Downtown Charleston Lock-Up: Stacy Pearsall

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Downtown Charleston Lock-Up: Stacy Pearsall

Combat photographers Stacy Pearsall and Andy Dunaway explain the stories behind their award-winning work.

http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/world/2010/08/30/natpkg.iraq.war.pictures.cnn?iref=allsearch

Hula in Hawaii

F8PJ & Charleston Center for Photography

The night before last, Randy Jay Braun hosted hula dancers on the beach at sunset. The beach was loaded with photographers and cameras. It was a sight to see! Andy and I took the kids down to the beach where Andy's daughter, Hayley, managed to get a spare camera off of someone and started shooting too. At any rate, the dancers were broken into groups and I led one of them. Our dancer's name was Ashley and she did an amazing job.

Here are some of my portraits of Ashley:

Here are some of Andy's portraits:

Earlier that day, Andy and I taught a class on light. We covered all kinds of light modifiers and made good use of our Lastolite Tri-grip diffusers and reflectors.

I even assisted some of the students on their shoots. It was really fun. I demonstrated the Elinchrom Quadra Ranger too. I LOVE that thing!

The Maui Photo Festival was a big success and we had a great time here. I'm a little sad that we have to leave. I have to admit I miss my furry buddies and can't wait to pick them up. Our friend Trish and her daughter, Cali, were nice enough to watch them. Thanks guys!

More to come...

The Maui Photo Festival

F8PJ & Charleston Center for Photography

Andy and I are currently at the Maui Photo Festival. This year your brought Andy's kids, Tyler and Hayley. It's been a blast. Just as last year, the students are wonderful!

We did the helicopter tour yesterday and had three flights. All of the students were beaming. I have to admit that I was too!

We used the Blue Hawaiian as our mode of transportation. Our pilot, David, was amazing. He really listened to our needs and brought us to the best places to make some great shots.

We flew with the doors off, which is the best way to shoot! Of course, it was extremely windy.

Below is a picture of the Hyatt, where the MPF is taking place. The staff at the Hyatt have been absolutely wonderful. They make us feel welcome and treat us like kings and queens.

Last year's views over Maui were stunning, but this year is unmatched! We had rainbows galore!!

Here are some of my aerials:

My friend David at Kata sent over some Kata gear for Andy and I to give away during MPF. At yesterday's "Back to Basics" class, we gave away a camera rain jacket to Csilla Erdelyi Saulsbury....

... and a drop pouch to Jeanne Viggiano and an awesome Bumble Bee backpack to Karen Underkoffler! We still have more goodies to give away. Thank you Manfrotto Distributions!!!!

Here are some of Andy's aerials:

Thanks a bunch and more to come,
Stacy

Stacy Pearsall Featured on Digital Photo Pro!!

Check out the article on Stacy Pearsall on Digital Photo Pro here!

Babies Everywhere!

Well, it seems to be baby season around here! I gave a workshop, "Photographing Your Infant", at the start of the month and it was a great success. We were lucky enough to have two live models, Vivian and Liam, Sally's grand kids, who were incredibly cooperative; thanks to all involved! We talked about different lighting scenarios, including natural light and studio light, and posing options. Here are some of the standout images from the students:

Liam by Tammy


Vivian by Tammy

Liam by Mandy

Vivian by Mandy

Liam by Dan

Vivian by Dan

I hope to see you all around the Center soon!
Alice

Maddy Miller Baby Photo Shoot

F8PJ & Charleston Center for Photography

Little Maddy Miller was born six weeks ago today. Happy birthday little lady!

I met Maddy's mom when I improcessed into the Charleston VA Hospital. She worked as the Operation Iraqi Freedom patient outreach advocate. She worked so hard to make sure that I was taken care.

When I found out that Meredith was blessed with a baby girl, I had to give back. During her pregnancy, I offered to take some maternity pictures. However, she wasn't keen on the idea. So I said that I would take her baby's photos once she arrived. Today was that day!

Little Maddy's grandma made her a bonnet. Maddy did NOT like hats, so when we put the bonnet on her she started pouting. Look at her little lip...

For all you photo-junkies, I used a Nikon D3s and Elinchrom light with a Rotalux Deep Octabox. Yup, just one light. I did have a reflector in there for a few too.

I used a shaggy white rug that enveloped her. I shot through some of the furry tufts to soften the portraits.

Of course I had to get Maddy in her birthday suit...

I had to get an up close portrait too...

Maddy did get a nap in during the session, which made for some cute moments.

In order to keep Maddy comfortable, I had a space heater warming the studio. I also made sure that she was on a cushioned surface and had mom standing nearby in case she wiggled. I think there are some really great shots from today. Maddy was a beautiful subject and was very patient through the process - so was mom.