Michael Mowbray - Photographer, Teachifier, Photo Evangelist

Images from the Madison Flash Dancing Workshop

Michael Mowbray — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 17:37:48 +0000

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.

Milwaukee Flash Dancing Workshop added

Michael Mowbray — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 01:54:42 +0000

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!

Flash Dancing Speedlite Workshop Announced.

Michael Mowbray — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 21:46:32 +0000

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

Flash Dancing around Schofield

Michael Mowbray — Wed, 25 May 2011 19:19:09 +0000

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.

Another Flash Dancing success…one more on tap!

Michael Mowbray — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 17:11:30 +0000

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!

Retouching Workflow Videos

Michael Mowbray — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 15:04:41 +0000

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!

Another Walkabout, another rousing success!

Michael Mowbray — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 22:26:12 +0000

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.

Flash Dancing workshop date announced

Michael Mowbray — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 23:19:39 +0000

Mark your calendars for Sunday, April 10. Better yet, just go ahead and book now to save your seat. :) My Flash Dancing workshop is a full-day, jam-packed with detailed info, examples, and hands-on learning — all geared to make you a master of your speedlite flash.

Here are just some of the topics I’ll cover:

On-camera flash techniques to get portrait-like lighting on the fly.
How I use flash to shoot outside in the worst lighting possible — and get beautiful results.
How to use speedlites to replace expensive studio strobes — and be amazed by the images!
How to use speedlites off-camera in eTTL mode to create fantastic portraits.
and much, much more!

This is a workshop — not a seminar — so bring your gear and get a chance to try out these techniques with live models (which are always better than dead ones, duh)!

To find out more info or to book now with early bird pricing, visit the registration site.

Walkabout Weddings program at SCPPA

Michael Mowbray — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 20:43:44 +0000

Looking to take your wedding photography up a notch? Need to knock the rust off your creativity? Interested in learning some of my secrets? Want to hang out with some fellow photogs, eat some food and learn some great stuff? Then check out my Walkabout Weddings program at the SCPPA meeting in January.

Book now and save with a low preregistration rate of $40 for SCPPA members, and $65 for non-members. The program will run from 9 am – noon on January 24th at Rex’s Innkeeper in Waunakee. For more details or to register, visit the SCPPA web site: www.southcentralppa.com.

The e-store is now officially open!

Michael Mowbray — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 17:43:23 +0000

Yeehaw! The e-store is open! The products that I created to help me improve my photography are now available for you to purchase. The store has my Flexzie flash modifier that I use at weddings for everything from creating soft, dimensional light for on-the-fly candids to lighting 40-person group shots in the church. Yes, it has in fact replaced my umbrella!

The Flexzie flash modifier

The Flexzie is also available as part of a complete Flash Dancer kit. The kits include everything you need to begin to creatively use your speedlite on and off-camera.

Plus I just released my set of Preset-O-Rama Lightroom presets and Textureland Gritty Photoshop textures. The LR presets are the ones I developed to use everyday in my processing workflow. The textures are a variety of cool and interesting texture screens that you can use to punch up your images with a different look. Download a free sample texture and try it out…I’m sure you’ll love it.

There are grand opening specials throughout the store, including a HALF PRICE sale on my popular Walkabout Weddings DVD. The special pricing will end soon, so get them while they’re hot!

The Flash Dancer Deluxe Kit