Here it is, guys! Sorry I haven’t been around lately; I finally got my computer replaced! You just have to love AppleCare! They replaced my 24″ iMAC with a 27″ iMAC. Don’t ask me details but it’s the old MacPro processor…I think. My husband takes care of these details. Anyway, I love it and feel like I can finally get back to the assignments at hand! TTFN SDG
I don’t have any lenses wider than a 50mm for my Canon cameras; but I think it would be fun to get some pics like these. Maybe next Christmas! TTFN SDG
This is my alcohol re-shoot. I think it turned out great! I shot it in the corner of my roll-top desk at home with one main light in front, no gels, and a mini-slave behind. I had to experiment with the mini-slave. Turning it toward the bottle blew it out; so it is turned away from the bottle toward a gold reflector card. I love my husband! He stayed up till 2am after returning from a long flight from London to help me troubleshoot. What a guy! TTFN SDG
We are learning the art of lighting tabletop set-ups in Advanced Commercial this quarter. So far we’ve turned in Still Life and Spirits. This is the image I used for Still Life. This Voigtlander Field Camera belonged to my husband’s uncle and is still in working condition. TTFN SDG
Well, Santa, for the first time in many years, actually surprised me! He told me the Canon 5D Mark II had been ordered but he wasn’t sure it was actually going to make it here in time for Christmas. So last night we had dinner, opened gifts and sent the girls off to bed. Then, of course, Santa got busy. He said he had to collect things from all over the house; so I did my stuff first and went to bed. This morning, I rolled open a note from Santa which read:
“Dear Lisa, My Canon elves have been very lazy this year. I asked them to deliver one of these (picture of camera) to me so I could give it to you, but they failed. Something about a tax increase to pay for healthcare. they see no reason to work harder only to get it taken away. I’m sorry, you probably don’t want excuses, only a camera. I promise to deliver it as soon as my elves get back to work. If they don’t deliver soon, I will start firing them and find others who are willing to work. Hope you aren’t too disappointed. I promise it will be here soon. Love, Santa”
As he begins to open his stocking I want a photograph of him; so I grab my camera off of my tripod, where I left it last night to remotely shoot candids of us opening gifts. It feels a little heavier than normal; but I just got up and am not really awake. (That’s my story and I’m sticking to it!) I shot off a couple of images of him and daughters; but when I went to review the images I shot, the back of the camera was very different from my 40D. Anyway, to make a long story short; he replaced my camera on my tripod, including the bracket and light, and replaced it with the new camera. I was shocked, not only at receiving this special gift on this special day, but that he was such a good actor in the entire process. Thanks, Santa, I love you! TTFN SDG
“Finding Home” opened last night. These are images I took from my camera on the final dress rehearsal. I had a remote control I used to snap while I was on stage. You can see it in my right hand (in the fur wrap) in the image on the left; it looks like a conductor’s baton. The show went smoothly, even with all the opening night catastrophes. If you came, thanks; if you haven’t yet attended, please do! Check it out at Cornerstone Productions. TTFN SDG
I need a new bag for my camera and laptop. Right now I have a Canon 40D, but am hoping to move up to the Canon 5D Mark II. I have two lenses, the 24-105mm, which stays on my camera most of the time. I also have the 70-200mm lens. I use the Canon 580EX II flash, and my computer is a 13″ MacBook. This looks like a bag that would be both comfortable and convenient for all my stuff. Does anyone have a terrific bag they love that would hold all this and still be comfortable to carry through the airport or in the outback? TTFN SDG
The girls are safe; but the car is totaled; and our cadet made it on her flight so as not to be AWOL! I think my Canon 5D Mark II may have to wait. We are just so thankful they were not hurt and that no one else hit them as they spun across all four lanes of traffic. We are blessed! You think Finch will give me credit for spot news? TTFN SDG
So . . . last week, Santa asked me if I’d be interested in getting a Canon 5D Mark II. (Check out this review!) What was I thinking? I hemmed and hawed about not being sure exactly what equipment I really need to buy because I’m not sure what I want to focus on for a specialty. I love my 4×5 large-format camera, which I think I’ll be able to use again next quarter for Advanced Commercial. And if I go the commercial route, I may need a digital camera back for it or some way to be able to shoot through it digitally. I think Brett May mentioned an apparatus you could use; I’ll have to check with him on that. What will I tell Santa if he asks again . . . I think I need to speak to Mrs. Harkins, the Commercial Photography Program Director at Gwinnett Technical College, and get some much needed advice. You don’t want to take advantage of Santa if you don’t need to . . . TTFN SDG
I have a friend, John Weatherford, who photographs swimming events in our area; and he loves his Black Rapid R-Camera Strap. I think it would be very helpful and much more comfortable than the Canon strap that came with my 40D. I’ve been thinking about getting one; but I need some stocking stuffer ideas to give my husband Christmas. I can wait till Christmas to see if I’ve been good! Check out this article if you’re interested in a new camera strap. TTFN SDG
Lisa Cave's Photography Blog 
