Weekends Were Made For...Photography

Back in the day, there was a song with a line that went "Weekends were made for Michelob."  That's all well and good, but I'll change that to say that 'weekends were made for photography.'   


You see, I have a full-time job which I rather enjoy.  So I won't be quitting it to do photography full time anytime soon.  So that leaves photography fun for the evenings and weekends.  During the week after work, I usually watch photography videos or read blogs.  My work days are long, so I don't shoot during the week, but the weekends are another story.


Every weekend, I do something photography related.  I do photo shoots, practice lighting setups and techniques, assist other photographers, or go on my own personal photo excursions.  Since I'm not a full-time photographer, I try to make sure that I do something to keep my skills sharp or learn something new.    


For example, a few weeks ago, I decided to re-test my ability to figure out lighting setups.  So I looked at some images that I had saved on my phone.  I ran across one that I loved, but a year ago, I couldn't figure out how it was lit.  

Image of Fashion Designer Tom Ford and model for Vogue magazine.

I couldn't figure out how Mr. Ford had white highlights on the back of his jacket, on the back of his leg, and under his hand.  I asked some photographer friends if they knew how it was lit, but I was never clear on how it was done.  This year after much lighting practice with Mandy, I finally figured it out.  The background looks overexposed with the light starting to wrap around his back and legs.  Nice.  It makes sense now, but last year I couldn't figure it out so save my life.


So what do you do with your weekends if you're not a full-time photographer?    I would love to know.