I just read from the “Popular Science” magazine this morning about a very unique digital camera. It has the capability to take 360 Degree panoramic with an awesome fisheye lens and uses the in-built software to create a movie of the scenery.
The size is reasonably small for the function. It could potentially cater to those people who doesn’t want to carry tripod and panoramic holder around. Check this out:
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Many people – including me – tends to think that you need expensive studio lighting equipments to learn how to light. I was once supporter of that notion.
My opinion changed when I watched the “One Light” DVD by Zack Arias.
Zack discussed many techniques he uses to produce magnificent photograph using only one light. And that one light is not a fancy studio light, it is just a beat up old Vivitar strobe that costs less than ninety dollar now.
Learning from that video, I set out to try to light with one Nikon SB-600, the only speedlight that I had at that time. The result was (obviously) not as good as Mr. Arias, but it kinda opened my eye. I have since been experimenting with one light source.
Several tips for when you decided to start testing your one light:
1. Invest in a cheap lightstand. Those $15 ones you see in ebay will suffice.
2. Get a shoot through umbrella. It will soften your speedlight significantly. Again, I recommend ebay.
3. If you own Nikon D80 or newer, you don’t need to buy flash trigger (use the commander mode). If you own Canon or the other, invest in one cheap flash trigger. I bought one for $20 from ebay.
4. Set the light above the model’s eyes, facing down around 45 degree. This gives a nice natural even light on the face. Of course, feel free to experiment with the angle and power.
5. Use the sun as backlight, and your flash as fill. I find that even small flashes light speedlights have the capacity to overpower the sun.
6. Experiment in many places. Bedroom, beach, living room, garden, city, bridges, day, night, etc.
7. Always learn and ask guidance from other. I read numerous blogs and forum about lighting that gives me the idea on how to light. You can read good blog (like Strobist by David Hobby) and learn more in a day than to go out and shoot blindly.
After several experiment, you will slowly understand how light travel, how it falls onto your subject, how can you soften it, reflect it, etc.
Good luck.
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I have been getting a lot of question lately about the story and origin of my photography. Some of my friends even made wild assumption that I’ve been doing this for more than five years. Thanks for the compliment though
This blog post is just to share the story of how I started. And [...]
The deadline of the competition is May 31st, which is next week.
You can potentially get
$10,000 cash or 1-year FREE living at a $1.2 million apartment at The Edge in New York City A Manhattan Gallery Reception Airfare and shipping to and from New York City [...]
Alex Wise is a young photographer specializing in long exposure dreamscape photography. You can find more of his work in his website or follow him on twitter.
Victor: Hi Alex, could you tell us a little bit of your photography background. Did you undergo proper education or just learning by yourself?
Al: Hi Victor,
I’m a 23 year-old [...]
Today I went to the Melbourne Zoo for the first time. We have around thirty something people with varying skill level. Some people have crazy DSLR with 70-200mm with extension tube, some people bring their humble entry levels, some came with compacts, and some come empty handed – they just wanted to enjoy the day.
The [...]
Photo by ‘csaveanu‘ on flickr
Recently, I have several friends of mine asking my advice on their next lens purchase. All of them are beginner DSLR owner with varying skill level that are still not sure what they should specialize into.
My advice is always the same. Find the style that you are most passionate about, and [...]