Detroit Creative Photography and Events

Photographers and Models,

You are about to enter another dimension, a dimension not only of sight and sound but of mind... a journey into a wondrous land of imagination. Next stop: Sandbox Studios!

We're thrilled to extend an exclusive invitation to you for an unforgettable event - a Science Fiction Themed Photo Shoot and Party at Sandbox Studios: "May the 4th Be With You!"

Save the date, you must: May 4th, 2024
Time: 6:00 p.m. 'till you drop
Location: Sandbox Studios, 7879 Jackson Rd., Ann Arbor

Models: We're looking for models to model at this event. DM me and we'll get you on the model list right away. Sci-fi-themed outfits would be ideal but all outfits are fine.

What to Expect: Sci-Fi Inspired Photo Shoot: Let your creativity soar as you capture stunning images against a futuristic backdrop or studio backdrops of your choice. All Westcott lights, Rotolights, light modifiers, triggers and gels are available for your use all night long. FYI triggers are in high demand at large events like this. You can always use our triggers when available, but if you want to have your own trigger for the full night we encourage you to bring your own. Purchase the Westcott FJ-X3 Wireless Flash Trigger, which usually runs about $99 (yes, this trigger will also trigger the 3 available Rotolights in the studio).

Networking and Collaboration: Connect with fellow photographers, models, and creatives who share your passion for sci-fi and photography. Exchange ideas, collaborate on projects, and forge lasting connections within the vibrant local photography community. If you haven't been to a Sandbox Studios event yet, don't miss this one! Seriously, the best people come to these events (and I do mean the best). Be there and be a part of the Sandbox Studios family on Saturday, May 4th! Don't just say you'll try to make it. Do. Or do not. There is no try!

Refreshments: Many people bring a dish or drink to studio events. We really appreciate it if you do so, but it's not required to attend!

RSVP: Space is limited, so be sure to mark "Going" right now to secure your spot at this one-of-a-kind event. Don't miss your chance to be a part of this epic sci-fi adventure! We can't wait to see you at May the 4th Be With You!

Have you mastered the lens ball? Few of us have because it's tricky.

THIS EVENT IS FREE. Here's the lowdown: Saturday, June 1st we will meet at Sandbox Studios at 12:00 p.m. Grab the lens ball of your choice from our prop collection. You can also grab something to hold the ball too if you wish, as we have many holders that pair well with the balls. Don't be late because at 12:15 the group will leave for Dexter-Huron Metropark, a short drive away. You will need to buy a daily pass at the park if you don't hold a yearly park permit. When you get to the park, take your lens ball and props and shoot away!

At 1:30 we will break for lunch. When I was growing up I always went to summer events with a brown bag lunch and an orange soda pop. So that's what I'll be brining! Pack your own lunch and drink, and don't hesitate to bring something for others. Anyone wanna volunteer to grill hamburgers and/or hotdogs on one of the grills at the park? It would be very cool if somebody volunteers to do that.

From 2:30 to 3:30 lens ball shooting resumes, and we will then meet back at Sandbox Studios at 4:00 to return lens balls and props to the shelf. Those wishing to leave at this time can, but we encourage you to stay at the studio and edit your lensball photos with your laptop. I will be editing my photo while hooked up to a projector for anyone wanting to watch. We'll have desks set up in the studio that day for people to comfortably work on.

Stay as late as you wish, hang out with other photographers, and leave with your lens ball photo fully edited and completed! If you want another meal feel free to grab something in the area, and don't hesitate to order or pick up a pizza for the group.
Here's some tips on leaving that Saturday night with a great lens ball photo:

1. YouTube "lens ball photography" and watch a video or two about shooting techniques. This event is an active shooting event - it is not a class! We will not be providing any instruction prior to shooting. Make sure you have an overall sense of what you're doing.

2. A tripod or other device that keeps your camera low to the ground is required. I love just using a beanbag, such as the Grizzly Camera Bean Bag (about $32).

3. There is no right or wrong way to shoot a lens ball, but I personally prefer longer lenses in the range of 50mm to 200mm. My favorite crystal ball ball lens is the 135 prime. Why longer lenses? Because IMHO lens ball photos look best when there is enough boca in the background to separate the ball from the background, yet enough detail in the background to indicate to the viewer the environment the ball is in. You have more boca control with longer lenses!

4. Try filling most of the frame with the lens ball. You want the viewer to see the picture by looking at what's inside the ball, not the area surrounding the ball. If the ball is too small and there's too much detail in your photo, you're really just taking a landscape photo that includes a lens ball in it. Try to make the ball itself the focal point of your picture!

5. Uh oh the picture inside my crystal ball is upside down, but the rest of my photo is right side up! Yes, the lens ball flips the scene. In some cases you might like it just like it is, thus you can simply edit your photo and be done. But if your subject is something like a bridge, a barn, etc. these types of subjects look odd upside down. Thus you need to flip just the lens ball in your post processing. There's many techniques for doing this, but I have a favorite I'll be using for those who would like to watch. I probably flip the lens ball in 90% of my crystal ball photos.

6. Lens balls are dangerous! Remember burning leaves with a magnifying glass as a child? Lens balls do the same thing! You will burn yourself, burn the seats in your car, etc. if you leave the lens ball exposed to direct sunlight. IT'S IMPERATIVE YOU PUT YOUR LENS BALL IN A PROTECTIVE BAG BEFORE DRIVING IT TO THE PARK. We have plenty of protective bags at the studio. When situating your lens ball at the park always block direct sunlight while holding the ball in your hands. If you'd like, bring a pair of gloves just to ensure you don't burn yourself. I don't use gloves and I've never burned myself but trust me it will not take long to do so! Don't hold the ball in your bare hands for even a second with direct sunlight hitting the ball!

This event will be a lot of fun and a great opportunity for you to master some creative photography. Don't miss this fun creative photography and networking event!