27 Oct 08 Studio Lighting on a Budget

By Derek Martin at Roberts Imaging

So, I’ve been busy the past few days moving product on our site into new, more visible categories (for your convenience), so I’m sorry I haven’t had time to finish the bokeh series yet, but I really want to have some nice reference shots to go with it. I’ll try and have that ready for you before the end of the week.

So, let’s talk a moment about a subject I’ve been reading up on lately: professional studio lighting. Now, as most of the world is aware, the US is currently having some jitters when it comes to the economy, and as most photographers know, studio lighting can be a very money-intensive thing. Can be. But, that’s not always true.

Lastolie Ezybox

First off, I’m seeing more and more studio-style lighting done with small flashes. That is to say, people are using their Canon flashes or Nikon flashes more and more. Flashes like the SB-900 or Olympus’ FL-50r now have wireless master controls built in, and with everything from bounce reflectors to small softboxes now available for these type of units, what used to be on-camera flash systems are finding their way off and opening up worlds of flexibility and portability in lighting.

RPS Studio 3-Light Kit And that’s all very cool. But, what if you’re like, just starting out on your equipment acquisition and you want to, say, shoot white seamless product and fashion shots (hey, I’m a designer, we’re all commercial at heart, baby)? For that you need at least three light sources, and SB-800s, SB-900s, FL-50rs, and 580EX IIs will add up in those quantities. So, how about three monolights with stands and umbrellas for less than any of those flashes? Well, then, take a look to your right at the RPS Studio RS-SB/SLK3. Three 160ws monolights (more than enough power for small studios and garage studios) with stepless output down to 1/8 power, two white umbrellas (you can shoot through them like softboxes for more diffuse light), a nice silver umbrella (I did say fashion earlier, afterall), and hey, it’s got IR triggers, so you can still work wirelessly. I’m budgeting one of these kits for myself, because it’s the perfect way for the newcomer to professional studio lighting to get their feet wet without making their wallet dry. And that’s pretty A-OK in my book.

http://blog.robertsimaging.com/blog/roberts-imaging

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22 Oct 08 Today on Twitter: 2008-10-22

New ‘Help’ section for Lens Reviews http://tinyurl.com/5u5spg #
Adobe updates Camera Raw for Photoshop CS4 http://tinyurl.com/5l3xd3 #
Did you know that you can order your photos online from us and pick them up within minutes! https://mackcamera.lifepics.com #
Mack Camera Warranty for the Win! http://tinyurl.com/6l3xno #
RT @macgroup: Leaf booth is looking great. Come see the AFi II at booth 918. http://twitpic.com/hkz2 #
RT @grader: Twitter Grader now has a new search feature. This allows you to find other interesting users to follow. #
RT @macgroup: Profoto Pro-8 Air on display at booth 718 http://twitpic.com/hl0d #
RT @macgroup: Tenba has a brand new booth! Come see us at 618 during Photo Plus. http://twitpic.com/hl0w #
RT @macgroup: Induro tripods are being shown at booth 518. http://twitpic.com/hl14 #

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10 Oct 08 Today on Twitter: 2008-10-10

Get a Grip http://tinyurl.com/3ggkkq #
@MaryDanielsen I would consider a new rebel. xs or xsi or even moving up to a 40d #
Watching @hubspot webinar on @twitter for PR #
Sign up for our free photo class November 10, 2008 7PM http://tinyurl.com/5nzgjx #freephotoclass #
Canon 5D Mark II HD Video samples http://snipr.com/48zco #
@MaryDanielsen You’re looking to spend around $1500 most likely if you go with a Canon 40d #
@MaryDanielsen You just have to call the library to sign up. *FREE *FREE *FREE #
@MaryDanielsen just so you know, the class is based towards beginners with point and shoots. SLR’s welcomed but it’s not an advanced class #
Question about your repair? Don’t feel like Tweeting it? Contact helpdesk@mackcam.com #

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06 Oct 08 A Good Back-up Plan

A Good Back-up Plan

*written by Chuck Pace at Roberts Imaging*

I see it all the time. Fledgling photographers landing a “paying” job for the use of their photographic eye and camera gear coming back to the store frustrated after having a technical or equipment problem on their “big break” shoot. The first time you shoot for someone else the anxiety levels are higher, and mistakes or errors are more likely.

It feels great to have someone place their confidence in you and your craft. It is a big ego boost, and can get you started in a secondary (or even primary) revenue stream. Still the most important thing is if you accept a job you should be prepared to do the job. The best advice is to have back-up gear ready for a possible failure. Similar if not identical equipment is recommended. If you are shooting with a Nikon DSLR Camera have another Nikon DSLR as a back-up, the same goes for Olympus, Pentax, Sony or Canon, if you have a Canon DSLR camera have a back-up Canon DSLR camera. A Canon Digital Rebel can be an excellent back-up for a 30D, 40D or even higher end Canon DSLR. Rember that many of the newer DSLR cameras now use SD memory cards while older or higher end units could still be using CF cards.

40d and XTiIf you are using a camera system that uses SD cards have extra SD cards ready (the prices have come way down so stock up), the same goes for Compact Flash Memory (CF) cards of course. If you are doing flash photography take lots of extra batteries, and have a back-up flash too. Canon Flashes and digital camera accessories are exclusive to Canon Cameras, so it wouldn’t help to have an Olympus Digital Camera or a Nikon Coolpix Camera as a back-up solution. If money is tight (and it often is for people doing their first few paying jobs, or ‘favor’ photography) consider backing up with used cameras or consider renting a reliable back-up system; camera, flash, even camera tripods are available. Remember that Roberts Imaging has a large used department, and an extensive rental department too. Above are quick links back to those departments.

Preparation is the key to building your reputation. Have a back-up plan. I know wedding and portrait photographers who even have a ’substitute shooter’ on call just in case they themselves get tied up or ‘break down”.

http://blog.robertsimaging.com