The Andy Aupperlee Explosion 5000

Click photo for larger version.

After nearly four years in the Pacific Northwest, Tom Bartlett is bolting clear across the country for the other Washington. The one with Michelle and Barack. From the very beginning of my time out here in Seattle, Tom has been a great friend. From the jama-jam, to Oktoberfest, to checking out bands like Kay Kay and Fleet Foxes—Tommy B has been there.

As Tom is leaving for DC after Christmas, we all gathered last night to send him off in style. The evening kicked off with a potluck hosted by Ryan and Katie at their new West Seattle pad. I concocted a double batch of the now famous white chicken chili, however I left the “final assembly” stage of the process to Katie. I prepared the chicken and vegetables on Thursday night and had the remainder of the ingredients and Crock Pots delivered to the Connors. On Friday afternoon Katie integrated the pieces and let it cook on low for 5 hours—perfection.

Before we left to meet up with more folks in Ballard, I insisted that the group sit for a portrait. And of course—I was planning on lighting the thing. I opted for my lightweight “strobist” setup: a Nikon SB-800, LumoPro LP120, two stands and umbrellas. Since my PocketWizards were being fussy, I triggered both strobes optically using the pop-up flash on my D300 (set to manual at 1/32 power). I positioned one light and shoot through umbrella on camera right, facing the group on the left of the frame. I put the other light behind the group on the left and pointed it at the love seat gang. I took a few test exposures, chimped to get the histogram lined up in the middle, set the timer and ran to my position. Boom—instant group photo.

Although he’s trading coasts, we all know we haven’t seen the last of our good buddy. Tom: If you happen to go international, I’m sure there’s a pretty good chance the Explosion 5000 will have to issue a report live from the scene. It’s going to be exciting to see what you get yourself into—best of luck!

(A few more Tom B shots on Flickr.)

BONUS: Here’s one more group shot to send to your grandparents.