Flash Bus!

So I'm sure how recognizable the names are outside of the photography field, but for those in the know, getting to meet Joe McNally and David Hobby in person is off the wall epic! I mean, it's right up there with meeting Stan Lee when I was in grade school. Yes, I was somewhat star struck, the photo nerd inside me screaming like a crazed fanboy. Joe and David are extremely accomplished photographers who specialize in using small flash (they're strobists). Anyway, Portland was stop number two on their national Flash Bus Tour, where they're traveling from city to city, holding one-day conferences explaining the nuances of using off camera flash.

First off, these two guys are hilarious with wonderful senses of humor in addition to being very open educators. They also have two distinctly different approaches in how they approach light. David comes across more like a painter, using tightly controlled light to paint accents over his subjects in layers. David runs an incredibly popular (and informative!) photography blog simply called "Strobist." Joe is a bit more kinetic in his approach and has an amazing talent for capturing action, moments and candor in his portraits. You've likely seen his work in National Geographic, Time and Life. Anyway, it was wonderful seeing them break down their approaches first hand.

Also, by happenstance I ran into my photo colleague Juan at the event. It was great running into a familiar face.

Also, I just have to mention the shwag (free stuff) Joe and David continually handed out for the day. We all got very generous goodie bags, but the big ticket items were handed out to a few lucky folks in the crowd. Some of these things literally go for several hundred dollars a pop. "Hey, that's a great question, here have this tri-fold reflector (or better yet) here's a 32-GB CF card." I didn't get anything, but it was still great to see other folks walk away with top quality gear and photo accessories.

All in all it was incredibly inspiring to hear these two speak (and to see Joe shoot a bit!). What truly struck me was their humility and honesty. They've taken tons of bad photos over the years, but it's only through the taking of risks and problem solving on the fly that occasional brilliance shines through. They are literally on the road now again, driving over night to set up for their next destination in San Francisco tomorrow morning, yikes! Thanks again for sharing your knowledge Joe and David, you two rock!