THIS IS PART 3 OF BETSY'S THREAD- PART 1 AND 2 GOT SOOO HUGE! THAT WE HAD TO START NEW..."> THIS IS PART 3 OF BETSY'S THREAD- PART 1 AND 2 GOT SOOO HUGE! THAT WE HAD TO START NEW..."/>

BetterPhoto Q&A
Category: New Answers

Photography Question 

Debby A. Tabb
 

STUDIO PHOTOGRAPHY RUNS WILD PART 3


OR IT SHOULD BE " THE COOKED HUSBAND IS A HAPPIER CAMPER"
THIS IS PART 3 OF BETSY'S THREAD- PART 1 AND 2 GOT SOOO HUGE! THAT WE HAD TO START NEW ONES.
IF YOUR LOOKING TO DO ANY TYPE OF STUDIO PHOTOGRAPHY YOU MIGHT WANT TO GRAB A CUP OF COFFEE AND SIT BACK READ PARTS 1&2 AND JOIN US HERE. WE HAVE BEEN DISCUSSING LIGHTING AND POSING AND EVEN SOME WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY- AND THE SUCCESS STORIES ARE WONDERFUL AND SOMETIMES COMICAL: BUT A SUCCESSFUL!!
PART#1: http://www.betterphoto.com/forms/qnaDetail.php?threadID=17534
PART#2:http://www.betterphoto.com/forms/qnaDetail.php?threadID=18585
***** OK HERE WE GO PART # 3***********


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September 09, 2005

 

Angela K. Harter
  morning debby! hey...i was reading another tread and saw that you have a release form...i have been trying to come up with a good one but I alwasys feel my words get jumbled:) I just don't know quite how to word it! can you help????


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September 09, 2005

 

Betsy Labuschagne
  Just checking in...I wouldn't want to miss anything!!!


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September 09, 2005

 

Laura E. OConnor
  Checking in! Hi everyone!!!

ALSO!!! If anyone joining us has a slow dial up and wants to read parts I and II at your liesure, contact me. I've saved them as pdf files for Adobe Reader (a free program if you don't have it!)


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September 09, 2005

 

Debby A. Tabb
  GOOD MORNING!!!
HEY ANGELA JUST EMAIL ME SO I HAVE A EMAIL ADDRESS TO SEND IT TO YOU .
TO EVERY ONE WHO JOINS: IF THESE TYPES OF THINGS ARE NEEDED I NEED A EMAIL ADDRESS TO SEND TO, AND IF INFO. ON THE CD'S ARE NEEDED THEN TAKE A LOOK AT THEM ON THE GALLERY FIRST(CLICK ON THEM FOR PRICING) THEN EMAIL ME AND I WILL LET YOU KNOW HOW TO GO ABOUT IT. BP'S PRICES ARE THE LOWEST I HAVE - SO DON'T BUY OFF EBAY, WE ALSO TRY TO SHIP BP MEMBER ORDERS IN A 24 TO 48 HOUR PERIOD ALSO
(EXCAPT ON WEEKENDS AND BACK ORDERS)
IF IT'S CRITIQUE YOU NEED JUST GIVE ME A BIT TO LOOK AND RESPOND AND PLEASE, DON'T ASK ME IF YOU DON'T WANT HONEST INSTRUCTION,OK- AFTER DOING THIS FOR SO LONG I TEND TO GIVE THE GOOD THINGS THAT ARE DONE AND LET YOU KNOW WHAT YOU SHOULD CHANGE TO IMPROVE YOUR PORTRAIT AND YOUR EYE.
JUST ASK BETSY, SHE'LL TELL YA , I'M MEAN(LOL,LOL NOT REALLY)
BUT LOOK AT HER GREAT SUCCESS!!
SHE DOESN'T GET MAD-SHE GETS BUSY!
THIS SAID DUE TO SOME ONE GETTING DEFENSIVE -
I COULDN'T LEARN DOING THAT AND EITHER COULD ANYONE ELSE.
AND PLEASE IF I HAVE MISSED ANYONES REQUEST FOR SOMETHING-PLEASE RE WRITE ME-I JUST HADN'T BEEN FEELING WELL AND HAD A LOT OF WORK TOO.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALL YOUR UNDERSTANDING,
DEBBY


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September 09, 2005

 

Michelle Ross
  Signing on for notification!


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September 09, 2005

 

Debbie Vega
  Hey all, just logginf in to thread no 3, thanks debby!!
So any ideas for what britek lights to buy. I have looked at steve kaesers on ebay but there are too many sets and the powers are all different. Like the 420 w/s. 540w/s, 960w/s. I anly need to light up to about four/five people in a relatively small space so don't need anything too overpowering. Can't you tell I am a real newbie. Price range pref about $400/500 but if I need something bigger I'll save a little longer. Just wanna get crackin! So someone please tell me what this whole LOL thing means, I feel out of the loop. Is this an american thing. Forgive me, I am originally from england!!! Talk later guys!!!

Debbie.


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September 09, 2005

 

Michelle Ross
  Okay if this has been answered in the other threads please forgive me because although I have read them all I can't remember the complete contents. . . but .. . I was reading somewhere else about the room color/light when setting up a studio. .. what are the thoughts on this . .. I am using our church parsonage right now for indoor stuff and it works okay but was thinking of trying to move this to my home somehow. right now that would mean my living room . . . and the walls are an off white. There is some natural light that comes in east windows but that is it. I cannot of course paint my living room black so will this work when wanting to shoot those more dramatic shots with the darker backgrounds and still using studio lights?? I also have a double car garage that isn't used for parking . .. it's darker in terms of the walls, etc but it's also not the best set up at least not for young children . . . no air/heat either so that would be an issue. . . I was however thinking of using it just for the rustic stuff(hay bales, etc) so it wouldn't matter if it got dirty or not. . . okay . .


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September 09, 2005

 

Cyndee Wanyonyi
  Hello, Ladies and Gent :). Debby, you said in the last thread that you would suggest these zooms for weddings:

28-100mm
28-80mm
and maybe a 70-300mm

If you have a 28-100, why would you also need 28-80mm?


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September 09, 2005

 

Tom Sheridan
  Hello, checking into the new thread.

Debbie, LOL means "Laughing Out Loud" and is more of an internet thing than American thing. Along with a bunch of other shorthand that developed over the years of internet chat rooms and forums (or bulletin boards as they were called when I was starting out with dialup and no internet connections or AOL..)
Michelle, I don't think this was brought up in these threads but its a good question. I would like to see the responses of our panel of experts myself. For what its worth (or FWIW in internet shorthand...) my experience is the wall color can bleed over to the portraits pretty easily. My home studio is actually our living room and has blue walls which add a little blue cast when I bounce the strobes off of umbrellas.


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September 09, 2005

 

Michael E. Lanning
 
 
  Clay
Clay

Michael E. Lanning

 
 
Maybe I am new too, but what color should our walls be painted? I am using my garage. Also I have kinda low ceilings does this matter?


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September 09, 2005

 

Betsy Labuschagne
  Hi All!

I believe ideally the best colour for studio walls would be black, but it's not a very pleasant atmosphere to work in. The next best is white, preferably matt white, so that you don't get colour reflecting onto your subject. Mine are white.

Debby, I have never thought you were mean when giving me critique on my work! You are straight and to the point, but that's what I LOVE about you!!! If you were sweet talking mistakes, I wouldn't bother so much to think of better ways to do things. I hope that makes sense! But honestly, would I have asked you just yesterday for your comments if I didn't value your opinion so much? You're a GREAT teacher!!!


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September 09, 2005

 

Debby A. Tabb
  OK CYNTHIA,
I JUST STATED WHATS IN OUR KITS THAT WE SEND OUT TO A JOB- I PERSONALLY PREFER TO CARRY THE SMALLER LENS ON THE CAMERA WHEN WORKING IN A SMALLER AREA- THOUGH I USE THE 28-100MM IN THE STUDIO AT TIMES.AND SOME OF THE SPECIALTY FILTERS I HAVE I HAVE TO FIT THE SMALLER LENS-
(In studio the typical 52mm filter size Lens makes a nice 100mm focal length lens. We pick this value as 100mm is the typical short telephoto lens often recommended for portraiture on 35mm SLRs.)
OK AS FOR STUDIO COLOR- I PREFER WHITE , DURING SITTINGS WHEN CREATIVE LIGHTING IS USED I OFTEN BOUNCE THE LIGHT OFF THE WALLS TO GIVE A SOFTER LOOK WITH JUST LIGHT ALONE.
AND JUST A NOTE I USUALLY LIKE TO SHOOT IN THE DARK(or with just a small desk lamp)WHEN SHOOTING IN THEDARK , YOU CAN SEE WHERE THE LIGHT IN LANDING ON THE SUBJECT A LOT CLEARER-AND SUGGEST THIS TO THOSE WHO HAVE TAKEN MY CLASSES AS A WAY TO PRACTICE DRAMATIC LIGHTING.
THIS IS JUST WHAT I PREFER- NOT MANY OF US DO THINGS EXACTLY THE SAME WAY- THIS IS HOW I HAVE FOUND IT EASIEST FOR ME AND HOW I FIND THINGS EASIEST TO TEACH.
I DO HOPE THIS HELPS,
DEBBY


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September 09, 2005

 

Debby A. Tabb
  HEY BETSY- I WAS JUST KIDDIN' WHEN I SAID THAT- I WAS USING YOU BECAUSE OF THE WONDERFUL REPOUR WE HAVE AND THE GREAT JOB YOU DO OF HEARING " HEY TRY THIS OR CHANGE THAT" AND YOU DO!
YOUR NEVER AFFRAID TOTRY ANYTHING.
THANKS FOR THAT,
DEBBY
PS-I WILL BE LOOKING IN ON YOUR GALLERY AS YOU ASKED TODAY.:-)


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September 09, 2005

 

Michelle Ross
  So when you shoot in the dark(I'm assuming with the modeling lights on) how do you get your camera to focus?? or do you do the manual focus? that will work for older models, but for babies who are wanting to move I need auto . . . ??


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September 09, 2005

 

Michelle Ross
  Okay ... sorry to be so "posty" today . . . just had an inquiry for a 3 month old. I have a baby poser and that white material that is fluffy and soft. . . I'm not sure she will want the ones in the "buff" but will ask . . .so what else do you do . .. I can sit him up with the baby poser as well as ones on his belly with his arms tucked under. . . I"ll go back through the first two threads because I know some poses were on it . . . but do you suggest white on white? She asked about some black and white . . t his could be a big sitting before it's all said and done because there's a big sister and she also wants family ones eventually .. . but wants to do those when the fall colors are more evident. . . I'm not good at the natural light thing but will try again . . .sigh . . .


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September 09, 2005

 

Laura E. OConnor
  Debby et al!! I've posted a bunch of photos to my gallery and site over the last couple of weeks, but haven't posted any in our thread. Would some or any of you mind taking a look and honestly letting me know how I'm doing! If you want to send me a personal e-mail reply, that's fine, too, or you can post it here in the thread as to which photo needs help and why, and I'll post it to the thread as an example, then post a follow up with changes. I just didn't want to clog up the thread with a whole bunch of images! Debby, I look forward to hearing what you have to say!! Please critique me! THANKS!!!!!!!!


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September 09, 2005

 

Michelle Andersson
  Hey all! Someone asked about what color to paint your walls. I read in "Creative Lighting Techniques" that gray was also a great color to use. That way one could have equal control over your shadows and highlights when lighting your portraits. :)

Did anyone ever find out anything about a great set of monolights or other lights that would be great for shooting familes and babies?

I've been using natural light and a reflector. This is my favorite light of course, however, I live in Seattle. (Rain, rain and more RAIN!) I would like to set up a studio for days when natural light just isn't gonna work! So any reccomendatinos would be greatly appreciated!! :)


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September 09, 2005

 

Michael E. Lanning
  Michelle,
I am new on here and just want to say this place rocks. I love the advice. So with that said, I just bought a versatron800 pack off ebay. It cost 200. Not a bad set. I fisrt bought a 7 light kit from Steve kaysar, and it was great. Just keep looking on ebay, and you will find killer deals.


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September 09, 2005

 

Michelle Andersson
  Thanks Micheal! :) I will check out Ebay.

Micheal do you or anybody else have any recoomendations as to the amount of power I should look for in my lights. I want to be able to photograph children and you know how much they move around. :) I have smith victor lights now and a 1/30 of a sec just won't cut it! I need at least 1/125. So what would be the reccommended amount of power that I would need?

Thanks again!


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September 09, 2005

 

Michael E. Lanning
  Im lost with that lingo.....show what I know. I just use a 150w modeling lamp. not sure what the other has. I know this isn't much help. But I was told you can get great lighting with most power you just need to be able to know how to use it.


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September 09, 2005

 

Tina Edwards
  Hey Debby, I would also like a copy of your release form if possible. I am just starting out but have done a few sessions for families and friends, hoping to get a paid session soon. My email is tmedwards313@msn.com My sister-in-law took some of the portraits that I have done and showed her coworkers and now one of them wants me to do her sons senior portraits. I am excited.

Also I would like the threads sent to me in pdf file if you don't mind. Everyone here is so great. I love it.

Tina


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September 09, 2005

 

Debby A. Tabb
  MICHELLE,
THIS SET IS GREAT FOR A SMALL SPACE AND UP TO 7 PEOPLE, MAYBE 10 WHEN POSED CORRECTLY - http://cgi.ebay.com/660-W-S-3-LIGHT-STROBE-FLASH-BRITEK-NEW_W0QQitemZ3851201995QQcategoryZ30087QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItem

THIS ONE ALSO WOULD BE GREAT - WITH ENOUGH POWER IN THE MAIN:
http://cgi.ebay.com/PRO-560-W-S-THREE-LIGHT-TRAVEL-KIT-MUSLINS_W0QQitemZ3837041493QQcategoryZ30087QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItem

I WOULD NOT EXPECT TO USE 4 200'S IT JUST WOULD NOT BE ENOUGH IF YOU WERE ASKED TO DO A LARGER FAMILY OR HAD A FAMILY OF DARK COLOR.
I DO HOPE THIS HELPS,
DEBBY


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September 09, 2005

 

Ruben L. Wade
  Hey Debby! in about a month I have been asked to shoot a choir of about 60 people. I have five 750w strobes and two 375's. I also have a boon and six light stands. What kind of setup will need? light boxes or umbrella's? I have large backdrops and don't know if they would be big enough for this size of a job. This will be shot in an auditorium at the local community college in the evening.


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September 09, 2005

 

Michelle Andersson
  Thanks Debbie! I have already checked your links. This helps me very much. I was under the impression that I was gonna need a higher wattage and so more $$. This half the price of what I thought I was gonna need to spend. Very interesting.


Thanks again,
Michelle


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September 10, 2005

 

Debby A. Tabb
  Michelle,
these should work fine - you said you have a small space, and you want to do single family portraits- this should allow you to do the job and ba able to also do a larger group if called upon to do so. you can also call Steve direct if you'd like.If in doubt- such as in the Versalights-call him-I do belive that those are disposable(you can not replace the modling blub-I don't recommend)
Hey Ruben, Goofball!! you have plenty of equiptment to do this job and NO work talk on BP,lol,lol.
Now I have to get back to work on these drafts and will check back later.
have a great day ,
Debby


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September 10, 2005

 

Laura E. OConnor
  Debby...Help! Can you call me when you have a chance? I need some advice for my Maternity shoot on Tuesday. THANKS!!


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September 10, 2005

 

Lynn Snow
  Michelle,

I too have off white walls and use my dining/living room for my studio. While I am sure it is probably best to paint the walls white, I haven't had any problems with the off white. I have used different backdrop settings like the high-key white, black, and mottled canvas, and was happy with the reflection I got. I am sure it was not optimum, but it was not disagreeable either. For the black dramatic shots, you can either use black sheets or matt board on the sides to minimize reflection, and I use a black velour backdrop as my background. For most standard shots though, just the black drop with the off-white walls gives me the effect I want. As for lights in the room, it depends on what you are wanting to do. Sometimes I will use the natural light. However, most of the time I close up the window by using a shade and curtains, and then slide a foil lined white mat board between them ( so that you cannot see it and have it look junky) but that way it blocks out the light completely. There are also those foil-lined cellular shades which I had in a different home and they are wonderful. They really do block out all light in the room. But, for right now, the curtains and mat board do the trick.

Hope that helps!

Lynn


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September 10, 2005

 

Candace A. Towner
 
 
  Brown with Shadow
Brown with Shadow

Candace A. Towner

 
  Red with Gray
Red with Gray

Candace A. Towner

 
 
Hello, I am new here. This looks like an awesome website so far. I would really appreciate some advice on lighting technique, please. I am trying desperately to get a white background vs. blue or gray. My white is just not white unless I edit it in my software. And the shadows I am getting are driving me crazy. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Candace


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September 10, 2005

 

Lynn Snow
  Candace,

In order to get a truly white high-key background, you need to keep your backdrop reading 1 stop hotter than your subject reading. For example, with your back light hitting the white drop, it should read F11, and your subject reading should be F8 (you can determine that using a hand-help light meter). The backdrop must always be lit more than the subject, and try to keep the subject at least 6 feet from the drop to avoid spillover lighting. Hope that helps!

Lynn


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September 10, 2005

 

Laura E. OConnor
  HI CANDACE! Welcome to BP and "the thread"!! Great shots! What type of lighting are you using? Are you using a backlight? That would brighten your background. I have been having the same type of trouble, but I hesitate to use my backlight on the kids for safety's sake. Also, what are the positions of your lights. As Debby Tabb would say... Think of your studio like a clock. Subject at 12, camera at 6...where are your lights? There are two other parts to this ongoing thread, which I have saved as pdf files. They have A LOT of great info. E-mail me via my contact link and I'll send them to you. You may want to grab a drink and settle in though...I do mean A LOT!!! LOL! Again welcome to BP! Thanks for joining in!


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September 10, 2005

 

Candace A. Towner
  Wow, that sounds simple enough. I have been shopping for a light meter, since I have been borrowing a friends and she is not always around. Any recommendations?


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September 10, 2005

 

Candace A. Towner
  I have a 3 light system, been shopping for a softbox too, but haven't gotten it yet.

I did not use the backlight on the pic above though. If I use the backlight there is way too much shadowing.

I will try the clock thing. And would love to read the whole thread...

Candace


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September 10, 2005

 

Michelle Ross
  Hi Candace and welcome . . . great questions . . . I too struggle with white staying white . . I thought I had it all figured out the other day and they looked great until I got them home and in PS. Then I could not only see a grayish cast but also the texture in the muslin that I used for hte backdrop . . . I too can eliminate it in PS but then if I have anything on the floor that isn't flat then it's hard to go around all of that and make it look natural .. . I did use my light meter and I also white balanced which did help but still not good enough . . . I can't remember though if my reading was in the difference like Lynn stated. I have found using a background light helps with my shadows. . . when I don't use one is when I get shadows. . . Anyway .. hope you find lots of info here. . .


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September 10, 2005

 

Michelle Ross
  I meant to ask earlier . . . what about that white seamless vinyl backdrop? Will that help white stay white?????


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September 10, 2005

 

Lynn Snow
  Michelle,

Which vinyl backdrop are you referring to? I've seen cotton and also cotton/poly which is supposed to wrinkle less, but is not as white.

Lynn


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September 10, 2005

 

Michelle Ross
  Hi Lynn! It's at backdrop outlet and here is the url. ..

http://cgi.ebay.com/WHITE-VINYL-BACKGROUND-BACKDROP-OUTLET-10X20-HIGHKEY_W0QQitemZ7544554179QQcategoryZ30079QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItem


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September 10, 2005

 

Michelle Andersson
  hey Candace!

You mentioned that you were shopping around for a softbox. I was taught a wonderful and cheap way to make your own softbox system. The supplies are pvc pipe, nylon, elastic etc.. They are simple to make. I made a set for under $50 and just love it. Works great!

Just let me know if you are interested in the details. I'm kinda lazy and don't want to type all that out for no reason. Tee hee. :)

Michelle


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September 10, 2005

 

Lynn Snow
  Michelle,
I remember reading a thread recently about this. Here is the url...

http://www.betterphoto.com/forms/qnaDetail.php?threadID=18357

I've been looking for an alternative myself to the white seamless paper because it is such a hassle to switch it around, and was looking at other muslin/canvas forms about a month or so ago. However, must photographers and supply stores have told me that only white seamless gives the truest white with no wrinkles.

Also, here's another link to a question I had asked earlier about cotton versus poly/cotton. Maybe something in this thread will be helpful.

http://www.betterphoto.com/forms/qnaDetail.php?threadID=18244

Lynn


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September 10, 2005

 

Debbie Vega
  Hey DEBBY, or anyone....

I saw that debby had posted some recommendations for strobe lighting but I still have questions that are unanswered. I see that steve kaeser has kits for a 4 light kit at 640w/s with flash output of 160w/s, and then a 540 kit with flash output of 22o.w/s, and then a 640 kit with flash output of 160 w/s. What does this mean? The lights that debby recommended are 3 light kits, forgot to look at the w/s flash output but how much flash output do I need all together. I have been trying to understand this and buy these lights for a while but don't want to get it wrong, nor do I want to spend way to much. I have a relatively small space and would be photographing no more that five people at a time, mostly infants and children. Any impout would be greatly appreciated! I am off to work now but will check back later. Thanks everyone, I really value your opinions.

Debbie.


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September 11, 2005

 

Angela K. Harter
  Michelle... you mentioned you knew how to make some softboxes... I would LOVE to know how you did that one!!!! something great for under 50 would be incredible!!!


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September 11, 2005

 

Candace A. Towner
  Yes, please share the softbox recipe. :)

Candace


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September 11, 2005

 

Tom Sheridan
  Debbie,
I have the low end of strobe power (160w) and I have to dial them down to avoid too much light in portraits. I am sure there are reasons for more powerful lights but I am getting along fine with only 2 of these relatively low poer monolights. I am exposing at 1/160 and 1/200 and have to use fairly small aperatures (16-22) even when the lights are at 3/4 power. If I bounce them I use the same speed but larger aperature and this seems to work fairly well. My feeling is that I will invest in more lights before I invest in higher power lights as this seems more felxible.
Again, not an expert opinion but what I have found.
By the way, I don't know the real definition of all the numbers (effective w/s, etc.) just that my lights were listed at 160w/s and they are JTL J-160's...


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September 11, 2005

 

Debby A. Tabb
  Debbie,
the sets that I recommended will be more then adequate- the w's is just how much power they use- No one can tell you or make you the EXACT amount needed- they make these in standard power variations- and then you can test- decrease or increase power and test again-you need a main, fill and back light- the forth if you opt to have it is a hair light.
also, please note- that at some point YOU will have to make the final decision -everyone has a opinion , but only YOU can decide- disposable lights or a workable kit?- 3 or 4 lights?- 5-7 people or 30?.
My kit comes with alot of extras-I don't say "hey you should buy mine" because it is a kit with the power to shoot 30+ people and you have said "I want to shoot 5-7 people in a small space" so you have to be the one to make the decision-please keep in mind that just because you buy a 3 light or 4 light kit , doesn't mean you have or will always use all the lights at once.
there may be times that you opt to use only 2.and there maybe times you use only 1/2 power.
ask Laura again. see how she feels about hers.
I do hope this helps- You seem to be overly concerned at this point-trust me, no matter what you choose untill you play with them you may question yourself-again ask Laura- she had a hard time also-we picked out a set-now she loves them!
I do hope this helps,
also Tina please email me for those forms-I have 1246 emails I have to go through and it will be faster if you would please email me-and I think you asked for the "class sign " and they are ready now.
Also there is a class(: Posing and Design) forming in Tx.
email Laura if there is a intrest.
thanks,
Debby


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September 11, 2005

 

Debby A. Tabb
  Classes are forming in these cities at this time:
** North Carolina-(email Liza or Justin)
**Houston TX, (email Laura)
**Hemet, CA ( email Me at this time-since my little brain is FRYED and it's only 9:30 am sunday morning and I can't remember if Tina was the one who is setting up the southern california class)
**All classes come with the SET of Cd's on Posing and/or Design
(if it is a 2 day class 1 day Posing 1 day Design(PS ect.)-if it's a one day class of either Posing or Design then you recive the CD's for that)


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September 11, 2005

 

Michelle Andersson
  Hi Angela and Candance,

Here's the recipe. BTW it's from a great book on lighting that has helped me out a ton called "Creative Lighting Techniques" by Dave Montizambert. Here's what he says:

"The most popular tubing (pvc) tubing size, which balances cost against strength, is 3/4" (inner diameter). Begin with a 20' length cut into four pieces. First cut the 20' length in half, then cut 3.5' off the 10' lengths (yeilding two 6.5' lengths, and two 3.5' lengths). The four lengths fit together making a rectangle. Join the ends together with 3/4" innner diameter 90 degrees PVC elbow joints. The 6.5 x3.5 dimension is a good size for lighting people and has become the standard size for photographic panels. However for full length images a taller panel is better (10'x 3.5'), since this will provide better light dispersement over the subject. Other common sizes are: 3.5 x 3.5 (head shots) and 6.5 x 6.5 (group portraits). If you construct two of the standard size they can be dismantled and reassmembled as a 3.5' x 3.5' panel and as a 6.5' x 6.5' panel. For diffusion and reflective material, pruchase white mylon fabric from frabic stores. It can be cut and sewn to the dimensions of the panels. The white fabric is secred to the frames with 5" elastic strips sewn diagonally across the panel farbic corners. The elastic strips pull over the panel frame holding the diffusion fabric tightly in place. For blocking light, use black nylon. For a very bright reflector, use silver lame."

Ingredients for soft box:

2-20' lengths of 3/4" PVC
8-90 degree 3/4" PVC elbows
Nylon Fabric to fit

BTW homedeopt will cut your pvc to size at no cost if you ask them.

Now you need a stand to hold this wonderful contraption. I use two empty paint cans with lengths of 3/4" PVC pipe (at least 7' I think mine are 10'. I then filled the cans with cement to hold the pvc pipe stronly in place. Don't forget to center the PVC pipe. Once dry you are set to go. To connect the soft box frame, sit it on the paint can and use plastic ties, twisty ties or rope to tie to it the PVC pipe.

Stand ingredients:

4-empty paint cans (I bought mine at Homedepot)
Cement
4- 7-10' 3/4" pvc pipe

Enjoy !! :)


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September 11, 2005

 

Michelle Ross
  HI all . . . my husband's cousin has a set of novatron lights that she is willing to sell to me for backup purposes. . . the powerpack doesn't work so I am basically only buying the lights(3 of them). She assumes they work but we won't know until I get them since she couldn't try them with her powerpack . . . there will also be stands for the lights and umbrella's. . . I have looked on ebay for some price ranges but never found anything to really compare apples to apples. . . is there another place that I might be able to find a price to offer her.. . she will have to ship them to me so that will cost a bit . . . or does anyone have any suggestions of what might be a reasonable offer for both of us . . . I just hate to pay alot since this is basically a backup system but will give me the option to run 4 lights if I should ever need to!


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September 11, 2005

 

Angela K. Harter
  thank you so much for recipe! think I need to go and find that book too!


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September 12, 2005

 

Betsy Labuschagne
  Hi everyone!

I have a shoot set up for saturday with 3 children; a 7 year old boy, his 5 year old sister and thier 1 1/2 year sister. I could really use all the help and suggestions that I can get!!! I know NOTHING about posing a few children together. If anyone perhaps have any portraits that they have done of 2 or more children together, would you PLEASE post them for me to have a look at? Thank you!


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September 12, 2005

 

Betsy Labuschagne
  Hi everyone!

I have a shoot set up for saturday with 3 children; a 7 year old boy, his 5 year old sister and thier 1 1/2 year sister. I could really use all the help and suggestions that I can get!!! I know NOTHING about posing a few children together. If anyone perhaps have any portraits that they have done of 2 or more children together, would you PLEASE post them for me to have a look at? Thank you!


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September 12, 2005

 

Angela K. Harter
  i don't have it on my computer anymore but one that I have done with all the kids around here is lay them on there backs and put their heads together (kind of in a circle)...get above them and shoot away! make sure to have something noisey for the little one to watch in your other hand if possible...i'm pretty new at this too:)good luck!!!!!


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September 12, 2005

 

Angela K. Harter
  i don't have it on my computer anymore but one that I have done with all the kids around here is lay them on there backs and put their heads together (kind of in a circle)...get above them and shoot away! make sure to have something noisey for the little one to watch in your other hand if possible...i'm pretty new at this too:)good luck!!!!!


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September 12, 2005

 

Angela K. Harter
  i don't have it on my computer anymore but one that I have done with all the kids around here is lay them on there backs and put their heads together (kind of in a circle)...get above them and shoot away! make sure to have something noisey for the little one to watch in your other hand if possible...i'm pretty new at this too:)good luck!!!!!


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September 12, 2005

 

Angela K. Harter
  i don't have it on my computer anymore but one that I have done with all the kids around here is lay them on there backs and put their heads together (kind of in a circle)...get above them and shoot away! make sure to have something noisey for the little one to watch in your other hand if possible...i'm pretty new at this too:)good luck!!!!!


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September 12, 2005

 

Angela K. Harter
  i don't have it on my computer anymore but one that I have done with all the kids around here is lay them on there backs and put their heads together (kind of in a circle)...get above them and shoot away! make sure to have something noisey for the little one to watch in your other hand if possible...i'm pretty new at this too:)good luck!!!!!


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September 12, 2005

 

Angela K. Harter
  i don't have it on my computer anymore but one that I have done with all the kids around here is lay them on there backs and put their heads together (kind of in a circle)...get above them and shoot away! make sure to have something noisey for the little one to watch in your other hand if possible...i'm pretty new at this too:)good luck!!!!!


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September 12, 2005

 

Angela K. Harter
  i don't have it on my computer anymore but one that I have done with all the kids around here is lay them on there backs and put their heads together (kind of in a circle)...get above them and shoot away! make sure to have something noisey for the little one to watch in your other hand if possible...i'm pretty new at this too:)good luck!!!!!


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September 12, 2005

 

Candace A. Towner
 
 
 
I have 2 kiddos of my own, it is very challenging. For the little ones, snacks and treats or squeekies work.


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September 12, 2005

 

Candace A. Towner
 
 
 
I have 2 kiddos of my own, it is very challenging. For the little ones, snacks and treats or squeekies work.


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September 12, 2005

 

Michelle Ross
 
 
 
Okay everyone . .. I have a 3month old session on Thursday . ..it will be about 6:30 and I would like to try some natural light but not sure how long there will be light coming in . .. I have a baby poser so can do some on his tummy, and sitting, but what else is there. . . I have NO props and am going hopefully tomorrow or Wednesday to try to find something . . . The mom did mention doing the ones in the buff with his little butt up in the air but I would like to do those in the natural light and I'm not sure how long we will have. . . I figured we'd try to do those first. .. Anyway .. . I am just blank as to what to do besides 3 poses. . . I thought about some of his little feet and maybe of his hands. .. but are those more like real newborn age ones or is 3 months good for those too . . . plus trying to do some closeups. .. I have a wicker laundry type basket(oval). I have a white fuzzy cloth thing to cover the baby poser but just don't know if my white will stay white enough and my 3rd light is getting fixed. .. (should be back by now). What about black background with Black cloth for the ones in the buff and try the ones against white for the ones he's clothed???

Oh and here is a diagram of my set up for now . . . using it where should I put him in relevance to the window for the natural light ones?



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September 12, 2005

 

Michelle Ross
 
 
 
Okay everyone . .. I have a 3month old session on Thursday . ..it will be about 6:30 and I would like to try some natural light but not sure how long there will be light coming in . .. I have a baby poser so can do some on his tummy, and sitting, but what else is there. . . I have NO props and am going hopefully tomorrow or Wednesday to try to find something . . . The mom did mention doing the ones in the buff with his little butt up in the air but I would like to do those in the natural light and I'm not sure how long we will have. . . I figured we'd try to do those first. .. Anyway .. . I am just blank as to what to do besides 3 poses. . . I thought about some of his little feet and maybe of his hands. .. but are those more like real newborn age ones or is 3 months good for those too . . . plus trying to do some closeups. .. I have a wicker laundry type basket(oval). I have a white fuzzy cloth thing to cover the baby poser but just don't know if my white will stay white enough and my 3rd light is getting fixed. .. (should be back by now). What about black background with Black cloth for the ones in the buff and try the ones against white for the ones he's clothed???

Oh and here is a diagram of my set up for now . . . using it where should I put him in relevance to the window for the natural light ones?



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September 12, 2005

 

Angela K. Harter
  (sorry for the 7 of the same thing post!!!!! kept giving me an error so I kept trying! lol)


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September 13, 2005

 

Debbie Vega
  Hey all, just checking in, been at work all weekend.....

Debbie.


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September 13, 2005

 

Angela K. Harter
 
 
 
o.k. ladies...i have been trying to figure out how to use this blur thing and keep the subject sharp....now I can't keep the glow off of the edges...i'm not steady with the lasso and the eraser leaves the "halo" around it....any hints or tips anyone?!?! (i'll try and put the picture up)


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September 13, 2005

 

Angela K. Harter
 
 
 
trying again with the pic....


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September 13, 2005

 

Michael E. Lanning
  Hey Angela,
In the sept issue of Popular Photography they talk about this. I am kinda curious how people do this to so this is a great question. These guys will be able to help you out more then I can. But photo looks good!


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September 13, 2005

 

Angela K. Harter
  thanks micheal!!!


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September 13, 2005

 

Betsy Labuschagne
  Thanks for your tips Angela and Candace. We all got caught out by the error page Angela, no biggie!

I will try them lying in a circle and standing over them (will try it with my own two first to see how it affects the lights). Are there any set rules though? Someone e-mailed me and said that you should use a pyramid shape, so I could put the 7 year boy (the oldest) centre with a sister on each side? And should they still be placed at an agle? Sorry, I don't mean to bore you all to tears, just want to make sure that I'm following some basic rules.


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September 13, 2005

 

Betsy Labuschagne
  Hi Michelle!

I had a little 4 month baby boy the other day and posted some in my gallery if you would like to take a look - the baby bird. When they are so tiny I personally think it's best to try and get them on their tummy if you can, often they don't like that. I even did my bath portraits with this baby - just made sure I supported him properly. I used a doughnut shaped pillow (open on the one side so it's easy to get around them). I suppose it depends from baby to baby, they all reach developmental milestones at different ages. In any case, for such a small baby, I would strongly recommend tummy or sleeping baby!


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September 13, 2005

 

Debbie Vega
  Angela,,,, with regards to the blur, there is an actual lens out there that does the same job. I am useless at photoshop. It's called a lens baby (lensbabies.com) and you move the lens around the create a sharp focus point and the rest blurs outwards. I don't have it but have considered getting it to play with. It's only about $100. Worth a try for the price...

Debbie


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September 13, 2005

 

Laura E. OConnor
  I DID MY FIRST MATERNITY SHOOT!!!!!! The proofs are already up on my site! Here's the url:

http://www.lifeimagesbylaura.com/-/lifeimagesbylaura/gallery.php?cat=17536

Let me know what you think!!!


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September 13, 2005

 

Sandra
  Laura,
Never would have known it was your first, the photo's are GREAT , WONDERFUL I love the ones with the little shoes.
Great Job Laura!


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September 13, 2005

 

Michelle Ross
  Hi Laura. . WOW those are great! On your white background . . .what did you use for it???

Also . . . I've never done any shots like this so maybe it's not relevant . . . but I take it she has been told it's a girl?? The only suggestion that I might make especially if mom's want any of the pictures for scrapbooks, etc is to also take one with the other color(in this case blue) JUST IN CASE LOL . . . My friend was told her baby was a girl and it ended up being a boy. .. she luckily didn't go out and do the room in pink or anything but sometimes the doctors are wrong and if you at least take one or two with the opposite color you can offer a backup picture if necessary . .. like I said probably isn't something to be overly concerned with but just a thought. .. I really like the ones in black and white!

My shoot for th 3 month old got postponed til next week . . . the mom forgot she had to leave town tomorrow night so we are doing it next week which will be good because then I have more time to brainstorm. . .


Is this the mom who wasn't sure she wanted to do these??

Good Job!!!


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September 14, 2005

 

Angela K. Harter
  laura....those are really good! I love those pictures!!!! I keep trying to convince my best friend to let me do some of her, just won't go for it:) think I may show her your pics! way to go!!!!!!!


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September 14, 2005

 

Laura E. OConnor
  THANKS EVERYONE!!!!

I used white seamless paper for my white background.

Yes, this is the mom who was reluctant to come in for the shoot. But by the time she got here, she was excited. I sent her links to a bunch of my favorite shots from BP members and other sites I found to show her how gorgeous they could be. I took about 140 frames (not all were useable, some were crooked - my wrist started to hurt!! LOL!)

She is due in two weeks!!! He last ultrasound confirmed 95% no little boy parts. I could always tint the shoes blue in PS if it's wrong!! LOL! I actually wanted to do blue, too, but I couldn't find a small enough pair in blue for a reasonable amount of money for a prop...even at Wal-Mart (that's where I got the white and pink ones)

Thanks again, all! I'm REALLY PROUD of how they turned out. I know there are a lot of them, probably too many for a typical shoot, but I needed them for my portfolio more than anything else, and I wanted to show my scope and ability. There was some PS work done, adding filters and turning B&W on a bunch, but I can't say I'd be disappointed if I were the client!!!! Sorry to toot my own horn, but I'M SO HAPPY!!!!! I can't wait for her to see them! NOW my problem is.... I told her I'd give her free studio-printed prints 8x10 and smaller...I better go buy paper and ink!

Also, I got two calls yesterday right after this shoot! I guess I needed the confidence boost before I got my first paying job! Somebody out there knows me better than I do! LOL! One for a 9 week old and a 31/2 year old the other for Senior Portraits outside, plus casual portraits with his guitar, some with his girlfriend and possibly senior portraits for her!!!! HELP!! I've been so stuck in studio mode, the last pictures I took outside came out TERRIBLE!!!


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September 14, 2005

 

Michelle Ross
  You'll do great Laura!!! On the outdoor portraits. ..I'd ask them if they have a place in mind so you can check the light at different times of the day, etc... and in the meantime be scouting out your own places. .. once fall hits and the leaves start to fall I'm in a pickle because there goes all my nice shady places. . .


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September 14, 2005

 

Debby A. Tabb
  Good Morning ,
Laura, as I told you on the phone yeasterday-GREAT JOB!!!!
I am so PROUD of you and Betsy- jumping out there and making things happen.
You asked questions and then followed up with the info. you recieved and made it pay off!
and BEAUTIFULY I might add.
one thing about doing things on line is that answers can be given-
but there is no way to make you try them.
these are two cases where answers were given and both these people tryed the suggestions and found they started moving towards thier goals faster.
And have arrived at a point where they can start working - is there still more to learn , yes but the studio is up and running.
Laura, is trying to put together a class in Tx area, to add the abiliy to pose tradtionals as well as improve the candids.
The answers are there for you , but only you guys can go get them-by
re-reading the thread-getting books- trying exact recommendations-and posting successes and problems.
Sorry, to go on- can ya tell I have recived some emails,from someone over thinking it all? I ask them to try something and post and I get why, it won't work,why not this?- it may truly turn out to be another way-
but I start out with what is easiest for my eye to see and gadge.
It worked with Lauras lights-and we tryed nightly with out a trip to Tx. she just said ok and tryed.
And what makes this thread special is that in 1&2 you can SEE the trials and success she and Betsy had.
enough of that .
Great Job again!!
Oh Michelle, also about your 3mo.old- there are some posts on 1 or 2 and I am looking for more for you.
a doll cradle can be of some real help.
use blue blankets and REALLY prop him up - add some toys around and put a ball in his hands and a mit against the cradle.
you already know a strong sequeance:
*full body sitting(poser or bean bag )
*head shot
* arm pose
* take him down to his diddy and do the over the hill shot.
* then from there- the naked full body
* and the naked 3/4 body( head to start of little bum)
* then try the football one and the toliet paper one- (these are both cute to do when young the re-do them as they get old enough to sit up.)
** this is the BEST time of year to be photographing kids and families of ALL ages- do the basics and start NOW!!
add the halloween and fall, harvest ones and also christmas ones.
THE SOONER YOU GET YOUR CHRISTMAS SHOTS OUT THERE- THE SOONED EVERYONE ELSE SEES THEM AND CALLS FOR THIER APPOINTMENT!!!
YES- even if mom says "oh , I'm going to bring them back for that"- just very nicely say" oh great, but I'd really just like to try this out, your not held to buying it,OK" and then do it.
if she doesn't buy it AND IT'S GOOD, then give her a free 5x7 or wallets, and say thanks for giving me the chance to take the sample-have her sign a release so you may show it.
and there you go-she WILL show her friends and you WILL get those early calls.****trust me.
ok I do hope all this helps,
Debby


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September 14, 2005

 

Tina Edwards
  Great job!! Laura. I thing they turned out beautiful and I too really like the ones with the shoes, just adorable.
also thank you for the pdf. file

Debby, Thank you for the forms that you sent. I thought it would be best to thank you hear on BP to help keep down on your email.


Tina


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September 14, 2005

 

Cyndee Wanyonyi
  Laura...I, too, am impressed with your abilities! I hope you have many more successes (i'm sure you will!). Ideally, how big should a studio be???


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September 14, 2005

 

Angela K. Harter
  well, I tried doing a search to see if it was already here some where but didn't find anything on it...wondering how to take an image and "mirror" it in ps....and suggestions?


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September 14, 2005

 

Betsy Labuschagne
  Laura,

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!! You did a wonderful job!!! These are so awesome!! You have come so far since you posted your first practice shots! Isn't it the best feeling in the world when you look at portraits that you took afterward and you see that they came out just as you imagined! You have done very well!! I wish I had maternity shots like these of myself when I was expecting. All the best of luck to you, you're going to be a great success!!

Were you nervous at all when you did this shoot? I was so nervous with my first couple of shoots that I could've died rather than go through with it! I'm a lot better now :-)

Once again, well done!!


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September 14, 2005

 

Betsy Labuschagne
  Debby,
do you perhaps have any examples you could post for posing brothers and sisters for my shoot coming up.

I would really appreciate your help. I know you're all probably thinking 'Just do the shoot and get it over with', but I really want to try and do it right, and I really have no direction....PLEASE HELP!


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September 14, 2005

 

Tom Sheridan
  Beautiful work everyone has been posting. I am jealous that my real job has encroached on my free time and I haven't had time to do any portrait work. Our living room is devoid of studio equipment again…oh well.

I will still be keeping up with the thread but probably won't have much time to work on my photography for a few weeks, just in time for a Halloween setup.


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September 14, 2005

 

Michelle Ross
  Okay I was reading through Part 1 again and came across the subject of the settings . . . I use ISO 200 but I usually just set my camera on whatever my light meter says with sometimes a few adjustments for brightness??? I noticed f22 and shutter at 200? Was I reading this right?? I'm still wanting my white to stay white and am hoping when I get my flash head that was broken back that will help and I will flast light onto the white? Or is this a no no .. . I apologize again if this has been discussed but I read the threads and my mind starts brainstorming about what I'm reading and then I kind of get lost . . .


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September 14, 2005

 

Tom Sheridan
  Michelle, what you read is correct. This is the sort of thing Debby was talking about when she said she has someone start at a set of standard settings and then take it from there. So when I had some issues with exposure (which is how I joined this marathon thread) she told me to start with that program. I have since worked with different settings but that helped her see how my lighting was working. I have been using a flash meter on my last few sessions which is helpful when I want to check the exposures needed at different speeds or lighting positions.

I am not sure what you mean by flashing the flash head onto the white, but I was using 3 lights in my last session. I have 2 strobes as described in Debby's clock setting description and a flash unit on an optical slave behind the subjct as a background light. This didn't change the way I started with f22 and 1/200, I just modified the lighting power a bit when needed.

Hope this helps and I hope I explained Debby's system and reasons behind the hard-coded numbers above.


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September 14, 2005

 

Michelle Ross
  HI Tom! I set my lights up using the clock method as well . . . the light I was talking about flashing onto the white was my 3rd light(background light). I wasn't sure if I allowed the flash to fire onto the background if it would whiten it up . . . I usually just use the modeling light to brighten the spot just behind them. It works good that way with the colored or mottled backdrops .. .but I want my white WHITE and not greyish . .. I thought last time I had accomplished that but in the end I could see the texture lines in teh muslin and it wasn't that appealing! :-(


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September 14, 2005

 

Tom Sheridan
  I'm not sure how to fix that but the only times I have seen truly smooth white backgrounds were from seamless paper. You may be getting the textures highlighted by a light that is glancing off the backdrop creating shadows instead of directed light that would flatten it. I haven't played with white backgrounds yet but I would think this would be the biggest challenge to really even (and smooth looking) lighting.


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September 14, 2005

 

Laura E. OConnor
  Hi everyone! I use seamless white paper, matte not ultra white (I was told that had a bit of a sheen to it). I haven't exactly mastered the art of consistently whiter than white backgrounds without a little PS boosting. I can get it sometimes and not others, with the same exact settings! I have a window and sunlight issue that throws me off. I have read, though that placing one light directly at 6 o'clock (just above the camera, I think) can help with high-key shots. I haven't tried this yet, but plan to see if it works! I hesitate to use a backlight with kids for safety's sake, and that's who I usually do the high-key shots for. I think I'll try putting my backlight up front near the camera next time around when I'm doing practice shots to see if this helps. Let me know how it works for you if you try it!


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September 14, 2005

 

Liza M. Franco
  Angela, Mirror Image in PS- create a duplicate layer go to Edit>Transform>Flip Horizontally. If you have any more questions, email me. I'm in the midst of crunch time on finishing some template cds that will be released soon and hurricane preparations, I live in NC. But if I can give a quick answer I'll be glad to help.


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September 14, 2005

 

Michelle Ross
  What kind of template CD's do you make Liza??


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September 14, 2005

 

Sandy Landon
  Betsy, I have tried 3 times to send you an email about group settings but it keeps coming back with a warning. SORRY!! One suggestion would be to do a search on your computer for "Children photographers" and look at other peoples websites. You can often get great ideas from there.


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September 14, 2005

 

Angela K. Harter
  liza....thanks for the help! I will try that....and I hope everything goes o.k. for you there and you have no trouble!!!!!! we'll keep praying all is well....


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September 14, 2005

 

Liza M. Franco
 
 
  Stained Glass Arch
Stained Glass Arch

Liza M. Franco

 
  Wedding  5
Wedding 5

Liza M. Franco

 
 
Hi Michelle, I have a lot of different categories I'm working on, but here are a couple. They are compatible only with PS at this time. All the hard design work has been done already and a photographer will just open them in PS and slide their photo in underneath the template layer, then print the page all as one. They should be a huge booster for holiday sales for anyone using them. I'm a photoshop geek, I spend way too many hours creating templates and I figured it was time to start sharing them.

Angela, thank you for your kind thoughts. The latest reports show that it should be veering a little further away from us, but we will still see a lot of wind and rain. The electric lines in our town are all still on poles, not underground so we will probably lose our electric and usually the phone line too. So if I'm not on for a few days, everything is most likely fine, we just are living in an area that is very behind in modern technology and updating.


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September 14, 2005

 

Michelle Ross
  Thanks Liza. . . those are neat. . . So when you say PS does that mean Elements 3.0??? That's what I use!


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September 15, 2005

 

Debby A. Tabb
  OK , Now that Liza has let the cat out of the bag-
I can finally tell you guys -
I LOVE THESE TEMPLETES!!!
OH man that has been so hard to hold in,lol,lol
Liza, has shared this with me and the CD's are so WORTH the money- the time and effort they save is amazing.
can ya tell I was jazzed?
I only want more of them,and I keep bugging her with ideas( witch I have got to stop doing other wise she won't have the instructional cd done in time for our classes,lol)
*just a note- the classes we are teaching at are 2 day weekends and you get these CD's free with them!
I have used the templetes with my sports shots and children and pets.
but she told me to keep my TRAP shut until she had her copywrites-
HA, NOW I CAN YAPPP,lol


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September 15, 2005

 

Betsy Labuschagne
  Sandy, thank you SO MUCH for all your help. I've received your e-mails and will definately use your suggestions, and I have also found some great ideas on the net! THANK YOU!!!


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September 15, 2005

 

Laura E. OConnor
 
 
 
Hey all... This is my entry today. Does anyone take offense to the amount of skin or subject matter shown? I just wanted to be sure. I LOVE this portrait and wanted to make sure I wasn't offending anyone. THANKS!!!!


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September 15, 2005

 

Lynn Snow
  Beautiful picture Laura!!!!


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September 15, 2005

 

Angela K. Harter
  laura...i think it's great!!!


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September 15, 2005

 

Alisha L. Ekstrom
  Ok sooo I have to chime in so I can stay updated on this thread:):) You all have VERY interesting thoughts & ideas & I like reading them!!!:):) I am learning sooo much here at BP...EVERYONE KEEP UP THE FABULOUS work you all do!!!!:):)

By the way Liza & Debby I think I read is your class going to be in Idaho where Cynthia lives????


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September 15, 2005

 

Debby A. Tabb
  Checking in-this am.
Laura, ring my cell when you are up and i'll call ya back-called back after I was done with Ruben yeasterday and had the pleasure of speaking to Tim.but you were already out test your poses.
Alisha,
I don't know if we are going to Idaho yet, But someone might have contacted Liza about it and it has not gotten to me yet.I do hope to meet you though!
Liza or Justin are the contacts for the No.Carolina class-
Laura is the contact for the TX class and for the So.Cal class you all can contact me and PLEASE put a title to the email such as CLASS so I get to those first- I am sorry to say, I have over 1,100 emails to go through this weekend.
I will! Betsy You are on my list.
and my company today and tomorrow.
but finding Rubens Employees is first on my list.His venture is growing so quickly!
I have had to say goodby to the other couple sites I was posting on and have directed them here to BP- and will continue to post that same message for the next 2 mos.
SO you guys should all see some NEW friends show up.
Also still trying to get a couple of my co-workers who used to also be my assistants( or I was probubly just thiers) to help out here as well.
They are sooo much fun!so look for Lynn and Becky in hopes they join.
wishing you a wonderful day!
Debby


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September 16, 2005

 

Michael E. Lanning
  Hey Debbie,
You were talking about those ps templete, how do I use them and where do I get them. I also have a couple of more questions so i'll make this short.......1 how do I do a batch command(like put my name on bottom of many photo's, and save the action.....and next these 2 day classes you teach, what's the deal with them? Thanks for the help and for giving the rest of us hope.


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September 16, 2005

 

Debbie Vega
  Hey everyone, just checking in... Ordered my lighting kit that Debby and Laura recommended, thanks guys! Hopefully they will be here by tuesday and I can get crackin...

Thanks all, debbie


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September 18, 2005

 

Sandra
 
 
 
Hi Debbie,
Did you decide on the 3 or 4 lights ?
Also did you buy from Steve?
I can't make up my mind on what to get.
Thanks Sandra


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September 18, 2005

 

Debby A. Tabb
  Hi Micheal,
The templetes are on a Cd that was created by Liza and will be available to the public pending thier copywrite.
and are PS compatable.Thier are so many different designs up to 20 designs per cd.
the two day class is
*1 day posing and photographer role playing
*and the 2nd day is all Photo shop and Design enhancement.
Included in each of the classes are a packet of handouts and CD's to take home and refer to for a lifetime.
the class hours are always depending on room availablity-we teach for as long as all fo you are awake and playing with us.
email us for more info.


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September 18, 2005

 

Debby A. Tabb
  Also , the studio system I have should be on ebay by tomorrow am.
4 light system(strong enough to shoot 30+ the best steve has)
backdrop holder 2 muslins.plus a couple props may be included.


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September 18, 2005

 

Liza M. Franco
  Michael, the classes start to form when someone contacts us and wants to be the host or organizer of our class location. That person then gathers min. 20 people, max. 30. The 2 day workshop is a great way to prepare for the upcoming holidays and boost sales.


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September 18, 2005

 

Michelle Ross
  Have you ever had any classes in Kansas????? or Oklahoma??? I know I couldn't get 20 people but might be willing to travel . . .


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September 18, 2005

 

Liza M. Franco
  Hi Michelle, we haven't done a joint workshop in either of those places yet. We've had quite a few people also say that they are willing to travel. If you'd like, we can keep you posted as to the class locations we have forming.


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September 18, 2005

 

Michelle Ross
  Thanks Liza. . . I'm right on the OK/KS border Oklahoma City is 4 hours, Amarillo, TX is 4 hours. . . Kansas City is about 7 or 8 hours. . . Colorado Springs is about 7 I think . . . all those places are one I could possibly make it to depending on when it is. . . oh and Wichita is 3 hours. . . naturally I would love the closer distance ones :-)


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September 18, 2005

 

Liza M. Franco
  You're welcome. I've always wanted to go to Kansas. Well, I'll talk to Debby and see if she has anything new coming up in those areas. We are trying to get as many classes in before the holidays as we can so that everyone can use what they learn and their cds to promote their holiday photography sales. Thanks for your interest, I'll let you know what I find out.


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September 18, 2005

 

Laura E. OConnor
  HI ALL!!

WHEW!!! I had my first Senior shoot tonight and it went REALLY well! We were out for a LONG time and got a bunch of great shots! IT WAS SOOOOO H-O-T!! But I brought towels and cold water for everyone, so that was a big hit!

I have to go through them all and edit the selection and crop etc and get them posted by Tues night. I promised a quick turnaround on this one because of his tight yearbook deadline, but if I pull it off and his mom is happy, I could get a TON of referrals, including more Senior sessions next spring AND portrait work at his firehouse!!!

ALSO!!!! I have to apologize... I've been so busy with these first couple of shoots that I'm seriously slacking on getting the class together here in Houston and have to get info to a couple of you. PLEASE e-mail me again so I don't have to weed through my hundreds of e-mails and I will get it out to you tomorrow.

Debby and Liza...the info I got didn't say when the class was supposed to be (that I saw anyway), please let me know as much info as you can, as people are contacting me already as instructed. THANKS!!!!


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September 18, 2005

 

Debbie Vega
  Hey Sandra, I bought the 4 light kit that was $579 per recommendation from Laura and Debby. I have absolutely no studio/lighting experience whatsoever, just a love for photography so I though I would give it a try. I will definately be posting alot after tuesday bacuse I will be completely and utterly confused but you have to start somewhere right???

Good Luck..


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September 18, 2005

 

Liza M. Franco
  Laura, congratulations on your shoot going so well. Good thinking on the towels and water. I'll be emailing you tonight. I'm so happy for you. Now that it is over, you can sit back and breathe a sigh of relief. Then, take a deep breath and dive into the editing that awaits you. Just remember, being busy and having work to do is a great thing.


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September 18, 2005

 

Debby A. Tabb
  hi debbie,
if you email me I will give you a phone # if you'd like to call if you have any trouble with the lights, as I am very familar with them-also, I suggest you have at least 3-4 different colors of tape when you first set up your kit: as you set them up -assign each light it's own color and then tape a ring of that color to each piece and cord that goes with that picticular light. Then anyone could help you set up your lights by just following the colors,and when you are stressed you can also follow the colors with out thinking at all.
trust me this is a REAL time saver!
laura,
when setting up a class gather a few dates that may work and then we can all have a comferance call and hash them out. thank you again!!!!
and I am so glad you had a good time,I've been WAITING to hear ever since we talked the other day. I just can't wait!


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September 18, 2005

 

Courtney Kerns
  I AM VERY INTERESTED IN THESE CLASSES. I'M IN SOUTHERN OHIO...COULD YOU EMAIL ME CITIES AND DATES OF WHEN THESE ARE BEING HELD. I WOULD LOVE TO ATTEND AND MEET SOME VERY NICE PEOPLE HERE FROM BP. I LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU SOON! THANKS!


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September 19, 2005

 

Debbie Vega
  Thanks so much Debby, My lights will arrive tomorrow then I have to fit them in my spare room, not quite sure where the stuff from the spare room will go though!!!! I will email you my number, you are in San Diego right? so theres no time difference etc.. I am in San Francisco!

Thanks for all your support and hopefull I will be able to start trying to take some pics soon. Take Care..


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September 19, 2005

 

Liza M. Franco
  Hi Courtney, thank you for your interest in our workshop. I have sent you an email.


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September 19, 2005

 

Angela K. Harter
  Courtney and Liza...I, too, am very interested and I live in Indianapolis so a southern Ohio class wouldn't be too far:) Let me know if something is coming this way!


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September 19, 2005

 

Debby A. Tabb
  good day Angela,
if you would like to host a workshop you can email Liza or myself for info.
or email me your number and I will give you a call-we are going to try to fit in as many as we can in, before the Christmas holiday (to help you all boost your sales)But, we are running out of time.
after the holiday(if we're not just beat) we will start working on, next years.In hopes of eing able to come out and spend a few days playing with you guys-Keep in mind these are Workshops ,bring your cameras and laptops ect.
In posing we take turns, posing and photographing and you go home with the cd's handouts and lots of pictures of your friends to study and use to help you see what is correct and incorrect posing. it is a lot of fun.
I am borded you guys-no one is posting pictures???
come on....ok, I'll see what I have.
and be back


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September 19, 2005

 

Mellanie
  OK, i'm popping in here on this "wild" thread! I haven't bought any lights yet...still learning all about my flash! :)
Michelle, I'm in OK about 1.5 hours from Wichita, KS. Would be interested in this class too...can someone fill me in on details, cost, etc?
Thanks...oh, and laura, can you email me the .pdf of these threads?!?
Thanks,
mel
Timeless Images by Mellanie


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September 19, 2005

 

Mellanie
  oops sorry...link mess up!


Timeless Images by Mellanie


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September 19, 2005

 

Lynn Snow
  Hi guys,

As the busy holiday portrait season approachs, does anyone have any holiday portraits that they care to share. I am trying to get some ideas on backdrops, props, etc. Thanks!


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September 19, 2005

 

Debby A. Tabb
 
 
 
heres some-I love sharing christmas Ideas.


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September 19, 2005

 

Debby A. Tabb
 
 
 
how about some more.


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September 19, 2005

 

Lynn Snow
  Debby,
Thanks so much for sharing! Those are so great!! Do you have any family portraits or group portraits that you could share?

Lynn


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September 19, 2005

 

Laura E. OConnor
  OK, all, I got my Senior shoot proofs up on my site. Here's the url...

http://www.lifeimagesbylaura.com/-/lifeimagesbylaura/gallery.php?cat=19029

Let me know what you think!

Sorry I've been in and out for a while and not really keeping up. I was SO nervous about these last two shoots (my first ever ws the maternity shoot and the Senior shoot was my first PAID one, my first Senior and my first outdoor!!!!) I've been crazy trying to get everything up online!


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September 19, 2005

 

Alisha L. Ekstrom
  Hey Laura...I looked at your Senior portraits & they are wonderful. I REALLY like the railroad tracks. THOUGH I am a fan of railroad tracks. Love the fire truck. I will e-mail you tomorrow. Gotta get off this darn computer for a while:):) You CAN relax now..YOU ARE doing a mighty fine job!!!!:):)


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September 19, 2005

 

Debby A. Tabb
  hey Laura,
I will call you tomorrow- I am just now feeding the family-8:19 pm
I'm in trouble,lol,lol
the shots are really great!!!
talk to you tommorrow,
debby


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September 19, 2005

 

Laura E. OConnor
  Thanks Alisha and Debby!! I added a few more in B&W and Sepia after you looked. I wanted to get the majority up, and then do the B&W and Sepia. I really appreciate you taking the time to check them out!

Debby, LOL! Sounds like my house! I tried to call several times, sorry if I bugged you! I really wanted to chat about the photos to see what you thought. I guess I'll find out what Justin's mom thought tomorrow! I have some of him and his girlfriend to edit and post yet, but since she's a minor, and I don't have her parent's signature on the model release yet, I couldn't post them yet anyway.

Thanks again!


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September 19, 2005

 

Angela K. Harter
  laura, I think they looked great!!!


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September 20, 2005

 

Liza M. Franco
 
 
  Wallet 1
Wallet 1

Liza M. Franco

 
  Wallet 2
Wallet 2

Liza M. Franco

 
  Wallet 3
Wallet 3

Liza M. Franco

 
  Senior Collage
Senior Collage

Liza M. Franco

 
 
Great job Laura!!! I have some ideas for two of your shots. 002 and 009 are both shot with the subject off to the side. I do this intentionally with Senior portraits so that I can make wallets that say the name and class of 2005. These are great for handouts to class mates and to send to relatives either with the graduation announcement or since they are casual, with the thank you cards. These have been a huge hit for me. The other thing you can do is use the same type of shot for an 8x10 or larger that will be a photo montage/collage with smaller portraits to the side of your subject.

Parents like these because they are different than what the kids here can get from the national studio that has the monopoly on our high school photos. I also try not to take too many people to the same locations so that the kids can all have different shots from eachother.


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September 20, 2005

 

Alisha L. Ekstrom
  Great idea Liza. On the collage would you mind telling me how you get the smaller pics to look kinda like 3-D with the border? I use Photoshop 7.0, but I don't know how to do borders on the smaller images or make them look 3-D...where they look like they are sitting up off the image? Hard to explain, but I've seen these like this & would like to learn. Thanks a million!!


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September 20, 2005

 

Debbie Vega
  Great pics Laura and Liza, fantastic...
I guess senior pics is a big here here in the US, where I'm from there is no such memories in pic form, can't wait till my little one goes to school...

Laura, my lights are coming today and am in the process of clearing out spare room, really excited, will let you know how it goes...


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September 20, 2005

 

Candace A. Towner
  AAHH!! Please HELP!! I tried out my seamless paper this morning and I just want to pull my hair out. WHAT AM I DOING WRONG???

I took a few pics of my lighting setup and a few pics of this awful coloring I am getting. Is it my settings? or just where my lights are set? Where is the WHITE?

http://photos.imageevent.com/ctowner/help/websize/setup2.JPG

http://photos.imageevent.com/ctowner/help/websize/setup1.JPG

http://photos.imageevent.com/ctowner/help/websize/IMG_2307.JPG


I was using several different settings, so I am not really sure what these were shot at, but I obviously they were the right ones anyway. I did have my ISO set at 200, and most of the time I had aperture at either 4.5 or 5.6.


Frustrated,Candace


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September 20, 2005

 

Michelle Ross
  Well Candace White is NOT my strong point either . . butjust looking here it doesn't seem like you have near enough light to keep your background white. I couldn't quite see how many lights you did have but with the dark room it appears your lights are in I'm thinking you just need alot more power. . . You might try a custom white balance also if your camera allows it.


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September 20, 2005

 

Candace A. Towner
  I have a 3 light set up. And it really does not look like enough to me either. I am thinking, geez do I need 10 lights to make this work? I have used the auto white balance it looks even worse. I did have it set on the Tungsten white balance setting for those pics.

I have heard some people use a ring flash. Does anyone know if that would help?

Candace


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September 20, 2005

 

Laura E. OConnor
  HI CANDACE!!! DON'T Pull your hair out...you'll regret being bald once you get this figured out!!! LOL! BOY does this sound familiar...the photos look familiar, too!

What is your shutter speed???

Also, you may not have enough wattage in your hot lights to light such a large area. ESPECIALLY without one aimed at the paper. I know shadows are a concern, too, but if you move the lights closer to the subject, and the subject closer to the backdrop, it might help a bit! I only have my subject about 3 feet from the backdrop (you may need more with hot lights) and my lights about 4 feet from my subject. I have studio lights now, and don't envy you in figuring this all out! I'VE BEEN THERE! BUT IT WILL GET FIGURED OUT WITH PERSISTANCE! That's why this thread is referred to lovingly as the "cooked husband" thread...my hubby sat through many LONG test sessions with my hotlights before I got my studio strobes.

Also,, it looks like the light on the camera left is brighter...is it a stronger bulb or just closer? If they are equal power and you want a good even high-key white, try to keep them the same distance from your subject on either side.

I HOPE ALL THAT HELPS!!


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September 20, 2005

 

Laura E. OConnor
  I think a ring flash might get you a better high-key look bringing the light to the lens... but you can do it without! Also...how close are you to the lights with the camera? Maybe you need to move in, too?


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September 20, 2005

 

Candace A. Towner
 
 
 
Thanks everyone. I am just about out of patience with this white backdrop idea.
I tried several different camera postions. Right next to the light, behind it, light behind camera and got pretty much the same thing each time. I tried different filters too, that did not help either. I tried moving the backdrop light closer to the backdrop, positioning it up more, then down more. I thought the subject had to be further away from the backdrop so I probably had her about 4-5 ft. in front of it. Mainly because she tends to lean on it and I just knew she would pull it down. I am going to try again tomorrow. ((SIGH)).

Should I open my garage door? It does not bring all that much light, since it is a Northern exposure, but last time I had the door open I only used 2 lights, but still not white. AAHH!!

Should I be using my umbrellas? I think they are only 32 inchers. Would that help at all?

Candace


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September 20, 2005

 

Angela K. Harter
  hi all! hope you are all doing well today:).... o.k. wanted to see if any of you have been to or used, downloaded,ect... auto fx software? was on there today and seen some neat things but I don't have a clue if the are good/not good so wanted to see what some of you would recomend! here is the web address...

www.autofx.com


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September 21, 2005

 

Alisha L. Ekstrom
  Hi Angela...I haven't downloaded anything from there, but I do have the Photo/graphic edges that's on there. I bought it & uploaded it to my computer. I really want the mystical lighting. I've heard that's really cool. The one thing I have to say though & I'm not sure if that's the case for all those programs, but the photo/graphic edges was 3 CD's to download to my computer so they are BIG programs. Just a heads up. BUT they are FUN!!!:)


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September 21, 2005

 

Angela K. Harter
  the mystical lighting is what I was looking at....it look really neat! heck I want them all:) once you get started on some of this stuff it becomes an addiction! lol thanks for the info alisha!


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September 22, 2005

 

Debby A. Tabb
  Hey everyone,
I know the threads are quite - there is so much going on in the " states" right now,I just wanted to keep you up dated:
*Laura and her family had to evacuate due to Rita. they will be fine ,they took off yeasterday well ahead of the crowds.I know you all will keep them in your prayers.
*Liza, lives in a VERY small town tucked away, and the phone service is all line service- well something went wrong with the lines yeasterday and so she is with out phone service and then of course internet service for the next two days or so.
she is so bummed out-maybe send her a joke or a note to make her smile.
Laura too- she may need a laugh if she comes home to a mess.
Well Liza, was concerened she said she has been in contact on a regular basis with those holding workshops- Please feel free to contact me with any questions.
Ok, lets see the last photo question was on Christmas Portraits: lets see what we can all dig up- we need to post some fun stuff for when they and anyone else who lerks from these areas returns and needs some uplifting ideas and mind candy.
Great Idea on Lynns part: the time of year when we should all be so thankful- the holidays(let a lone everyday:)



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September 22, 2005

 

Alisha L. Ekstrom
  Thanks for the heads up Debby. Laura lives by my brother & sis-in-law & so I figured she left. My brother-in-law had to flee as well so we are keeping them in our prayers!! My husband & I was watching the news last night & BOY doesn't look good!!! I'm soo scared for them. Clay(brother-in-law) called EARLY this morning & they are safely where they were headed..To Clinton I think?? Anyhow lets keep praying for everyone!!!


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September 22, 2005

 

Debbie Vega
  Hi everyone, firstly sending my prayers to anyone affected by the hurricane, my thoughts are with you all....
If any of you need any help please get in touch. I will be ahppy to help in any way I can!!!!!!

Secondly, my lights arrived yesterday and boy what an effort. I spent about 1 hour assembling a soft box (at least 3lbs lost LOL!!!) amd there was no instructions so was on the phone non stop. Theyt also sent the wrong umbrellas and no bulbs for the smaller lights but it was quickly rectified. So I guess I am ready to go but still need a backdrop and need to make more space. Will try and get something done after work this weekend. Thanks all and Debby/Laura for your advice.

Debbie.....


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September 22, 2005

 

Liza M. Franco
 
 
  Snowman & Elf
Snowman & Elf

Liza M. Franco

 
  Ashlyn
Ashlyn

Liza M. Franco

 
  Salem & Lena
Salem & Lena

Liza M. Franco

 
  Family & Newborn Snowman
Family & Newborn Snowman

Liza M. Franco

 
 
My phone service is back. I though I'd answer Debby's request for some Christmas Portraits. Tried to double them up to take up less space.


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September 22, 2005

 

Debbie Vega
 
 
 
Some pics of my little one in practice.... Debbie


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September 22, 2005

 

Angela K. Harter
 
 
 
o.k. ladies and gents, I have read a lot about raw pics and how they are better....i just took my first stab at it with my daughter i'm going to post 2 and let me know if i'm doing it right cause I think the one in auto looks better (or maybe it's just my un-trained eye:))


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September 22, 2005

 

Angela K. Harter
 
 
 
trying again....


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September 22, 2005

 

Angela K. Harter
  well I can't get them up there! not sure how to do it I guess and it keeps giving me an error....they may be on my gallery if someone doesn't mind looking there?! otherwise I will try again later....sorry guys:)


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September 22, 2005

 

Michelle Ross
  Okay . .. I'm glad to hear all is well Liza... I sure hope Laura is okay and doesn't get any major damage. . . SCARY!!!!!

Okay .. I'm doing my first infant session tonight .. . Wish me luck . . I will post in my gallery when I get soem worked up .. . I'm going to try to do some natural light stuff as well as with lights if necessary .. . will see what the baby's mood is and how long I have the natural light. . .

Liza. . . the photo above with the reindeer.. . how big is that . . . my mom gave me a reindeer from her "stock" last year and it's fairly small but sturdy enough to probably hold a 2 or 3 year old??? Also . . . are those borders part of your templates and stuff. .. they are neat.

I'm also wanting to find a very LARGE stocking (well large enough to put an infant in) that I can cut down the side and velcro back. . . any ideas. . . I looked at Hobby Lobby yesterday and they only had the orangy red ones with tons of jingle bells . . I want that soft fur type ones. . .

I just got a call to confirm a fundraiser I was asked to help with . . . it's for a MOPS group here . . .we are limiting it to 19 sessions so hopefully those all fill up . . that will be a nice bonus for Christmas. . . now I have to decide what to use for backdrop, etc. . . I am fielding the group on Monday as to casual/formal/cutesy or what . .. so if I need to order a scenic muslin I can . .. any ideas of something that could be both fairly universal for some with just kids, some with entire families, some with just one child . . . I only have one backdrop stand and so I need something that I can keep up but maybe just changeout props. . . I have a white vinyl backdrop coming and one idea was a sled with some of those northpole red/white poles. .. but I have such a hard tiem keeping white white . .. I was trying to avoid that . . . I've looked at the examples here and love what I see but I need something very universal for all the ages I mentioned. . .

Okay I think that's all my questions for now . . .


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September 22, 2005

 

Angela K. Harter
  michelle, I don't know how crafty you are but it might be just as easy to make one..(i know, much easier said than done,lol) but if you have any sewing talent at all you will get just what you want! not sure I could do it but it's an idea:)


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September 22, 2005

 

Michelle Ross
  Well Sewing is NOT my forte .. . however I COULD do it if I was just forced to . . . I can read a pattern LOL . . . but I have a friend who is VERY VERY crafty and I know she could probably whip one up in an hour or so . . . I may just give her a call so like you said I can get what I want. ..

:-)


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September 22, 2005

 

Angela K. Harter
  not mine either:)! good luck with it though!!!


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September 22, 2005

 

Sandra
  Thanks Debby for the up date on Laura and her family. My prayers are with you all in the path of hurrican Rita.
May God bless you all!
Sandra


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September 22, 2005

 

Liza M. Franco
  Hi Michelle, glad you like them, they are part of the template cd collection. I bought the reindeer last year at Wal-Mart for $30.00 and my three year old loves it. She has ridden it year round, very good investment. It has held up really well considering she pulls it from room to room by the antlers.

I found a giant stocking last year at Dollar General. That's where I stock up on Santa and Elf hats too. I try to have a bunch on hand so that I have enough for families.

Last year I added the snowman theme. I bought a bunch of dollar scarves and then made tophats out of black felt sold by the yard. I didn't have a pattern so I used my dinner plates for the brim pattern and then worked from there. This year I am also going to make some corn cob pipes and maybe some buttons with double stick tape for the nose. We'll skip the two eyes made out of coal part of the song. Everyone seemed to have fun with the Frosty the Snowman idea. I just went back up and saw that you are not into sewing. I think you can get plastic top hats around Halloween.


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September 22, 2005

 

Lynn Snow
  Debby and Liza, Thanks so much for sharing your holiday photos. So many great ideas! Liza, what did you use for the red backdrop? I love how that looks!!

Debby, thanks for the update on Laura and her family. That has to be so scary!! I am keeping her and all who are in the hurricane's path in my prayers. Thanks also for keeping this thread together so well!

Michelle, good luck on the infant shoot tonight. That is so exciting! I just had one last month and I was so nervous, but once I got going, it all seemed to come together. I have also been trying to think of a good all around theme for the holidays. I would like to try some holiday portrait promotions, maybe at a store or for a business, that are kind of like the MOPS group you are doing. I have been looking into the scenic painted muslin, but, BOY are they EXPENSIVE!!!! I think I may be having to stick to the traditional white and black drops, but really like how Liza's red looks.


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September 22, 2005

 

Alisha L. Ekstrom
  Ok..I need some help here!!! I know you can buy backdrops on line & such, BUT I'm not ready to do that yet & I just use fabric, BUT here is my question...I have a piece of white fabric...BUT it isn't wide enough..I make it work, but I don't really like it...then my black back drop is a King size sheet, but it's kinda turning grey..SOOOO I was at the fabric store today & was looking around at the fabric. WHAT is the BEST fabric to get that will make my black a deep black even after I've taken the image. I saw ALL kinds of black fabric & wasn't sure what to get cause I don't want it to be shiney either..DO I?? Also how do I get it wide enough??? I know I may have to invest in ordering back drops, BUT I am investing in ordering a new DSLR hopefully next week & WELL the hubby says I will have to wait on other photography stuff...I'm just not liking my backdrops I have & well need some direction on what to do for the time being...My white backdrop...seriously Matthew..my 5 year old...he can't even lay across it length wise cause then you can see the wall. I have to do very closeup shots when using the white backdrop!! PLEASE HELP ME!!! THANKS TO YOU ALL!!!!

Alisha


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September 22, 2005

 

Debby A. Tabb
 
 
 
ok , a couple of things - I have to step out for a bit but...
Alisha,
look at different stores they should have muslin very cheep , also you can go to the nearest paint store and look at thier painters drop cloth-they should be made out of muslin and then dye them any color you'd like.
also if you want painted scenic backdrops- you can do the same as I just suggested, then useing house paint mixed with water paint your own.
also black felt , satin make for good materials.
ALso anyone else who is thinking of holding a workshop, to help boost holiday sales please get a hold of Liza or I as we are running low on dates. before the Christmas holidays
( we will be adding :
holloween,fall,christmas, valentines day and easter to these workshops as to help all that attend add to thier holiday season and I will be adding some parts on how to improve your sales and develop clients, since this seems to be a on going request)
Thank You all for your intrest- Liza and I have talked about this alot and we are really looking forward to helping all of you to succeed in your ventures-WE had to learn the hard way and it is so fun to watch others reach thier goals much earlier then we did.
thank you all for your intrest - in our workshops and this thread!!
Oh and Betsy- You get a workshop together in South Africa and we WILL be glad to be there!thanks so much for thinking of us.


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September 22, 2005

 

Debby A. Tabb
 
 
 
also , I will be putting a backdrop holder and a VERY LARGE painters backdrop(slaper) with the props to go with, and a black backdrop on ebay soon.
the light kit is there and so is a Qflash. that provides GREAT light.


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September 22, 2005

 

Debby A. Tabb
 
 
 
also , I will be putting a backdrop holder and a VERY LARGE painters backdrop(slaper) with the props to go with, and a black backdrop on ebay soon.
the light kit is there and so is a Qflash. that provides GREAT light.


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September 22, 2005

 

Debby A. Tabb
 
 
 
also , I will be putting a backdrop holder and a VERY LARGE painters backdrop(slaper) with the props to go with, and a black backdrop on ebay soon.
the light kit is there and so is a Qflash. that provides GREAT light.


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September 22, 2005

 

Debby A. Tabb
  also , I will be putting a backdrop holder and a VERY LARGE painters backdrop(slaper) with the props to go with, and a black backdrop on ebay soon.
the light kit is there and so is a Qflash. that provides GREAT light.

well I was going to add some groups- but it won't open the browser to do so???


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September 22, 2005

 

Debby A. Tabb
 
 
 
trying again


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September 22, 2005

 

Liza M. Franco
  Lynn that red backdrop is actually a banquet type table cloth that I found at a thrift store. There were two sold as a set for $4.00. They are a satin type fabric and a stitch a pocket on one end of one and put grommets on the end of the other one. That way I can hang by shower curtain style hooks or through a rod pocket. Usually I will hang one and put the other scruched up on the floor. I let them crinkle and if I have to travel with them I don't fold them. Crinkles look better than creases.

Thrift stores are great places to find sheets and even fabric. I don't see anything wrong with using sheets. It is afterall, fabric just big and best of all no seams.

Alisha, to make your black look blacker you could use the burn tool if you have PS. That's the only program I'm familiar with. The burn tool is great for darkening black and will not cover up your subject if you get too close like the clone tool will.

I laughed when I read about your backdrop not being wide enough and seeing the wall. I can't even begin to tell you how much photoshop work I have done cloning in more backdrop. I always think while shooting, oh no big deal, I can fix that in PS. On one or two pictures that might not be a big deal. When I found myself doing it in 15-20 from a session it started becoming a big deal. Sometimes I will have another color come draping in from one side and that will "fill" in the missing width. It worked out pretty well on some. I usually try to make the colors very close in color but so that it looks intentional. I let the one on the edge have a gathered or pleated look to it.


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September 22, 2005

 

Michelle Ross
  I bought black felt from Hobby Lobby .. .I think it came in 60" wide which isn't perfect but works for close up stuff. .. I have a black sheet but it wants to look really drab. . . the black felt will still catch some reflection and make a bluish color sometimes, but I can usually go in and select the black and darken it with levels by itself. . . it does typically give a fairly even lighting it seems. . but I have never tried it using my studio lights. . .

My baby shoot went well last night . . . I'm not as thrilled as I hoped to be with the pictures. .. I tried some natural light ones and although they are better than what I usually get I could not get the catchlight to be on the face like I wanted. . . he kept squirming around and my light was going down fast(night shoot) He got cranky too so we had to give him a little nap and took some shots while he was sleeping . . . I think the mom will be thrilled but I was hoping to catch some better ones with a nice light to his face. . .it seems like the light kept wanting to go to his clothes. . . I tried the reflector but couldn't get it to go where I wanted :-( I set this mom up on a baby's first year plan and we are going to do a 3,6, 9 and 12 month session . .. she's a great mom to work with and I think she will be a great customer too . .. his six month shot will be at Christmas. . . :-) and they want some family pics too plus they have a little 4yo girl she wants pictures of with them both I think . . . she can be a little demon for pictures though . . .

Has anyone heard from Laura???


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September 23, 2005

 

Debby A. Tabb
 
 
 
She sent me a email when they took off and said I could contact her by cell-I will give her a call-they had reservations at a Marriott in a town that should be very safe.
Though I hate to bother her while shes on vacation,lol(just thought I'd pull your tail Laura)I will give her a try and see if all is well and will update you then.
also the large felt pieces like that are great for making a "black box" for these shots.


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September 23, 2005

 

Alisha L. Ekstrom
  Thanks you Debby, Liza & Michelle for your help. I'll try the ideas! Yes Debby do let us know how Laura is doing. I know with my brother-in-law..his wife & 2 girls left 3 days ago & they got where they were going safely, but Clay stayed longer to do stuff to the house so he finally left yesterday. Called us at 4:30 am yesterday when he left then my husband spoke to him lastnight at 5pm & he had only gone 90 miles since 4:30am...He still had 200 more miles to go...He said they were averaging 1 mile an hour..UGH!!! He said some people were pushing there cars to save on gas. I can't even imagine...TOTALLY HORRIBLE!! I know tonight on NBC they are suppose to air something on Dateline Re: Hurricane Rita in Texas. I'm off to go shoot my second wedding today. SOOO I'll catch up with you all later!!!


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September 23, 2005

 

Debby A. Tabb
  Hey Guys Laura is in my ear:
She is saying Hi, shes enjoying her vacation.lol.
It took her and Tim 12 hours to go the usuall 2 1/2 hour drive.
they have a 2 bedroom suite w/ kitchen and are quite dry and safe.
they will be there trough sunday.
and the hotel is working very hard to extend thier stay.
thier spirits are high- she grabed thier : wedding and childrens records and albums,health records and of course Laruas Camera and CDs of her recent jobs.lol.
it's good to hear her laugh!!
She says Thank You all so much for your thoughts and prayers.
Please continue to keep them and the safty of thier home in your thoughts.

OK , I'LL CALL HER AGAIN AFTER THE THING BLOWS TROUGH-THEY ARE HAVING A HARD TIME CALLING OUT - THOUGH SOME CALLS HAVE COME IN TO THEM.CURCITS ARE SO BUSY.


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September 23, 2005

 

Michelle Ross
 
 
 
Thanks for letting us know that Laura is safe and sound. . .

Okay I'm working on my baby shoot from last night . . .here are a few that I've worked up so far. .. Hopefully they will load . . .


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September 23, 2005

 

Michelle Ross
 
 
 
Well you can see that they didn't load ... so we will try again. . .


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September 23, 2005

 

Michael E. Lanning
  Couple of things here.......so you need backdrops well here's how you do it...go to wal-mart buy some 104"muslin. about 3 yards of it($12.00)
next go to homedepot. buy some paint. they have the oops paint $5.00....next get some rollers. go home and put a little paint in a bucket about less then 1/3 fill the rest with water. dunk your muslin. then lay out your musin on the ground....take different color paint put on with roller. do this till you get the muslin you want. I have pics of mine if anyone want to see them. total in muslin.....$25.00 and paint can be used to make more I have anout 15 now.


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September 23, 2005

 

Michael E. Lanning
 
 
 
ok part 2
I took some shots yesterday for a cd cover. Just wanting some feedback from a different point of view


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September 23, 2005

 

Michael E. Lanning
  pictures are in gallery sorry for them being sideways........my bad


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September 23, 2005

 

Liza M. Franco
  CD shots... I like the two on the train tracks and second from last the best. The train track one where he is facing camera and off to the right a little would be perfect for putting some type on the left. Walking away shots are always one of my favorites. Try having him or the next one you do, looking back at you, in this case I would say head looking over left shoulder. The second to last I think is really eye catching. Great Job.

If you get a chance, check out the new shot I posted called "Her Gibson" These originally were senior portraits, but so many people we've shown them to are saying they'd work well for a cd so I think she and her parents are headed in that direction. I do a lot of cd layouts and I'd be thrilled to work with her on that, she photographs really well and I've enjoyed our project.

I think your shots look great.


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September 23, 2005

 

Michael E. Lanning
 
 
 
Thanks. I took a wedding approach on the track cause I have one where he is blurred but tracks are visiable and visa versa. he was digging the whole thing.... I and putting toget a press pack let me know what you think


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September 23, 2005

 

Betsy Labuschagne
  Hi everyone!!

Thanks for the updates on Laura Debby! I am thinking of her and praying for her too.

Liza and Michael, I LOVE your cd shots! I also especially like the train track ones Michael, where he's walking towards.

Michelle, I would love to see your baby shoot portraits. I find such small babies a bit of a challenge still, and I actually thought they would be the easiest!!


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September 23, 2005

 

Betsy Labuschagne
  O Michelle!!! I saw them now, perhaps I'm going blind or something? They are beautiful!! You did a great job! Of course the mom will love them and you should too!


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September 23, 2005

 

Michelle Ross
  Betsy I have 5 posted above . . . I"m working on the rest now and will just add them to my gallery ...


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September 23, 2005

 

Debbie Vega
 
 
 
Hey everyone, sop I got my studio lights and I did not think that it would be this difficult. Every picture I take just looks white. I am not kidding WHITE WHITE.....!! I have tried changing my speed, aperture and strength of lights but am guessing that maybe I don't need all lights, maybe just one during the day... who knows.

I have post processed some of the pics of my little one who was not really in the mood for posing but imput would be welcomed. I will post some of the pre processed ones soon. Thanks all.


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September 23, 2005

 

Debbie Vega
 
 
 
Hey all again, thought I had put pics on thread but they obviously went to gallery, how do I get them on thread??? Anyway, here are the no no's for over exposure, HELP!!!!!! Studio light crazy...


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September 23, 2005

 

Debbie Vega
 
 
 
Hey all again, thought I had put pics on thread but they obviously went to gallery, how do I get them on thread??? Anyway, here are the no no's for over exposure, HELP!!!!!! Studio light crazy...


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September 23, 2005

 

Debby A. Tabb
  hey debbie,
if you send me a email with your phone # I will call and help you out.
try backlight on 1/2 and fill on 1/2 power. main on full.
200/f22 this should be working fine.
the back of lights face the background the bulb faces into the unbrellas.
the backlight faces the background with a barndoor.


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September 23, 2005

 

Debbie Vega
 
 
 
Will try again witht he pics.....


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September 23, 2005

 

Debbie Vega
  Hey again, so the top pic wa a mistake , not what I was referring too, the bottom two are the overexposed, debbie doesn't know what she's doing pics!!!!


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September 23, 2005

 

Michelle Ross
  Okay everyone . .. I've got some loaded into my gallery if you want to look .. . I didn't put them all in there because some of them just weren't overly creative LOL . . . All in all I think they turned out well . .. some of the naked ones are in natural light and some are with my studio lights . .. so that's why you see the differences in color, etc.


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September 23, 2005

 

Laura E. OConnor
  Hey all!!! Quick note...we have limited internet access...hubby forgot the power cord to the laptop! Can't remember everything in a crisis, right?! We're fine here, in fact where we are they're only calling for a 50%chance of rain on Sunday with a bit of wind. It's back home we're most concerned about...we live in Northeast Houston. I'll try to check in again tomorrow or Sunday, and I'll read everything I've missed once all this is over. I Hope all is well!!! Talk to you soon!


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September 23, 2005

 

Michelle Ross
  Helloooooooooooooooooooo anyone HOMEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE.

Just checking in . . . it's too quiet. . .Laura did you make it back yet or have you heard anything about your house?

Anyone else do any shoots lately .. maybe that's why no one is posting :-)

I did my infant shoot on Thursday and a Senior Boy yesterday . . . they are in my gallery . . . been still "creating" with a few. . .


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September 25, 2005

 

Debbie Vega
 
 
 
Hey Michelle, I am back from working all weekend and now onto being mommy, not that "mommy" isn't work LOL!!!! I LOVE IT

Anyway, I am in studio light hell right now and am completely pulling my hair out and cannot for the life of me work this stuff out. I will spend some time this week trying to be patient and not have all my pictures look like they're completely and utterly washed out, let alone the blue wall that also turns completely white. AARRGGGGHHHHH!!!
Must get desk out of spare room for more space. Anyway I took some pics of my friends baby with no studio lights and just my hotshoe and a nice tone to the room. I'll post them. Critique please???!!!!!

Will be back tomorrow after put baby to bed and watched deperate housewives!!


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September 25, 2005

 

Alisha L. Ekstrom
 
 
 
Hey ALL!!!! I was wondering if anyone was still alive on this thread!!! LOL!!!! Today I was thinking I better check in!!!! Laura..I'm glad you are ok!!! Are you home yet? I don't think my brother & sis-in-law are home yet...We haven't heard from them since they got to where they were going!!! Well I've been busy this weekend...I did a wedding shoot on Friday. Getting ready to leave for Colorado in a few days so I've been busy, but here are a couple of images from my wedding. They got married at the Salt Lake Temple. GORGEOUS place!!! THANKS Michael for your input about the backdrops!!!! Like you & Debby say about the paint..I never thought of that!!!!DUH on my part!!!:):)

Talk to you all later!!!

P.S. Michelle great newborn pics & I'm off to try working on PS elements on the input you've given me!!! THANKS!!!!

Alisha


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September 25, 2005

 

Melissa L. Zavadil
  Hello everyone, I am new to this thread although I have been following it.

I have some serious issues with my studio work and I need some major help!!

I purchased hot lights three very large ones, one of them is a very large boom. OK, now I know that this was not the best set up but this is what I have to work with for now.

I just purchased a 50 1.4 portrait lens that was recommended to me. I would have bought the 100 but my studio is not that big and I needed a smaller reach.

PROBLEMS!!! I can not get the white balance right and my photos seem to not be in focus in spots. For example the nose will be pin sharp but by the time the shot reaches just the ears it is out of focus????

HELP ME PLEASE I am so so frusturated with this. I am about to pull my hair out with studio work--I am hating it! Take me outside anyday but put me in my studio and I feel like I am a complete fool! What am I doing wrong??


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September 25, 2005

 

Melissa L. Zavadil
  PS: I have the Canon 20D if that helps.


Alisha, I know how to do that shadow box thing if you want to email me, I don't know if you heard back from that other person yet.


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September 25, 2005

 

Alisha L. Ekstrom
  Hey Melissa...PULLING YOUR hair out??? We'll be bald together soon if we aren't careful!!!!LOL!!!.hehe:):) BOY do we ALL have issues..hehe!!! You know all about me & the camera thing & lenses soooo I won't even go there!!!....You will get lots of help from this thread!!! Debby's great with the whole light thing. I don't have that set up yet & glad too cause I don't think I could handle lighting stuff along with decisions on the whole camera & lense thing as well!!! I might have to gouge my eyeballs out if I had to deal with EVERYTHING at once!!! Thanks for wanting to help on the drop shadow box....Michelle Ross actually e-mailed me directions on a collage she did on the ghosting thing I thought was cool & then after reading her steps & seeing she uses Elements 3.0...I have 2.0 as well as the PS7.0 & figured the ELEMENTS might be the same & I found the drop shadow stuff under my layers palette in Elements....PS7.0 doesn't have that so THAT'S why I couldn't figure it out!! THANKS MICHELLE!!!

Well my friend GOOD LUCK with your whole lighting thing!!! I know how frustrating things can be:):) I'll stay tuned to see if you figure it all out!!!:):)


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September 25, 2005

 

Alisha L. Ekstrom
 
 
  ~~Brian & Jaque's Collage~~
~~Brian & Jaque's Collage~~

Alisha L. Ekstrom

 
 
Ok Michelle..here is my try with the drop shadow & the ghosting...What do you all think??? I JUST LOVE Michelle's collages. She does them soo well!!! COLLAGES are definitely time consuming!!! This one has taken me almost 2 hours..THOUGH I did it twice..hehe!!!


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September 25, 2005

 

Melissa L. Zavadil
  THanks Alisha! I need all the luck I can get I really am starting to hate this studio stuff! I have tried EVERYTHING to make the pictures turn out right! I'm thinking about gouging my eyeballs out as we even speak about this!! The pictures might actually look better that way!!! LOL LOL

I'm glad that you figured that one out! That was nice of Michelle! :)


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September 25, 2005

 

Laura E. OConnor
  HI ALL!!! We're home FINALLY! We drove back down yesterday after a "through-the-grapevine" report that power was restored, to find NO POWER once we got here. We found a hotel on the other side of town, since everyone else who was supposed to wait til Tuesday to come home decided to come home Sunday like the rest of us dopes, all had no power and checked into all the local hotels. We stayed overnight, then Tim came home to check it out and found the power had been on for a while (the clocks said 4pm, so we figured about 16 hours) he came back to get us, checked out and came home to NO POWER! They finally got it on...for now... about an hour ago. We're tired, cranky and just flat out lucky to have a home to come home to. No damage that we can see. Tim is at the office this afternoon for a while. I have to go clean out my fridge and after nap time, we'll head to the grocery store to replace everything.

I'll catch up on the above soon. Looks like a great newborn shoot, wedding shoot and collage work!

HANG IN THERE MELISSA!!!! I'VE BEEN THERE...most of us have!

Alisha...sorry to not get back to you on the collage info! I really dropped the ball on that! Glad to see you figured it out. It looks terrific!!! How is your brother and his family?

Thanks all for your thoughts and prayers these past few days. I hope everyone's family and friends are safe and well!!!


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September 26, 2005

 

Michelle Ross
  Laura I'm so glad to hear you made it home . .. and I'll be you were relieved too when all you have to "replace" is the contents of your refrigerator!

Welcome Back . . .


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September 26, 2005

 

Laura E. OConnor
  AMEN! We were L-U-C-K-Y!!!!!!!! I feel so horrible for those who weren't as fortunate.


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September 26, 2005

 

Debbie Vega
 
 
 
Welcome back Laura, glad tohear you arrived safe.

Ok, on my end, my hair is officially pulled out. I donot get this lighting thing and am considering sending all back and going for that whole natural light stuff.... Studio lighting sucks right now!!
With just one main light my pictures are completely washed out, in fact on some the whoel picture is just a pure white sheet. What am I doing wrong? I tired the f22/200 and that did nothing but make my camera take like forever to take the picture and then blur it!! You guys make it look so easy, please tellm e there were pictures like this for you and you only posted the ones that needed a little improvement.

Must go get more coffee!!

I will try and post some pictures.

Any imput???


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September 26, 2005

 

Sandra
  Laura,
Soooo Good to hear your home and safe.
WELCOME BACK!
Sandra


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September 26, 2005

 

Melissa L. Zavadil
  Hey Debbie!! I feel a little better now! I have the exact opposite! I can not get the white balance right so a lot of the shots just turn out ORANGE!! It so stinks! I am right here with you! Most of the orange is perfectly ok once I run it through PS but that really stinks to do that with MOST of the shots!! UUUUGGGGG

Laura--I am so so very glad that everything is ok!! My son has a little girl that just joined his third grade class she has come all the way from New Orleans and is staying probably for six months with her grandparents. I feel so terrible for these kids they don't even have schools!!! :(

Melissa


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September 26, 2005

 

Debbie Vega
  Ok, so am I supposed to set the white balance on my camera, geez, how do I do that? What do I set it to? must find manual!!!LOL
Do not know how to post pics to thread so please take a look at gallery, hope noone looks at it form another thread they'd be like, ""what kind of a photographer is this woman"" anyway, thanks for any imput in advance..

Debbie


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September 26, 2005

 

Laura E. OConnor
  HI DEBBIE!! Congrats on getting your lights!! I forgot to mention the minor detail of no instructions!!! SORRY!! I forgot all about that! OK...do you have a flash sync hotshoe attachment? I was getting black photos without it...the infrared sensor was just not synching the strobes properly. You need that and to plug it in with the sync chord that came with your main. That should fire the rest of the lights properly remotely. ALSO>>>IMPORTANT!!! Did you have your Exposure cranked up for your previous lighting? If so, that's why you are so over exposed. Dial it back down to +/- 0!!! Just a couple of thoughts. I'll try to come up with more if those aren't the problem!

Also, with the white balance...I had a WB problem when I tried to mess with the settings. I put it back on Auto WB for my maternity and senior shoots, and they were fine!

Thanks for the welcome back, ya'll!!


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September 26, 2005

 

Melissa L. Zavadil
  Hey Laura, do you have any advice for me??!! :) Also, how did you get that direct link under your gallery information? Are you using some type of HTML code? Could you share? I would really appreicate it!

Melissa


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September 26, 2005

 

Laura E. OConnor
  Yes, it was HTML code that several other BP members helped me figure out! E-mail me and let me know what you want yours to say and we can try to hash it out!

BTW...thanks for visiting my gallery! :)


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September 26, 2005

 

Debbie Vega
  Hey Laura, welcome back!!!!
Thanks for the tips. So I checked my camera and my AEB is set to "o" right in the middle and white balance/shift bracket to 0,0/ 0. There is a plus minus sign before the last 'o'.
I have a 420 ex flash that I can use a sync, but I have tried to used that as a flash and just one main light and it looks even worse. With just one light I get complete over exposure. I have to believe it's the camera and a setting I do not know about but hell if I know, I have scanned the manual and I feel like a dummy. I have about an hour of practice with the guitar asmy prop as sophie is sleeping and then not till tonight. If you can give me a call or I'llcall you. I'll send yo an email and when you get a minute over the next few days after you have settled in maybe we can talk. I don't have dsl yet so the phone takes up when I am online.

Thanks for the advice.

Debbie.


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September 26, 2005

 

Laura E. OConnor
  Debbie, I have an SB800 flash with infrared that SHOULD trigger my strobes, but it wasn't in sync. I got the hotshoe attachment and as soon as I plugged it in...presto perfect exposure! I'd look into a hotshoe sync attachment...don't rely on your flash. I think mine was being triggered by my sb800's pre-flash, which is why the strobes went off just before the shutter opened and all of my photos were black. The hotshoe sync attachments are not expensive and are worth it to save you from ripping all of your hair out!! Which camera do you have?? Call your local camera shop (or maybe someone here knows...Debby???) to see what sync attachment you need. If it doesn't work, you can always take it back!


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September 26, 2005

 

Debbie Vega
  Hey Laura, what is a sb800 flash, forgive the dummy!!! for your camera or is that a studio light??? What do I need a sync cord for, I got some with my lights, ia a hot show sync cord different?? Geez, I had better go to school for this??

Talk soon...


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September 26, 2005

 

Laura E. OConnor
  The sb800 is my off-camera Nikon Flash. The hotshoe is the metal thing on the top of your camera that the external flash attaches to. The sync attachment would be placed there instead. It's a little transmitter that when you plug in the sync chord from your main light (the chord that came with it is what you want to use) the camera shutter release will trigger it like a flash (considered a slave flash, I believe) and it, in turn, should trigger your other lights all "synched" together! Check with your camera's manufacturer or with a camera shop to see what hotshoe sync attachment you might need.

LOL! Believe me, two months ago, I was in your shoes!! I didn't have a clue what any of that was!!!


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September 26, 2005

 

Lynn Snow
  Debbie,

I must have missed this somewhere, but what kind of lights are you working with - studio strobes, hot lights, or camera flash units?

Laura, great to have you back safe!!

Alisha, what beautiful shots of the wedding. That church, by the way, is incredible!! So majestic looking!


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September 26, 2005

 

Debbie Vega
  Thanks Laura, I'll look into that. Again, how is this to help me? Sorry for all the questions.

Lynn, the lights that I have are a britek four light strobe kit. Currently trying to use one light though and thatis proving to be a full time job!!!


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September 26, 2005

 

Laura E. OConnor
  The sync hotshoe attachment will properly synchronize your lights to your shutter so you have the flash of light at the exact fraction of a second that the shutter is open, not before, after, shorter or longer. Put the sync transmitter on the camera's hotshoe and secure it with the wheel or whatever yours uses to tighten and lock it on. Plug the sync chord into your main and into the sync transmitter on your camera. Turn both the strobe and the camera on. Press the shutter...the camera should trigger the strobe to flash. If you plug in and turn on the other lights, the main will automatically trigger them. With that, an ISO 200, shutter 200 and f22 should work in a darkened room when the strobes flash.

You may need to adjust your f stop to a smaller number (wider apeture) with ambient light and/or for whites to be brighter/whiter...I've found that I need to for whatever reason. Maybe I'm not close enough to my lights, but that's another issue altogether.

Just tell your local camera shop your looking for a hotshoe sync attachment for your exact make and model of camera. They can point you in the right direction for the correct attachment. What camera do you have again, anyway?


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September 26, 2005

 

Tom Sheridan
  Debbie, as mentioned the hot shoe adapter will fire your studio lights properly. I use an adapter that I can plug the synch cord into so that I am using only the strobes for lighting. If your camera has a synch cord outlet you wouldn't need the adapter and could just plus it in but mine does not so I need the adapter.
One thing to do while you are waiting to get the adapter is to set the flash unit itself to manual. I don't have a 420ex but on my 550ex there is a setting for manual flash where you set the power level. There is no "pre-flash" when the unit is in this mode. When you press the shutter release the flash unit just fires without the preflash that will trigger the strobes. You can crank the power level of the flash unit low and still trigger the strobes, before I had the hot shoe adapter I would set my flash to 1/24 and direct it at the celing. It was still enough to trigger the strobes without adding too much light to the subject.
The settings of f22 and 1/200 on the camera should be a good starting point but if you are still getting a "white-out" try an ISO of 100 and lower the power of the strobes.

One thing I noticed in your previous post is that at f22 and 1/200 your camera took forever to take the photo and blurred it. That sounds strange since 1/200 shutter shouldn't be blurring and should be a relatively fast exposure. Is it possible that you were in a program mode and the camera detected low light and set the exposure as a multiple second shutter speed? When using strobes the "scene" will be dark to the camera until the strobes fire so the expsoure must be set in completely manual mode. It almost sounds as if you were in aperature mode set to f22 and the camera selected the shutter speed and picked a long one.

Hope this helps.


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September 27, 2005

 

Laura E. OConnor
  YAY TOM! I was trying to figure that out for her, too. Why would it be so light and blurry with those settings? You're right, it sounds like it's in Apeture Priority and the camera is picking a slow shutter to go along with the f22! I think/hope you solved the problem! Do you have the same camera as Debbie? Perhaps you can share which hotshoe attachment is compatible?


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September 27, 2005

 

Debby A. Tabb
  Good Morning,
I have been watching and being very quite, because from where I am at I can not "make" anyone start off correctly - Tom and Laura are both right (and they have succeeded in thier set up)and as stated many times the settings of 200/f22 are the recommended settings for studio photography, let alone a helpful starting point for my eye( I can email a couple links I found to back this up-found in surching to help in these problems)
for those of you trying to set up- please don't panic and start fiddleing with settings, on the camera or lights until you test first.
I am available by phone if you email me for the number- Debbie you have it, I had expected a call back to help you some more. The lights you are using have been proven to be very successful here time and time again. So sometimes the best advise we can give is to Back Up- reset the camera back to the factory settings and start again _200/f22 ( iso 100-200) and then test,post-and we can all help you go from there-WE Want You To Succeed!
ok, I do hope this helps,
Debby


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September 27, 2005

 

Laura E. OConnor
  HI DEBBY!! I was wondering where you were! I'm home! Thanks again for your call and concern!

Debbie, she's absolutely right...DON'T panic and start fiddling around with menu settings, if anything, re-set any you previously changed. BELIEVE ME...Been there, done that, learned a valuable and very frustrating lesson!!


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September 27, 2005

 

Melissa L. Zavadil
  Debby,
I hope that those settings will help me too. I am going to try to do a shoot with those settings and see if it works! I get orange in almost all of my shots. I can fix it in photoshop but it just is not that fun to fix oodles and oodles of shots in photoshop! I hope this fixes the depth of field issue!! F22 is NOT what I was using or even close!! We will see.....
Thanks!!
Melissa


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September 27, 2005

 

Debby A. Tabb
  Hey Melissa,
It is so hard to do this online and by phone sometimes-but we do want to help.
Do try and if there are any problems maybe we can do a 3 way call with Laura also,(what do ya think Laura?)
because Laura started with hot lights and it was a wonderful trial and error expieriance(thread 2)
We did succeed in time for Tim to get a beautiful tan and also simi retire from posing with hot lights-Poor Laura only got a set of NEW LIGHTS out of the deal.lol,lol


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September 27, 2005

 

Laura E. OConnor
  I'm game for a conference call...preferably in the afternoon or later evening. Otherwise, I may have my kiddles tugging at me and you'll have to pardon that.

Yes, sadly, Tim's tan has faded and I haven't gotten him back in posing mode since getting the settings right on my strobe set. Yes, I know, poor me, my husband was so annoyed by the hot lights that he BEGGED me to get a strobe set and even started looking on e-bay for me! LOL!


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September 27, 2005

 

Tom Sheridan
  Debbie,
First, I know the frustration...it is not as hard as it first seems. I also know how the anticipation of getting the new equipment builds and then..."yikes, why isn't all this new expensive equipment working?"
Now, your problem.
From your gallery I see you are using a Canon 20D (wow, I'm jealous...) which according to their website has a "PC Terminal" included. I am pretty sure that is what I call a synch cord port and one end of the cords you receieved with your strobes should fit a port on the camera. Check the manual, it is probably on a "map" of the camera or mentioned in the section that talks about external flash. It may be covered by a rubber stopper or something. In any case it does not sound like you need a hot shoe adapter, so don't order anything until you see if your camera needs it.
I have a Digital Rebel so the controls may be different, but when I set the exposure to manual mode I use a spin wheel to set the aperature and then have to hold a button and spin the same wheel to set shutter speed. From your previous comments I think you are either in aperature mode where the camera is setting the shutter speed or you are in manual but aren't getting the shutter set to 1/200.

If you sort out the 2 things (synch port and manual camera settings) you should have a good starting place for your strobe education. I had similar problems in the beginning and I was getting completely inconsistent results (brightness, color balance, etc.) and when I started at the 1/200 and f22 settings I began to sort out the issues. I have not had to play with color balance since then as the default should be perfect for strobes and the lighting worked well at those settings.

The only area where I differ from our panel of experts is in the use of a flash meter...I found it helped me a great deal and reduced the trial and error I had with the lighting. You can do without but you might have to try different exposure settings to get the right mix when you start to move off the f22, 1/200 setting. But I would say do not buy one until you feel you need one to move on, it is of little use if the basic setup isn't working.

One last thing, to include your images in a posting you should log into Betterphoto first, then a little above the "Submit" button when you are posting a reply you should see a pull-down arrow that says" select." Pulldown the menu and sepect the number of images you want to include in your posting, then hit submit as usual. This will bring you to an upload screen and you can upload just like to you gallery.

I hope this helps you out and if I am giving you directions you know aready I apologize. It is hard to help someone with technical issues (computers, cameras, whatever) without working directly since you never know if what is obvious to you is known to the other person.


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September 27, 2005

 

Melissa L. Zavadil
  OH Man I am so game for this!! WHAT TIME SHOULD I CALL?? I would love to get really good strobes but at this point I can not do it. I just purchased a ton of equipment in the last few months and it is just not in the budget. I do think I am going to sell my 10D I don't know how much I will get from that -- also if I bought new lights what would the hot lights sell for? Did you sell your lights Laura? Then how much would a REALLY good set up cost in Britec?


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September 27, 2005

 

Debbie Vega
  Yep Yep Yep, I am so game for a three way call, I can initiate form my home line I am certain, then sure that I push a button and tadda get get someone else on phone too.. ah for the love of technology, although not studio lights right now. I will try setting the manual mode on my camera, must read manual!!!
Hey Laura, I have the 20d and it is proving to be a pain in the butt right now but it has it's own sync port that I plug in from the lights so maybe that is good. It does fire all lights at once. So will try again the f22/200, guess I didn't set the camera right which is why it just took at least three secs for the camera to fire. My child is not impressed at the whole modelling for me so "baby tad on a chair" was my thing for yesterday, not the best model but hey.....

Laura, give me call, I canot access my email for some reason, computer on own terms today, another annoyance!!

My daughter sleeps from about 12 noon ish till about three, if I am lucky and ralatively quiet so I would love to speak to someone around that time other wise I have Laura's problem of kids clinging to legs etc in full on mommy mode.

I will try and access my email again to get Debby's number. Is it too early to call 9am?????

Speak soon... and thanks everyone for the advice.


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September 27, 2005

 

Debby A. Tabb
  Debbie,
May I ask - why would you go back to look at the manuel , when given the answer to your problem?
Now I know for FACT that the 20D set on manuel at 200/f22 does work-
I set Rubens camera at these very settings and He gets great Pictures-we are using these same settings in his mobil Portrait Company.
Works every time.If you try what we all are suggesting you should have no problems-we all look forward to hearing about your success.


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September 27, 2005

 

Laura E. OConnor
  Melissa, I didn't sell mine... they were just $10 shop lights from Lowe's! Do you have your white balance set to anything other than Auto?? What about your camera's color setting? Is it set to Adobe RGB? If so...change it back. I had orangy red casts on everything when using Adobe RGB on my camera. Did you get my latest e-mail about your link? I think I fixed the broken link issue.

Debbie...just set to M, rotate the dials for shutter speed to 200 and apeture to f22 and start clicking! You'll never know until you try! I can't wait to see your next post! Let's hold off on the conference call until then! Also, click on "contact" under Debby's mini-pic...check out the info at top left.


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September 27, 2005

 

Melissa L. Zavadil
  Laura, I changed the link I think it is working!! Thanks so much!!!

I have britec HUGE up to 1000 watts each soft boxes three of them one of them is a huge boom. But I wouldn't have a clue where I could sell them (ebay??) and for how much to switch them out.

What would I change the color Setting 'Back' To?? RGBs ??


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September 27, 2005

 

Laura E. OConnor
  Yes. Is yours on Adobe RGB? I made that mistake and didn't know that was my problem for over a month! I read that most labs want sRGB to print, so I changed it back and voila...problem solved! No more blue-grayish hue and no more orangy red cast! Try that, if it is indeed on Adobe RGB, and also re-set white balance to Auto WB and see what happens.


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September 27, 2005

 

Melissa L. Zavadil
  OK, I am heading to my studio right now!! (basement) :)


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September 27, 2005

 

Melissa L. Zavadil
  I just tried 100 ISO, 200 speed and f22 and it is so black I can not even see the photo...... I put the speed all the way down to 60 and I can barely make out an image in the blackness????

What is wrong?? HEEELP!! :)


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September 27, 2005

 

Debby A. Tabb
  MELISSA,
PLEASE USE THE CONTACT OPION AND I WILL GIVE YOU MY NUMBER SO MAYBE WE CAN GET YA SET UP.
DEBBY


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September 27, 2005

 

Melissa L. Zavadil
  I just ran my sekonic light meter on it and a placed the fstop to 22. It is recommending a ONE SECOND EXPOSURE!! This is rediculous. What am I doing? My studio is bright really bright! I have two huge softboxes each at 1000watts and one Huge Boom I believe the boom is 650. What am I doing??

Thanks so so much for any help!!
Melissa


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September 27, 2005

 

Laura E. OConnor
  When I was using hotlights, I couldn't get 200 at f22 to work for the life of me! Now, it's perfect, as long as I'm using all three lights. If I use two lights, I need to open up the Apeture to f18-f14, depending on what I'm shooting (to get a brighter white, I need f14. f16 or 18 works great with my other backdrops.)

Try using Shutter priority at 200 and see what the camera sets the Apeture at. See what you get when you take one like that...


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September 27, 2005

 

Melissa L. Zavadil
  I just put the camera on 60 with f9 this is A LOT better than what I was getting before. I was getting and it seems to be working ok but the background is a little grey (I have a white background)

One thing with the manual mode is that it does not speed shoot. Now I can only get one shot per second, one shot for each finger press. Is there a way to change that in camera?? I really like spontanious shot and this is a bumber if there is no way to take advantage of the bursts while it is on manual.


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September 27, 2005

 

Laura E. OConnor
  I don't know about the speed shooting on Manual. I've never tried that in-studio. I just looked back at the previous chapters of this thread and saw that my best shot with the hotlights was on ISO200, Shutter 200, Apeture f5.6 and Exposure Compensation at +1 (Debby's going to kill me for telling you to mess with that!!!) But that was my best shot. If you can get it to f4.6 without the EV compensation...even better! Otherwise, maybe go to 125 at f5.6. Play with those and see what happens!!


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September 27, 2005

 

Laura E. OConnor
  DEBBY...call me!


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September 27, 2005

 

Michelle Ross
 
 
 

Well I"m by far an expert here and have my own issues with lighting but I can usually work through it . . . I'm not sure I have the same kind of lights either soooooo I am reluctant to offer advice. .. I have a set of Novatron lights(3) that work via a sync cord and powerpack(that adjusts from to 250 or 500 w) . . .I shoot into white umbrellas. .. the room I use currently has light colored walls and a north window which is to my left when I'm facing my subject. .. I put one light that I can adjust power from normal to -1 to my right at what I would say is 5:00. .. I"m at 6:00 with a non adjustable flashhead behind me. The window is to my left at 9:00 and then my subject at 12:00. .. I most often use my 3rd light with the modeling light on for my backdrop . .. I then use my flash meter and set it on sync cord mode and go with that . .. I use a 50mm 1.4 lens almost always for my studio shooting. I am usually at least 6-8 feet from my subject maybe a but more at certain times if I"m doing full body stuff. . . which means my fill light is about a foot more than that since it is behind me. . . I tried using the recommendations that Novatron sent me and no matter how I tried everything seemed to wash out. . . I think there are always starting points which Debby has been sooo helpful in giving but sometimes I guess it just takes time to work out the kinks and it can be very frustrating. . . I have some issues with my LCD too so sometimes what I think looks like "perfect" exposure ends up being too bright once I get home and into PSE. . . And as far as white looking grey .. that is where White Balance comes in . .. I have to custom white balance to help with my whites. .. even if they have white clothes on . .. if not I get a yellowish orange tint sometimes. .. or Grayish Blue if my background is all white. . . and what I have found is that as the natural light coming into the room changes then so does the white balance which is why they probably suggest a dark room to begin with . . . To be honest though I don't have good results with auto WB so I just rarely use it. . . I'll try to post some examples (unedited) so you can see my exposure out of the camera. . . I am still working to improve as well and don't mind a little PS work but yes it does get to be tiresome. . . but it seems no matter what I do there's always a little bit of editing of light that must be done. . .


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September 27, 2005

 

Michelle Ross
  well it wouldn't let me load images . .. and I"m really too tired to retype the information . . . so I'll try again sometime . ..


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September 27, 2005

 

Debby A. Tabb
  just so everyone knows a little more about the problem sloving issues:
well there will always be a difference in the use of hotlights vs strobes.
this being said Laura and I have talked to Melissa and together we may have the best settings for her at this time.
Sorry it could not have been done sooner-
as far as Debbie goes, we talked by phone also today and she did set the camera to the settings advised and got a much better picture-she reports that the backround was grey, but will in fact try to test again using the backlight also,as soon as she is able and will be posting those shots,
Debby


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September 27, 2005

 

Tom Sheridan
  Debby, thanks for the update.
I'm glad it is working out for everyone. I was glad to offer help and hope it was of use since I have had no time to work at my photography. I hope to get some free time again soon and try out some ideas.
Take care.


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September 27, 2005

 

Michelle Ross
  Does anyone have any suggestions for a scenic backdrop source??? I had one picked out to order from backdrop outlet which I've always had good luck with but when I called she said it woudl be 3-4 weeks which I barely have and I'm having an Ebay shipping issue with them at the moment so I'm a little untrusting of their shipping time frame at the present time. .. I've looked at Denny's, Amvona, Steve Kaeser and 2 DreamMaker, Adorama. .. I"m wanting a Scenic muslin that isn't overly Christmasy but more winter looking . . . the one I was wanting is at this link and the lamppost and packages are added props which I won't want to use. . .

http://www.backdropoutlet.com/product_info.php?cPath=166_168&products_id=407


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September 27, 2005

 

Laura E. OConnor
  I just did a quick search and found this... http://www.horizonbackgrounds.com/

I don't know anything about them, but it might be worth a shot.


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September 27, 2005

 

Debbie Vega
 
 
 
Ok everyone, I have tested my lights now set at 200/f22 and are so much better. I have set the main to full and both side lights to full and also set main to full and side ligths to half, just to see how they turned out. I also then used my back light which had a great improvement on the back of the wall. I will post some shots if I can remember how to do it on the thread, if not please take a look at the gallery when you get a chance. Thanks Debby for our chat this morning. Thanks to everyone else who has been supportive through this and am feeling alot more confident after learning how to set manual on my camera, shows how much I know right??

Speak soon...


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September 27, 2005

 

Debbie Vega
 
 
 
Ok, trying again witht he pics....


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September 27, 2005

 

Debbie Vega
 
 
 
Ok, trying again witht he pics....


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September 27, 2005

 

Melissa L. Zavadil
  Well, after reviewing THE BEST shots I could get with the STUPID HOT LIGHTS I am now going to sell my Canon 10D and those stupid lights and I am diving into strobe....... (The shots looked ok on camera when I put them up on the computer they were STILL orange) STUPID STUPID LIGHTS!!!

TO BE CONTINUED........................


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September 27, 2005

 

Melissa L. Zavadil
  PS: ORANGE is now my LEAST favorite color!!! LOL LOL LOL!!


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September 27, 2005

 

Debbie Vega
 
 
 
Ok, trying again witht he pics....


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September 27, 2005

 

Alisha L. Ekstrom
  Hi Debbie are you completely signed it with your name & password? Then you hit respond & at the bottom hit select & pick how many pics you want to upload & then hit submit & then you should be able to upload your pics from there to this thread...


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September 27, 2005

 

Laura E. OConnor
  Try to post your photos again, Debbie!! I'm dying to see them! I couldn't find new posts in your gallery.

1. Sign into your gallery first
2. Then come here to the thread
3. Click "respond" to post
4. Select the # of images to upload in the "Upload Image Option" at the bottom of the page
5. Upload each photo
6. Click send.

It should do it properly!

Can't wait to see them!


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September 27, 2005

 

Debby A. Tabb
  lol,lol,lol,lol


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September 27, 2005

 

Debby A. Tabb
  Laura ,
you and Alisha must have been typing at the same time!!!
you must be on the EDGE of your seats!!
lol.


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September 27, 2005

 

Alisha L. Ekstrom
  hehe...LOL!!! At least Laura took the time to explain it in greater detail...LOL!!!:):) I just keep sitting here at my computer working away & keep reading all your guys comments & so I'm waiting to see the images..hehe!!! I think I may never buy lights!! SOUNDS way too hard for me!!!:):)


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September 27, 2005

 

Laura E. OConnor
  *grin* JUST BUY STROBES!!! LOL!


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September 27, 2005

 

Debby A. Tabb
  I am so sorry to here that-
this is what has truly been frusterating about these posts!
I really do try to be nice and very patient-but this came to a place of haveing to say "are you doing what we have suggested???" and the answer was NO. So, it was suggested that WE can not go further unless WE try the suggested setting first!!
and TADA!!!
please any of you who are watching this thread- don't be turned off by Studio Lights( especialy you Alisha-you are VERY talented and whould put them to GREAT use)
Just know that we can all TELL you the settings that should work-but unless YOU try them-HONESTLY TRY THEM-
we don't know or understand why they are not working- please read through all 3 threads(and soon to be fourth , lol)and try what you see working.
and contact us - we will help.
Debbie called me back this morning and had already seen my AM posts- only then did she try the settings and told me how much better the shots were- but they were grey- re-read the posts and all of you will know why.
she did not have the lights all working -it has been suggested to PLEASE try using the backlight and I assured her she would get rid of the grey-
I was not going to say a thing , but when someone as talented as Alisha may get turned off-imagine how others maybe feeling- Laura has been going through this frustration also.
We are all so glad that Debbie is feeling better and her way to TRUE success!
AS my Doctors say(lol)
WE just can't help with a problem unless the you are willing to try what we suggest.


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September 27, 2005

 

Debbie Vega
 
 
 
will try and do pics again, just spent 30mins waiting to find they didn't go through, will try and put straightin gallery...


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September 27, 2005

 

Debbie Vega
  HOW DO I REDUCE THE SIZE OF THE PICS...I THINK THEY ARE TOO BIG!


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September 27, 2005

 

Laura E. OConnor
  Did you re-size them?? To post them and use the "old uploader" you must resize them yourself or they won't load. SORRY!! Forgot to mention that!! Just post to your gallery and let us know when they're up. We can go there to view them!


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September 27, 2005

 

Debbie Vega
 
 
 
How do I resize?? sometimes I get a screen where I can drag and drop pics and another where I have to browse for pics, thats the one that takes forever. Don't know how I put pics in gallery last time... pure fluke I am sure...


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September 27, 2005

 

Debbie Vega
 
 
 
How do I resize?? sometimes I get a screen where I can drag and drop pics and another where I have to browse for pics, thats the one that takes forever. Don't know how I put pics in gallery last time... pure fluke I am sure...


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September 27, 2005

 

Laura E. OConnor
  The drag and drop loader is the new one that re-sizes the images for you. The browse loader is the old one. You need to save your photo as a new file to the parameters it requires (they are listed when you select how many photos to upload:

- Saved as a JPEG, TIFF, BMP, or PING file type.
- Sized to no more than 500 pixels on the short dimension. For example:
500 (w) x 750 (h) for a vertical image.
- 750 x 500 for a horizontal image.
- 500 x 1250 or so for a vertical panoramic image.
- Preferably 72 pixels per inch.
- Less than 2.5 MB. Files larger than 2.5 MB are not accepted.

Your best bet to get them online is to just sign into your gallery with e-mail and password, go to your member center, select "Upload New Photo" and load your photos with the drag and drop loader that re-sizes them for you. We can go to your gallery to view them.


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September 27, 2005

 

Debby A. Tabb
  :-)
lol, you are curious - I know I can't wait either.
so, i'm sitting here, and my son is on the other computer and he says"OH look mom ,there is really a sientific reason why men don't listen to wemon",LOL,LOL.
here's the web site:

http://channels.netscape.com//men/package.jsp?name=fte/womenspeak/womenspeak

Personally, I think it was a guys experiment to get out of trouble!lol,lol


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September 27, 2005

 

Laura E. OConnor
  What a load of crap! They're just looking for a way to give their lack of listening a medical name to stop getting yelled at all the time! Mine actually went deaf in his left ear and said "see, it wasn't that I wasn't listening to you, I was going deaf!" He can't get away with that, either...he can still hear the stupidest thing on TV from another room (even the female voices)...WHILE I'M TRYING TO TALK TO HIM!!!!


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September 27, 2005

 

Lynn Snow
  Debbie V,

Readind the above info, the only thing I would add is that, like Tom, I highly recommend using a flash meter. It has helped me so much to take the guesswork out of my lighting. I also like it because it allows me to quickly intercharge my settings - if I want to go from an f/22 to an f/4 - I can just adjust my lights according to the reading in a matter of minutes. For me, it has been indispensible. I could not imagine using studio strobes without it!!

Also, for white balance, when I first started I could never get my pictures to look right because of the color cast. For me, the auto white balance did not work. I looked up the temperature setting for my lights and it was the equivalent of the daylight white balance on my camera. Once I switched to this setting, I have NEVER had to go back and readjust my pictures in terms of white balance. So if in question either refer to the owner instructions or call the company to see what white balance setting they recommend.

Also, for me, I have found that it is so much easier to shoot in RAW format. Your camera should have that capability, and adjusting in PS7 or higher is SO EASY when using RAW. When your shots open up, it gives a menu where you can easily change things like contrast, white balance, exposure, etc. For me at least, it has made my life so much easier.

Hope these tips help!!

Lynn


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September 27, 2005

 

Debbie Vega
  ok guys,pics are up now in my gallery, just first drafts mind and sophie is now awake so play time is over for a while..... let me know what you think!!!


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September 27, 2005

 

Debby A. Tabb
  lol,lol,lol,lol,lol,lol,lol,lol,lol
I can hardly breatth,lol
I can hear your shrill little taxas/new jersy accent yelling from here.lol,lol


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September 27, 2005

 

Debby A. Tabb
  YEAH!!!!
see it does'nt take the cost of a light meter( with all due respect Lynn, with digital you should not need them and we don't recomend them,because the capture can still be effected by the different settings such as color and white balances-but if you like using them and already have one thats good-for others money could be spent else where-hope you understand.)
It just takes the right settings! :-)


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September 27, 2005

 

Alisha L. Ekstrom
  LOL to you DEBBY!!! DON'T worry I would never give up anything to do with photography..I was just playing:):) It is just overwhelming reading it all when I don't have them & I think to myself..WOW...You are a fabulous teacher so I would trust when I EVER get them you'll help me. I'm just a hands on learner..not by reading. Sounds like you've taught Laura a lot & she's learned very well!! Now you're teaching Debbie & Melissa & they're learning...SOO there should be a little hope for me!!!:):)LOL!!! You're all great!!! It's soo funny how you can become friends here & haven't ever met yet, but you still feel soo connected to the person!! LOVE IT!!!:):)


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September 27, 2005

 

Debbie Vega
  thanks lynn for the raw input...


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September 27, 2005

 

Lynn Snow
  Debbie, those are looking great!!! Debbie, Laura, Tom, and everyone on here give such great advice! There is a lot to learn from this thread!!


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September 27, 2005

 

Debbie Vega
  thanks lynn....


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September 27, 2005

 

Alisha L. Ekstrom
  WOW Debbie. Very well done!! Persistence REALLY pays off!!!! NEVER give up!!!:) Fantastic job!!!


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September 27, 2005

 

Laura E. OConnor
  HOOORRAAAYYYYYY DEBBIE!!!! LOOKING GREAT!!!


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September 27, 2005

 

Sandy Landon
  Great job Debbie!! If anyone has a minute, could you please look at the baby pictures I just posted in my gallery. I need brutal honesty. These are only a few but the mom just came and looked at them and she just did not show real enthusiasm. Since this was my first paid baby shoot I am a little paranoid. Thanks in advance for any help.


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September 27, 2005

 

Debby A. Tabb
  Sandy,
I sent you my nuber to help, but truly not much to say- these are very nice shots of a new born .
it may be the presentation you gave her at the time of showing her pictures.I don't know.
I will tell you this: Mom's want that new born to look beautiful( ithink you really tried to do that) how ever- they are new borns and they need time to get that round charub look.
also, when you are taking the portraits it is importrant to "romance" the poses. get excited- talk about what you can't wait to do at 3mos,6mos etc.
belive it or not this WILL help when they come back to view-that excitement carries over-they remember it an dthey can't wait to see them.


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September 27, 2005

 

Laura E. OConnor
  HEY ALL!!! I JUST realized today that the Adobe .pdf files I had saved of the previous threads was cut off in the right margin!!! I fixed them so everything is visible. If anyone wants the files, please contact me and I'll e-mail them to you!!!


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September 27, 2005

 

Liza M. Franco
  Hey Everyone, I haven't been on much lately, busy trying to get the last few cds ready.

Debbie, you got it. The shots look great. I have the utmost respect for Debby, she knows her stuff. Glad she and Laura were able to steer you in the right direction.

I wanted to post a quick note about mine and Debby's workshop. I have received some emails where there is a little bit of confusion. There is no need for anyone to travel to the workshops. Debby and I do the traveling. We come to the town where the interested host sets up the workshop with other fellow photographers. We cover all of our own expenses. The costs of the workshop are pretty nominal considering it is a two day workshop and you leave with information packets and cd sets. The response has been great. Thank you to all who have shown interest.

I miss hanging out on here with all my photo buddies, but time to get back to work. Just wanted to pop in quickly and say hello to all.

Liza


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September 27, 2005

 

Melissa L. Zavadil
  OK, I am officially on the road to getting my lighting set. I have just listed my Canon 10D and My Tamron XR 28-75 Di 2.8 on Ebay!!! YEEEHAAA

Once I get the money the lights will be ROLLIN IN!!! GOOD-BY HOT LIGHTS HOPE TO NEVER SEE YOUR ORANGY-NESS AGAIN!!!

To Be Continued............


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September 27, 2005

 

Debby A. Tabb
  Good for you Melissa,
I just listed again also- took the light system off during the Harricane.
But everything is getting back to normal in some places and things on ebay are as well- need any help with that just haller.
I wish you the best of luck ,
you're going to have a blast with those new lights - and yes give me a call or drop me a line and I will help to find a perfect set.
**when droping me a note for equiptment PLEASE but a title to it-I get so many that sometimes they get lost in my work load-this will help me remember that we have a time scedual.


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September 28, 2005

 

Melissa L. Zavadil
  Debby, this is what I ultimately want. I want four lights. Two large lights with huge softboxes a large boom with a softbox and a hair light. (If this sounds wierd let me know, but I LOVE the softbox light) I have the three softboxes with my other set so I am not sure if I should sell that set as a whole or if I shold sell the pieces I don't need. Not quite sure??? Anyway I guess it makes a difference as to what is out there....


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September 28, 2005

 

Debby A. Tabb
  hey Mel,
it does sound wierd,lol,lol just kidding!
exchanging emails with Kerry this morning and he has me out to pull anyones tail this morning.!!
such a nut!!!
well, why don't we talk about this in front of the computer this weekend for a short time if you can??
remember I'm on cal. time.
I belive thats 2 hours difference,lol
don't you even call me at 6:00am on sat,lol
just ring me and i'll call you back so it won't cost ya.
does that sound ok?


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September 28, 2005

 

Constance Kessel
  Hi all...I'm new to this thread, but have been reading along...i just got 3 3 strobe light britec set-up and having the overexposure problem. I am going to try 200/F22 thing to see if it works for me. My basement studio is painted all white, no window and is sorta small. I own a canon 20d. I just wanted to let u guys know that your work is beautiful, and i'm learning alot just from reading the thread. thanks again.


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September 28, 2005

 

Debby A. Tabb
  Good morning Constance,
we will be waiting to see your posts-
we're glad you joined in.


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September 28, 2005

 

Cyndee Wanyonyi
  Hello All :).

It's been awhile...anyway, I too, bought my first set of lights this last weekend. I am hoping to receive them before this weekend. I bought the 4-light system with 960 w/s from STeve Kaeser. I am anxious to see how that goes.

I have an event to photograph in late October. I will be using my "studio" equipment" to take to the event and sell individual portraits. I am really excited :). My hubby and I have decided to change our bonus room to my studio. I am so excited :). I can't wait. I will post some pics as soon as I can...


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September 28, 2005

 

Debbie Vega
  Morning everyone, just chiming in... I have posted some more pics in my gallery if you can take a look. I moved my makeshift studio to the spare room, so a little more cramped but alot less dangerous and alot less effort to clean up everytime sophie wakes up from nap.... Speak later as am going out today, playgroup day............


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September 28, 2005

 

Debby A. Tabb
  Thank You Debbie,
If you have the time check out Debbie's gallery-
it is a PRIME example of the use and lack there of the back light.
Because Debbie is working with a small child she worries about the back light- so has tryed some shots with it and then with out
and you can CLEARLY see the depth the is added when the backlight is used-**those are marked-backlight- and they pop out at you.
you can still use your backlight - just consider replaceing the tripod- with a short one on roller base:

http://www.photogenicpro.com/store/index.php?DEPARTMENT_ID=39

I have these- they are heavy and when kicked they roll out of the way not knock over.
hope this has helped.


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September 28, 2005

 

Melissa L. Zavadil
  OK, Debby what would you recommend for a lighting set up. I want something that is pro'ish. I don't want to go too cheap because this is not something I want to sell AGAIN and have to redo AGAIN! LOL
Anyway, I really want four lights and softboxes with the softboxes at least 36"X36" Nothing smaller. Thanks


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September 28, 2005

 

Melissa L. Zavadil
  Liza kindly sent me this set up. This is so so VERY close to what I want. I have two questions:

1. what is that tiny light second from right? Is it a background light??

2. 550 watts does not sound strong enough my current lights are a total of 3000 watts.

3. The soft boxes are only 24"X24" which is not recomended for a full body shot.

So, if the wattage is ok, should I just swap out the lightboxes with the ones I have? Because then I could do this setup???? What do ya think?? I mean ideally I think I would like stronger lights.........

http://cgi.ebay.com/PRO-4-LIGHT-550-W-S-STROBE-BOOM-SOFTBOX-BRITEK-NEW_W0QQitemZ7548286914QQcategoryZ30087QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItem


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September 28, 2005

 

Laura E. OConnor
  Actually, that was me, Melissa. LOL! Hard to keep everyone straight sometimes, isn't it!!

I just sent you an e-mail, but since all of this has been posted here, I thought I'd copy it here...

I had about 6000 watts of hotlights and now have a set close to this one and get MUCH better color, light and portraits overall… the strobe flash makes all the difference! If you want to do up to a family of 5 or 6, this should do it. Debby told me that mine would to up to 10-15 people if needed.


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September 28, 2005

 

Melissa L. Zavadil
  OOPs I was thinking Laura and then for some reason my fingers must have typed Liza!! Too FuNnY!!! LOL

Ok, So, I am so confused because I really really don't want to do this again! So, I don't see a package that really just hits me on that site. I have contacted him but he doesn't seem to respond.
I was wondering if you had any problems with the reation time like having to wait. My style of shooting is very fast because I like the spontanious shots and not the posy ones. So I am a little worried about the reaction and recoop time inbetween shots. Becasue I tend to shoot Bang-bang-bang style...... Has anyone heard of the alien bees it has been recomended for this type of shooting??
Any thoughts?? Thanks so much Laura!!!
:o)


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September 28, 2005

 

Laura E. OConnor
  My shooting style is largely the same, although I don't shoot on burst mode. I like to catch "the moment" with kids especially. They've been more story-telling images and candid-style portraits so far...my two year old wouldn't pose if I had chocolate in both hands and begged! I have only had a couple of instances where the lights couldn't keep up with me, and those were easily tweaked in PS. I don't know anything about alien bees, but have heard good things about them.


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September 28, 2005

 

Angela K. Harter
  good afternoon all! o.k., I have a question.... (i can't figure it out and it's driving me NUTS!!!!) I did a collage in ps and croped it to 8x10 .....but when we printed a 5x7 it cut part of it off....is there a way to crop stuff to a certin size that works for all print sizes or do you have to crop one in every size first? hope you understand my question:)

and by the way you guys all rock in here! I don't have lights yet but I keep saving all this stuff for when I do!!! keep up the good work all!


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September 28, 2005

 

Melissa L. Zavadil
  I am sorry to say that there is not a way to crop so that the photo fits all sizes. It just is odd sizing photos. :( Usually you don't crop the photo that way you can get the 5X7s then to print the 8X10 you crop the top or bottom (or both). A lot of photographers try to allign their photos while shooting to allow for this crop.


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September 28, 2005

 

Liza M. Franco
  Hi Angie, I have an answer for your question, but the explanation will be easier by phone. I'm on my way out the door for a meeting right now. I'll email you my phone number when I'm done with the meeting and you can give me a call and I'll give you some quick tips.


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September 28, 2005

 

Melissa L. Zavadil
  OK Liza if you have a good answer for this question I am sure a lot of people would like to hear!!! :) Including me!!! Please post in the forum!!! :o) :o)

Are you making a template?????


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September 28, 2005

 

Liza M. Franco
  Unfortunately, no template for a one size fits all. I am however working on a cd that creates the pop out dimensional collages. I have had a lot of requests on how to do those, there is just way too much to put into a message, I tend to be really thorough with instructions because I never know how much experience someone may have in Photoshop. The cds are written in a way where even someone who has never used Photoshop can create beautiful collages that have great dimension. A good example of this type of template would be the one in the gallery titled "Jen's Day" I received a lot of emails on that one asking how it was done so I decided to make a template cd so that it will be a piece of cake for anyone to do.

I'm not home yet Angie, I just popped into the hubby's shop so I could borrow his high speed internet and send some templates off to Debby. I have one more meeting and then I can talk by phone. If anyone has any questions, please feel free to email me and I'll send you my phone number. I love to help, I just don't always have the time to type out instructions. Its pretty easy to walk someone through Photoshop over the phone though.


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September 28, 2005

 

Michelle Ross
  Unless I know the person is wanting a specific size I try to have my collages in 8 x 12, 12x18. .this is the same aspect ratio as the camera takes the photo . . . then I make sure I save the collage in it's layers. .. that way if I need to go in and do a different size I can and then just move everything in to allow for cropping. .. or I can leave enough room on the edges to crop down . . . 8 x 10 or a 16x20 will have the most cropping . . . an 11 x 14 and 10 x 13 have some but doesn't cut quite as much off the sides. ..


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September 28, 2005

 

Liza M. Franco
  I just posted this on another thread and thought that it may be helpful here as well. These are suggestions for some studio lighting accessories, a soft box and a light dome or tent which is used to photograph products, jewelry, food, etc. These are make it yourself suggestions for the frugal, crafty or person who just wants to see if they can make it themselves. I tend to fall into all three of those categories:)

I made a really inexpensive light dome by using a white mesh and shiny fabric laundry basket that is sold at Wal-Mart, I don't remember the name. They are colapsable, have a wire frame and some handles. Its been a while, but I think it was about $7.00 It is already a perfect construction shape and you just place it right over your item. You will need to cut a hole in it for your camera lense to fit into.

I have also made a make shift soft box out of this same product. The bottom was cut to fit over my studio light. I had to add foam core to the bottom which also had the same size hole for the light to fit through, this gave it some stability. I attached some white parachute type fabric over the large opening. If there is too much light escaping through the sides, I just drape some dark fabric over it to cover the top and sides.

Just some quick thoughts in case you're on a budget or are directing your money towards other more wanted on needed items.


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September 28, 2005

 

Liza M. Franco
  This was a question on a thread from Cyndee. I thought this may be helpful for others on this thread too who may be doing senior or formal portraits.

One of the best places to look for a tuxedo is a thrift store or consignment shop. Who wants to spend a fortune on something you may not need very often. This is a way to make it fit various sizes.


As far as fit, this is going to sound funny, but it works. If photos are only going to be shot from the front, I have been known to buy clothing and split it straight up the back seam. This is how they design costumes for the wild west type portraits at amusement parks. I try not to actually cut the fabric, but just the stitching. The fabric will still fold over nicely from where it had been stitched and this acts as a hem and adds stability. Once the items are split up the back, you then attach with safety pins, or sew in place 10"-12" pieces of grograin ribbon (1" wide type) on each side of fabric to act as ties. Space these out evenly enough so that you don't have huge gaps between, but they are close enough that when tied you don't have any buldging areas. At the neck area you can use elastic so that no ties can't be seen from the front. This works great, even if you don't sew, just use big strong diaper pins or safety pins. Don't use anything small as they may pop open when the ties are tightened. My costumes are at the studio and I am at home, but I will go there tomorrow and take a picture of one to show what I mean. You will be surprised how easy this is and how well it works.


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September 28, 2005

 

Debby A. Tabb
  man how do you get in the "snap shot" news letter- you guys have made this thread so fun- and thankfully more people have been chimeing in -so that means they've found it.
it's just been around for a while and it never makes the news letter .
oh well.i thought it would cut down on all the new studio threads.but, I have seen you guys chime in on new ones and envite others to join-you are all so wonderful.
whishing you all a wonderful day


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September 29, 2005

 

Laura E. OConnor
  WOW! You're a happy camper this morning, Debby! Maybe since we're usually at the top of the topic threads, they feel like we're prominent enough! Or maybe we'd cut down on class sales, like I've said before. I'd LOVE for other seasoned pros to chime in, or even a BP staffer or instructor. I've seen staff members and instructors occasionally chime in on other threads.

Anyone have new photos to post?????? Weren't we waiting on a few? MELISSA AND CONSTANCE??? LOL! I haven't taken anything new lately except "before" photos for insurance purposes...I need to live vicariously for a while!


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September 29, 2005

 

Debby A. Tabb
  no,no just throw caution to the wind-forget the day to day junk and go on a photo sarfari!!!
come on Laura, set up all the studio equiptment on stilts- and take a few self portraits.
thats it-lynn tryed christmas poses-and I think only Liza and I posted(you have a out Laura-you were on "vacation"lol)
os if you all weren't jazzed about christmas - how about we get to know each other with self portraits??
i hear you already Laura,lol


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September 29, 2005

 

Michelle Ross
  nothing new for me since last week ...one of my collages was chosen for POTD at The Cafe(digital image cafe) yesterday so I was happy about that . . .I have a Senior Girl Shoot tomorrow .. . it's really cool here this morning . .. and there is a chance for rain tomorrow but I am so in hopes it's cloudy so my ideas will work .. . I have another Senior girl next Wednesday as well adn then lots of family sittings scheduled for October. .. so I will be busy this month . . . which is good so I can add to my "stuff" Anyway ... I should have new stuff tomorrow otherwise all I have is my latest baby shoot and the Senior boy I did last week! :-)


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September 29, 2005

 

Debby A. Tabb
  that doesn't get ya out of it Michelle-
it only takes a second to see that cute little face- Laura must be hard at it already, cuz she hasn't posted a squeel,lol,lol


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September 29, 2005

 

Alisha L. Ekstrom
 
 
 
GOOD MORNING to you all!!! Thought I would chime in before I leave...Headed to Grand Junction, CO this afternoon & will be back Sunday. I have nothing new except that wedding I did. My bestfriend is pregnant with twin girls & her baby shower is Saturday & so that's why I'm headed to GJ...SOOO I'll have new maternity pics to post..YIPPEEE..I'm excited about that!! The other girl I did maternity pics on a while baby her baby boy is due in about a week & so I'll have newborn shots to post &...I have a BRAND NEW camera setup(Nikon D70s) coming in about 10 days SOOO I'M REALLY STOKED about that!!! I will be practicing on some baby dolls for my newborn shoot & to play with my new camera!!!...hehe!!!:):) I think a SP idea is fabulous cause I like putting a face with the name!! It's kinda cool...I'll go first..THOUGH MOST of you have already seen it!!! I will be taking a new one though when I get my new camera!!! Everyone have a TERRIFIC & safe weekend while I'm away!!!

Alisha


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September 29, 2005

 

Laura E. OConnor
  Nope...went to get my second cup of coffee. No SP's until I've had AT LEAST a pot of it, ya nut!

WOW, Michelle, you're a busy lady!!! Good for you!

We're over 300 posts on this thread...I'm still pulling for a Yahoo group - all BPers would be invited!! We really need a "chat room" forum, don't you think? We'd still be able to post photos, links to BP galleries and web sites, even SPs! We could even have our own contest and be able to vote in a poll! Anyone interested? Lurkers??? You can come there and lurk, too!!! We love you!

Ok...maybe I should stop at two cups.


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September 29, 2005

 

Laura E. OConnor
  Not fair using an old photo, Alisha! LOL! HAVE FUN & BE SAFE!!! Can't wait for you to get the D70s and to see what you can do with it!!! LOVE your wedding post today, BTW!


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September 29, 2005

 

Michelle Ross
  my self portrait is in my gallery on one of hte links to the right at the top .. . it's yucky though so I dont' even have it any more . . . I'm going to be doing our family pics soon so hopefully I can post some of those . . .


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September 29, 2005

 

Debby A. Tabb
 
 
 
I want to go with you Alisha!!!!!
I have a wonderful friend there, who I worked with and have been tring to get her to join here- her name is Lynn and she and her mom own"Nurses uniform and shoes" there in mid town(the main street area.ooohhh I have a picture -she'd just love me for this,lol,lol.
stop by say hi - tell her to get her butt on here and give her a hug and for goodness sakes don't let her talk you into showing you the town bars,lord that girl!!!
greg and I ended up in the back of her pickup all over town seeing this and that- then she toped it off with the bar,lol and a small dart tournament-I WIN!! no, not really but almost- shes a pro so I couldn't show her up.
but have sooo much fun -what a sweet town.


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September 29, 2005

 

Debby A. Tabb
 
 
 
I want to go with you Alisha!!!!!
I have a wonderful friend there, who I worked with and have been tring to get her to join here- her name is Lynn and she and her mom own"Nurses uniform and shoes" there in mid town(the main street area.ooohhh I have a picture -she'd just love me for this,lol,lol.
stop by say hi - tell her to get her butt on here and give her a hug and for goodness sakes don't let her talk you into showing you the town bars,lord that girl!!!
greg and I ended up in the back of her pickup all over town seeing this and that- then she toped it off with the bar,lol and a small dart tournament-I WIN!! no, not really but almost- shes a pro so I couldn't show her up.
but have sooo much fun -what a sweet town.


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September 29, 2005

 

Melissa L. Zavadil
  OK, here is the latest on my stupid lights. I saw them again on the Steve Kaeser retail site on ebay and yes he still has these stupid things listed on EBAY as portrait lights. PORTRAIT LIGHTS!!!!

He contacted me through email and first of all it took him FOREVER to respond and second he states he WILL NOT refund my money or return the lights OR UPGRADE them. I am pissed because he took a nail at my camera skills and states that it is my ability. He states that I need to set the camera at 400 ok, let me state that again!!!!!! 400 to get a good shot with a 4.5 fstop!!!!! OK, that REALLY REALLY SUCKS!!!! What types of good quality photos can ANYONE get with that!!!! ON A PORTRAIT NON-THE-LESS. OK, this is not an indoor film quality I am after with any lights!!!! HELLOOOOOOO!!! I NEED TO BLOW THESE THINGS UP!!! OK, so if I am to EVER buy new lights I CAN ASSURE YOU It will NEVER be through that man!!! :(

Can you all tell I am pissed??? :o)


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September 29, 2005

 

Debbie Vega
  Morning all, thought I chip now I have had my coffee, had to wake sophie up at 8.30 otherwise no nap and no camera playtime....!! Will be back later..


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September 29, 2005

 

Debbie Vega
  hey Mellissa, what lights did you get again, I got the four light kit 540 from steve kaeser, don't they have a 30 money back guarantee?? if you are not happy, forgive me, I don't have time to read back....


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September 29, 2005

 

Debby A. Tabb
  they are over the 30 days.
the solution then would be to list them on ebay.
and go from there. there are others that sell those same lights- he has usually been easy to deal with -I am sorry your expierance is proving to be so bad.


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September 29, 2005

 

Alisha L. Ekstrom
  WOW Melissa YOU ARE TICKED!!! I DON'T BLAME YOU!!! THAT is why I get scared ordering off line. Did you use a credit card? I think you can fight it if you used a credit card..THOUGH I'm not sure..I'm not an online shopper. I would FOR SURE be kickin some butt though!!!:):)

Hey DEBBY..I KNOW THAT PLACE & HER!!! I would go there to buy my uniforms for work when I worked in the office in GJ!!! She's FUNNY!!! WOW a night out on the town of BIG GJ!!! BET that was an experience to never forget:):)..hehe..I'll have to stop by & tell her to join here!!!:) GEEZ...I have to get away from this computer..I am getting ready & keep coming to check my mail...I HAVE ISSUES!!!LOL!!:):)


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September 29, 2005

 

Debby A. Tabb
  that is so GREAT!!!!
please go by and see her, do me a favor pick a flower some where and tell her it's from Bruce(that's my son and he loves her dearly!!)
I love her with all my heart if my mom had had another girl-she'd be my sister for sure-
the butt head even forgot my b-day this year just like my brothers.
lol,lol,lol


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September 29, 2005

 

Melissa L. Zavadil
  I am definately over the 30 days so that is a problem. I understand his policy. Fine but the way he is going about this is wrong just wrong. And to expect someone that shoots photography to HAVE to shoot an ISO of 400 JUST to get a decent exposure is absolutely NUTS!!!! If you HAVE to shoot with an ISO of 400 good luck with all the artsey shots you want to take and forget about blowing ANYTHING up with reasonable quality. And yet he is still stating these lights are fabulous for studio shots!! COME ON!! This is rediculous!! Most lighting specialists will tell you go with the highest wattage because you can always take away. Shooting 400 is the absolute bare bare minimum. Yet he is selling lights and promoting them as 'what the pros use' for portraits. Bite me!! Then he cracks my photography abuility........Ok, now I need to take some ZEN!!!

~~~~Good mood, good mood, good mood~~~~

I am happy now :o) I am over this :o)

Thanks for your help you guys you guys are great!!


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September 29, 2005

 

Constance Kessel
  sorry I haven't posted anything...been reading the 1st thread. finally got through it...:) I just got my studio lights and I bought them from a e-bay store and the guy was really nice and helpful. you can check out his stuff at http://myphotohome.com/p/ I'm pretty poor, so I got the briteck 3 light 120ws kit, and it came with a bunch of stuff. I hope this helps. he also has a lot of tuturols on photography and lighting, its worth a look through.
Also, because i'm poor :), my friend who is a engineer rigged a backdrop hanger thing for me. it cost about 15.00, some of the stuff was free, but it shoudn't be to much more if it wasn't. If anyone is interested I can upload the pics and show u how we did it.
Also, reading the 1st thread, there was some color problems when pics got developed. My girlfriend works at ritz and she say for prints camera should be set on s setting not the adobe setting. And this may seem really stupid, but it happened to me...many of my pics looked great at home on pc, but when printed were really washed out. Just for a haha my friend asked me what my brightness on my monitor was...i read alot, and being blind in one eye , I turned my brightness down so the white web pages wouldn't hurt so much...duh...so make sure your monitor is set right for brightness and contrast. it helped alot of my pics.....

my sister and her friend are coming over tomarrow to do some test shots, to see if I can get my settings right...i post to see what everyone thinks when I get them done.
hope I was some help....
Connie


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September 29, 2005

 

Debby A. Tabb
  keep reading : on to thread two,
where you will find that Laura, went through all that also and had to correct it before going on.
Please don't touch a thing in your camera- just set to manual,200/f22 and test.
then post you should end up fine


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September 29, 2005

 

Debbie Vega
  Mellissa, what lights do you have again, the pain in the butt ones?????! I mean!


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September 29, 2005

 

Debby A. Tabb
  Debbie,
they are not like yours- they are britek- but they are hot lights, not strobes.
hope this helps,
debby


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September 29, 2005

 

Melissa L. Zavadil
  Debbie is right (they are hot lights) and I do not recommend hot lights to anyone doing portrait work. They are terrible the light is terrible and the output is too warm to get a decent exposure. Unless you use 400 ISO film and set it on 4.5Fstop. Therefore your options as a portrait artist are terrible. You have no options other than shooting a simple basic headshot that you would NOT blow up. No, gels, no filters no difference in f-stops etc etc. Thats it no options. Period. Hope that helps.... :)

Melissa


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September 29, 2005

 

Laura E. OConnor
  WOW! I went to the grocery store (FINALLY!) and look what I missed!!! Sorry you're having such a hard time with Steve, Melissa. I've never spoken to him directly. I did everything through e-mail and his "staff" has been nice as can be! Maybe he's having a REALLY bad day??? Anyway, sorry to hear that. I'd definitely post them on e-bay. That way, too, you can save your softboxes if you want to, but sell the rest. Any bites on your 10D?


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September 29, 2005

 

Melissa L. Zavadil
  My 10D and the Tamron Lens are both in the green so they have sold, the final amount I won't know until auction has ended but I think I will get a fair amount for it. I am thinking I am going to go with an alienbees custom set. I really like the options, the company and the quality of the lights. The strobes are A LOT more powerful so I can use gels and filters etc and still have enough light to get the effects that I want. I am glad that I am now more knowledgeable about these lights--if there is a positive to all of this. I think that I have been researching for the past three days straight on these lighting systems!! But, I have a much better idea of what I really need now and into my future!! So I know that I will not make a stupid decision again!! :) So, overall it has been good. I do plan on selling the hot lights on ebay -- hopefully someone somewhere will buy them--AND be happy with them!! :)


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September 29, 2005

 

Debbie Vega
  For Mellissa, you go girl, better to have what you want and not be stuck with "stupid lights", I hope you are happier with the ones you buy, I looked into alien bees too but were out of my budget for what I wanted and the kit I have that was recommended has been great so far despite the 'hair pulling out episodes' in the beginning, not to mention I am sure there will be more but I have felt really supported on this thread desite being a complete newbie!! Now sophie is asleep it's playtime!! yipeeeeeee!! be back soon..


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September 29, 2005

 

Melissa L. Zavadil
  I have to agree this thread is great!! The people on here are really helpful!! At least I finally figured out why I could not take a decent photo for the life of me with those hot lights!! Thanks to Laura and Debbie!! Very cool to have this help!!! I was starting to think I just could not do portraits!! LOL

Have fun and post more pics Debbie!!!!


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September 29, 2005

 

Angela K. Harter
 
 
 
boy do I have a lot of catching up to do! I was gone all day at The Wall of Hope, a Memorial for Vietnam....i will read up in a bit but wanted to post some pictures and see what you all think....and on the one of just my son, should the words be on there or is it more powerful without them? just wanted some feedback on them:)


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September 29, 2005

 

Angela K. Harter
 
 
 
boy do I have a lot of catching up to do! I was gone all day at The Wall of Hope, a Memorial for Vietnam....i will read up in a bit but wanted to post some pictures and see what you all think....and on the one of just my son, should the words be on there or is it more powerful without them? just wanted some feedback on them:)


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September 29, 2005

 

Liza M. Franco
  Wow Angie, great shots. In answer to your question, although I love the sentiment behind the title, I think it would be more powerful without the words on it. Sub conciously that must have been your thought too or else that question wouldn't have come to mind. Follow your instincts.
These are beautiful children and really wonderful shots.


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September 29, 2005

 

Angela K. Harter
  i need to learn to do that more often:) thanks!!!


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September 29, 2005

 

Melissa L. Zavadil
  Angela I just love the one at the top! It is so powerful!! love them both!!! Very nicely done!! :)


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September 29, 2005

 

Laura E. OConnor
  I agree...the words tie in the relevance, but the image is stronger without them. Enter it into the contest with that as the title!! It's a winner! Great shot of the two of them, too! Beautiful kids!!!

I think we ALL need to learn to do that more often!!


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September 29, 2005

 

Lynn Snow
  Angela, Love the shots!! I'm with everyone else - the images are so powerful that they do not need the words. Like Laura just said, I would use the words for the title instead. Great shooting!!


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September 29, 2005

 

Angela K. Harter
  just entered it without the words! thanks everyone (for telling me what I knew would be best just didn't listen to myself,LOL)!

isn't it funny how we second guess ourselves?!


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September 29, 2005

 

Liza M. Franco
 
 
  Full Power and Half Power
Full Power and Half Power
These are both before any correcting has been done.

Liza M. Franco

 
  Studio 2 Half Power
Studio 2 Half Power

Liza M. Franco

 
  Studio 2 Half Power
Studio 2 Half Power

Liza M. Franco

 
  Studio 3 Half Power
Studio 3 Half Power

Liza M. Franco

 
 
Angie, I'm so glad you entered that one. It is truly one that makes you stop and really take a closer look.

I did a studio shoot today and thought I'd post some shots. We have all dealt with some type of studio frustration. Mine however isn't my lights, its my camera. Debby kept trying to explain the f22/200 suggestion to me and I could not figure out how to get my camera any higher than f8. While my camera takes nice shots, after reading the manual I realized it really only goes to f8.

So I set it to f8 since that is the highest it will go and gave it another shot today. If my lights were on full
power everything was totally washed out. I finally setteled for half power and this was what I got. These are before PS and after. I guess I don't have much choice but to go this route until I get a different camera. I am open to suggestions if anyone knows of anything I can do differently.


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September 29, 2005

 

Liza M. Franco
  Oops, should have mentioned that the problem studio camera is a Sony F717.

The kids didn't come to do dress up, but couldn't resist playing with some of the props. The cowboy hat and wild shirt combo cracks me up.


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September 29, 2005

 

Laura E. OConnor
  Have you tried the lights at half power, but setting your Apeture to f6 (or lower if that's still too dark)? Try it. It'll open it up more to let in a little more light, without blowing it out like the full power shot.


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September 29, 2005

 

Debby A. Tabb
  good morning all.
I am moving our thread for someone to find easily


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September 30, 2005

 

Constance Kessel
  Angela- those pics are beautiful, I aslo agree with the no words...just beautiful...just thought i'd add my 2 cents. Connie


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September 30, 2005

 

Liza M. Franco
  Thanks Laura, I'll give that a try. Studio work is really hit or miss for me. Within that same sitting some turned out perfectly lit while others were just darker. Most importantly though, I'm no longer getting this strange extra orangy colored glow like a double copy of the eyes. It was almost like a camera shake problem, but I was using a tripod. Lighting I can correct in Photoshop, extra eyes were a bit more work. This was the first time I had tried it on the manual setting so maybe that helped with not getting the extra eye glow thing. I'll try your suggestion later today and see what I get. Thanks for your help.


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September 30, 2005

 

Laura E. OConnor
  Extra eyes? Can't help you there...perhaps a good exorcist??? LOL! Glad to help...I'm not promising a lower f-stop is your solution, but it seemed feasible to me. I can't wait to see if it works!!


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September 30, 2005

 

Debby A. Tabb
 
 
 
Laura,
you are just sooo bad sometimes.


LOL,LOL


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September 30, 2005

 

Debby A. Tabb
 
 
 
Laura,
you are just sooo bad sometimes.


LOL,LOL


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September 30, 2005

 

Debby A. Tabb
 
 
 
Laura,
you are just sooo bad sometimes.


LOL,LOL


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September 30, 2005

 

Melissa L. Zavadil
  LOL LOL!! Too funny!!! Talking about parents that can see behind them!!! LOL


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September 30, 2005

 

Michelle Andersson
 
 
 
Good Morning all!

Thanks Debbie for directing me to the part 2 thread for tips on lighting a large group. It's exactly what I needed.

Hey I would love some critques from you all about a lighting set up that I'm trying to put together for a shoot that's ALL about the hair. I'm going to try to attach the photo, but if it doesn't work the picture is in my gallery entitled "Hair Test".

Well I'm addicted to this site so I'm sure I'll be back soon! :) I should respond to the BP addicts thread LOL.


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September 30, 2005

 

Liza M. Franco
  Laura and Debby what a team effort, you guys are killing me I laughed so hard. Ok wiseguys, luckily my problem was not quite that bad. I'll have to go through the archives and find one to show you what I mean.


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September 30, 2005

 

Michelle Ross
  Hi guys. . . just working on my Senior shoot for today ... I"m adding some to my gallery as I go . . it was an awesome shoot(or at least I think so) and the light was awesome . .. clouds almost the whole morning til right at the end and then the wind picked up too . . . but I think she will be happy . . . I showed them a sneak peek in the LCD and they were ooh and aahing and many were their "favorites" soooooo I'm hoping good thoughts... this is the first shoot that I've been VERY satisfied with out of the camera. . . and I have to say that even shooting digital my light meter was a huge help today . .. Anyway . . . if anyone wants to look I've got a few in the gallery and am adding more as I go!


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September 30, 2005

 

Debby A. Tabb
  I FRIEND OF MINE TOLD ME SHE POSTED THIS THREAD ON ANOTHER SITE ---
SO IF YOU ARE JOINING US NOW THERE ARE 3 PARTS TO THIS AND SOON TO BE A 4TH.

PART#1:
http://www.betterphoto.com/forms/QnAdetail.php?threadID=17534

PART # 2:

http://www.betterphoto.com/forms/QnAdetail.php?threadID=18585

THERE YOU GO HAVE A GREAT TIME AND WE'RE GLAD YOUR HERE!! :-)


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September 30, 2005

 

Laura E. OConnor
  They look GREAT so far! I LOVE #083! By the way... Are you KIDDING ME?? Your Senior Kelsey has a girlfriend named Chelsey!?!?! I thought there were laws against that! LOL!

OK all... drumroll please! I just got a "partial order" for my senior shoot...after waiving the session fee and the 2 for 1 print promotion her order her order came to $255!!!


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September 30, 2005

 

Lynn Snow
  Michelle, beautiful photos once again!!! You really have a knack for the senior pics!


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September 30, 2005

 

Michelle Andersson
  #83 is my favorite also! I love how the eyes pop! Congrats, on a shoot well done.

Oh,I'm so nervous about the hair shoot I have on Sunday. I hope it goes well...


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September 30, 2005

 

Michelle Ross
  Thanks Lynn and Laura. . . I like #83 really good too Laura. . . This is so crazy .. . I told myself . . .Michelle you cannot take 200 photos. . .and guess what .. . I ended up with close to that . . . I'm really learning to weed out though . .. and I'm not touching up everyone like I have in the past. . . and will do a general retouch of the ones they order for enlargements, etc. I'm not near done though and even just doing minor adjusts to light, etc. and cropping will take awhile but it's moving fairly quick . .. I finally got the omni bounce to work . .. I put it on . . . and adjusted my flash to -2 and then just adjusted the head in and out as needed. .. that seemed to work really well . . . a few I think you can tell I used flash but mostly I think it worked really well . . . the county mowed my sunflowers along hte road though GRRRRR so there went one of my plans. . . probably a good thing or I'd had 250 LOL


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September 30, 2005

 

Debbie Vega
  Michelle, congrats on the senior shoot, This whole senior shoot stuff is real popular in this country , must be, cause I have never heard of it till I came here, are they for their school year books or something?, please forgive the brit!!
Congrats Laura on a paid shoot, let the drum begin and the money roll in.. good job.
I haven't posted any pics cause my computer has decided to go on the blink when it sees fit and apparantly I do not have enough memory to fit anything else and do not have dsl so cannot download and get prints... it sucks sometimes!! Oh, if someone would just let me win the lottery and I could buy all necessary essentials and take a vacation to the bahamas!! Just dreaming!!


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September 30, 2005

 

Michelle Andersson
  Debbie, if I had a lottery I'd let you win. :) It's never any fun when stuff breaks down.

Michelle, sorry to hear that your Sunflowers wre cleared out! Why does the city do stuff like that?! In August I went Blackberry picking and my bushes were gone! Nice name BTW.


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September 30, 2005

 

Michelle Andersson
  Ok so I've been in my garage testing my lighting some more for my shoot on Sunday.

Which set-up do you guys like better? The one with the Black or the White background. I'd post them here but I can't figure it out, so they are in my gallery. Sometimes I'm so computer challenged!!

Also any suggestions on how I can get the texture and color of the hair to really pop would be most appreciated.


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September 30, 2005

 

Debby A. Tabb
  Hey Michele,
just emailed you my #
please call and I will help.


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September 30, 2005

 

Laura E. OConnor
  I need to know this, too!!! Help me, Help me! (not now, though, I have to go make dinner!) Any info you can post for later reading would be much appreciated!


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September 30, 2005

 

Melissa L. Zavadil
  Debby, I second the post for the hair thing I would like to know too!!! :o)


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September 30, 2005

 

Debby A. Tabb
  I love you guys-but your such BRATS!!!!
I knew when I posted that you all would not let it ride.lol,lol.
I was busy shipping Cd's. and couldn't stay on the computer.
it is so hard to explain, we start touching on creative lighting and that is so much easier in person through the classes.
how ever, mel I don't know if I saved your number- so call me tommorrow if you get a chance.
and I know you will Laura, Tommorrow starts my weekend of free mins.
I explained it as best I could , till she posts some tests a little later.
I can't wait.


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September 30, 2005

 

Michelle Andersson
  Hey there!

Well again I was the only model available tonight, so as you could imagine the posing is a bit tricky. :) But I have posted an example of the lighting you recommended. Thanks for takig the time to chat with me this afternoon, Debbie.

So what Debbie suggested is that I use only a main light set a little to the left of the camera to get dramatic lighting. She emphasized trying to get that triangle under the right eye. I then placed a hair light from behind on the right side about ten feet away from the top of my head.

I like all the shadows on the right side of the face and the highlighted hair. However my client specifically said that she didn't want any hair in shadow. She pointed to many example pictures and said she hated that. So, I'm a little worried that the ends and sides of the hair aren't lit enough just yet. The model I'm gonna be working with has really long hair and I'm curious how I can light this hair so that it's shiny and full of texture, but not flat (like my high key shot test shot).

Thanks again for your suggestions!


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October 01, 2005

 

Laura E. OConnor
  Anyone recognize the super photographer on today's POTD???

http://www.betterphoto.com/gallery/dynoGallDetail.php?photoID=1132546

CONGRATULATIONS MELISSA ZAVADIL!!


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October 01, 2005

 

Melissa L. Zavadil
  AWWW!! Thanks Laura!! I am so surprised! I had no idea, and I woke up to a bunch of emails! What a way to make someones day! HAPPPEEEE!! :o)


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October 01, 2005

 

Debby A. Tabb
  Yes Congradulaions!!! good job Melissa!

Michele,
Just use your hair light a little closer and run it down the back of the hair-
You will have to play with this a little to get the effect you need (it's hard to get every thing you need and help you change things over the phone or internet-with out you actually being able to do them as we speak),
to give long hair a fuller look with you lift it and put a comb(it's a curved comb like hair piece?like what you would put your hair up with) along the back of the head and then lay the hair back down over it.
This lifts the hair enough to make it look really full.
good luck I hope this helps,
Debby


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October 01, 2005

 

Constance Kessel
 
 
 
congrats melissa on your potd!

okay some test shooting last night and it worked!!!!! YIPPEEEEEE!!! Thank you so much for all the help on this and the other 2 threads. I know I still have a lot to learn....like poseing and noticed that my eyes weren't in the upper 1/3 of the shot...but at least everyone is the right color!! Let me know what you think. All the shots were taken with the iso 200 and 200/f22.


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October 01, 2005

 

Constance Kessel
 
 
  my sis emma
my sis emma

Constance Kessel

 
  my daughter abby
my daughter abby

Constance Kessel

 
  abby
abby

Constance Kessel

 
  daughter lexi
daughter lexi

Constance Kessel

 
  emma's friend taylor
emma's friend taylor

Constance Kessel

 
 
ok trying this again....these are also all unedited, I forgot to add more light or open up for the bw shots.


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October 01, 2005

 

Debby A. Tabb
 
 
 
Great Job !!!
the color shots are right on it seams.
Constance, to get the corect eye level in your shot try the graph in thread 2 - try lifting the camera until the eyes are in the middle of the view finder(if vertical) then tilt the camera down until hair is near the top-I will opst the graph again.


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October 01, 2005

 

Debby A. Tabb
 
 
 
Great Job !!!
the color shots are right on it seams.
Constance, to get the corect eye level in your shot try the graph in thread 2 - try lifting the camera until the eyes are in the middle of the view finder(if vertical) then tilt the camera down until hair is near the top-I will opst the graph again.


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October 01, 2005

 

Debby A. Tabb
 
 
 
Great Job !!!
the color shots are right on it seams.
Constance, to get the corect eye level in your shot try the graph in thread 2 - try lifting the camera until the eyes are in the middle of the view finder(if vertical) then tilt the camera down until hair is near the top-I will opst the graph again.


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October 01, 2005

 

Cyndee Wanyonyi
  Hi Everyone,
Debbie, I am confused as to where you should line the camera. Let me see if I have it...

Line the eyes up to the level of the "cross" on the first graphic. Then move the camera down until the hairline is in it's place.

???
Cyndee ><>


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October 02, 2005

 

Laura E. OConnor
  HI ALL! Sorry I haven't chimed in lately. I've been busy editing my Senior photos to order. I also went to Michael's yesterday and bought a TON of Christmas stuff, some of which I have to make. I can't wait to start playing with it all and get a Christmas flyer out! Hopefully I'll have enough images by next week to do it! Out to pick up a few more supplies today and then start being crafty! Great info on the hair light, I'll have to call you for more info, Debby. Also great to see that graph again. I need a reminder once in a while!

HEY! My Senior's mom wants to bring her 3 teenage boys in for Christmas pictures soon. Any ideas for posing 3 men? I'd LOVE to do the whole family, I have plenty of ideas for that, but I think she just wants her boys. If Justin was any indication...they're all TALL! I'll be scouring the net for ideas, I'm open to suggestions!


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October 02, 2005

 

Debby A. Tabb
  Yes , Cyndee perfect- it's about a 45 degree angle.


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October 02, 2005

 

Debby A. Tabb
  HERE IT IS GUYS PART 4!!!!

http://www.betterphoto.com/forms/QnAdetail.php?threadID=19665

IT STARTED WITH PROPS YOU CAN MAKE

MAKE SURE TO JUST SIGN IN AND LET US KNOW YOUR STILL WITH US.


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October 02, 2005

 
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