Poster:	blaneyphoto
Date:	2012-01-01 23:21
Subject:
Security:	Public

Poster:	blaneyphoto
Date:	2011-12-28 20:25
Subject:
Security:	Public

Poster:	joiseyguy
Date:	2010-08-15 11:16
Subject:	lights out?
Security:	Public

Any working photo pros still here or is it time to turn the lights off?

Poster:	panophobia
Date:	2009-05-26 22:30
Subject:	Flashes, ARRRR!
Security:	Public

Hello! I'm new to the community!

Somehow I've managed to get as far as I have without really using a flash, but I've decided to really tackle this, and embrace artificial light when I leave the studio.

Right now I have an old Sunpak MZ440AF-PT, which came with a used Pentax a few years ago. I do not have a manual for it and am not having any luck whatsoever in getting much information online. I know how to use it with desired results, but I have a couple of issues.

1. The recycle time is terrible - I count usually around 11 seconds! I now there's a few ways around this, like adjusting to only use half power, which is easily doable, but I did find out on one site the minimum time is 8 seconds anyway. This is NOT doable ;)

I found some information about creating a battery pack (specifically for a Vivitar) which greatly increases speed (only .9 seconds to recycle) - is there any solution like this for the Sunpak? I started reading horror stories about the unit burning up if not done correctly. I don't know much about amps and volts, but have access to someone who can build me just about anything within reason. Input?

I also heard just adjusting the type of battery can make a significant difference - this I may or may not be interested in. I already struggle using batteries because I hate how wasteful they become, but if there are any suggestions for reasonably priced, effective rechargeable batteries, I'd be game!

2. I shoot with a Nikon D200 outside the studio, and I have stuck the Sunpak on with no problems so far (though only for a couple shots here and there to test things out). Is this a big no-no?

Poster:	joiseyguy
Date:	2009-05-15 09:00
Subject:	Fake No Photo Laws
Security:	Public

Poster:	winter_in_asia
Date:	2009-05-09 09:53
Subject:	Exposure issues with Primes vs Zooms
Security:	Public

I was in the studio with a client shooting some headshots and ran into an interesting problem. I had been shooting with my Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8 (ISO 100, 1/160th, f/7.1) when I realized I was hovering around 50mm anyway, so I decided to switch to the prime to save my back some strain.

I was shocked.

After switching to the prime, I found everything was 2/3 of a stop *more* exposed than with the same settings on the zoom. I double-checked all my settings to make sure I hadn't bumped anything while switching the lenses and found them to be identical.

Any idea why this would be happening? I've tested in various other situations and concluded the following:

a) It's not the specific copy of the prime or the zoom -- I've tested with other lenses at the same approximate focal length and found them to match my findings with original zoom and prime. All my zooms are letting in ~2/3 stop less light than the primes. I also have two copies of the 50mm prime and both perform identically.

b) It's not the studio lights. I've checked in an all natural situation.

I'm thinking it's either from the Active D Lighting on my D300 or it's because the primes simply let in more light. I'm open to other suggestions, though, since neither of these seems quite right.

Poster:	conformistsheep
Date:	2009-02-12 08:07
Subject:	Colours online vs. Photoshop.
Security:	Public

I have a colour related question and hopefully this is an okay forum to post it in.

I made my image's colours look exactly the way i wanted them in Photoshop (CS3) and in my finder (mac) it looks right as well. However, as soon as it goes online - email, Photobucket, Livejournal and Facebook - Firefox and Safari - the colours are super faded. Obviously this is not a monitor calibration thing, because i'm using the very same computer. I've tested the image on another computer by emailing it (haven't tested by transporting it via flash drive yet) and it's faded.

Question: Is there something that happens to colours when you upload a photo onine? There've been a few images i thought were darker when i uploaded them and washed out, but not to this extent so far. Also, usually it was a matter of looking at it online on a different monitor than on the one i set up the image on. So my assumptions where around monitor calibration?

If anyone can shed some light on this, no pun intended, that would be awesome!

Poster:	virtual_gravy
Date:	2009-01-18 04:28
Subject:	The Body
Security:	Public

Call it "My Luck" that scouting out a location the day before, I was able to pick the exact place and time a body would wash ashore while I was trying to setup a shot. That's what happened. Here is the lovely Miss Chloe Leigh to tell it. :)



Oh... and here is the photo we were shooting.

( Cut )

Poster:	goebelmedia
Date:	2009-01-11 18:47
Subject:	for wedding photographers
Security:	Public

I found this website- http:// - where wedding vendors can list for free... website links are included with no reciprocal link required!

Submit your business at www.SomethingBlueBook.comhttp://somethingbluebook.com/wedding-vendor-business-directory/wpdir-add/

Poster:	pirate_poet
Date:	2009-01-09 19:22
Subject:	used equipment prices
Security:	Public

What is the Kelly Blue Book equivalent for camera equipment? I can't seem to find anything besides this, which I would have to pay for use.

(I'm specifically looking for pricing for Hasselblad equipment.)

Thanks.

Poster:	dellswife
Date:	2008-11-19 08:58
Subject:	Back Up Camera
Security:	Public

I am wanting to buy a 2nd DSLR for a backup, and right now shoot with a Nikon. Was originally wanting to stick with another Nikon for obvious reasons, but am wondering how many, if any of you, have 2 different cameras you shoot with.

I have a chance to get a good deal on a Canon or Sony, and am torn. (I used to shoot with a Minolta SLR, so I do have 2 lenses that would be compatible with the Sony)

TIA :)

Poster:	blaneyphoto
Date:	2008-11-09 12:29
Subject:	Does this make sense? Never used extension tubes before...
Security:	Public

I'm considering the Canon Extension Tube EF 25 II to use with my 70-200.

I love using that lens in the studio, but the minimum focusing distance is a bit far for my smallish studio... the extension tube will allow me to be closer to the model right? I know the tubes also reduce the maximum focal length, but that shouldn't be an issue I don't think - will it?

Poster:	luminaireimages
Date:	2008-10-24 15:53
Subject:	pilfered images
Security:	Public
Mood:	irritated

I wanted to do a search on this community because I'm pretty sure this has come up before, but there's no search function, not even for tags.

I've been alerted to a Photobucket account that has an image loaded into it stolen from my MySpace that the user is (apparently) claiming as their own. It's the only photo that I didn't watermark because it's my profile pic...it's a self portrait OF ME. Anyway, I am following Photobucket's recommended steps for contacting them regarding stolen copyrighted material, but I want to contact the user as well. Can anyone point me in the direction of a template for a letter/e-mail that requests removal of copyrighted material? Something that says, "Hey you thief, that's mine. Take it down and make your own damn art," but in nice, professional terms :)

Thanks!

P.S., if anyone else wants to take a look at the account and verify their own work hasn't been pilfered as well (I'm fairly certain most, if not all of the images in the account are stolen), here's the link, and the photographer's handle is Bittersweet Captures Photography (so you can un-friend them on MySpace, Facebook, etc).

Poster:	conformistsheep
Date:	2008-10-09 19:51
Subject:	monitor calibration.
Security:	Public

I've been researching monitor calibration online but i can only find forums that are a few years old. What are your recommendations for a monitor calibration tool for photographers specifically? What would you not recommend, more importantly.

Thank you kindly.

Poster:	blaneyphoto
Date:	2008-10-07 19:33
Subject:
Security:	Public

If you're an iPhone or iPod Touch owner who still happens to shoot film - the Flashlight App makes a great portable light box. Found that out today....

Poster:	fix_id
Date:	2008-10-01 08:40
Subject:	canon 50d -- words of wisdom?
Security:	Public

hello all.
well, it's a photographer's favorite kinda day: the one where you come home with new gear! i purchased the 50d yesterday and i'm crazy about it thus far.

i wanted to know if there's any existing owners that have any tips or notes about the camera. i've had the original digital rebel since it's release, and i'm feeling a bit impaired. i have the basics down, but anything i should know about all these new great features?

i also have a question-- i can't seem to get my auto focus to work during liveview? is this a mistake setting i have it on, or is that standard?

please tell me things as if i know NOTHING (that's pretty accurate :)
thank you so much!

( a few play photos from last night )

Poster:	fix_id
Date:	2008-09-23 11:00
Subject:	wedding albums
Security:	Public

hello all.  i'm new with a question.
i don't see much activity here, but hopefully someone can provide some insight.  i'm just now beginning to offer albums with my wedding packages and i'm having a huge problem finding a "user friendly" company.  i'm a beginner, looking for something easy, so kill me.

i've checked out zook books, asuka and renaissance.  i liked asuka, but had massive amounts of trouble downloading the templates.

pleeeeeease refer me to a simple, yet professional album company. 

Poster:	conformistsheep
Date:	2008-09-22 17:11
Subject:	Evasive clients.
Security:	Public

I would like to know what your thoughts are on this situation.

I accepted a volunteer wedding gig. Before the day of, and every time we met, the bride said that they have some money in their budget they were unaware was left over, and are planning on giving that to me.

The wedding went very well, they loved how i worked, etc. The couple and i got along swimmingly and met for coffee a number of times before the event took place.

A day before i left for a trip, the bride and i met for me to deliver the dvd of images. She absolutely loved the shots i took but said she doesn't have the money on her right now, i must let her know when i'm back so we can go for coffee and she can give me the money. I did let her know over her cell that i was back and asked her when was a good time for her to go for coffee. I didn't hear from her for a few days and sent her an email. She said her phone wasn't working and was apologetic. She said she was busy that week, but how about next? I let a few days go by to ask her for a date and time to meet and haven't heard from her yet.

In hindsight, i think i was stupid to give her the dvd. I did not do this gig for money, but she offered it when she didn't need to. I rather she'd have not told me about it ahead of time and that way she can still change her mind and i'd never be the wiser. Now, i think she's avoiding me, because she regrets having offered me money.

I'm not sure how to approach this. If i say nothing, she thinks of me as an easy pushover with no spine. If i do approach her, how? What do i say and how? It's not the money i'm after, it's more that i want her to respect me and i realize after she offered money i should have held on to the product until she can pay me for it. Now she has no more reason other than my regard of her to meet me. And since i'm not actually a friend of hers but a an internet contact for a gig that's over, she doesn't need my regard if she doesn't want it.

Any thoughts?

Next time, no cash (however voluntary), no product. Oh, hindsight....
I wonder just how classic a story this one is...

Poster:	blaneyphoto
Date:	2008-09-17 14:51
Subject:	Event photography and the 5D Mark II....
Security:	Public

So this new 5D shoots great looking video. Cool. Will that be a problem in the future for some of us? I've shot some events where video wasn't allowed. In particular, the most recent Warped Tour at Nassau Colesium. They were literally checking cameras and making a huge deal about video. I'm wondering if in the not too distant future certain cameras might be banned from events... But it seems like all cameras might have this feature in 5 years time - what then?

Poster:	blaneyphoto
Date:	2008-09-14 21:31
Subject:
Security:	Public

In my ongoing quest to find an affordable, yet actually useful (ie, not Holga) medium format camera I've been considering a Koni-Omega Rapid M.

Anyone have any experience with these? Anything to look out for?