Final Edits of Jo Ann With New Light Set-up

This may be obvious but I just need to make the point...if not for anyone then for myself! Having the proper lighting set up makes all the difference in editing time!

I was able to edit 60 photos in such a short time today because I only tweaked MINOR things with each of the photos and barely had to worry about tweaking the lighting, brightness, etc. What a difference!!!!

Lighting set up (click the links to be taken to B&H's website for each item):

(2) Nikon SB-800 Speedlights shot through Westcott Umbrellas (Optical White 45 inch) attached to Bogen/Manfrotto Justin Spring Clamp with Flash Shoe on Bogen/Manfrotto Basic Light Stands.

Flashes triggered by Elinchrom Skyport Universal Radio Slave Set

Jo Ann and My New Lighthing Set-up

Tonight I got to practice with my new lighting set-up that came yesterday from B&H. I'm still trying to learn what I'm doing right or wrong. If you have any suggestions, let know....

My test subject was my friend Jo Ann.

Jo Ann, thanks for being a great subject and willing to try all different poses and being patient with me when I was adjusting "things."

My favorite standing on a stool and look down shot...love Jo Ann's eyes in this one:

I Got My Lighthing Goods! Woo Hoo!

I'm officially a "strobist" girl! LOL! I got my lighting goods today from B&H!

With Mike's help I officially fired the first test shots tonight with my new SB800s! Yee ha!

I still don't know what I'm doing but, heck, who does the first time you do something? Well, I guess I could read all of the books and articles I want but nothing beats just opening everything up, having someone help you set everything, and just "doing."

Yes, I'm one of those people... "directions? what are directions?"

Sometimes it makes life harder but that seems to be the only way I learn.... just jump right in and try things out. I don't think it's a bad way to be...sometimes you extend your learning curve a bit but it's fun just testing things and learning as you go.

I still have some more things to get Sunday when I drive into the city to go to B&H in person (and lose myself for hours) but once I get the rest of what I need I should be "good to go" for easy, portable, lighting!

Great suggestion by Mike! Thanks for your help!

Here they are!



Lucas got bored of my lighting excitement very quickly and decided to get up on the couch and take a nap. *LOL*







I know...blurry...darn P&S...shoulda put it on Macro...but you get the idea.


More regarding the lights can be seen HERE and HERE.

Big Shout Out &Thanks to Mike Palmer

SUPER BIG THANKS to Mike Palmer!!

We get by with a little help from our friends, right?

Well, in the world of photography blogs I've come across some great people who have been very willing to help a fellow photographer out when they need it.

Mike went the extra mile and took time out of his night, tonight, to chat with a "lighting newbie" (ME) about the whole world of lighting options out there to choose from.

After talking to him about where I am with my work as well as the options of strobes, umbrellas, soft boxes, off camera flashes, skyports, etc. I feel like I am in a good place with the decision I am going to make regarding my "portable" lighting set-up for on the go portrait shoots.

I'll keep you posted on exactly what the final consensus is when we get it all down on paper.

*Mike, I really appreciate you taking time out of your night to talk "shop" with me....I must have sounded clueless...so your patience with me making you re-explain things was great.

I'm looking forward to making a final decision, having a list, and walking into B&H to make the purchase! I'm so excited to have something for future shoots!

Studio Lighting - Making the Equipment Decision

Studio Lighting

Making the Equipment Decision

http://www.keradwc.com/articles/studiolights.html

SNAPFACTORY Video Tutorials

I found the blog for SNAPFACTORY: http://blog.snapfactory.com/

And from there I found all of their wonderful video tutorials! To find all of their videos in one place check out their UTUBE channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/snapfactory or check out all of the videos I've posted below.

In this episode they explain how the shutter works, shutter sync, and how to control the ambient light exposure while using a flash. Worth watching!!



Video regarding a 3 Light Set up:




The first in a 3 episode series to help answer the question, "What should I buy?" Basic principles of light are discussed in this episode



(Part 1 of 3) In this episode Mark goes over basic lighting equipment to help answer the question, "What should I buy?"



(Part 2 of 3) In this episode Mark goes over basic lighting equipment to help answer the question, "What should I buy?"



(Part 3 of 3) In this episode Mark goes over basic lighting equipment to help answer the question, "What should I buy?"



In this episode Mark shows you 2 different 3 light setups. This is the final episode in the 3 part series that helps you understand what equipment to buy.



In this episode Mark explains how to set up a Pocket Wizard system. Mark also explains how you can mix and match lighting equipment from different manufacturers.



In this video they talk about how your len choices affect the outcome of portrait photographs. They show you a little about wide angle lenses etc... Take a look!

Book on Lighting for Photography

Book on lighthing that was recommended to me. You can review some of the book HERE.

Do It Yourself Ring Light (On Camera)

I featured a link to a DIY (do it yourself) Ring light on an old post found here.

Today another this link was shared with me for a do it yourself ring light that you attach to your camera so I wanted to share with you:

ON CAMERA DO IT YOURSELF RING LIGHT

This previous post I wrote back in November of 2007 has other DIY links as well as a DIY on-camera Ring Light.

Deep Thoughts...

Today I visited my friend Lee who lives in New York City. We agreed we'd do indoor portraits today and I had a blast practicing with him.

Since I don't have studio lighting I brought 2 hardware store style clamp lights with 60 watt flourescent bulbs in them. I also had the Gary Fong Lightsphere on my SB800 flash with the opaque cover over it. I used my black muslin fabric backdrop and we rigged it up on a wall.

The tone of the photoshoot was on a more serious note and it took on a "deep thoughts" feel so that's why I titled the photo session that.

I did a lot of close-up compositions during the photo shoot and a lot of the shots involved hands. I've only worked on a few edits so far tonight so these are some that I'd like to share....



A different B&W Conversion showing some shadows:





Another conversion of the one above with the Platino Action:



And more more:



I'll be editing more of the many shots I took at this photo shoot so be on the look out for more!!

Baby Eric!

Today was baby Eric's photoshoot and it went very well. Between cries I think we got some really great holiday themed photos.

The fabric worked out really well once we found a way to rig up. We used a very large armoir that holds the TV in the family room. We shut the doors and hung the material on top of the TV stand with heavy free weights.

I need to get some kind of stand evenutally if I am to keep doing this kind of thing. We put a folded blanket under the muslin that came down across the floor so the baby would be lying on it. Then we used his boppy for the ones where we didn't have something to prop under his arms (like the stocking, etc).

I had to lay on my stomach in front of him to take the photos straight on. So, the only thing I might try next time is putting him on a table and hanging the backdrop behind him so I can sit on a chair in front of him to shoot the shots. I got tired getting up and down from a laying down position every time I wanted to adjust something but you live and learn!

Next time I do back at the end of December we are going to try different things so it will all be practice.

The only thing I noticed about the muslin is that it atracts every pieces of lint but then again what material doesn't? At least I heard it's easy to wash...but I guess everytime I wash it I have to IRON IT!!! By the way...I had to iron it! It took quite a while but I was worried the creases would show. Now I'm not so sure the creases would have even shown with the way I only lit the scene with a couple overhead recessed lights and the flash with the Gary Fong Lightsphere (with the white cap over it).

I think I should have bumped up the dimmer on the over head lights because I'm finding the unedit versions very dark and I need to boost the brightness on them.

I'm uploading the unedited originals and when they load my friend is going to pick out the ones she likes most so I can edit those first (that way she can order her Holiday Cards).

Then I will slowy work on my favorites of the day doing the usual assortments of treatments, etc.

My favorite are the ones where he is lying on the towels over the laundry basket - they are soooo cute! Julie thought this was the cutest picture and I must say I agree - it's one of my other favorites of the day:

Do it Yourself Lightboxes, Ring Lights, Gel Lights for Product Photography

I created my own "Do It Yourself Lightbox"

To view my Tutorial click here: http://jenweaverphotography.blogspot.com/2007/12/do-it-myself-lightbox.html



Links to Do It Yourself Softboxes, Light Tents, and a $10 Macro Studio:

Homemade Light Box for Product Photography

Light Box / Light Tent

How To: DIY $10 Macro Photo Studio



Guide/Techniques on Photographing Jewelry:

Jewelry Photography Techniques



Do it Yourself Ring Light Tutorials:

DIY Ring Light free standing

You can also reference another post I wrote with a link to an on-camera DIY Ring Light.


The Foamcore Homemade Softbox - How It's Built

http://www.studiolighting.net/foam-core-homemade-softbox/


Do it Yourself Gel Light:

Gel Light



Article on Taking Professional Looking Photos Without a Professional:

Pro Photos Without Being a Pro


Now that I've created the first light box with the foamcore boards I can photograph my handmade jewelry with ease or any other macro photograph that needs good lighting! :)