Kids go through spurts of interest in different activities.  One of our boys, Liam, asked me if he could play around with the camera and lights.  We did just that.  It wasn’t technical or artistic or groundbreaking…it was just plain fun!  I may have helped a little, but for the most part, it was all him.

Monday was an awesome shoot at Moquila Grill in Boca Raton.  Moquila is a killer restaurant that serves the absolute best guacamole salsa dip as well as some of the best desserts around.  You should definitely check it out.

I’d been asked to shoot some images showcasing the new coffee Moquila is serving, Boca Java.  We had a few concepts in mind for both inside and outside before arriving and spent the morning working it.  I also managed to get a few shots of the desserts for the restaurant.  Let me just say that product shoots are so difficult to get right.  Who knew inanimate objects could give me more attitude than people.

I also snuck in a few fun pictures for the two models helping out.

Thanks to Erika, the manager, for graciously allowing me to disrupt her morning, to Max, Moquila’s chef, for creating such amazing desserts, and to Michelle and Mike, part of the staff, for stepping in as my terrific models.  You folks are great!  Thanks so much.

OK, so you first have to understand that I’m a gadget hound.  While I think most photographers are, I used to take it to extremes.  At one time, I think I had more camera bags of different sizes than I had cameras…or lenses…or both combined.  Sad.

Fortunately, for me, I’ve entered the first stage of rehabilitation by way of eBay.  I no longer just buy, buy, buy.  I occasionally sell old equipment to fund my habit for new gear.  I suppose it’s sort of my way of finding financial equilibrium.

The latest parting of past paraphernalia was my two-light AlienBees lights.  I basically sold the whole kit and kaboodle: 2 B800s, 2 stands, 1 octabox, 1 barndoor, 1 honeycomb grid set, 1 quick release speedring, and 1 vagabond battery.  I was leary about the whole deal because I didn’t really expect to make anything off it.  After all, AlienBees are relatively cheap for the quality you get and I figured anyone wanting an AlienBee flash unit would either spend the $200+ new or offer no more than dirt, dirt cheap for a used model.

Well, wouldn’t you know, I started each bid at $0.99 and ended up getting back 76% of my original investment two years ago! (…minus shipping, of course)  I will say that as a seller, you must not underestimate the importance of proper packaging and shipping.  Most eBayers appreciate it a great deal.

So, you may ask, “What are you doing for lighting?”  Ah, my friend, can you say “Profoto“?  That’s a whole other topic!!!