My friend Brandon stopped by to check out the new studio today. While he visited, we made a few pictures. Here are some of the ones I liked best.

Brandon, a black & white portrait :: Michael Gowin Photography :: Peoria, Illinois, headshot photographer

The Olympus OM-D E-M5 with the sharp Olympus 45mm f/1.8 lens were pressed into service again for Brandon's pictures (the same camera/lens combo I used with Karl and Sara last week). I'm experimenting more with just one light for my portraits and headshots. These were lit with a single Paul Buff Einstein in a 60" Photek Softlighter II umbrella. While I still enjoy the clean look of a "pure" white background, there's a bit more drama and interest here. At the same time, the images have a quietness and depth that doesn't always come through on a white background. Not the perfect choice for every portrait, but a good choice today.