the end results

MIKAYLA

I attended a hands-on introduction of the Nikon Z 6 III at Mike’s Camera in Sacramento. The Nikon representative conducted an excellent presentation to about six of us who were photographers. I am considering purchasing the Nikon Z6 III as a backup camera to my Nikon Z 9.

After the presentation, Mike’s Camera and the Nikon rep surprised us by bringing a model, Mikayla, to pose for us while we played with the Nikon Z 6 III. I had played with it before the presentation, so I played with the Nikon Z Plena 135mm, f/1.8 and the Nikon Z 85mm, f/1.2. What a treat. We moved around to several locations immediately outside the store.

MONICA

Monica is my life partner and a good sport. She modeled for me so I could practice using off-camera lighting. She did her own makeup and hair. Bless her.

We set up a makeshift studio in my living room. It consisted of a black backdrop, a stool, and two Godox lights. I also played with a beauty dish, which I had bought over a year ago, but never used. We played around for a couple of hours. I learned enough to be better the next time.

JAMILLAH

Jamillah is my youngest daughter. She, her husband and my granddaughter live on the east coast. In early June, Jamillah and I went on a long talked about, father and daughter vacation in San Antonio and Austin, Texas. In spite of the 95-degree weather that felt more like 105 degrees we enjoyed ourselves in both cities.

Jamillah allowed me to stick my camera in her face over the course of five days, and the Z 9 is not a small camera. After our first day in San Antonio, I usually waited until we settled at our table for lunch. It made it easier to set my camera up for the best shot in that environment. Regardless of whether we were seated indoors or out I was able to get a good photograph using natural light.