Studio 'Learn Together' Meet 1st August - Essex

[mr_pants]

I've booked the local hall and I'm now looking to see who wants to come along. The hall only costs peanuts to hire, so I'll see to that. If you want to join in and bring whatever lighting, backdrops, props, models, chocolate cake etc. you can, it'll all be good. If you don't have any, then it's still good.

It'd be nice if someone with some studio know-how could chime in, too.

Actually, I'm really hoping that someone, anyone, answers.

[Marac]

I could be interested in this, I have some lighting and backdrops and also maybe a model too.. WHERE is this hall you booked? sounds like a lot of fun.

[mr_pants]

It's in Rivenhall, mid-Essex. There's plenty of parking at the hall and there's a rather pretty church nearby, where we could also do some outdoor stuff using reflectors and trying OCF.

It'll be great to have you along. Looking to learn and play.

[Marac]

Thanks for that, yeh sounds like a good day out and get to meet a few togs etc too, count me in mate.

Thanks

[mr_pants]

Excellent.

I could even be persuaded to model for everyone. Actually, scrub that. It's not really a selling point.

[Willenium]

What time will you guys be starting?

[mr_pants]

I've got the hall from 10:00. Would be nice to get a decent day's play.

[STARRIDER]

Count me in Alan if you will..;)..i can bring the cake..:nuts:

[tdodd]

Sounds like a grin. I'd be up for some of that. It's in the diary.

I have no prior experience of studio shooting or studio lighting. I have watched a couple of videos and I've got a few Strobisty bits but I've never tried to put the little I've learned into practice.

[Y15HAL]

Would have been interested in this! But shame its on the 1st! :(

I have a wedding reception to attend to on the 31st, and its going to be a late one......if i aint feeling too bad the next morning, i may make an appearance......

I've just ordered an umbrella and softbox, stands, triggers today, so more on the strobist side of things as opposed to the studio side......i'm a total nooooob though, so this meet would have been very handy! :(

[Willenium]

Stick me on the list :) I don't have any equipment other than a tripod and P&S which has become pretty much redundant since attaining my DSLR. Will bring it along anyway just in case it's required for whatever reason. Will I need anything in particular on the day?

[mr_pants]

OK, going to put up a list of attendees tomorrow. Looking at about ten as a maximum, just so that we don't all end up pulling in different directions.

[westley byford]

im in :D :D :D :thumbs:

i might be able too pursaude a model, abeit probably an amateur??

[Defiance]

I'd have loved to come, but the 1st is out for me.

Will be very interested to know how it goes though and in any future ones if it's successful :D

[Y15HAL]

I'd have loved to come, but the 1st is out for me.



X2! :'(

[westley byford]

how about speaking to digital depot and see if he could make it and possibly bring a bit of kit as i for one am interested in this side of photography and also in the very near future am looking to purchase lighting equipment :D

[Tysonator]

1st of August,.....hmmmmmmm,...I will check my dairy as I am just down the A12 !

[yoby]

Bugger. I'll be sunning myself in Dorset if the Shogun and caravan make it.....

[Willenium]

OK, going to put up a list of attendees tomorrow. Looking at about ten as a maximum, just so that we don't all end up pulling in different directions.

Haha this is a good point, was bad enough just me and one other trying to photograph some models at a chavvy car event last Sunday :p

[B16JUS]

Will check diary but prob inn, i have a friend who is a male model obvously big busted blondes would be better but i could ask him ??

[B16JUS]

Ok just spoke to Ben he is up for it as long as there are no objections to a male model and will bring a few changes of clothes etc etc

Obvously he would like some of the pics for his portfolio if thats ok people can mail them to him etc

He sending me a pic in a bit and i will put it on here

[bass_junkie83]

I tried organising something like this recently, but only got interest from two people, so i would be well up for it.

I have a reasonable amount of kit i can bring to the table (for a beginner). :)

[mr_pants]

OK, so we have at the moment:

Me
Marac
Willenium
STARRIDER
tdodd
westley byford
Tysonator (TBC)
B16JUS
bass junkie83

A good showing so far.

Bring all your lighting gear. If you haven't got any, then just bring your camera and some ideas.

[mr_pants]

Ok just spoke to Ben he is up for it as long as there are no objections to a male model and will bring a few changes of clothes etc etc

Obvously he would like some of the pics for his portfolio if thats ok people can mail them to him etc

He sending me a pic in a bit and i will put it on here

Having willing models would be excellent. I, for one, have no problems whatsoever providing pics for his portfolio. Assuming, after all, that I can manage to take any decent ones.

[tdodd]

No problem at all letting any models have use of the photos. Quid pro quo and all that. :)

I have two cheap lightstands with white shoot through or black backed reflector brollies, 2 X 580EX and some wireless flash triggers. I also have a 1m 5-in-1 reflector and a boom stand to support it.

[bass_junkie83]

I'll put the word out and see if i can get an appropriate model to join in if you like.

[mr_pants]

No problem at all letting any models have use of the photos. Quid pro quo and all that. :)

I have two cheap lightstands with white shoot through or black backed reflector brollies, 2 X 580EX and some wireless flash triggers. I also have a 1m 5-in-1 reflector and a boom stand to support it.

Excellent. I'm hoping to be able to break up into groups and then rotate a bit. The more lighting setups we can muster, the better.

[mr_pants]

I'll put the word out and see if i can get an appropriate model to join in if you like.

Yes, please. That'd be good.

[bass_junkie83]

Well that was quick, i had a response already. Though i was expecting it from her to be honest. :lol:

Hiya David,

Interested and available for the 1st of August shoot in Rivenhall. Let me know some details of the shoot and what is the required clothing?

Many thanks

Jay x

And her facebook profile. No stranger in front of a camera, but i'll leave it to you to form your own opinions of what she has done so far.
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/profile.php?id=508845028

[mr_pants]

Well that was quick, i had a response already. Though i was expecting it from her to be honest. :lol:



And her facebook profile. No stranger in front of a camera, but i'll leave it to you to form your own opinions of what she has done so far.
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/profile.php?id=508845028

Superb, even though I couldn't seem to get the link to work.

The details of the shoot are: turn up and we'll try to get some shots. Starting shooting probably at eleven-ish and going on for as long as everyone wants to/stays awake. No specific requirements as to clothing.

[tdodd]

Link works for me. She does not appear to be shy. :thumbs:

I've invited her to be a friend on Facebook. Should get tongues wagging if she accepts.:eek:

[mr_pants]

Link works for me. She does not appear to be shy. :thumbs:

I've invited her to be a friend on Facebook. Should get tongues wagging if she accepts.:eek:

I signed in to Facebook and tried the link again and it worked. Lucky I'm so good with computers, isn't it?

[B16JUS]

im in :D :D :D :thumbs:

i might be able too pursaude a model, abeit probably an amateur??

Cool Wes has been voted for swimwear lol

[bass_junkie83]

Right, Jay is confirmed.
And i may have another 2-3 on standby in case.

I don't know how much room there is in this hall, and how many set ups we can have at once.

[bass_junkie83]

Just realised i have slightly double booked myself, that morning i shall be waking up in a field in Oxford. Though i should be able to get back quickly enough and not be too late.

[Fatboyjarv]

Hi is there any space left if so can i come

[B16JUS]

Here is a couple of pics of Ben in previous work

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v608/S3JUS/ben.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v608/S3JUS/ben3.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v608/S3JUS/ben2.jpg

[bass_junkie83]

Cool, this looks like it could turn out to be a great day.

Having put out a request for models, i have been turning girls away all day long, which i would like to say is nothing out of the ordinary, but my not be totally true. :lol:

[Lynton]

interested in this if any spaces available - will be coming down from South Norfolk, so if necessary can pick up on the way.........

[mr_pants]

Hi is there any space left if so can i come

Yes, I'm sure we can fit you in. I'll add you to the list.

[mr_pants]

interested in this if any spaces available - will be coming down from South Norfolk, so if necessary can pick up on the way.........

Join in. We can make space.

Getting up to about what I considered to be a manageable number now, though.

[mr_pants]

Right, Jay is confirmed.
And i may have another 2-3 on standby in case.

I don't know how much room there is in this hall, and how many set ups we can have at once.

I reckon that we should be able to get three setups going at once. We'll just have to watch out for flashing from the other setups.

Yes, I'm aware of the possible double entendre there, but I'm sure we can be grown up about it.:)

[mr_pants]

Now we're up to:

Participants

Me
Marac
Willenium
STARRIDER
tdodd
westley byford
Tysonator (TBC)
B16JUS
bass junkie83
Fatboyjarv
Lynton

Models

Ben
Jay

[bass_junkie83]

Good number of togs, you say we have room for three set ups, do we have enough kit between us for three?
I know i can do one complete setup.

I also have three more girls i can call on if you want.

[Marac]

I have 3 back drops and a pair of elinchrom 400's I also have a hand held softbox that I made and will be bringing that along too. Waiting to hear back from some models.

[westley byford]

would be nice to have extra models present and do alternate shoots, also as was said earlier there's a possibility of doing outdoors stuff too??

i think 4 models would be a nice number as then its not all lumbered on just 1..

anyone else's thoughts on this??

:)

[westley byford]

also what is parking like at this venue? enough for 10+ cars?

if not then i'll be traveling from southend on sea so could possibly pick 1 or 2 people up.

[westley byford]

Cool Wes has been voted for swimwear lol

i dont mind, i'll dig my speedo's and tanga's out :lol:

[Lynton]

don't have much lighting gear - other than a flash with remote and trigger, can also potentially borrow a shoot-though brolley and stand and a canon 430 flash if needed...........

[STARRIDER]

i dont mind, i'll dig my speedo's and tanga's out :lol:

I can model some Lycra..:crowded:..if ya like..:nuts:

[mr_pants]

To answer the last few posts...


I've got a pair of backdrop stands and a couple of backdrops. Marac, your backdrops will be really useful, as will your Elinchroms. Anyone else got any backdrop stuff? Or suitable props ?

Westley, I think it would be nice to have a number of models. If we break into three groups (with the possibility of one more group doing some outdoor stuff), then perhaps 5 or 6 would be a good number (if there are that many willing, that is). We could always try group shots etc., too.

Parking is OK for the 10 cars in the car park at the hall. There is also a car park for the recreation ground immediately adjacent, so plenty of space. If we completely fill up all the parking spaces, there is a small car park next to my house, which is less than half a mile away. I'm sure we could sort out lifts from there.

Lynton, you don't need to bring a ton of stuff. We're learning together, not trying to intimidate each other with our gear collections. :)

Dave, best off behind the camera for you if you insist on wearing Lycra :lol:

[westley byford]

i disagree mr pants, i think dave looks quite fetching in lycra... :D :lol:

http://tizona.files.wordpress.com/2008/03/careys_mankini.jpg

[Marac]

i disagree mr pants, i think dave looks quite fetching in lycra... :D :lol:

http://tizona.files.wordpress.com/2008/03/careys_mankini.jpg


OMFG MY EYES WILL NEVER RECOVER!!!!!!!

[bass_junkie83]

. Anyone else got any backdrop stuff? Or suitable props ?


Ok, i'll list my stuff.

Background support with white and black muslin. Also a grey paper roll, but i think i'll leave the cloudy blue at home. :lol:

Three lencarta 200s heads, stands etc.

Two 60cm x 60cm soft boxes.

One reflective umbrella

Barndoors & gells

Background reflector

Maybe some other odds and sods i can't remamber.

And i also have a nice stool i bought specially, but it depends on how full the car gets.

I can probably get this girl to come along as well as Jay if you want me to ask.
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs077.snc4/35236_1232583195162_1846636001_439078_5435876_n.jp g

And these two are also interested in coming down, but have threatened to turn up in bear suits. :thinking:
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs178.snc4/38240_408964126993_12143046993_5153425_486369_n.jp g


And Westy, you owe me a large bottle of mind bleach.

[STARRIDER]

[QUOTE=westley byford;2823829]i disagree mr pants, i think dave looks quite fetching in lycra... :D :lol:

http://tizona.files.wordpress.com/2008/03/careys_mankini.jpg[/QUOTE
Brilliant..:lol:

[fraggle101]

Id have loved to come to this, iv got some bits n bobs we could have used with other stuff too.. im even free that day (As in not working!) but its our 23rd anniversary!! so may not be the greatest gift for her, unless we get some nice prints of her!! lol..

Maybe next time Mr Pants... :D

[mr_pants]

Ok, i'll list my stuff.

Background support with white and black muslin. Also a grey paper roll, but i think i'll leave the cloudy blue at home. :lol:

Three lencarta 200s heads, stands etc.

Two 60cm x 60cm soft boxes.

One reflective umbrella

Barndoors & gells

Background reflector

Maybe some other odds and sods i can't remamber.

And i also have a nice stool i bought specially, but it depends on how full the car gets.

I can probably get this girl to come along as well as Jay if you want me to ask.
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs077.snc4/35236_1232583195162_1846636001_439078_5435876_n.jp g

And these two are also interested in coming down, but have threatened to turn up in bear suits. :thinking:
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs178.snc4/38240_408964126993_12143046993_5153425_486369_n.jp g


And Westy, you owe me a large bottle of mind bleach.

The gear will be a great addition, as will any more models.

[mr_pants]

Id have loved to come to this, iv got some bits n bobs we could have used with other stuff too.. im even free that day (As in not working!) but its our 23rd anniversary!! so may not be the greatest gift for her, unless we get some nice prints of her!! lol..

Maybe next time Mr Pants... :D

I forgot my own anniversary this year, but then again, it's only been 19 years.

[mr_pants]

Now is time to start thinking about some sort of format.

Ideas would be well received. If we get an impression of what everyone wants, we can knock up a rough agenda-type-of-thing, so that we don't end up milling around aimlessly.

[westley byford]

i'm easy and will go with the flow :D
also i bought a flash and trigger etc today:D

[mr_pants]

OK, how about this for an agenda?

1. 'Getting to know you' session - introduce yourself and tell us what you like to photograph and what sort of things you would like to photograph.

2. Q&A session. Ask whatever questions you like and the group will attempt to answer.

3. Quick natural light portrait session. Either indoors or outside. No lights or reflectors to start with.

4. Image review and discussion of how lighting could be altered/improved.

5. Set up studio gear and first studio shoot session.

6. Image review.

7. Second studio shoot session.

8. Image review.

9. Outdoor shoot with reflectors and OCF (weather and time permitting)

10. Image review.


I can set up my lapdog with an external monitor for the image reviews, although it would really be helpful if someone had a decent external monitor that we could use.

I've got an SD card reader and a CF card reader, but no others. If anyone shoots using different media, then we'll need card readers for those.

[westley byford]

sound good to me :D
i'll prob bring my laptop with me anyway,

how are we doing for models bass junkie?

[mr_pants]

i'll prob bring my laptop with me anyway,



No probs with bringing laptops, but it seems to me that image review sessions would work a whole lot better with everyone looking at one big (biggish?) screen, rather than doing a tour of laptop screens.

[Jooo13]

Sounds like fun guys. It would be an interesting day for me as I have no studio experience what so ever :lol: And it's not far...

[mr_pants]

And it's not far...

Quite a trot from Doncaster, though

[westley byford]

No probs with bringing laptops, but it seems to me that image review sessions would work a whole lot better with everyone looking at one big (biggish?) screen, rather than doing a tour of laptop screens.

oh, can do that then, i wasnt sure what you meant by lapdog and external screen:lol:

i'll bring it anyway just incase i use all my memory card space, only a 4gig and holds about 130 pics with raw :(

[mr_pants]

oh, can do that then, i wasnt sure what you meant by lapdog and external screen:lol:

i'll bring it anyway just incase i use all my memory card space, only a 4gig and holds about 130 pics with raw :(

Lapdog = laptop. It's an 'Ab-Fab' reference. :)

[paul139]

Just seen this post would you have room for one more? I have no studio experience but would love to come and I only live down the road in Braintree.

[westley byford]

:bonk::coat:

[mr_pants]

Just seen this post would you have room for one more? I have no studio experience but would love to come and I only live down the road in Braintree.

OK, Paul, join in.

[tdodd]

Alan,

I think the breakdown into natural light shooting, studio shooting and Strobist style shooting is perfect, although I think it might be reasonable to include the use of reflectors in the natural light section. Certainly we'll have ample sets of voice activated lightstands available.

In principle I like the proposal for how to run the day in terms of shoot/review, shoot/review etc. but I'm unclear as to how each session, e.g. a "Studio Shoot Session" will be run. I think we're now up to 13 photographers on the list, so when you multiply that by a few lighting scenarios (one light, two light, three light, Rembrandt, butterfly, clamshell, short, broad, hard, soft, hair, kicker, background, gels, gobos and getting ratios sorted etc.), a few models, a few poses, perhaps some props, costume changes, different backgrounds and a very mixed bag of experience levels it seems to me like a heck of a lot to fit in.

I don't know how many of us are utter beginners at this sort of stuff but I think it might be slow going for a few of us at least. I have absolutely no clue about posing people and I've never given direction to a model in my life, nor used a flash meter. Is it likely to be hands on for everybody or more likely that the more experienced guys will show us newbies the ropes and we watch and learn rather than shoot and make fools of ourselves?

[mr_pants]

Alan,

I think the breakdown into natural light shooting, studio shooting and Strobist style shooting is perfect, although I think it might be reasonable to include the use of reflectors in the natural light section. Certainly we'll have ample sets of voice activated lightstands available.

In principle I like the proposal for how to run the day in terms of shoot/review, shoot/review etc. but I'm unclear as to how each session, e.g. a "Studio Shoot Session" will be run. I think we're now up to 13 photographers on the list, so when you multiply that by a few lighting scenarios (one light, two light, three light, Rembrandt, butterfly, clamshell, short, broad, hard, soft, hair, kicker, background, gels, gobos and getting ratios sorted etc.), a few models, a few poses, perhaps some props, costume changes, different backgrounds and a very mixed bag of experience levels it seems to me like a heck of a lot to fit in.

I don't know how many of us are utter beginners at this sort of stuff but I think it might be slow going for a few of us at least. I have absolutely no clue about posing people and I've never given direction to a model in my life, nor used a flash meter. Is it likely to be hands on for everybody or more likely that the more experienced guys will show us newbies the ropes and we watch and learn rather than shoot and make fools of ourselves?

We can certainly use reflectors in the natural light section. I only suggested doing it without, so that we can set up a sort of "before and after" theme. After thinking about it, it would probably be better to use reflectors etc. anyway.

For each session, I was thinking that, in each group, one of the more experienced could take the lead in setting up and in suggesting poses etc. I envisage everyone having a go at shooting. I know that I, for one, would not want to be on the sidelines all the time and presume that everyone else feels the same.

Slow going is not really a problem. If we have to have fewer- but longer- shooting sessions, then it will all work out well.

It would be nice, I feel, to mix up the groups between sessions, too, so that ideas are shared around.

Thoughts on this, anyone?

[tdodd]

Ah, so we are splitting up into groups. I got the impresson from post #61 that we were all going to stick together and work through the day as one big group. The reason I'm confused (probably) is because so far I'm not seeing three or four full sets of studio lighting gear, backdrops etc. being listed, so I'm not sure whether we can run three (or four now that we're up to 13 togs) full on studio sessions at once. The same may also be true of Strobisty type stuff. My Strobisty bits will only work with Canon gear, so we'll need other gear for other manufacturers.

I was thinking at first that one group might do natural light while another does studio and another does Strobist. We can then get together for a group review, and then we all revolve around and do something else. That way we will not need three full studio setups at once, for example. Also, if the groups are all shooting something different at the same time then when we come to review as one group we should each learn something useful before rotating round and trying something else.

Perhaps it would be worth pulling together an inventory of what equipment people can bring and perhaps if post #1 gets updated with the latest planning information it will be easier to reference than hunting through the whole thread to find what's what.

Here's what I was thinking, assuming we divide into three groups of togs (A, B, C)...

10:00-10:30 : Intros etc.
10:30-12:00 : First shoot - A=Natural light; B=Studio; C=Strobist
12:00-13:00 : Review of first session
13:00-13:30 : Quick lunch break (if needed, or we could have a working lunch through one of the review periods)
13:30-15:00 : Second Shoot - A=Studio; B=Strobist; C= Natural Light
15:00-16:00 : Review of second session
16:00-17:30 : Third Shoot - A=Strobist; B=Natural light; C=Studio
17:30-18:00 : Review of third session
18:00 - ..:.. : Wrap it up unless anyone wants to stay and practice a little more.

The timings could be altered a little, but I think we need to allow time for faffing about, setting things up, finding locations, downloading files and general coming to order for the review sessions and then disbanding again. Experience usually suggests that most things take longer than expected, so I wouldn't be surprised if the review sessions might take an hour. They could be less. Who knows?


p.s. as for the reflectors during the natural light shooting, I thought the logical thing would be to experiment with and without during one shoot. It seems a bit weird to run a whole shoot, battling along without a reflector, or flash, if you know that's what you really need. I thought it would be easier to simply shoot pairs of shots with/without a reflector if you want to compare before/after. Obviously fill flash should be saved for the Strobist shoot, but reflectors are part of natural light photgraphy, are they not, and really not very complicated to use in practice?

[STARRIDER]

Just a quickie..but may be important..:D..
Are there any shops locally..i'm thinking refreshments..grub etc.
Or shall we bring a little picnic..:beer:..:nuts:


http://starrider.zenfolio.com/img/s9/v13/p683382240-10.jpg

[mr_pants]

Ah, so we are splitting up into groups. I got the impresson from post #61 that we were all going to stick together and work through the day as one big group. The reason I'm confused (probably) is because so far I'm not seeing three or four full sets of studio lighting gear, backdrops etc. being listed, so I'm not sure whether we can run three (or four now that we're up to 13 togs) full on studio sessions at once. The same may also be true of Strobisty type stuff. My Strobisty bits will only work with Canon gear, so we'll need other gear for other manufacturers.

I was thinking at first that one group might do natural light while another does studio and another does Strobist. We can then get together for a group review, and then we all revolve around and do something else. That way we will not need three full studio setups at once, for example. Also, if the groups are all shooting something different at the same time then when we come to review as one group we should each learn something useful before rotating round and trying something else.

Perhaps it would be worth pulling together an inventory of what equipment people can bring and perhaps if post #1 gets updated with the latest planning information it will be easier to reference than hunting through the whole thread to find what's what.

Here's what I was thinking, assuming we divide into three groups of togs (A, B, C)...

10:00-10:30 : Intros etc.
10:30-12:00 : First shoot - A=Natural light; B=Studio; C=Strobist
12:00-13:00 : Review of first session
13:00-13:30 : Quick lunch break (if needed, or we could have a working lunch through one of the review periods)
13:30-15:00 : Second Shoot - A=Studio; B=Strobist; C= Natural Light
15:00-16:00 : Review of second session
16:00-17:30 : Third Shoot - A=Strobist; B=Natural light; C=Studio
17:30-18:00 : Review of third session
18:00 - ..:.. : Wrap it up unless anyone wants to stay and practice a little more.

The timings could be altered a little, but I think we need to allow time for faffing about, setting things up, finding locations, downloading files and general coming to order for the review sessions and then disbanding again. Experience usually suggests that most things take longer than expected, so I wouldn't be surprised if the review sessions might take an hour. They could be less. Who knows?


p.s. as for the reflectors during the natural light shooting, I thought the logical thing would be to experiment with and without during one shoot. It seems a bit weird to run a whole shoot, battling along without a reflector, or flash, if you know that's what you really need. I thought it would be easier to simply shoot pairs of shots with/without a reflector if you want to compare before/after. Obviously fill flash should be saved for the Strobist shoot, but reflectors are part of natural light photgraphy, are they not, and really not very complicated to use in practice?

I'm sure that groups got mentioned as far back as post 27 :)

I rather like your idea about there being different types of shoots going on simultaneously, but, seeing as we seem to have a couple of sets of studio lights on the way and enough backdrops, I would suggest that two of the groups at any one time be doing 'studio' stuff.

Timings look good to me, Tim.

BTW, if you've got radio triggers for your 580's, will they not work with any hotshoe camera?

[mr_pants]

Just a quickie..but may be important..:D..
Are there any shops locally..i'm thinking refreshments..grub etc.
Or shall we bring a little picnic..:beer:..:nuts:


http://starrider.zenfolio.com/img/s9/v13/p683382240-10.jpg


There is a shop directly opposite, but it's only open until about midday on Sunday.

[tdodd]

I'm sure that groups got mentioned as far back as post 27 :)

I rather like your idea about there being different types of shoots going on simultaneously, but, seeing as we seem to have a couple of sets of studio lights on the way and enough backdrops, I would suggest that two of the groups at any one time be doing 'studio' stuff.

Timings look good to me, Tim.

BTW, if you've got radio triggers for your 580's, will they not work with any hotshoe camera?

Yeah, I saw groups mentioned earlier, but post 61 made it unclear (to me) that we would continue shooting in groups.

I have RF-602 radio triggers. If the contact pattern and connections for the transmitter is the same between camera brands then there will be no problem, but I'm not sure that it is, since you need to buy different variants of the triggers for different camera systems. Why would the ads mention different brands by name if it did not matter?....

http://shop.ebay.co.uk/?_from=R40&_trksid=p3907.m570.l1313&_nkw=rf-602&_sacat=See-All-Categories

Nikon, Canon, Pentax and Sony all get mentioned in separate listings. The units do not appear to be universally compatible. I really don't want my gear or anybody else's getting FUBAR because the contacts are not correct.

[mr_pants]

Yeah, I saw groups mentioned earlier, but post 61 made it unclear (to me) that we would continue shooting in groups.

I have RF-602 radio triggers. If the contact pattern and connections for the transmitter is the same between camera brands then there will be no problem, but I'm not sure that it is, since you need to buy different variants of the triggers for different camera systems. Why would the ads mention different brands by name if it did not matter?....

http://shop.ebay.co.uk/?_from=R40&_trksid=p3907.m570.l1313&_nkw=rf-602&_sacat=See-All-Categories

Nikon, Canon, Pentax and Sony all get mentioned in separate listings. The units do not appear to be universally compatible. I really don't want my gear or anybody else's getting FUBAR because the contacts are not correct.

Ah. I thought the radio triggers just worked on the centre contact, no TTL.

Anyway, I can always bring a spare Canon body that someone else could use.

I've got a couple of flashes, an ST-E2 and an off-camera cord (I can't remember whether or not I've already mentioned that in this thread), so can only be triggered by Canon as well.

I think those with studio strobes have got triggers that will work OK. Anyone want to confirm that, though?

[tdodd]

I remember replying to a post somewhere - I can't find it now - to someone having problems with their RF-602 set. It turns out they were sent the wrong transmitter for their camera. The pin layout was completely different. Anyway, here's the pin layout for my Canon compatible units. It looks a bit more complex than a simple centre pin firing.

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_4_R8TkwT74w/TEvm_wAJvMI/AAAAAAABTOw/d_VdK6PgZt8/s800/20090828_183350_0079_LR.jpg

There sure are a lot of contacts there for an "off you go" command.

[mr_pants]

...
There sure are a lot of contacts there for an "off you go" command.

That's for sure.

Anyway, I'm sure we'll find a way around it between us all. I've seen some studio remote triggers that will work on any hot-shoe camera, I'm sure.

If all else fails, I know I don't mind lending someone my camera, if we end up only being able to trigger from a Canon.

[STARRIDER]

I'm sure we will enjoy whatever plans are decided upon,i know i shall :)..studio stuff is new to me..
Be nice too i think if we do some outdoor,street model shots..;)
I dont have much extra gear to bring regarding studio work but have 2 flashes 2 tripods,reflectors and spare canon 1D3..few lenses anyone is welcome to use..
I'm trying to talk my daughter and her boyfriend into coming too..couple more models i thought..
Lookin forward to this..gonna be a great day..:thumbs:

[westley byford]

oooooh, may i have a go on the 1d3?? :D

[STARRIDER]

oooooh, may i have a go on the 1d3?? :D
Yeah..you'll get bitten by the 1D bug though..no turnin back..:lol:

[westley byford]

it can bite me in the bum if it wants,,, i still couldnt afford one just yet :lol:

us poor old manual labour workers have to work and save hard for these flash things.. :D

[DigitalDepot]

If im not busy this Weekend ill definitely pop along and say hi.

Stuart

[mr_pants]

If im not busy this Weekend ill definitely pop along and say hi.

Stuart

Excellent.

[tdodd]

Alan, unless I've missed it, do we have a post code, directions or Google map marker for exactly where this hall is?

I'll be coming up the A12 from Upminster, so if anyone wants a lift or is passing my way and wants to pick me up then let me know.

Good news about my flash triggers - I have a PC cable which can connect my wireless trigger to any camera with a PC socket, meaning it should be fine to use the triggers with non-Canon cameras. Of course, the camera will need a PC socket (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flash_synchronization). I'm not sure whether all cameras do.

[mr_pants]

Alan, unless I've missed it, do we have a post code, directions or Google map marker for exactly where this hall is?

You hadn't missed it. I was saving it up, just to keep you all in suspense. I've PM'd everyone with the address and my mobile number.


I'll be coming up the A12 from Upminster, so if anyone wants a lift or is passing my way and wants to pick me up then let me know.

Good news about my flash triggers - I have a PC cable which can connect my wireless trigger to any camera with a PC socket, meaning it should be fine to use the triggers with non-Canon cameras. Of course, the camera will need a PC socket (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flash_synchronization). I'm not sure whether all cameras do.

[Milamber]

I've just spotted this and would have been up for it if I wasn't doing the WHF visit the day before. Never done anything studio related normally prefer sunburn or rain.

Live near Hatfield Peverel so relatively local too.

[mr_pants]

I've just spotted this and would have been up for it if I wasn't doing the WHF visit the day before. Never done anything studio related normally prefer sunburn or rain.

Live near Hatfield Peverel so relatively local too.

You could always drop in for a chat, seeing as you're so close by. You know where Rivenhall Village Hall is, I presume.

[bass_junkie83]

how are we doing for models bass junkie?

Sorry, i completely missed this.

I have three confirmed. Jay, and two mates of mine that have no modelling experience, though that might be good for practising youe people skills on a more 'real world' subject.
The fourth girl cannot make it as she is recording for some TV programme, but did she she would be up for anything else in the future.

[mr_pants]

Sorry, i completely missed this.

I have three confirmed. Jay, and two mates of mine that have no modelling experience, though that might be good for practising youe people skills on a more 'real world' subject.
The fourth girl cannot make it as she is recording for some TV programme, but did she she would be up for anything else in the future.

Seems like it may well be coming together nicely.

[mr_pants]

OK, I'm looking for volunteers now. Who would like to lead a group? Who's got some experience in studio etc.? Just looking for someone prepared to put their head above the parapet and herd each group if necessary and provide some guidance.

Still hoping that someone's got a large-ish monitor they could bring for the image review segments.

[tdodd]

Still hoping that someone's got a large-ish monitor they could bring for the image review segments.

I'm not bringing my 40 incher (50" including surround) but if someone has an LCD TV with a VGA or HDMI input (whatever the laptop requires) then that might fit the bill nicely.

[mr_pants]

I'm not bringing my 40 incher (50" including surround) but if someone has an LCD TV with a VGA or HDMI input (whatever the laptop requires) then that might fit the bill nicely.

20 or 24 inch monitor might be good. I think VGA input would be OK. I'm sure that I could cobble that together with the laptop.

[westley byford]

looking forward to it:D
hope the weathers ok for the outdoors stuff. might bring my 'mankini' and see whats its like to be on the other side of the camera for a change!! :lol:

and sorry, i wont be voluntering for leading a group as quite honestly i have got a clue... ;)

[mr_pants]

Still looking for volunteers to lead.

If anyone didn't get my PM with the address, please let me know.

[DigitalDepot]

Im going to come along for a few hours

Mr Pants
Marac
Willenium
STARRIDER
tdodd
westley byford
Tysonator (TBC)
B16JUS
bass junkie83
digitaldepot (stuart)

Any special request for me to bring along? Also what lights are you going to be using?

[B16JUS]

Any special request for me to bring along? Also what lights are you going to be using?

do we get 3 wishes lol if so

a d3s to have a look at
a battery grip for a d90 to have a look at

cant think of a 3rd lol

J

[Willenium]

Well, you know roughly what sort of things are on my wishlist haha :P

(SB-600, AF-S 70-300VR, Car Show Models...)

[westley byford]

you could bring along cheryl cole if you like?? if not then jessica alba will do ;)

[DigitalDepot]

Cheryl Cole is still not available for modelling becuase of the Malaria, otherwise I would have brought her. We go way back. ;)

Can I have some sensible suggestions or am I asking for too much? :)

[DigitalDepot]

do we get 3 wishes lol if so

a d3s to have a look at
a battery grip for a d90 to have a look at

cant think of a 3rd lol

J

No stock of D3s otherwhise you might have been in luck.

Ill bring a battery grip along. Can do you a good price too ;)

Stuart

[westley byford]

funds are limited this week, how much are nd 10 or 8 grads? 77mm

[bass_junkie83]

Can I have some sensible suggestions or am I asking for too much? :)

How much do you do a canon 17-40 for out of interest?

[DigitalDepot]

How much do you do a canon 17-40 for out of interest?

Not as cheap as Kerso! ;) We are a bigger Nikon dealer to be honest and also we have to charge VAT.

Stuart

[tdodd]

Edit : I don't think I'll need a flash meter after all. I've just been watching the Strobist videos and I'm happy to wing it with manual OCF.

[mr_pants]

Any special request for me to bring along? Also what lights are you going to be using?

I've only got a couple of Canon flashes with a couple of ways of triggering them off-camera. Are you intending to bring any lights along?

[DigitalDepot]

I was thinking of bringing some Elinchrom Dlites.

Stuart

[STARRIDER]

All this studio lighting is waaay over my head:tumbleweed:..lookin forward to learning some of this on Sunday..:thumbs:

[tdodd]

All this studio lighting is waaay over my head:tumbleweed:..lookin forward to learning some of this on Sunday..:thumbs:

It seems like that goes for most of us. Still no volunteers to lead the groups. :eek:

[bass_junkie83]

It seems like that goes for most of us. Still no volunteers to lead the groups. :eek:

Well i'm certainly no expert. But i know how to use my kit well enough and have a rough idea at least of the basics. So if there is no one else more qualified, i don't mind being the partially sighted leading the blind as it were.

[mr_pants]

Well i'm certainly no expert. But i know how to use my kit well enough and have a rough idea at least of the basics. So if there is no one else more qualified, i don't mind being the partially sighted leading the blind as it were.

Nice one. Just need a couple of others, now.

[B16JUS]

Could it be worth bringing some objects to photo too under studio conditions ?

[mr_pants]

Could it be worth bringing some objects to photo too under studio conditions ?

Definitely. Could use some props, too. Anyone got anything particular in mind?

[tdodd]

A little light reading/viewing to whet our appetites....

- Single strobe lighting - http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=412392

- Multi-strobe lighting - http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=761618

- Assorted lighting schematics - http://uk.fotopunto.com/articulo-explained-lighting-schemes_60

- On camera flash for outdoor fill - http://neilvn.com/tangents/2008/05/11/straight-ahead/ - (and other bits and pieces)

[westley byford]

Definitely. Could use some props, too. Anyone got anything particular in mind?

tdodds camera bag contents... as longs as he dont mind me dribbeling over it :naughty:

[mr_pants]

I was thinking of bringing some Elinchrom Dlites.

Stuart

That would be spiffing, Stuart.

[tdodd]

tdodds camera bag contents... as longs as he dont mind me dribbeling over it :naughty:

I suppose in some strange way it is slightly better that you dribble over camera gear rather than the models, but does it really have to be my camera bag? :help:

Regarding props and things, I'm probably being a bit thick here, but don't we need to identify a few themes and then pick props to suit, and of course we also need the models to have suitable attire? If they don't have it then the props aren't going to work too well. Not much point having a tennis racquet and a few balls if nobody has any sportswear with them, and my hunting rifle will look pretty odd in the hands of a guy in a suit. A desk, phone, computer and a few pens will look pretty out of place for someone in a cheerleader outfit. And a girl in a bikini astride a Harley Davidson - it's just not going to work, is it? etc. etc..

Maybe we should ask the models what clothing they would like to bring (or we tell/ask them to bring some specific stuff) and then if we can think of suitable props we can bring them too. Just bringing random stuff seems to me like it might not be terribly helpful. Anyway, I've never organised a photo shoot so don't ask me the best way to tackle the challenge. I just thought I'd voice my concern and hope someone has a sensible suggestion. :) If not, a fishing rod and stethoscope it is.

[mr_pants]

... a fishing rod and stethoscope it is.

Don't you ever check whether or not the fish you've just caught has a heart murmur?

[tdodd]

Don't you ever check whether or not the fish you've just caught has a heart murmur?

Yes, but not when I'm wearing my leotard and leg warmers. :)

[mr_pants]

Yes, but not when I'm wearing my leotard and leg warmers. :)

That would be the perfect attire in my book, as long as the leotard is sequinned.

On a slightly more serious note, my opinion is that the more props the better, as we'll have more choice. I think it's quite a challenge to be given a disparate collection of items from which to make a coherent image.

[tdodd]

My role model - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QBG8RhmW_N8

[STARRIDER]

My role model - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QBG8RhmW_N8
Superb..:lol:

[westley byford]

:lol: very good!! :D

[DigitalDepot]

That would be spiffing, Stuart.

Marak is bringing his now so I dont need to. ill be bringing some accessories though.

Stuart

[DigitalDepot]

See everyone around 11 oclock.

Stuart

[tdodd]

If you have 18 minutes to spare there is a nice tutorial on outdoor off camera flash portraiture here - http://www.stansphotos.com/My%20Videos/Lighting_Tutorial.wmv.

The examples look perfect for the sort of thing I hope we'll get to try tomorrow.

[DigitalDepot]

I'm just going to stand there and watch you all ;)

[B16JUS]

I'm just going to stand there and watch you all ;)

if you bring enough goodies you will be collecting money too lol are you bringing a card machine with you ?

[westley byford]

If you have 18 minutes to spare there is a nice tutorial on outdoor off camera flash portraiture here - http://www.stansphotos.com/My%20Videos/Lighting_Tutorial.wmv.

The examples look perfect for the sort of thing I hope we'll get to try tomorrow.

cheers tim, good tutorial..

explains why i got a half black picture when experimenting with the flashes the other night :lol::coat:

[B16JUS]

cheers tim, good tutorial..

explains why i got a half black picture when experimenting with the flashes the other night :lol::coat:

Wes what mode is your slingshot ?

[westley byford]

200 mate :)

[westley byford]

see you guys in the morning, feel free to give me a courtesy wake up call j... :D

[mr_pants]

Still hoping that someone's got a spare monitor they can bring along. I've tried to hook up mine to the laptop, but the strange connectors fitted means that I can't get them to fit without a subtle combination of microsurgery and extreme violence.

[STARRIDER]

I've got one from an old pc..not sure about the connections..leads etc will fit what you have in mind..i'll bring it anyway.

[mr_pants]

I've got one from an old pc..not sure about the connections..leads etc will fit what you have in mind..i'll bring it anyway.

Thanks a lot, Dave.

[STARRIDER]

Thanks a lot, Dave.
Better get the Mr Sheen out then..dont want you all talkin about me..:lol:

[westley byford]

will be at the boreham services on the A12 having a mac d's coffee untill 9:30 if anyone wants to meet and follow, be getting there for about 9.. :D

[westley byford]

cheers guys, had a great day and learnt loads... :thumbs:

:D:D:D

[DigitalDepot]

Good to see everyone today. Hope you all had fun.

Stuart

[mr_pants]

Yeah, I had loads of fun. Great to meet everyone and play. Thanks to Nicky for modelling so tirelessly, too.

Pictures from the day are here (http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=248260)

[tdodd]

Excellent day! Thanks, Alan for oganising, Nicky for doing a super job as our one and only model, and everyone for pitching in, sharing gear and making it such a worthwhile experience. I've put my name down for the East Sussex Studio meet and would love to attend another Essex meet in the not too distant future.

[bl0at3r]

Not sure how I managed to miss this entire thread :thumbs:

I am gutted that I only saw the shoots from the session and wasn't able to actually take part. Looks like you had a great day.

I am in the Southend on Sea area and am keen to get involved with meets like this in the future, models, scenery, whatever.

Thanks

[STARRIDER]

Thanks Alan for today..Learnt a lot from everyone about stuff i never knew before.;)
Look forward to the next one..:thumbs:
My photographs of the day are being dealt with..:nuts:

[Fatboyjarv]

:'(Sorry could not make this as my clutch went :( now all i have to wait for is the bill :eek:

[Marac]

Great day thanks guys, nice to meet you all and a special thanks to Stuart for bringing down some kit for us to try.. Will post some pics very soon.

[Hammerhead64]

Gutted I missed this ...... looks like a good day.

[DigitalDepot]

Hi guys,

I just put the pics from the Sony NEX on our facebook. Just some snaps of the day

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=6693426&id=22619655859#!/album.php?aid=241020&id=22619655859&ref=mf

If you havent already done so please become a fan of Digital Depot on Facebook.

Stuart

[creamykiwi]

aargghhh as if i missed this! i must check TP more often... i'll try and get to the next one :)

[Y15HAL]

i'll try and get to the next one :)

X2! :)

[STARRIDER]

Thought i'd pop this one on..:lol:

http://starrider.zenfolio.com/img/s9/v13/p93267381-4.jpg

[westley byford]

was this taken when he was doing the Y.M.C.A dance?? :lol:

[Kerioak]

Thought i'd pop this one on..:lol:

http://starrider.zenfolio.com/img/s9/v13/p93267381-4.jpg



Did you have a trampoline there or were was he practicing pouncing on someone ?

[Willenium]

Someone shoved a lightstand up his bum :lol: