Over the last four years I have been getting more and more into photography. So for Christmas and my birthday photography stuff has been at the top of my gift list. The other day we went out for my birthday dinner (I had a three course meal which included an amazing blueberry duck). My in-laws  bought me a fold out camera. I think it is a Franka Solida III but I don’t know much about it. I really wanted one but probably would have been a while before I ever bought one.

I like old photos even though they aren’t always clear or high quality compared to now days. I just like the style and feel of them. I also like black and white. I now have an excuse to learn how to develop my own film and prints. But that will be a while yet, lots to learn. Until then I will be learning digital black and whites fromMichael Freeman’s book “The Complete Guide To Black And White Digital Photography” my parents gave me for my birthday.

If you haven’t noticed the two photos above are nicely lit and have smooth gray background. “Ooooohhhhh” you say “How did you do that dad from Dad’s Workbench?”. Quit simple. Let me tell you. I used my brand new Optex Portable Photo Studio & Lighting Kit. That right I now have my own little lighting studio or softbox. My wife bought it for me. One of those things I talked about but forgot to put on my list.

I think my wife has a hidden agenda with her gift. The first thing I was required to photograph was a couple of her home made cards. I think she is going to start a multi-billion dollar home/ebay business then take over the world. But that is another story for another post.