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DPChallenge Forums >> Tips, Tricks, and Q&A >> DPC Strobist Group
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Showing posts 1 - 25 of 210, descending (reverse)
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 07/09/2009 03:40:36 PM · #1
Just awesome work! Thanks for sharing the lighting.

Originally posted by dwterry:
I've been doing lots of strobist style work, but only rarely have a chance to get on DPC any more. So noticing this thread pop-up again, I thought I'd add some images to the thread:

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- -

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All of these were shot with 580EX on camera as a master, and 580EXII on a light stand with shoot-through umbrella (two of them also have another 580EXII on a light stand behind the bride to light up her veil). Slaves were fired using RadioPoppers.
07/09/2009 03:34:08 PM · #2
Simply amazing David! I'm venturing into it a bit more and am pleased with the results though I've got a fair ways to go to catch up with your quality. Thanks for posting as I find it very encouraging!

Message edited by author 2009-07-09 15:34:44.
 07/09/2009 03:29:43 PM · #3
I've been doing lots of strobist style work, but only rarely have a chance to get on DPC any more. So noticing this thread pop-up again, I thought I'd add some images to the thread:

-

- -

-

All of these were shot with 580EX on camera as a master, and 580EXII on a light stand with shoot-through umbrella (two of them also have another 580EXII on a light stand behind the bride to light up her veil). Slaves were fired using RadioPoppers.


07/09/2009 07:59:47 AM · #4
Is anybody doing BootCamp II from DPC?
 05/30/2009 09:53:36 AM · #5
Did a forum search for this and found nothing, so I thought I'd put a link here.

For those that are interested/havn't found it yet, you can watch Nikon's 30 minute "Speed of Light" video (on using Nikon's CLS in practice) with McNally here free on Google Video!

This post on Strobist goes some way as to explain why it hasn't been removed from the site, which is nice!

Enjoy
 01/20/2009 04:33:13 PM · #6
New gear. I had been using a DIY Beauty Dish as my key or main light for most of my shoots lately. Especially if I was getting close up shots because I like the round catch lights in the eyes better then the spider lines that an umbrella gives.

Photos of the DIY Beauty Dish:
(top left)

One of my shots taken with it:


But today my new 20"x 20" softbox arrived:




A few quick images with it:




I'm thinking that more often than not I'll be sticking with the Beauty Dish for tight portrait shots because I still prefer the round catch lights, but so far I'm diggin' the new softbox.

12/25/2008 12:29:05 PM · #7
Originally posted by ambaker:
Perhaps, if you behave, Santa will bring the rest of her next year. ;-0

LOL that was cute :-)
 12/24/2008 09:09:01 PM · #8
Bad case of flash envy here...

I like the back-light on the wall behind Griselda. Griselda looks a little cool, perhaps a little stronger light or a gold reflector would help.

Perhaps, if you behave, Santa will bring the rest of her next year. ;-0
 12/24/2008 08:12:23 PM · #9
I tend to avoid using my flash because I generally prefer natural light, but sometimes it can't be helped.
Since I avoid it so much, I'm hopeless at using it and have decided it is time I try a little harder.

Meet Griselda - my new friend who will be my PATIENT model, while I mess around with options.
I also got a new flash for Christmas, so now I might finally learn how to use it.

I am thrilled with this effort - both my ugly friend and the tree look pretty good to me :-)


12/24/2008 08:52:25 AM · #10
Originally posted by Ivo:
Alright, I've hidden from the "light" long enough and will kindly ask for some help. I am really intrigued by the whole "strobist" concept and it makes practical sense for reasons mentioned over and over.


First, Welcome and please make sure you come back here and share all your experiences with us.

Originally posted by Ivo:

The question is simply "which way should I go"?


I am not familiar with the Nikon system but I went with the Cactus triggers only because it would be hard to ask the wife for $800 on Pocket Wizards after I just spent over $5000 on my JEEP. So for obvious reasons I chose the cheaper triggers. I did check out the Alien Bee triggers but IMO if money is not an issue I would go straight to the top and buy the Pocket Wizards. I know I will once money is there.
 12/24/2008 12:21:05 AM · #11
Right now IMO there are 2 paths to do this.....

* The eTTL/CLS path which needs the more expensive flashes. The logical extension would be the radiopoppers to get radio eTTL for when light communication fails (either bright sunlight, thru objects or distance.... also that bright sunlight is overdone as I think it's better then most realise).

* The cheap manual flash (second hand SB24 types or Vivitar or whatever) with the radio triggers, optical or cables (don't rule out the cables). A mixture or optical and radio/cable works great also. This path is all manual though..... so you lose the fancy TTL operations and the auto adjustments from the camera (apart from Cyber/RP in some cases with PCB lights).

As for the PW's - Personally I think there are better options today IF you don't need to rent gear or play with other photg - because for good or bad PW are still the industry standard and common. IMO the PCB CyberSync are the best options going (get the plus model if you have or plan to also have PCB lights) but the new release of radiopopper jr looks interesting and touted to have a range equal to the PW's.

Welcome to the non dark side :-)
 12/23/2008 11:00:04 PM · #12
Alright, I've hidden from the "light" long enough and will kindly ask for some help. I am really intrigued by the whole "strobist" concept and it makes practical sense for reasons mentioned over and over.

I have the following: Nikon D200, Nikon SB600 and Nikon SB-22s

I need to get the following for certain: Light Stands, Umbrellas, various clamps and bungees.

The part I'm sorta dumb about is whether to get a Nikon SB-800 or to go the route of Pocket Wizards? If I get the SB-800, I'll just have the SB-800 and the SB-600 as my strobes. If I get the Pocket Wizards, I'd need 3 wizards, the SB-600, SB-22s and a hot shoe adapter for the SB-600 as it does not have a flash plug.

Though I understand the SB-800 and SB-600 will have everything built in to do the job of the pocket wizards, I know little of the success utilizing the Nikon Speedlight array versus the proven range and reliability of the Pocket Wizards. The beauty of the Speedlight array is that everything is built in whereas the pocket wizard is just a whole heap of other stuff I need to keep track of.

The cost to go either way will be comparable if I go new but I have a good chance of getting a used SB-800 on eBay for a pretty attractive price.

I'd like to do this right and don't want to look at cheaper alternatives to the Pocket Wizard as I agree, they are proven to be the best. The Nikon Flash system is also rock solid with regards to quality so I think both solutions will provide the best ...... for durability.

The question is simply "which way should I go"?

Please and thanks?

12/20/2008 08:02:25 PM · #13
Originally posted by ryand:
Very nice shots man, appreciate you posting the setup as well.


Thanks! Yea, I love it when others include set up shots. No matter how well they describe their set up, a photo of it always helps more. So I try to get one most of the time, but sometimes in my focus or haste to get the shot and move on I forget.
 12/20/2008 07:50:06 PM · #14
Very nice shots man, appreciate you posting the setup as well.
 12/20/2008 07:42:55 PM · #15
Alright here are a few shots from a shoot back in October. All flashes triggered either with a Pocket Wizard, or optically.




Set up:
SB-28 into a shoot through umbrella to camera left in front of model and a bare SB-800 to camera right for rim light (not in the photo)





Set up:
Same as before, but with a flag over the model to block sunlight coming through the trees.




Set up:
SB-28 into shoot through umbrella camera left in front of model, two bare flashes for rim lights. One camera left and one camera right. (Rim lights are SB-26 & Sb-800)


( ^ Doin' my thing.)




Set up:
SB-28 into shoot through umbrella camera right for first shot, same for the second, but with a silver reflector added underneath her face for fill.


Message edited by author 2008-12-20 19:59:48.
 12/20/2008 07:27:48 PM · #16
Originally posted by James:
Post up some pics when you get a chance.

Still waiting on mine (1 Transmitter, 3 Receivers) Sure it will take a while coming from China?

I think they will be here either Monday or Tuesday.


yeah i've heard a bunch of crap about them, but so far I've probably tested it a hundred times and it is yet to misfire. One time it did fire one of my flashes every time it recycled even with my camera off. I also electrical taped the battery door tightly on because it was a bit loose. But they work quite well so far, I think you'll enjoy them.
 12/20/2008 07:15:40 PM · #17
Post up some pics when you get a chance.

Still waiting on mine (1 Transmitter, 3 Receivers) Sure it will take a while coming from China?

I think they will be here either Monday or Tuesday.
 12/20/2008 05:59:53 PM · #18
Whoop, whoop, just got my Cactus triggers today (1 transmitter, 2 receivers). I'll post some test shots later today maybe.
 12/11/2008 11:40:00 PM · #19
Joe check your PM in regards to a sync cable.

Matt
 12/11/2008 02:53:53 AM · #20
Another good place to pick up strobist cables etc is from Lon at flash zebra

Flash Zebra

Very pleasant to deal with.
 12/11/2008 12:29:09 AM · #21
Originally posted by smurfguy:
Matt, how does that 16x16" flash softbox work for you? I've been tempted to pick one up, though I can't convince myself it'd be any better than my shoot-through umbrella. Maybe a little more mobile?


I have only been using them for about a week. I absolutely love the results so far. Here are a couple of samples with me playing.



Of course once I get the hang of it they might be better. I got a real bargain on the two
I bought. 16x16 softbox X 2, the little stands, the umbrella mounts, shipped to my door..........$121 :D

Matt
 12/11/2008 12:22:34 AM · #22
Matt, how does that 16x16" flash softbox work for you? I've been tempted to pick one up, though I can't convince myself it'd be any better than my shoot-through umbrella. Maybe a little more mobile?
 12/11/2008 12:18:25 AM · #23
Originally posted by jdannels:
Thanks alot Matt. These have been questions holding me back from working more with off camera flash, so once I get all these little bits I will be good to go. :)
Do you recommend getting light stands or just use old tripods?


I value my 580EXII's so I use the same 13' stands that hold my AB's. I want to have stability, height and most importantly did I mention I like my flashes so I dont want a bit of wind to knock them over? I recommend a good stand with one of the umbrella holders linked earlier, either mine or someone else.

Matt
 12/11/2008 12:17:51 AM · #24
Originally posted by jdannels:
Do you recommend getting light stands or just use old tripods?

These have worked well for me - pretty light yet durable, though there are slightly cheaper options.

ETA, I detailed the items I bought in my strobist thread.

Message edited by author 2008-12-11 00:20:42.
 12/11/2008 12:13:15 AM · #25
Thanks alot Matt. These have been questions holding me back from working more with off camera flash, so once I get all these little bits I will be good to go. :)
Do you recommend getting light stands or just use old tripods?
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