Speedlite Flash Bracket
Came across the CheetahStand site the other day while researching some options for Speedlite compatible softboxes. Their gear looks impressive – I’m especially tempted by their octobox, which is something I’ve long lusted after. But what caught my attention right away was this: the Cheetah Speed Pro Bracket.
Pretty ingenious – by mounting the Speedlite horizontally [...]
Canon Wireless Flash System
With the introduction of the EOS 7D, Canon finally took the initiative to play catch-up to Nikon in an area where they had been woefully lacking: wireless flash control. For years Canon has been not only in the backseat, but in the far back of the bus, when compared to Nikon’s Creative Lighting System.
The 7D [...]
How to make a DIY Flash Extender
A flash extender, in case you’re wondering, is a device designed to extend the range of a flash (duh), most commonly a hotshoe-mounted Speedlite style flash. They are of particular use to bird and wildlife photographers, although they can be used by any photographer who works with telephoto lenses and needs some extra punch from [...]
Canon EOS 7D – Review: Part 2
Last time I talked about the physical features of the new 7D. This time I’m going to talk about some of its more advanced features, edging towards the final review, which will feature full sample images and conclusions.
One of the things that excited me most about the 7D was the built-in flash commander mode. [...]
Make any setting a portrait setting
Portraiture requires a number of specialized tools – and that number increases depending on who you ask, and how serious a portrait photog you are. At the most basic level, a lens well suited to portraiture work and some form of lighting are needed; at the other end of the spectrum are photos with [...]
Senior Studio Portraits – Review
Part two of my senior portrait shoot is now complete, which wraps up that project. It has been an interesting experience, trying some new techniques and returning to old ones, and I’m certain that the client will be thrilled with her images.
The main portion of the shoot was studio-based and went pretty much as [...]
New Flash System?
For a couple of years now, I’ve been working with the Strobist system; older Speedlights, used in manual mode with wireless triggers. Strobist took the photographic world by storm with this system, and for good reason. It’s cheap, it’s highly effective, and once you figure out what you’re doing, it’s easy.
The setup I [...]
One-Light Portraits
Monday night I did a senior portrait session down in Wilkes-Barre, PA. It went well. Very well, in fact. For both of us. My client got some unique photos, and I got to play with lights. Or more specifically, with a light.
This was a new approach for me. My usual MO when lighting [...]
Pre-gamein' it
What do these two photos have in common? (Hint: the fact that neither is very good isn’t the correct answer.) Hopefully you’re able to see the relationship; the photo on the left is a snapshot of a massage room at a medical school, while the photo on the right is a shot of my bathroom.
My [...]
Kent Pond & the Canon 17-40mm L
Kent Pond is one of my old standby locations when I’m in Vermont. It’s small and somewhat out of the way, just the way I prefer sites to be. On first look it isn’t impressive – essentially an artificial pond with a dirt parking lot and a small boat launch. If you’re willing to take [...]