The Dog Days of Summer are here!  Some concepts and ideas to try before the summer ends:

1. Explore abstracts in Black & White. Even if the sky is too bright and weather too hot, stay cool by walking around the dockside looking for reflections. AbstractReflections in B&W Dark Reflections 2. If days are bright and sun producing glare and dappled light on flowers in the garden, use a translucent (one or 2 stop) diffuser overhead to soften the light (as a big cloud would). I like the Lastolite trigrip diffuser panel with a handle.

Glare and Dappled Light Diffused Light

3. Create a photo in the studio with an LED lite panel and a large acrylic sheet to produce a reflection. I have these panels in white, black and mirror surface. Dark MagicPurple clematis with reflection on black.

4. Try freezing flowers and letting them melt in the sun. Amazing results can be achieved and you will feel cooler shooting them.

Ice Queen 3Frozen white and pink tulip with ice crystals.

5. Try slow shutter speeds at dusk around the water. Will be terrific if lights dot the shoreline or cars are driving by in the distance. A tripod is essential.

Harbor LightsDusk on the harbor with lights across the water. Enjoy the rest of your summer!