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 #
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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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22 Oct 08 Mack Camera Warranty for the Win!

“Last year when I purchased my TH-PZ700U I felt a little uneasy about forking over the extra money for an extended warranty. I usually never purchase them but for some reason decided to on this TV. Lucky me, as my beloved TV blew a gasket over the weekend and would not come back on.

Monday morning I called Mack support and was provided a control number within several hours. They approved a technician to come out to my location later that day who repaired my television very quickly.

The turnaround time on this warranty service was unbelievable. Same day service, no money out of pocket, and a very friendly support staff makes me feel very comfortable to recommend Mack to anyone looking for a nice warranty on their large purchases.

GREAT JOB MACK! You provided peace of mind at less than half the price that Best Buy would have charged me for this warranty.”

-Dr Strangelove via AVS Forum

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13 Oct 08 Nikon - Look Good in Pictures

A unique new series starring style guru and television personality, Carson Kressley. Carson shares entertaining and helpful insights and will give real practical advice on how to embrace photogenic qualities in a variety of everyday situations such as vacations, holidays, nights out on the town and weddings.