Re: OT: Studio lighting enablement
On Wed, Jul 3, 2013 at 11:55 PM, Walt ldott...@gmail.com wrote: So, I went to the local camera shop today to look for a real softbox to use for the family photo shoot I was set to do this evening. Before I knew it, I was walking out with two fairly nice pneumatic-type light stands, two Studio Systems SPS920 AC studio strobes (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/246869-REG/SP_Studio_Systems_SPS920_920_AC_Strobe_Series.html), two umbrellas (white and black) and a 6' flash sync cable. I went in expecting to spend about $50-$75 and ended up spending $200. I feel like I got a pretty damned good deal, though. Congrats, Walt. That will get you started for indoor portraiture quite nicely, and you can use an umbrella and stand with your speedlight outdoors too. It was a display setup, of which the carrying bag had faded on one side from sitting in direct sun in the storefront window. I really couldn't afford it, but I felt like I couldn't afford to let the opportunity pass. Everything seems to be of reasonably good build quality, and the strobes/modeling lights all checked out before I left the store with them. Now, if I can just find some good studio space . . . and some extremely hot models. Have you some room in your home? You don't need a lot. Gaff-tape black fabric to the wall when you don't want bounced light. I blame Bruce for all of this, of course. Well, you know where to find me -- wait: no you don't. Heh! :-) -- -bmw -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: OT: Studio lighting enablement
On 7/4/2013 8:25 AM, Bruce Walker wrote: Congrats, Walt. That will get you started for indoor portraiture quite nicely, and you can use an umbrella and stand with your speedlight outdoors too. Thanks, Bruce. I'm looking forward to trying that out soon. Hopefully, we'll keep bearable temperatures around here -- the long-term forecast calls for a cooler-than-average July and August, so it just may work out that way! Now, if I can just find some good studio space . . . and some extremely hot models. Have you some room in your home? You don't need a lot. Gaff-tape black fabric to the wall when you don't want bounced light. Unfortunately, I don't. Every single room is taken up, though I do have a workshop that could potentially work. I'd have to do a LOT of reconfiguring, and it would take quite a bit of work. I'm going to start asking around to see if there are any beneficent souls in my circle of friends who might have a little space I can use from time to time. I blame Bruce for all of this, of course. Well, you know where to find me -- wait: no you don't. Heh! :-) Not unless you live anywhere near the old Elsinore brewery in Strange Brew. ;) -- Walt -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: OT: Studio lighting enablement
On Thu, Jul 4, 2013 at 11:25 AM, Walt ldott...@gmail.com wrote: On 7/4/2013 8:25 AM, Bruce Walker wrote: Now, if I can just find some good studio space . . . and some extremely hot models. Have you some room in your home? You don't need a lot. Gaff-tape black fabric to the wall when you don't want bounced light. Unfortunately, I don't. Every single room is taken up, though I do have a workshop that could potentially work. I'd have to do a LOT of reconfiguring, and it would take quite a bit of work. I have no dedicated space here either but I roll up rugs, take down pictures, and push furniture to one end of the room. All you need is a few linear feet of blank wall, curtains, sheers in front of a window, etc. Also, if you shoot in the middle of say a living room and use wider apertures the background will blur out nicely and give a homey feel to the shot. During my shoot on Monday I used the family room (in front of vertical blinds covering the patio doors), and the living room (using light through a sheers-draped window). Sunlight was courtesy of a Pentax flash because it was overcast with smog at the time. :-( Often I use the dining room but I have to stand in the kitchen to shoot as the room isn't very wide. I'm going to start asking around to see if there are any beneficent souls in my circle of friends who might have a little space I can use from time to time. I'd work that bar angle if you can. With a backdrop in place anywhere can be a studio. I blame Bruce for all of this, of course. Well, you know where to find me -- wait: no you don't. Heh! :-) Not unless you live anywhere near the old Elsinore brewery in Strange Brew. ;) Get out, eh? Hoser. -- -bmw -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: OT: Studio lighting enablement
On 7/4/2013 10:50 AM, Bruce Walker wrote: I have no dedicated space here either but I roll up rugs, take down pictures, and push furniture to one end of the room. All you need is a few linear feet of blank wall, curtains, sheers in front of a window, etc. Also, if you shoot in the middle of say a living room and use wider apertures the background will blur out nicely and give a homey feel to the shot. During my shoot on Monday I used the family room (in front of vertical blinds covering the patio doors), and the living room (using light through a sheers-draped window). Sunlight was courtesy of a Pentax flash because it was overcast with smog at the time. :-( Often I use the dining room but I have to stand in the kitchen to shoot as the room isn't very wide. My biggest challenge, aside from shifting around furniture, rugs, etc., would be maintaining some semblance of order. It's usually a hive of activity between my brother, sister, nieces, great-nieces, friends dropping by unannounced throughout the day. My pal Dan, who lets me use his furniture/art studio from time to time does have some empty space I could probably use just about anytime I want, though. He owns the place where I did the two recent portrait shoots with the young girls, and has an unfinished area downstairs that would do nicely with a little sweeping. Big windows, plain white, primered walls, etc. I recently watched his house and dogs while he was away for the weekend, so I know he'd trust me -- which is great. I'll have to approach him with an offer of some kind. His downstairs area would be just about perfect. I'm going to start asking around to see if there are any beneficent souls in my circle of friends who might have a little space I can use from time to time. I'd work that bar angle if you can. With a backdrop in place anywhere can be a studio. I have no doubt I could use the bar if needed. Hell, I'm the chief cook and bottle washer, and they were stupid enough to give me keys! ;) I blame Bruce for all of this, of course. Well, you know where to find me -- wait: no you don't. Heh! :-) Not unless you live anywhere near the old Elsinore brewery in Strange Brew. ;) Get out, eh? Hoser. Ha! I still love that movie. I can't count how many times I've watched it. :-D -- Walt -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: OT: Studio lighting enablement
On Thu, Jul 4, 2013 at 12:18 PM, Walt ldott...@gmail.com wrote: On 7/4/2013 10:50 AM, Bruce Walker wrote: I have no dedicated space here either but I roll up rugs, take down pictures, and push furniture to one end of the room. All you need is a few linear feet of blank wall, curtains, sheers in front of a window, etc. Also, if you shoot in the middle of say a living room and use wider apertures the background will blur out nicely and give a homey feel to the shot. My biggest challenge, aside from shifting around furniture, rugs, etc., would be maintaining some semblance of order. It's usually a hive of activity between my brother, sister, nieces, great-nieces, friends dropping by unannounced throughout the day. Don't think of them as family and friends, think of them as Voice Activated Grip-gear. My pal Dan, who lets me use his furniture/art studio from time to time does have some empty space I could probably use just about anytime I want, though. He owns the place where I did the two recent portrait shoots with the young girls, and has an unfinished area downstairs that would do nicely with a little sweeping. Big windows, plain white, primered walls, etc. I recently watched his house and dogs while he was away for the weekend, so I know he'd trust me -- which is great. I'll have to approach him with an offer of some kind. His downstairs area would be just about perfect. There you go: problem solved! Big windows and white walls are photographers nirvana. Your next purchase should be a couple of 4x8' sheets of silvered one side foam insulation. Use them to bounce light from the windows and you have million dollar studio light. Pain the backs of the insulation flat black for maximum utility. -- -bmw -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: OT: Studio lighting enablement
On 7/4/2013 11:37 AM, Bruce Walker wrote: There you go: problem solved! Big windows and white walls are photographers nirvana. Your next purchase should be a couple of 4x8' sheets of silvered one side foam insulation. Use them to bounce light from the windows and you have million dollar studio light. Pain the backs of the insulation flat black for maximum utility. -- -bmw It definitely would solve the problem. I guess the only reason I haven't approached him before is that I don't want to impose, or interrupt him while he's working. But, then, every time he has a technical issue with anything electronic, I'm the go-to guy. I just wonder how much I ought to offer in the way of rent, beyond my friendship and relatively meager tech savvy. If I asked him, he'd decline any rent at all. But, I'd prefer to pay a little money for the ability to drop by at odd hours unannounced, so long as I don't disturb his work or sleep. I don't want to turn it into a strictly-business relationship; I'd much rather have a friend. But, at the same time, I don't want to feel like I'm taking advantage of a friend, or taking him for granted by just popping in whenever the notion strikes and leaving nothing but a Thanks! as I walk out the door. Just about anyone would get sick and tired of that after a while. Any thoughts (and not just Bruce, but anyone else who wants to chime in). Specifically to Bruce: I gather the flat black side would be used for a backdrop? Thanks! -- Walt -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: OT: Studio lighting enablement
On Thu, Jul 4, 2013 at 1:02 PM, Walt ldott...@gmail.com wrote: On 7/4/2013 11:37 AM, Bruce Walker wrote: There you go: problem solved! Big windows and white walls are photographers nirvana. Your next purchase should be a couple of 4x8' sheets of silvered one side foam insulation. Use them to bounce light from the windows and you have million dollar studio light. Pain the backs of the insulation flat black for maximum utility. -- -bmw It definitely would solve the problem. I guess the only reason I haven't approached him before is that I don't want to impose, or interrupt him while he's working. But, then, every time he has a technical issue with anything electronic, I'm the go-to guy. I just wonder how much I ought to offer in the way of rent, beyond my friendship and relatively meager tech savvy. If I asked him, he'd decline any rent at all. But, I'd prefer to pay a little money for the ability to drop by at odd hours unannounced, so long as I don't disturb his work or sleep. I don't want to turn it into a strictly-business relationship; I'd much rather have a friend. But, at the same time, I don't want to feel like I'm taking advantage of a friend, or taking him for granted by just popping in whenever the notion strikes and leaving nothing but a Thanks! as I walk out the door. Just about anyone would get sick and tired of that after a while. Any thoughts (and not just Bruce, but anyone else who wants to chime in). If you were in Canada I'd say pay him with beer and toques. How about a semi-formal contra arrangement? Try to assign a value to your handyman work and track the hours you put in. *And* bring beer. Specifically to Bruce: I gather the flat black side would be used for a backdrop? You _could_, but the usual purpose is to exclude/absorb light. If you are doing a low-key shot, eg a formal portrait or figure study, you want to carefully control light onto your subject. Placing two black surfaces to either side will avoid unwanted side light. Two 4x8's taped together along their long edge is known as a V-flat (it's self-standing too). Usually white/black but silver/black is more efficient for lower power light sources. If you point the open end of a V-flat (silver side in) at a subject and aim your flash into it, it becomes an enormous umbrella capable of lighting a group. -- -bmw -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: OT: Studio lighting enablement
On Thu, Jul 04, 2013 at 11:18:32AM -0500, Walt wrote: Ha! I still love that movie. I can't count how many times I've watched it. :-D With you, that could be any number over three. -- Larry Colen l...@red4est.com http://red4est.com/lrc -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: OT: Studio lighting enablement
On 7/4/2013 12:01 PM, Larry Colen wrote: On Thu, Jul 04, 2013 at 11:18:32AM -0500, Walt wrote: Ha! I still love that movie. I can't count how many times I've watched it. :-D With you, that could be any number over three. I'll have you know I'm quite adept at counting multiples of six, all the way up to 24. -- Walt -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: OT: Studio lighting enablement
On Thu, Jul 04, 2013 at 01:14:41PM -0400, Bruce Walker wrote: Any thoughts (and not just Bruce, but anyone else who wants to chime in). If you were in Canada I'd say pay him with beer and toques. You have to be careful though, that you don't end up one toque over the line. -- Larry Colen l...@red4est.com http://red4est.com/lrc -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: OT: Studio lighting enablement
On Thu, Jul 04, 2013, Walt Gilbert wrote: On 7/4/2013 12:01 PM, Larry Colen wrote: On Thu, Jul 04, 2013 at 11:18:32AM -0500, Walt wrote: Ha! I still love that movie. I can't count how many times I've watched it. :-D With you, that could be any number over three. I'll have you know I'm quite adept at counting multiples of six, all the way up to 24. You're supposed to be able to count up to a thousand on your fingers. -- Hugs and backrubs -- I break Rule 6http://rule6.info/ * * * Help a hearing-impaired person: http://rule6.info/hearing.html -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: OT: Studio lighting enablement
From: Walt Gilbert On 7/4/2013 12:01 PM, Larry Colen wrote: On Thu, Jul 04, 2013 at 11:18:32AM -0500, Walt wrote: Ha! I still love that movie. I can't count how many times I've watched it. :-D With you, that could be any number over three. I'll have you know I'm quite adept at counting multiples of six, all the way up to 24. I guess those extra fingers toes come in handy for something after all. -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: OT: Studio lighting enablement
On Thu, Jul 4, 2013 at 6:55 PM, John Sessoms jsessoms...@nc.rr.com wrote: From: Walt Gilbert On 7/4/2013 12:01 PM, Larry Colen wrote: On Thu, Jul 04, 2013 at 11:18:32AM -0500, Walt wrote: Ha! I still love that movie. I can't count how many times I've watched it. :-D With you, that could be any number over three. I'll have you know I'm quite adept at counting multiples of six, all the way up to 24. I guess those extra fingers toes come in handy for something after all. Besides stuck twist-off caps. -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
OT: Studio lighting enablement
So, I went to the local camera shop today to look for a real softbox to use for the family photo shoot I was set to do this evening. Before I knew it, I was walking out with two fairly nice pneumatic-type light stands, two Studio Systems SPS920 AC studio strobes (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/246869-REG/SP_Studio_Systems_SPS920_920_AC_Strobe_Series.html), two umbrellas (white and black) and a 6' flash sync cable. I went in expecting to spend about $50-$75 and ended up spending $200. I feel like I got a pretty damned good deal, though. It was a display setup, of which the carrying bag had faded on one side from sitting in direct sun in the storefront window. I really couldn't afford it, but I felt like I couldn't afford to let the opportunity pass. Everything seems to be of reasonably good build quality, and the strobes/modeling lights all checked out before I left the store with them. Now, if I can just find some good studio space . . . and some extremely hot models. I blame Bruce for all of this, of course. -- Walt -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: OT: Studio lighting enablement
On Wed, Jul 03, 2013 at 10:55:37PM -0500, Walt wrote: Now, if I can just find some good studio space . . . and some extremely hot models. With your luck you'll find hot studio space and some large models. I blame Bruce for all of this, of course. Congratulations. One cheat for studio space is to set up outside at night, be careful of where your light goes, and use the inverse square law so that nothing in the background is lit. -- Walt -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions. -- Larry Colen l...@red4est.com http://red4est.com/lrc -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: OT: Studio lighting enablement
On 7/4/2013 12:35 AM, Larry Colen wrote: On Wed, Jul 03, 2013 at 10:55:37PM -0500, Walt wrote: Now, if I can just find some good studio space . . . and some extremely hot models. With your luck you'll find hot studio space and some large models. Tell me about it, brother! I blame Bruce for all of this, of course. Congratulations. One cheat for studio space is to set up outside at night, be careful of where your light goes, and use the inverse square law so that nothing in the background is lit. Thanks, Larry. I do have quite a few wide-open fields at my disposal. Also, I can use the club where I work in a pinch, as long as I can get it done before opening. I'd need to come up with and/or make some decent backdrops. (Though, the pool room could serve as a pretty good setting.) Backdrops shouldn't be much of a challenge. There's a huge fabric store in town, among several others. (The town hosts the American Quilters Society convention every year.) -- Walt -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: OT: Studio lighting
Thanks for the link, Paul. I looked at those quite a while back. I
wasn't really in the market for strobes at the time. Looking at them
again, they have quite a few perks. Small, light, nifty colors, etc.
But those reflectors are tiny. I like a rather diffuse light, so I'd
probably have to get some umbrellas or softboxes, but it looks like
they sell those too. Thanks again, Paul. Definitely something to
consider.
On 8/17/05, Paul Sorenson [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
Scott -
Check out Alienbees. They're a division of White Lightening. Good
value for the investment - customer service is great. Adjustable over a
5 f-stop range, built-in slave, built-in modeling light, low trigger
voltage so they're safe on the camera electronics.
I have three of them, with a fourth in the not too distant future. They
offer a 10% discount if you're enrolled in a US college, university or
community college. All you need is a student ID.
http://www.alienbees.com/
-P
Scott Loveless wrote:
Howdy, gang!
I've been toying with the idea of buying a couple of strobes for
portraiture. Whilst looking of the rather meager local selection I
came across a continuous (not flash) cold light set. The set includes
a couple of three bulb 16 reflectors, diffusion screens, and stands.
They're low wattage, 5000K fluorescent lights, and they're very
affordable - about one-fifth what I was planning on spending for
strobes. RPS advertises them as lighting for digital photography, but
since I shoot mainly black and white I thought they might work for me.
Any thoughts on this type of lighting? Any recommendations for other
brands?
This is the first online retailer I found who carries them:
http://www.warehousephoto.com/amazing/itemdesc.asp?CartId={D8D0D312-3C44-4EF4-B9B0-5F1EVERESTFF6BDA1E0}ic=24209eq=Tp=
Thanks in advance.
--
Scott Loveless
http://www.twosixteen.com
--
You have to hold the button down -Arnold Newman
OT: Studio lighting
Howdy, gang!
I've been toying with the idea of buying a couple of strobes for
portraiture. Whilst looking of the rather meager local selection I
came across a continuous (not flash) cold light set. The set includes
a couple of three bulb 16 reflectors, diffusion screens, and stands.
They're low wattage, 5000K fluorescent lights, and they're very
affordable - about one-fifth what I was planning on spending for
strobes. RPS advertises them as lighting for digital photography, but
since I shoot mainly black and white I thought they might work for me.
Any thoughts on this type of lighting? Any recommendations for other
brands?
This is the first online retailer I found who carries them:
http://www.warehousephoto.com/amazing/itemdesc.asp?CartId={D8D0D312-3C44-4EF4-B9B0-5F1EVERESTFF6BDA1E0}ic=24209eq=Tp=
Thanks in advance.
--
Scott Loveless
http://www.twosixteen.com
--
You have to hold the button down -Arnold Newman
Re: OT: Studio lighting
Scott -
Check out Alienbees. They're a division of White Lightening. Good
value for the investment - customer service is great. Adjustable over a
5 f-stop range, built-in slave, built-in modeling light, low trigger
voltage so they're safe on the camera electronics.
I have three of them, with a fourth in the not too distant future. They
offer a 10% discount if you're enrolled in a US college, university or
community college. All you need is a student ID.
http://www.alienbees.com/
-P
Scott Loveless wrote:
Howdy, gang!
I've been toying with the idea of buying a couple of strobes for
portraiture. Whilst looking of the rather meager local selection I
came across a continuous (not flash) cold light set. The set includes
a couple of three bulb 16 reflectors, diffusion screens, and stands.
They're low wattage, 5000K fluorescent lights, and they're very
affordable - about one-fifth what I was planning on spending for
strobes. RPS advertises them as lighting for digital photography, but
since I shoot mainly black and white I thought they might work for me.
Any thoughts on this type of lighting? Any recommendations for other
brands?
This is the first online retailer I found who carries them:
http://www.warehousephoto.com/amazing/itemdesc.asp?CartId={D8D0D312-3C44-4EF4-B9B0-5F1EVERESTFF6BDA1E0}ic=24209eq=Tp=
Thanks in advance.
