!

Got something fun in the mail! Loving this pearl-finished cards. Got three different girls I have to give cards to :)