Guitar madness

Mike McCarty · 05-12-2008, 04:33 PM

This past weekend I returned to Oklahoma to attend my daughters graduation from the Univ. of Tulsa. And, no small detail, to meet her soon to be husband for the first time!

As it turned out my expectations were exceeded on every front. My daughter graduated with honors and the fiance is a real peach.

One of his many talents is music. He has many guitars which he plays very well, along with a big bass fiddle, drums, and an organ.

During my brief stay I managed to coax him into some window light. I got the mood that I was after, but I must have gotten my fingers crossed because the quality is not good at all. I'll have more opportunities when I return in July for the wedding. I was told that the guitar is an "Ovation." I liked it for it's graphic quality

Mike McCarty · 05-12-2008, 04:42 PM

Also, one of their friends was a guitar player who intends to take her talents on tour soon.

These were taken at 800 ASA, 38mm, F4.2, and hand held at 1/20 second. All above taken at the same south window in the middle of the day.

Well, I missized the one I like so I offer this magnolia instead. Maybe I can resize it for later.

Mike McCarty · 05-12-2008, 07:39 PM

Here is the shot I was missing.

I took a total of nine shots. They were all planned and shot in about five minutes. Of course after the fact I thought of twenty other poses I wish I had tried.

John Reidy · 05-13-2008, 07:31 AM

Congratulations, Mike.

I know you must be proud of your daughter. TU is a great university.

And congratulations on the news of your daughter's wedding. As a native of Tulsa, I'm curious as to the location of the planned nuptials.

Mike McCarty · 05-13-2008, 03:15 PM

John,

The wedding will be held in an old abandoned train station on the edge of downtown Tulsa on first street. The station has been renovated and now is home to the "Jazz" hall of fame. It's a beautiful venue that I was able to walk through during my visit.

Regarding the photos of the girl - I was having a bit of trouble trying to get some shadows on her face. It seemed like no matter how I turned her the face was bright. In retrospect I think that her light hair may have been reflecting light back onto her face. I wonder if pushing the hair on the shadow side back over her shoulder might have made a difference. I did manage to get a little variation on a couple, but it's pretty subtle. I would rather of had a little more.

I took the picture of Rusty first and had no trouble getting shadows. No doubt aided by the dark shirt, beard and hair. All this surmizing done after the fact.

Also, I think if I were to paint the girl I would modify her dress. It's a little busy and creates some confusion. Something simpler that could give a good backdrop to the guitar would be better, I think.

SB Wang · 05-13-2008, 10:02 PM

Mike:
Great...
See the similarities:
http://www.amazon.com/Prokofiev-Rome.../dp/6301118251
http://www.amazon.com/Quixote-Barysh...pd_sim_v_img_5

John Reidy · 05-14-2008, 07:51 AM

Mike,

I visited the Jazz "Hall of Fame" last October. The depot was closed preparing for, of all things, a wedding.

When you're there be sure to visit the "Center of the Universe". It's just outside and a little north of the depot. While standing in the "center" and you speak you can hear an echo that seems to come from all around.