Its August, the Heat is Here...

NWS Graphicast of forecast high temperatures this week.

Well here we are. Our first week of August and we've already reached the triple digits. When this change of season comes I always shift my photography subjects. Usually summer means one thing--wildlife photography. The clear morning/evening skies are perfect for that incredible "golden hour" light.

American Avocet foraging for a meal in beautiful "golden hour" light. This photo was taken last year during the summer months.

It is not good for landscape photography, however. I enjoy clouds and colors in the sky when I shoot a landscape. This is usually better for the autumn and winter months.

"Winter Sunset, Middle Lake" was taken in December of last year.

And of course, the summer months mean a dynamic change in the jet stream, as high pressure builds over the US. This usually ends the severe weather weather season. Wildlife is the focus this time of year. This year I will not be able to shoot as much wildlife as I like. My wildlife lens (Sigma 500mm f/4.5) needs repair. Almost $400 to fix it and I don't have that kind of money to spend. I will still try for some wildlife captures, but this is actually an opportunity to help me grow as a photographer. Instead of doing the usual nature photography I am going to explore lighting and studio work. It is way outside of my comfort zone and I believe it will help me become more creative. This is also an excellent time for me to try to get more images published. So this summer I am going to focus on two things:

1) Sending in photos to magazines for publication

2) Working on studio lighting (including: portraits, still life, product, ect..)

I think I am really going to like shooting indoors and staying out of the summer time heat. Now, does this mean that I am going to ignore an off season chase opportunity or miss a gorgeous sunset shoot? No. This just means lighting will be my focus. I encourage all you other photographers to step out of your comfort zone and try something new, challenging, and creative. I have already started. Here are a few examples of some of my newest lighting work.

Thanks for the support.

-Ben

Strawberries in Soda...

Oranges in Soda...

Lime in Soda...

On the Rocks...

This is the reflector of an old Nikon flash. I used three flashes for lighting in this. One coming down from the top (for the detail). One on the left with a red gel bouncing off a wall. And one on the right with a blue gel bouncing off a wall.