Strobist DVD worth it? - DPChallenge Forums

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM

04/15/2009 08:31:26 PM · #3

There is a lot of good information in the DVDs, although you could probably get the same info from reading the strobist blog. I'm more of a audible learner so they work better for me than reading the blog.

04/15/2009 08:46:58 PM · #4

Hi Daniel,
I would say it would be the best invested money ever in photography.
It is not only odd situations, it is how to light, how to think, how to calculate and how not to calculate :)
It starts with gears which takes a full DVD, then 4 DVDs that are covering a seminar, which I found very informative, then the best IMHO are the last 3DVDs, Hobby actually takes you with you on assignements, show you how he thinks, plan, then do .. obticals that he goes through, he half dropped his camera in a pool in a shooting!!

In one of the DVDs he shows you how to light a basketball court with 2 to 3 flashes, when I first saw that I was like come on .. righttttttttttttt .. till I got hired to shoot a birthday party in the same situation, and I light the entire basketball court using only 2 flashes, every one who saw the pictures was extreamely impressed, knowing how it was dark in there '' typical birthday party lighting ''.

If you are average to mid level, I'd still go for it, if you are really advance and knows it all about strobes then I don't think you'll need it. About me, it was a big change in my photography since i've got those DVDs.
btw I am going through them again for the second time.
I've taken a look at your portfolio, man you are darn good with light, if you are doing that using strobes, then you wont need it, If you don't .. then get them, and I am sure I'll be seeing your pictures at the front page more often ..

All the best,
Ameed,
All the best,

danielv

Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT

Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM

04/16/2009 02:30:48 AM · #5

thanks for the feedback. I've ordered it. I do a lot of strobe lighting, and have so much to learn in that respect that I'm sure i'll learn a lot. I'd love to do more location lighting.
And the price seems to be very reasonable for the content.

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

04/16/2009 07:59:24 AM · #6

You wont regret it :)

citymars

Nikon D700

04/16/2009 11:25:05 AM · #7

Do you think these DVD's would be good as a crash course for a flash/lighting beginner?

Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG APO IF for Nikon

04/16/2009 11:27:48 AM · #8

Originally posted by citymars:

Do you think these DVD's would be good as a crash course for a flash/lighting beginner?

DVDs 2 to 5 are a lighting seminar, it is exactly what you'll be seeing in any course, the only thing thats is missing is one on one interaction, but it is a good start.
People who knows how to strobe still attend courses, the learning curve never stops.

amathiasphoto

Nikon D300

04/16/2009 11:39:41 AM · #9

city, I would say absolutely yes in that case

danielv

Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT

Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM

05/11/2009 10:57:54 AM · #10

quick review:

really worth it.

the first DVD is about gear. great for beginners (ie not used to off-camera flash gear) - and still a good reminder for the others
the next 4 DVDs are the recording of a semniar: you see david doing the seminar in front of the audience. Not the best audio/video quality (for example you can't hear the audience...), but the content is very good. Mostly explanations of concepts around a slideshow and then some practical exercise in the 5th DVDs. Great again for people starting of with off-camera lighting.
DVDs 5 to 8 are practical examples. No more seminar or audience. Just David on a few shots. Better structured for a DVD. The most interesting part for people than know the theory and are looking for practical situations.

All in all a great value for money, ideal for off-camera flash beginners, still worth it for more experienced ones.