The speedlight dilemna

I want a speedlight.

I really want a speedlight.

I really, REALLY want a speedlight.

I'm limited by my budget so I'm having to do a lot of research. Clicking around on B&H is never a good idea. Window shopping on that site makes me drool, thus short circuiting my keyboard.

I need something with a decent recirculation time but I don't need top of the line. While I do prefer to use Nikon products, I think the Nikon lights are out of my price range right now.

Any recommendations? What should I be looking for? Any tips on brands or models that are just junk?

Sun Flare

This is the best sun flare photo I have. I struggle with creating a sun flare while not washing out the face of the model or putting them completely in the shadows. Even in this one, I think she's a bit washed out. I love her slight smile and her curious eyes looking out of frame.

Autumn Beauty

It was a perfect Fall day - the air was cool but not cold, crisp but not chilly, the sky was a million shades of blue and the trees were at their peak.

I headed to University of Richmond with my friend Aryn and her little family. This is my favorite photo from the entire shoot. I love the action, the movement, the interaction between Mom and Son. But most of all, I love the look on Tyler's face.

For me, the beauty of this photo isn't necessary what you see in the photo, but the love and bond between mother and son that made this photo possible.

Rachel & the Two J's

I love photographing during autumn! The colors are great; the weather is perfect; and there are so many great natural props. I love the leaves, the trees, the mums, the pumpkins, the corn... it all just pops!

My friend Rachel and I have been trying to coordinate a date to take pictures of her two boys, Big J and Little J. We finally made it to the pumpkin patch and we had a blast. Those two boys are full of energy and I'll admit that most of my photos were of the back of their heads!

Here are a few of my favorite shots.

I Heart Faces – Excited Photo Challenge

Vittoria & Family

I love taking photos for my friends. Vittoria rebels against the standard school photo and asked me to shoot her kids (not literally of course). I was able to get her and her boyfriend Alex to pose for me as well.

And this time, I finally broke down and did some Photoshop editing. I have been loathe to go all PS'y on my photos. I truly believe that if you can't shoot a great photo straight out of the camera, then you need to learn. But, we had flat light, not the greatest color and, quite honestly, it's been so long since I've done any serious photography that I forgot how to get good quality pictures out of my camera!

So here is Vittoria, Rylie, Landon and Alex in all their Photoshopped glory!

Micah