{ Image Blog by Marc Orbito }
{ Image Blog by Marc Orbito }
The learning never ends. I'm never satisfied with my photos and upon looking back at past work, I always seem to focus on what needs to be improved. That often gives me and excuse to go shopping. I ended up picking up more lights and have been reading up on how to produce more "commercial-like" looks.
Photo processing and vintage looks have their place, but in this shoot with Leah, I really wanted to keep the colors accurate and vibrant and keep the sky and background detail from being lost. To do that, I would have to properly expose both the background and subject.For these shots, I used an Apollo Wescott 28" softbox mounted on an Alien Bee B800 (camera left) with as fill for a 3pm sun (camera right, top corner) at +3 and a round silver reflector camera right.
I also wanted to keep the short depth of field that my viewers are familiar with. I rented a Sing-Ray variable neutral density filter from the folks at Hawaii Photo Rental, to limit light so I could still shoot wide open at f1.4 at 35mm, which I used in the shot above at about -4. I quickly removed it after seeing how soft it made the shot.
I stopped down to f9 in the next shot (as well as the first shot above). The background isn't as blurred out as I'd like, which gives me an excuse to go shop for a different ND filter. I probably add my circular polarizer in the mix next time for bluer skies. Overall, I'm quite happy with the results!
Now that the kids are older, we decided to participate in the 2012 Great Aloha Run. My wife is an active member of the Moms in Hawai'i internet community and they put a group together every year and we figured we'd join in on the fun. The kids didn't do too bad - there were a few points where I had to pick them up and put them on my shoulders so we could continue because the tears started streaming, but we finished. Perhaps the most rewarding part of the day was congratulating them on a job well done and applaudung their perserverance - life lessons that I am hoping they can take with them. We'll work on bettering our finish times next year, and the year after that. For now, enjoy the photos!
Christmas is definitely a time for the children. It is when their dreams come true and hearts are relenquished for the new year. And as the gifts and presents are unwrapped, we are reminded that the Holidays isn't about toys or candy or feasts, but about being grateful for what we have and that sharing a part of ourselves - the happiness, kindness and joy inside of us, is what really matters. With the new year, there is always hope and a chance for renewal and forgiveness. Let us march forward in good nature. The Hungry Eye hopes you had a wonderful holiday season!
November 5th was Military Appreciation Night at Aloha Stadium when Utah State brought their brand of football up against the Hawaii Warriors. There were special presentations before kick-off, honoring military spouses, as well as a "wounded warrior" ceremony at halftime. Military and local dignitaries were there for the festivities, amongst a grateful crowd and the always jubilant University of Hawaii Marching Band.
On the field and under a rainy Halawa sky, the hometown Warriors lead 31-14 after three quarters. Utah State then rallied for the comeback to win 35-31. Pre-season Heisman hopeful and quarterback Bryant Moniz finished with 227 yards through the air on 27-of-43 passing and joined Timmy Chang and Colt Brennan in the 10,000-plus yards club. The loss, however, puts Hawaii out of the race for the Western Athletic Conference title.
As a huge Hawaii fan, it was great being on the sidelines shooting again. But it's always a privilage to honor the men and women who put their lives on the line for our freedom every day.
Howdy! My name is Marc Orbito. I'm a general photographer in the state of Hawaii who enjoys photographing people!
I'm also a father, husband, Apple geekboy, writer, Disney junkie, Miami Heat basketball fan and washed-out cinephile.
I invite you to look around. Hopefully you'll like what you see and and maybe even hire me!
Contact me for rates at marc @ orbito.net
