Category Archives: Lighting

Strobist London Workshop Review

By Chris Garrett | Published May 14, 2007

Yesterday I had the pleasure of meeting The Strobist. Myself and 30 or so other photography geeks got to rub shoulders as we learned from the master of off camera flash.

I am still processing all the photography lighting nuggets David hurled at us in a torrent but the stuff that stuck to my grey matter is already spawning a hundred different lighting ideas. Of course it has also inspired me to get myself further into debt for gear I “must” now purchase.

If you get the opportunity to attend one of Davids seminars, do so. Even if you have to sell your tv, pet or family member.

Now I am looking forward to blowing the dust off my strobes and getting stuck into Lighting 102. Listening and observing is only part of the story with learning a skill like this, you learn best when you listen, observe, do and teach. I’ll be doing L102 and “teaching” right here. You have been warned ;)

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Strobist Doing It Again

By Chris Garrett | Published May 3, 2007

If you want to learn about photographic lighting I recommend you take part in this years Strobist Boot Camp. It is completely free, all online and starts June 4th. Lighting 102

On June 4th, just over one month from now, we will be starting from scratch, so anyone can participate. There is no fee for the program, and you are certainly free to come and go as you please. I am giving some advance notice so people will have time to set up a Flickr account with the required waiting period so they can post photos to a group for the first assignment. (Like Lighting 102, Flickr basic accounts are free.

The best way to learn is by doing, this boot camp will give you “assignments” that will challenge, educate and entertain.

You might recall my humiliation participation in last years strobist bootcamp :) It was very much the kick up the rump I needed to motivate me to get to grips with this stuff. I recommend it highly.

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DIY Camera Flash Softbox

By Chris Garrett | Published September 1, 2006

I’m still learning even the basics of off-camera light. While I am not known for my restraint in purchases there are some things I just can’t justify buying even to the little demons that sit on my shoulders (you know, the good one and bad one that both seem talk me into buying camera gear).

One of those expensive but really useful things is a softbox. A softbox turns harsh direct light into beautifying soft diffused light. Most portrait lighting tutorials will mention them. Anyone who does portraits really needs one of these bad boys but they are darned expensive for anyone who A) will only use it on occasion and B) doesn’t get paid for this stuff. I mean, it is a lot of money if you will be taking pictures of the kids and pets, not so much if you have celebrities as paying clients. YMMV.

Anyway, this is all moot, using this DIY Softbox I will be able to put one together myself for a tiny sum and be ready for when Natalie Portman drops in for a random amateur photoshoot.

via: Strobist

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Strobist putting on the breaks

By Chris Garrett | Published July 19, 2006

It seems running the most popular photography lighting blog on the interweb has taken its toll on the Family Strobist. David writes that the thing has taken much of his precious time and needs to be less taxing in future.

One thing led to another, and the site pretty much went nuts. Word spread faster than I ever thought possible. Not because it is better than anything else — it’s not. Because a lot of people would like to know more about using flash, and there really isn’t anything like the site anywhere else on the web.

He also outlined his “Next Phase” which includes seminars, etc. I think this is a great idea for him. He should also consider digital learning materials, audio/ebooks etc. While his blog is very educational, his seminars and workshops I am sure will be brilliant, there is a limit to how many people can afford the cost or the time off to go to a physical class and with electronically delivered tutoring he will be able to reach a much bigger market.

Good luck to you David!

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Photography Lighting 101

By Chris Garrett | Published May 12, 2006

What looks like potentially a great resource, Strobist: Lighting 101 aims to teach lighting numpties a thing or two about photography lighting

Intimidated by the idea of off-camera lighting? Don’t be. We are pretty much starting from scratch, so no worries. The first posts will be about what kind of gear you will need to do the minimalist strobe thing.

One thing I have to disagree with is their assertion that “light gives you far more bang-for-the-buck than does fast glass”. My nifty-50 lense is the best bang for buck I have ever spent on photography!

I am glad I came across these posts as I am in the market for a flash. I have had my eye on the Canon 580ex flash unit, items like the following will help me in my purchasing decisions

we are going to assume a couple of things:

1) You have a strobe that can be triggered externally via your camera’s PC connection, as seen in the first photo. (This example is a Nikon SB-28dx, a circa “D1 era” pro flash.)

2) You have a strobe that can be set to manual power and “dialed down,” as seen in the second photo.

Well it turns out the 580ex, despite being a leading model, does not have external PC control …

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