### *Photoblog by @runrudy* ###  
### *#behindthepixels* ###

I want to start off thanking @jamtaylor for promoting my macro artwork in his first issue of Viewfinder Steemzine.  

If you haven't seen it yet,  https://steemit.com/photography/@jamtaylor/viewfinder-steemzine-vol-1-inspiration-reviews-how-to-s-behind-the-photo-and-more

Here is today's photo: 

<img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Steemit/i-rpMbLbJ/0/X2/Studio-H20-Portrait-1-X2.jpg" alt="">

Earlier this year, I saw some top commercial studio photographers creating cool portrait images of people and popping water balloons. 

I am always trying to challenge myself and grow as a photographer/artist.  

I thought, maybe I should try that? 

So, as any good scientist would do. I carefully analyzed each photo and visited each photographer's website for any hints on how to reverse engineer and accomplish the same look.  

I found out that I was kinda behind the eight ball: 

1. I don't consider myself a pro, I am still barely a Padawan in training. 
2. They were all using professional models.  I have my wonderful but impatient kids.
3. They all had a crew of 3-6 assistants on the shoot to help.  I only had me, myself and I. 

I said screw it and let's try.  Let's see where I stack up. 

Little did I know that this would be one the most difficult projects I have done to date.

Here are the final images. I am pleased with the results but not exactly what I imagined in my mind.  I think I did the best with what I had.

What do you guys think?   

This one is my favorite.  

<img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Steemit/i-rpMbLbJ/0/X2/Studio-H20-Portrait-1-X2.jpg" alt="">

My daughter just turned 8 years old so we did this one for her. 

<img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Steemit/i-776M4Bh/0/X3/Studio-H20-Portrait-X3.jpg" alt="">

I showed a friend and she said, "Cool, can you do that with my son."  I was like hell no.  I don't think I can do that again. 
  
My daughters are real troopers.  

We did this over and over dozens of times.  It took me about three weeks to finally figure it all out.    

I am very lucky to have them as training models.  

I would be pressed to find anyone that would let me pop a balloon in their face two dozen times.   

Then add in the fact it's a water balloon, your in a cold pitch black studio, having to keep still and keep a cute smile on your face while it explodes. Pheew.  They are the best little knuckle heads a dad could ask for. 

Here are a few of the behind the scenes, progression, misfires, bloopers and outtakes. 

This was a timing and proof of concept practice shot.   You can see the stick which has a pin at the end.  At the same time I am reaching over to hit the shutter button on my camera.  In my head: it's one, two, three pop balloon/push shutter button.  I edit all that out in post for the final images.  

<img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Steemit/i-tVsgtQV/0/L/High%20Speed_-L.jpg" alt=""> 

You can see her struggling with the weight of the balloon.  They were heavy and slippery.  Literally, a wet noodle. 

<img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Steemit/i-kGtjwph/0/X2/High%20Speed_-11-X2.jpg" alt="">

<img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Steemit/i-jDjTwPv/0/X2/High%20Speed_-10-X2.jpg" alt="">

Getting closer but she is so freaked out about the explosion and pin, she has crazy eyes to keep them from closing during the pop. 
 
<img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Steemit/i-wZVcmgK/0/X2/High%20Speed_-15-X2.jpg" alt="">

Here is her very first try. Little nervous.

<img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Steemit/i-hDbPVJG/0/X2/High%20Speed_-2-X2.jpg" alt="">

<img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Steemit/i-mPBtkgT/0/X2/High%20Speed_-3-X2.jpg" alt="">

<img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Steemit/i-QwpJHBh/0/XL/High%20Speed_-4-XL.jpg" alt="">

#behindthepixels

That's it for today.  Thank you and enjoy!  

If you think this was cool, Upvote and/or ReSteem to support my work.  

and visit @jamtaylor first issue of Viewfinder Steemzine to see my work there also. 

### Please enjoy and if you liked this:

###  Upvote / ReSteem to support my work.  

[![Late%20Date%20Steem%20Final%203-M.jpg](https://photos.smugmug.com/Steemit/i-pKhwCD5/0/M/Late%20Date%20Steem%20Final%203-M.jpg)](https://steemit.com/@runrudy)

[@runrudy](https://steemit.com/@runrudy)

***All images © 2016 Rudy Gonzales. All rights reserved.***