The very first lighting tool I ever bought was a Manfrotto Justin Clamp because Joe McNally highly recommended it in his books. I loved it and I've used it all around the world. It's small and light and can place a flash just about anywhere. However, it had some flaws--the rubber pads on the clamp melted off in the sun and the cold shoe couldn't hold all types of speedlights securely. Well, this version of the Justin Clamp made by Impact answers all of the flaws my old one had. The only issue I found is the knob to tighten the ball head is … [Read more...] about Gear Review: Impact Large Clip Clamp with Ball Head Shoe Mount (a.k.a., Justin Clamp)
strobist
Modifying Speedlights & Magmod
Making great light is essential to making great portraits. And I mean that: you've got to make great light. You can find a good source of available light, but I've rarely seen any available light that couldn't be made better, either with reflectors and flags or by adding light somewhere with a flash. When you need to use a flash, you also need to modify the light coming out of it, and my favorite new modifier for small flash is the Magmod system. Let me share a few ideas about modifying light, and why I like Magmod. Why Modify? Modifying … [Read more...] about Modifying Speedlights & Magmod
Powerful Environmental Portraits Need 3 Things
Environmental portraits show people in their place, their habitat. The environment sets the mood and the place of the story, and a single look at the photograph can tell you what the story is about. Let me show you three things I think about as I light the background to make an environment worth photographing. 1. It's Gotta Be Believable Lighting and posing a person so he looks his best is my primary concern. (Here are two other articles about lighting and posing to help people look great.) After that's under control, I've got to figure out … [Read more...] about Powerful Environmental Portraits Need 3 Things
The Photokina Files – New Siros Monolight from Broncolor
I just got back from a week in Cologne Germany at the MASSIVE Photokina photo expo. Now I'm a trade show veteran, but the sheer scale of this 7 day show is unbelievable. No wonder manufacturers wait to release their newest products until this big gathering of visual creatives, every two years. If you've been anywhere near the internet I'm sure you've heard about the new cameras, software (Capture One 8), lenses (Tamron 15-30mm), and lights (Broncolor Siros) that were announced. As a professional photographer, lighting is one of the skill sets … [Read more...] about The Photokina Files – New Siros Monolight from Broncolor
My “Top 10” Favorite Photography Blogs
I've been following a lot of photography blogs and websites for many years. The vast amount of information about photography on the Internet today is one of the main ways that I was able to learn more about digital photography and post-processing, and it just keeps getting better. So, if you're looking for some good content to add to your RSS reader (such as Feedly, my personal favorite), then here is an excellent list to get you started. By the way, these are listed in no particular order ... I love them all so much I don't think I would be … [Read more...] about My “Top 10” Favorite Photography Blogs
Photo Book Review – Strobist Expert Lighting Techniques: Photo Trade Secrets Vol. 1
Author: Zeke Kamm Publisher: Peachpit Press Review by Conrad J. Obregon The Strobist blog has achieved an almost legendary status amongst photographers concerned with using flash to take pictures. Now the Strobist seems to be moving into the print field with "Strobist Photo Trade Secrets Volume 1: Expert Lighting Techniques (One-Off)" by Zeke Kamm. The book consists of twenty-four six and one-half by four and three-quarters inch photographs from individuals who have contributed to the Strobist site. On the back of each photograph is a … [Read more...] about Photo Book Review – Strobist Expert Lighting Techniques: Photo Trade Secrets Vol. 1
