Time for you to add another shot on the ~DRU~ site, don't you think!? -Laura Swan

5/3/2008 10:17:36 PM

Hi Laura,
I really enjoyed doing this shot. I had live lighting classes at the time, and the students brought in products to shoot. It was challenging, but a lot of fun. I really liked the saturation of the shot. There is a large soft light source on the left side of the car and I remember there was a fill card on the right side. Above the fill card, and behind the car is a small light source, about a foot in diameter, this builds the highlight on the front of the car. The base is a 20X24 inch hard rubber tray from the darkroom filled with colored glass pebbles and water.

I do miss the darkroom, but I will have a new darkroom soon. There is something about a handmade print that is incredibly satisfying.

Could you remind me of what the DRU site is?

Thanks for noticing my images. I really appreciate it!
Thanks! John Siskin

5/4/2008 10:49:35 AM

Hi Steve,

What is a fill card? Something white or black to bounce or stop the light off of? (You did a great job on the lighting by the way. Kinda looks like a street light is shining down on the car.)

Loved the idea for the base. Creative!

I know what you mean about a hand made print. There's such a huge excitement and satisfaction there when you get it just right or create something, (in my case), unexpected! Ha! I bet in a way you are sad that the digital age is here and so huge. A day might come when hardly anyone even knows what an f stop is. :(

I have to admit I love digitals because I don't have to waste a pile of money on film anymore to get the RIGHT SHOT!

Although I don't feel digitals are quite there yet with quality, (not 100%), I have seen magazine covers etc., that use them now, and they did look great. I think one had used an older camera....like a Nikon D1X, or something. 5.4 mega pix?...It was a while ago. National Geo Mag...I don't keep up on that sort of thing really.

The DRU club stands for:
Discussions R Us

How funny! You must be in a pile of clubs?! I am in 4 now and it's hard to keep up.

Enjoy your day.

Your new photo friend, Laura

5/4/2008 1:46:28 PM

Hi Laura,
I am in about a dozen of the BetterPhoto clubs. I wish the clubs were a little more active, especially my local Southern California club. My current favorite is the Studio Tips and Tricks Club.

A fill card is a piece of white board that is used to bounce light back into the image. If you use a simple piece of white board you get a soft light source that is much lower in power than the original light source. It is important to use the fill card close to the subject. Keeping it away from the subject can make it so low in reflectance that you don’t see it.

I have done a lot of magazine work, some with digital and some with film. Frankly I don’t see that digital is inferior in a full page size. I have a camera with more than 13 megapixels, and you would need to make a print at least 16X20 from a 4X5 negative to see an improvement in film over digital.
Thanks, John Siskin

5/4/2008 2:54:19 PM

Hi again Steve!

Wow! 12 clubs? I'd join your S.T.A.T.C. club if I thought I had anything to contribute! Ha! Maybe one day.

Thanks for the explanation of fill card. Very interesting. I will remember this.

I was surprised to read how much digital is being used for mags now. Looks like digital is gaining speed.

My National Geo books date back. That might have been like a 2004 issue or something! Ha!

We have out of town company coming tomorrow from Australia. I'd better get serious about getting the house in order. They will be using the shower no doubt! Eek! Glad they wont have MICRO CAMERAS on them! Ha!

Fun chatting. -Laura

5/4/2008 5:23:12 PM

Hi Laura,
Uh, it’s John. Not that it matters a lot. Good lock with the guests. I haven’t taken any pictures of mildew, but might be interesting.

Digital is being used for most work these days, and all the work I do. It is quicker, with better feedback and the costs are lower. Though I love film, you can’t argue against digital.
Thanks, John Siskin

5/4/2008 6:49:55 PM

I have only written your name a dozen times and it IS on the side of the thread...So sorry, BILL. Ha! Just kiddin'.

You can call me Margaret ANY TIME YOU LIKE!

Back to cleaning! Sorry about that one!

5/4/2008 7:35:17 PM

Thanks Margaret!

5/4/2008 9:36:22 PM

You're welcome, Sam.

5/4/2008 10:19:36 PM