Flash Bus Tour 2011

If you are a photographer, (or know and love one of us), then you probably know we can be the worlds biggest dorks. We get excited about all things camera related, and the opportunity to learn from two of the best in the business? Amazing!! So when we found out Dave Hobby and Joe McNally were rolling through the (sort of near-by) neighborhood, we bought tickets faster than you can say photo geek. Allison wasn't able to get away from her teaching duties, so I (Jenny) took fellow photographer Sam Allen along for the ride. Stocked with two camera bags and lots of laughs on the ride down to Raleigh, we arrived to find 375 photographers. and one awesome tour bus.

Both Dave & Joe were incredible speakers; they inspired us with fresh ideas and

hundreds of new things to try. Be prepared, Capture fans, for some exciting new work! Dave spoke for the morning, explaining that "Lighting is like cooking! You have to experiment and add to taste". He encouraged us not to be intimidated. Joe spent the afternoon teaching us how to be flash wizards, using multiple light set-ups. We knew it was going to be a great day when Joe gave his flash a big kiss and announced loudly "Take care of your flash and it will take care of you!" Aw, even the big shots love their gear.

Joe gave a live demonstration using his photo assistant Calli as a test model. Calli had an uncanny resemblance to Justin Bieber, so after a little coaxing, we got a Bieber-esque pose out of him. He could have a second career as a teeny-bopper, don't you think?

That's Dave Hobby on the left, and Joe McNally on the right, imparting their infinite knowledge on us. Or cracking a good photo joke. There was plenty of both. When someone asked Joe if he still shot on film, he deadpanned and replied "Film is what's on your teeth when you wake up in the morning". We laughed a little too hard.

Here are a couple more shots from the day; enjoy!

Jenny with Dave "The Strobist" Hobby. Check out his T-Shirt.

Jenny & Sam: this sweet tour bus proves that photographers can be rockstars too!