Wow, where has the last month gone?  It has been busy with numerous photography projects along with the Fourth of July and relatives visiting for the summer.  I have managed to take my DSLR out for a few of my first portrait sessions.

I am still learning the art of flash photography.  It is tricky, but I am actually enjoying the results.  The macro ring-lite has been out for a few flower sessions, including some: Pasques, Wild Iris and Calypso Orchid pictures.  I also used my reflector/diffuser kit for some of the Calypso Orchid pictures to soften the harsh sunlight.

As I mentioned, I did my first family portrait session during the last weekend of June.  I used my flash to fill in some of the shadows on faces and to give a little bit of a catch light in the eyes.  I definitely learned a lot and enjoyed the challenge.  I can see things to improve upon or do differently next time I have a portrait session request.  However, I am really pleased with the results!

My sister came to visit for the Fourth of July, and I did a few portraits for her using the fill flash, also.  There again, I see things to improve upon, but am happy with the results.

I made a comment, to my sister, that it is actually nice to have the iPhone with its built in camera.  It is great for taking the fun, silly and more casual documentary pictures!  I felt more freedom and relaxation using the iPhone than when using the DSLR.  I think I put pressure on myself to get a quality photo when I carry the DSLR around.  I don’t see it as a tool to be fun with.  It really does “intimidate” people to see that kind of equipment [the DSLR] and that makes me feel like I need to be more professional with it.

I had another great break through with the iPhone earlier this month.  I have been using the Eye-Fi card in my camera for some time now.  It automatically sends photos to another device over a wi-fi connection which I have been using as a way to back up photos.  I was having some difficulty syncing the Eye-Fi card with my iPhone until I figured out what was causing the glitch.  The Eye-Fi card was trying to send photos to my iMac over a different network.  This was taking priority over the direct mode network required to connect to the iPhone.  Once I turned off the network connection to my iMac, the photos then synced over the direct mode connections to my iPhone.  How is this a big deal?  Now I can instantly show clients pictures of photos on my iPhone without having to awkwardly show them on the back screen LCD of my camera!  I also downloaded the Adobe Lightroom Mobile App, which means that I can do some minor tweaking to photos right on scene.

It has been a busy, but enjoyable month!  I will try to post again, soon.