I shot with my dream team tonight.

First, let me just say, yes, I know I'm a total dork. I'm okay with that. So, while the term "dream team" is super nerdy...I have no shame! Ha!

A good photographer friend from college, Michael Norwood, flew out from California to spend the week & do a couple shoots. He's truly a phenomenal photographer. Seriously. I feel confident that if you visit his blog, you'll become a fan instantaneously.

So, anyway, he came out for a visit at the beginning of summer last year, as well. Only a couple of months before that, I'd bought my first DSLR. I was Canon, though, and he was Nikon. I did enjoy talking photography, post processing & business with him back in the day, but because we shot different equipment...well...

But, over the year, I've stalked his blog. (Like I said...I'm shameless.) He has really, really honed his skills & developed his unique style. It's been really fun & encouraging to watch his progression as a photographer. There are many, many times that I've looked at a photo he's posted & my jaw has just dropped. I don't know HOW he gets the shots he does. Seriously just stunning, intimate, emotional, timeless shots.

I also remember getting a call from him a few months back. It's funny...I think we photographers (professional or otherwise) really just live in a world of our own that only we fully understand. He called to share some BIG OL' news that he knew I would appreciate. He was making the switch, jumping ship, playing for the other team...going to CANON! Well, Michael goes all the way, top of the line. So, yeah, he bought everything I had on my wish list & things I didn't even know I wanted until many months later. It's a good thing he's such a likable guy because otherwise my jealousy really might have ended the friendship. (Okay...yes, that's a little dramatic. BUT, I was super duper jealous. Haha!)

So, when he & Curt started talking a couple months back about him coming out to Texas again, I was stoked! You realize what this means, right!?! Um...yeah...he's bringing the gear, baby! Yes, yes, I'm thrilled to see Michael again, but as equally thrilled to see his "stuffed-to-the-brim-with-outta-control-magnificent-Canon-lenses" Lowepro backpack. :-)

Fortunately, Michael is a really gracious guy & is so willing to let me shoot with all his gear. In fact, he's been a little overly encouraging. I think he's trying to peer pressure me into buying the good gear. :-) Haha! I would if I could, Michael. I would if I could. So, while he, Curt & another old friend, Matt Paddock, were out playing & singing tonight, I took HIS gear & my Maya out into the front yard to really solidify that I NEED all that stuff. (I'm a glutton for punishment, as well as shameless.)

Anyway, the dream team...the Canon 5D with the 85mm f/1.2L. A beautiful union right there, I tell ya... So, yeah, I do, in fact, need it. Here are a few pictures of Maya.

This first one. Sheesh. I was just wanting to check out what it could do wide open. The aperture was set at 1.2, and dang. It did NOT disappoint. I was thinking it would be acceptably sharp. I was NOT expecting THIS sharp!

A 100% crop of the eye.
The following three shots were also shot at f/1.2. This lens is AMAZING.


This next shot was also with the 85 1.2, but the ap was set to f/1.6.
And, these last two photos were shot with the 5D & 70-200 2.8L IS @ f/2.8.

I really did have such a fun time tonight. I'm definitely a photog. nerd.

And, about Michael...let me just go ahead and swallow my pride. I've been plenty vocal about how thrilled I am to have access to his gear. It's true. But, I must say that I've been most looking forward to just getting to shadow him on a couple engagement shoots. I think that spending a few days with him, picking his brain, watching him work, will make me a better photographer than any pricey lens would.

Oh, by the way Michael...I apologize for all the "talky." I hope you'll overlook it just this once since I AM tootin' your horn, talkin' you up, singin' your praises & all...