There are a few people I have spoken too that I hope to do a photographic portrait of. Some are individuals,others are couples some have dogs. The reason is that I need the practise handling the light and composing these projects. Often times the ambient light is easier to photograph. Once you start controlling and directing the light it gets much more difficult. My goal is too set the white balance, choose my f-stop and shutter speed manually ,arrange some external flashes or perhaps a reflector or diffuser,  and have the model appear in a pleasing position. It sounds easy but there are thousands of combinations of settings when all said and done. But I will try one step at a time. I was lucky enough to try the other day. At the end I was afraid I could not pull it all together but managed to have more success than failure.  Thanks Jazman!
    Before the rain hit today I treated myself to a walk on State Beach. No problem finding parking today, the tourist crowds are still a few weeks away. The only color showing were the many beach roses coming into bloom. Both red and white could be found.