Versaci Shoot: Atlantic Station

We've been saying that we are going to go out and shoot together for what seems like years. Yesterday, we finally made that happen. I was originally going to head to Piedmont Park to shoot, however, I went to the park last weekend to get some skyline shots of Atlanta, and the park was an absolute zoo. There was zero real estate open, as all the Atlanta natives decided they wanted to hit up the park that day. I don't blame them. So instead, we opted for the touristy, yet trendy Atlantic Station. I chose it mostly for the unique locations and clean enviroment, but also for the fun and chic atmosphere. We definitely got some looks, more so her, as I was hiding behind my camera most of the time, but we had alot of fun and came away with quite a few great photos.

We got kicked out of one location (the glass wall) that you will see shortly. And of course, it was my favorite location of the day. I was only able to get off about 15 frames before the security guard came out to try and tell us through the glass that we had to go across the street. I wanted to just make silly faces at her and keep shooting, but figured if I wanted to stay out of handcuffs we should probably just leave.

For the shoot, I really didn't feel like bringing alot of gear, or my camera backpack, so I simply loaded up with one body, an 18-50 f/2.8 lens, and a 42inch reflector and went to shoot. The photography gods graced me with a beautifully overcast sky, producing some beautifully soft light. I simply used the reflector to give a little fill under the eyes. It was quite an easy day as far as lighting goes. I was tempted to run back to the car to get my lights and really under expose the sky to really make it pop, but I love the simplicity of shooting in natural light.

After working up quite an apetite we stopped in for dinner at the Atlantic Grill, and my stubborn self just HAD to sit outside. Which turned out to be not the best idea as Veronica was shivering the entire time. But, she was a champ and endured.

If I'm going to be completely honest, I felt pretty cool eating outside and people watching. It was quite a fun atmosphere.

Cold. And it's not just the weather.

I've been on a creative cold streak lately. I got stuck in a rut. I'm not quite sure I'm out of the rut just yet, but I'm working on it. When I first started shooting seriously, I was shooting all the time. Slowly but surely, that changed over time. I began to shoot only when I was booked for a client. My photography came to a stand still. And along with it, my creativity. While I was still reading up on all the photography blogs and articles, I wasn't going out and implimenting any of the new tricks or techniques, and I wasn't pushing myself.

Well yesterday I decided to go out and shoot. Shoot something I haven't shot in along time. Automobiles.

Those of you that know me well know that I am a BIG day dreamer. And one of the times that I do my best daydreaming, I mean, thinking, is when I'm listening to music and just driving. Sometimes the music comes in the form of my favorite radio station, but in this case, the music came from the huge cam and throaty exhaust coming from my 1965 Mustang. I don't get to drive it often, as it stays neatly tucked away in my parent's warm garage year round, so when I get the opportunity, you better beleive I'm going to drive it. And inevitably have some fun in it. Hopefully, without getting caught.

Couple pictures that I really liked.

I'm also working extensively on another photo from the session. If you didn't know, I am a lightroom user. I've used photoshop only a handful of times. So in an attempt to push myself and my skills, as well as re-ignite that creative flame, I am stepping out of my comfort zone and trying something new. Be sure to come back soon for the results!

P.S. I wanted to "practice" doing some 180-spins. I got pretty good if I do say so myself.