New Stuff

Many people may not think it, but photography is a very expensive hobby.

You've got the camera, the lenses, the lens filters, the tripod, the bag to carry it all in, the computer software, all things I've already purchased. However, I'm about to take the plunge on another expensive subset of photography- off camera lighting.

So what, that's a flash right? Well yes, which flashes are more expensive then I initially figured them to be. I'm picking up a SB600, which is a 3rd gen Nikon flash, for about $200. But that's not all!

With a flash you need: light stand, light stand adapter, umbrella, flash gels, and a way to trigger the flashes remotely. You can buy cords and adapters to trigger the flash (for about $20), but then you are tethered by the thing and that's no fun. No, now we live in a wireless age, so I need wireless triggers! There's a company called AlienBees that sells pretty nice transmitters/receivers for about $60 a piece, meaning an initial cost of $120, then $60 every time you add another flash.

I'm going to start out with just one flash to keep things simple, but for the love of god I hope I never get more than 3. Hopefully I can get some revenue from senior portraits come summer that will help pay for all this stuff!

A brief pause...

I'm going to take a short break from going over favorites to show a picture I took while I was in DC last week/weekend.



Mandy and I were visiting Arlington Cemetary in VA and after watching the Changing of the Guard ceremony, we went on a short walk to see if there was anything cool to take pictures of. I hereby present to you, my temporarily most favoritist picture I've ever taken:

Click for big: http://www.flickr.com/photos/myotomy/2993210959/sizes/l/

There is just something extremely rewarding about being able to say I took a picture like that. I think everyone needs to find a hobby for themselves that they can be proud of.

Favorites Part Nine

I'm glad I finally get a small break from pictures I've taken in the Danville area. This next one was taken in Philadelphia while I was there on some business. My coworker and I had a little extra time, so we went downtown to check out the Liberty Bell and Independance Hall.

The bell had a swarm of people all around it, so after I took the picture, I increased the exposure in lightroom, followed by the clarity and contrast. I thought this offered a really unique picture of a commonly photographed item.