Wednesday, September 23, 2009

On behalf of my fellow students here at IPS for the PWP2 class, I bring to you a Wednesday update.

As we were all working on our projects before dinner, I began to wonder why on earth I volunteered to write today’s update. Miserable could well have described me. Everything seemed 100 times worse than it really was and all I could see was doom on the horizon. Studio lighting and myself were rather not seeming to get along well, and Lightroom & Photoshop seemed to be frustrated with me.

But I sit here now, where thoughts flow freely and my mind can ponder. Flipping open my little journal I am once again reminded of the beautiful promise I read this morning: “For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace…” [Isaiah 55.12a] Ah, how soon can I forget! When all was said and done I felt quite peaceful with a project well-accomplished. I’m so thankful that I and the rest of my fellow students did not give up on our projects, even when everything seemed to cave in on us. And from past experience, I know that there will be improvement when there is continued practice.

Life is very much like that. When things come into our lives that aren’t what we want or like, or are downright disappointing, we make one of two choices. We either are grateful or ungrateful. We either become better or bitter from the circumstances in our lives. It is entirely our decision and one which God does not force on us. But if you choose the former, you will be incredibly blessed. God will shine light on your path and His glory will be upon you. We are His messengers ~ are we carrying His banner worthily?

Back to today…we learned lots in Photoshop and Studio Lighting. Our brains were overworked. Reflectors and speedlights eventually became our friends, though at first they seemed a bit like enemies. We’re probably all grateful to learn some studio lighting tips and get some practice, but I rather like outdoor portraiture the best. =) I cannot wait for tomorrow, and am pretty sad there are only two more days to this class—why does the time fly by so quickly?

—Prizewinning Photography 2 Student Ruth Ann Logan

PWP2 student Josh Kaufman models rembrandt lighting. [Image by Ruth Ann Logan]

Making short lighting look fantastic. [Image by Ruth Ann Logan]