More Fun Flash Stuff! Home Shots

So for our fifth class, we learned a fun technique called 'painting with light.' Basically it's all about using very long time exposures - 20-30 seconds. Shooting in absolute darkness. And using flashlight(s) with and without gels to create cool effects. I can see A TON of fun to be had experimenting. In the meantime, here are a few shots of Jess at home so I could make sure I really 'got it' when I was on my own.

The Kids in Montauk

We managed to get a few good shots of the kids during the week. My top favorite is Dylan in the dunes!

Montauk Holiday

Jessica Wins the Biggest Fish Pot!

So the family went out for a day of fishing and everyone had a FABULOUS time. Well, Nick perhaps had slightly less than a fabulous time as he tends to get seasick, but otherwise, the fishing trip was great. Dylan, Daniel and Jessica all caught fish, and Jessica managed to catch the largest Fluke on the day which won her an $85 pot. Our deck hand Neil cleaned the fish when we got back to the dock and we had the best fresh fish dinner I've had in years.

Montuak Horseback Riding

Jessica and Dylan had their very first ride while on holiday in Montauk. Jess has been waiting for ages to have a real ride, but was too young. She loved her 30-minute trail ride, and while Dylan had a good time too, he said he had no plans to take another ride any time soon. Jess, on the other hand, eagerly awaits her next riding opportunity.

Poolside Camp Begins

Jess starts tennis camp for the summer - three days a week and two days to play with mom!

2nd Grade Graduation

A few shots from Jessica's end of year graduation ceremony. Jess made the Gold Medallion Standard Big Cheese Award - GPA of 3.7 - 4.0 average for the year. Overall we were very proud and 3rd grade is right around the corner.

Flash Class #3

So we had our third photo class tonight, and our second round of assignments to review. Overall I had a 'A' in the fill flash portion of the assignment, but a 'C' at best on the 'environmental portrait' portion. I basically used fill flash as best I could to capture Adrian and Jess when they'd give me a few minutes, but really needed to get out and capture people in their own unique settings. I could have found some great people/settings in Phoenix, but frankly, at 115 degrees, I was willing to take the C, stay by the pool, and work on something more creative back in Los Angeles. This week should be a blast, and I'm off to Samy's tomorrow to pick up some colored gels and a wireless transmitter for some multiple off-camera flash action. We teamed up in class and had a blast. I'll do most of this assignment in Montauk since Adrian will be available full time to watch Jess when I need to wander off and talk to strangers.

F1 Race Factory

F1 is a large building with a big main entrance where racers will arrive and check-in. Players names will go to F1 in advance so players will be pre-registered to sign in and get their race card. The main race area has two tracks which run 10 racers each track per race. After the race, all racers can get a printout of their time/ranking so we can track fastest on the night. There are mens/womens locker rooms to change into race gear - if you so choose. The main bar area has tables for eating and a huge wall of glass to watch the tracks. There are also multiple other rooms - one or two with pool tables, another we could set up for a DJ. There is a smallish arcade with games, and the tokens are unlimited for our group. Another feature is the Pit Crew Challenge where six players team together to do a timed mock pit crew tire change. Finally, there is a rock wall and if we want, we can set up a Segway race course.

You can click on the panorama at the top to see one of the race courses.

Alice Cooperstown

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Here are some pics from Alice Cooperstown in Phoenix. You enter through an open front courtyard with a bar straight to the back. A stage can be set up, but currently they do not have a live music permit, DJ only. Inside there is one main sports-bar area, with stairs to a small upstairs balcony that is indoors/outdoors.

ARRRGHHHH! Flash Class Is Impossible