I spend most of my time during the workshop teaching, but as I am demonstrating techniques and concepts, I do get a chance to create a handful of cool images.  Here are a few from the Madison workshop.  All images were photographed using on- and off-camera Canon speedlites.  Most were triggered in eTTL mode using the RadioPopper PX system.  Several of the studio images were fired manually using the RadioPopper Jrx system.  The outdoor images utilized the High Speed Sync feature that you can attain using speedlites with the RadioPopper PX system.  For example, the “nighttime” images were shot at 2:30pm and the background behind the models was in full sun.  I used a very high shutter speed to kill the ambient light and give us the nighttime effect.

The models (in order) were Chelsea-Lynn and Kayla Ryann.

After getting a ton of requests, I added a Milwaukee workshop on November 6.  It will be hosted by Studio 1036 down in the historic and photo-setting rich Third Ward.  For more info or to register:  http://www.fisheyeconnect.com/workshop/466/flash-dancing–a-flash-fu-workshop.aspx

Early registration is just $139 for this full-day workshop, but register now because the discount ends Saturday!

Model Keara Thompson photographed by Michael Mowbray using speedlites and RadioPoppers.

Yep, it’s Flash Dancing time again.  I will be hosting a full-day speedlite workshop at my studio in DeForest on Saturday, October 29.  If you struggle with your speedlites, or just want to know how to incorporate them into your photographic workflow, I will provide a comprehensive breakdown of how to make your speedlites sing.  One part instruction plus two-parts hands-on shooting and guidance, this is the one workshop that will help get you on a course that takes you from flash novice to flash master.

For more info or to register (space is limited because I want to make sure everyone gets one-on-one instruction) go to:  https://www.fisheyeconnect.com/workshop/457/flash-dancing–a-flash-fu-workshop.aspx

I’m taking the Flash Dancing Workshop on the road from time to time.  The most recent stop:  Schofield, Wisconsin at Portraits by Tiffany’s studio. Photographers from around the state joined in on the fun, learning how to use their speedlites for virtually any lighting situation.  Despite 30+mph wind gusts, we didn’t lose any models (although a couple did get airborne — see photo evidence below) and we managed to get a lot of great outdoor images.  Here are few that I managed to create as I taught the workshop.  Be looking for future workshops scheduled for the Fox Valley, Milwaukee and Madison…and beyond.

Even though thunderstorms threatened all day, we managed to escape unscathed and the only flashing seen on the shore of Lake Mendota was from my workshop. LOL.

I spent the morning teachifying about the power and versatility of speedlites at my studio in DeForest.  Model Jes Lynse joined us for some fun eTTL demos in the studio using my RadioPopper PX system, Canon 580EXII speedlites and Creative Light softboxes.

The afternoon consisted of mixing up some eTTL off-camera flash mixed with bright ambient light outside, plus some demos on using manual flash off-camera as well with the RadioPopper Jrx system coupled with the RP cubes.  As you can tell, I’m a big fan of RadioPoppers.  Why? Cuz they work very well and help me to create unique, dramatic lighting no matter where I am, anytime of the day.  Just check out these images of model Keara Thompson and you’ll see what I mean.

Model Keara Thompson photographed by Michael Mowbray using speedlites and RadioPoppers.

Did you miss out on all the fun and learning? Take a leisurely spring drive up to Wausau, Wisconsin for my Flash Dancing Workshop taking place on Sunday, May 15. For more information and to register, go to: workshop info.

Stay tuned for future workshops as plans are in the works for a TWO-DAY comprehensive speedlite workshop.

Happy Flashing!

I just released my nine-part Retouching Workflow video series.  In this series, I demonstrate my retouching workflow from start to finish covering everything from basic blemish removal to adding digital makeup and using “Digital Visine” to enhance the eyes.  You are welcome to view these videos for FREE here on my blog; or, if you would prefer to have them in a DVD format, I will be releasing them plus a series of additional videos on retouching challenges (headswaps, composites, texture screens, and more) on an upcoming DVD.  Check back here or subscribe to my Twitter feed to get a notification when it’s released.  Enjoy!

We packed them in for my Walkabout Weddings program at the South Central PPA meeting on Monday. Lots of learning, lots of fun, and a good time had by all. Here’s just a smattering of the feedback:

• Thanks for presenting!! I came away with a head full of ideas. I thought you did a really awesome job!
• Your presentation was full of ideas and I really need to heed your words and get outta my comfort zone!
• Thanks so much Michael… had a blast, lots of laughs… great work!
• Awesome job today my friend and Master Photographer!

Thank you to everyone who attended!  And a big “thank you” to my awesome lab, ACI – American Color Imaging, for sponsoring my program.