My good friend, photographer Roberto Valenzuela teaches that practice doesn’t help–only perfect practices yields results. OK, he’s not really my good friend–I met him once, payed attention in his class, and follow him on Twitter. But he’s a really nice person, and if I had opportunity is definitely somebody with whom I’d want to be good friends. And surely you’ve heard that saying before–perfect practice. It’s also pretty common in the golf world. Practice the right things.

By a strange twist of fate, I wanted to see if something would work as well as I wanted, and Michelle was thinking she wanted some portraits. Happy coincidence! So we set a date and made some pictures.

Since Michelle has really dark hair, I wanted to shoot her against a black background. Normally dark hair/clothing would fade into the background. I was wanted to see how effective a reflector would be in providing some separation from the background. I was just experimenting, really to see if the reflector would provide noticeable separation or not. I think I got some pretty good shots, though. Michelle makes a pretty model, and is patient with me.

I also tried using a backlight–just a small fluorescent light, daylight-balanced. This gave a little better results in some pictures, but was pretty well overcome with the flash I was using. So, I learned a few things through experience about my gear, which often is the best way to learn. I got some pretty nice photographs, too. All in all, it was a useful session for me, and I really appreciate Michelle’s time and participation. Next time, I’ll try a slight different setup, but still using only one light–which, really, was the goal: making great-looking portraits using just one flash.

So, I have this friend. Her name is Jessica Dawn. I personally have not met anybody; nor, honestly, heard of anybody; who has an unkind word to say about Jessica Dawn. She is a warm, kind-hearted, and caring person. My friend has very definite thoughts about what is right for her in life, and she takes much joy in others discovering and living what is right for them in their own lives. Jessica always assumes the best about someone. And her joy in and descriptions of colorful sunrises is the next best thing to actually experiencing the sunrise! It is truly an honor to know and photograph this woman.

So, I have this *other* friend. His name is Jim. Jim is, coincidentally, married to Jessica. Motorcycles, 4-wheeling on scary precipices, and the occasional video game. Shotgun golf (truly, using shotguns!). I’ve known her-man-Jim almost as long as I’ve known Jessica Dawn. The man is quiet (sometimes) and witty (most times). Jim is handy with his hands on most things mechanical. Possibly on other things, too, but I have no direct knowledge there… He did “help” me change the header on my wife’s Geo Metro once. I say “help”, because I think I mostly just watched. Jim is ever willing to help a friend out in a pinch.

Jessica Dawn and Jim are a wonderful couple, and they’re each awesome folks all on their own. This awesomeness was made possible, in part, by a mother. Nici is Jessica’s Mom. When I heard she was coming to town, I just knew I HAD to make some photographs of the 3 of them! Nici is a great person. I don’t know her nearly as well as I know her daughter, but I do know she’s got a great sense of humor, and I know daughter loves mother greatly. It’s a heartwarming and inspiring experience to watch those two together. I am SO GLAD Nici came to town and unwittingly gave me opportunity to capture a small part of this family!