Flash Strip Softbox , on the Cheap (as of this date , at least)

First,  this is a GREAT Value!  could not find anything better at this price. and I do NOT regreat my purchase.
Would recommend buying it, but you also need to know the rest of the story.

After a long search, I bought two(2) of these,   us$79.99 + ship each.
Even AB (Paul Buff strip box is $119 and it does not have a a Bracket for Flash, or Grid)

http://www.amazon.com/Off-camera-Photography-Fancierstudio-SB1036-speedlight/dp/B0056C5QH4/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1315278238&sr=8-2

It arrived pretty quick , and the shipping to Hawaii added about $30 each.

VALUE is how I would describe this.

1) The Soft box looks pretty durable
2) It comes with a Grid!  and inside diffuser ... and bag
3) The Flash bracket seems pretty heavy duty for a "strobist" Flash solution ... and it seems you could probably load your studio strobes on it.

The BUT:

1) It looks more like a Strobe set up that was altered for Flash ... now depending on your point of veiw this could be good or bad.  imho, it is NOT as "Elegant" of a Flash/Strobist solution as my FourSquare Flash Softbox ... in fact my Four(4) Flash Softbox solution is "way" Lighter than this one(1) Flash strip softbox ... and Faster and easier to Set UP.  and the FourSquare Packs for Travel a lot smaller, WAY smaller.

* For what I wanted to use this for , it is a bit of a problem ...  a FourSquare , Two Flash Strip Box would be less than half the weight and size , IF they had one. (but there FourSquare Grid is way too expensive, imho)

2) The Speedlite bracket L on this is designed WRONG !  and at "first" you will not get WHY they included a picture of the Speedlite bracket "T" ... but, when you start using it with the "L" bracket with this Strip Softbox .. you realize quickly that this "L" design was a mistake!

So, YES  I bought two(2) of the Speedlite bracket "T" and extra $30 Free ship ...  * at about $130 total I still concider this a VALUE. TOTAL is:  $79.99 for the original Strip box , Grid and L flash bracket , add $30 each for shipping , then add another $30 for the "extra" T flash bracket (which I like better) ..  That gives you a TOTAL cost of  $ $139.99 each for this (and you have an extra L bracket).

http://www.amazon.com/CowboyStudio-Calument-Travelite-Speedlight-Bracket/dp/B004UAWRCU/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1315279525&sr=1-2

Want to know why I bought the "T" bracket even when the "L" bracket is OK?

* Well, When you set up the Strip Softbox Vertical (which I will probably do most of the time) the L bracket does not easily allow you to keep the Flash vertical with it.  Not a big deal really cuz you can work around this ... but, it is bad enough that there is a Hot Spot in the center that with one flash is hard enough to avoid.

* But, that's not all ... you cannot move the Flash  Deeper into the Strip Softbox  ... after a while you start to realize there is benifits to this :) ... and you get pi$$ed that the picture of the "T" bracket solves this.

I think the Hot Spot can be helped a bit by putting on a Diffusion dome on your Flash ... and moving the Flash more inside the Softbox , then the Silver Reflector on the sides can help bounce the light around more and not have it in such a strait path to the center of the box.

It also helps if you have a sb900 where you can flip the Wide angle diffuer down and have the sb900 automatically go to a 17mm wide zoom , combine this with the dome and it really evens out the light on this 36" strip box.  Or as best that can be expected with one Flash

* The other benifit of paying extra for the additional "T" bracket is ...  the  Softbox "Swivel"  will work as it should ,  keeping the the strip and the flash , vertical with each other

* now this whole bowens softbox screw on bracken , T bracket ... starts to get heavy , and less "strobist-y"  ...  probably best as a studio set up , vs a Travel, On-the-Go ,  GUN and RUN Strbist Set UP.

BUT, it is the Cheapest , Flash Strip Softbox solution I have found , so far.  
Well,  at least until  Foursquare can make a two(2) Flash Strip Softbox

p.s.  Did I say that this Strip Softbox comes with a GRID ?  :)

Hope this helps someone, looking for a Flash Strip Softbox.

*** anyone wants to buy two(2) New / Unused  Speedlite bracket "L" ??? 

email me  ...   If I get  $20  each on these I will be happy.

Ross Hamamura
The Tourist of Light  :)
www.RDHphoto.net

Fashion Photographer, Guillermo Velez - STUDIO Workshop JUNE 18th , BEACH Workshop JUNE 19th (two separate workshops)

6/15/11  Update:  For those that want to know ...  Yes,  I will be there helping my friend, the beautiful and talented photographer  Tracy Wright Covo ,  to  asst.  Guillermo  at the Workshop.  

On both workshops.

 

6/2/2011  Update:  It was reveiled to me today  the  Pictures of the Confirmed Models  for the Workshop  ... and who will be asst.  and doing Makeup.

Here is the  info:

Note:  Studio workshop will have 3 Models ... and the next day Beach/Swimsuit will have 2 Models

The Below  Model information tells you which days the Models will be there.

Also has the  Stylist  and MakeUp  artist info.

One of the goals for the day should be,  to add to your portfolio. :)

Guillermo Velez will have  TWO(2)  Separate  Workshops in Hawaii.

1)  STUDIO Workshop on  JUNE 18th  SATURDAY

2)  BEACH Workshop on JUNE 19th  SUNDAY

Just got a  new Flyer  for  the  6/19/11 SUNDAY  new added BEACH Lighting Workshop

Interesting,   there is now a second separate workshop on SUNDAY, a   Beach / Swim   Workshop.   Nice !
I am just saying ...  it's Hawaii after all  :).


The STUDIO Lighting Workshop is still on JUNE 18th SATURDAY  ... it is a Separate Workshop

Ross Hamamura
The Tourist of Light
www.RDHphoto.net



=========================================

4/24/11 Update on the Workshop ... above/side are two flyers I will be printing (at Costco, luster :) ... ) and bringing to the Monday 4/25/11 EOH (Eyes of Hawaii Photography Club meeting, at KCC) ... for those that want to see a print of the Model Guillermo Valez will be bringing with him.
Pics of her are in the two(2) flyers.

* When I get pics and info on the Local Hawaii Model that will be the "other" model at the workshop ... I will post it. :)




* Note: on the Bottom/Right of the PDF there is a BUY NOW button that will allow you to pay via charge card.

Click on the link to register and reserve your spot (PDF)http://www.gvphotos.com/WORKSHOP2011.pdf

Another way to make payment and register is by going to his website and click under workshops for the PDF there. www.GVphotos.com

Or, you can email him: info@GVphotos.com

Those of you that have been wanting a Studio Lighting workshop/shoot with "Real" Models? Well, this is it.


Hope this helps,
Ross Hamamura
The Tourist of Light
http://www.rdhphoto.net/








(from past blog)

Fashion Phototographer Guillermo Velez is having a workshop in Honolulu, Hawaii on 6/18/11 10am - 6pm
Complete with two(2) Models (one Guillermo will bring with him, the other from Honolulu) and a Make Up Artist.
With Studio Lighting gear provided by Hawaii Photo Rental.
* Location is most likely going to be 1013 Integrated

4/15/11 update: here is some pics of the main Model he will be bringing with him for the Workshop.

Look at the flyer and his web Link to get more info ...
* This should be interesting !!!

All you have to do is look at Guillermo's site http://www.gvphotos.com/ to know it should be on another level of what might have been done before.

Those of you that have been wanting a Studio Lighting workshop/shoot with "Real" Models? Well, this is it.



Hope this helps,
Ross Hamamura
The Tourist of Light
http://www.rdhphoto.net/

Most Flashes fired by one person, Guinness World Record attempt

So, I got this email from Radio Poppers. :)   (below)

And you might be asking ... why post it ?

Well, the funny thing is   ...  in the past week  another High School (Moanaloa High has purchased already, for there lighting class, both the RP JrX and the LP160 flashes) and a  local photog  has asked me about the Radio Poppers.

Being a proud owner of both  Radio Popper JrX and the LP160  Flash  (also own the RP PX TTL triggers)   ... I can tell you , from experiance  ... that this combo will  have  "NO Problem"  triggering  Every Time. :)

AND it's not a very expensive combo.

Now if  MPE  can  just develope a   LumoPRO  LP160  that the Radio Popper JrX  can control the "Power Level"  remotely  ...  that , would be really Cool.
Hint:  they told me they are working on it  :)

GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ Attempt "The most flashes fired by one person to create a photograph" In less then 72 hours at After Dark Cincinnati, photographer Jason Groupp will be attempting the world record for "The most flashes fired by one person to create a photograph." How many flashes? Well that is top secret. But we can tell you the flashes used will be LumoPro LP 160s provided by Midwest Photo Exchange, and to ensure every flash fires, each one will be triggered with the RadioPopper JrX. Attendees of After Dark Cincinnati will be able to purchase World Record Edition RadioPopper JrX Receivers with custom "World Record Edition" badging in gold leaf. It is a public event with tons of activities so come be a part of all the action on Sunday, May 8th. Following the world record excitement there will be a shindig with live music and the official awarding of the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS certificate. Check out all the details here. See you there!

Update, on 6/18/11 Guillermo Velez Lighting Workshop Honolulu, Hawaii

4/24/11   Update  on the Workshop  ...  above/side are two flyers  I will be printing (at Costco, luster :) ... )  and bringing to the  Monday  4/25/11  EOH (Eyes of Hawaii Photography Club meeting, at KCC) ... for those that want to see a print of the  Model     Guillermo Valez will be bringing with him.
Pics of her  are in the two(2) flyers.

* When I get  pics and info on the   Local  Hawaii Model that will be the  "other" model at the workshop  ...  I will post it. :)  




* Note: on the Bottom/Right of the PDF there is a  BUY NOW  button that will allow you to pay via charge card.

Click on the link to register and reserve your spot  (PDF)
http://www.gvphotos.com/WORKSHOP2011.pdf

Another way to make payment and register is by going to his website and click under workshops for the PDF there.  www.GVphotos.com

Or, you can email him:  info@GVphotos.com

Those of you that have been wanting a Studio Lighting workshop/shoot with "Real" Models? Well, this is it.


Hope this helps,
Ross Hamamura
The Tourist of Light
http://www.rdhphoto.net/








   (from past blog)

Fashion Phototographer Guillermo Velez is having a workshop in Honolulu, Hawaii on 6/18/11 10am - 6pm
Complete with two(2) Models (one Guillermo will bring with him, the other from Honolulu) and a Make Up Artist.
With Studio Lighting gear provided by Hawaii Photo Rental.
* Location is most likely going to be 1013 Integrated

4/15/11 update: here is some pics of the main Model he will be bringing with him for the Workshop.

Look at the flyer and his web Link to get more info ...
* This should be interesting !!!

All you have to do is look at Guillermo's site http://www.gvphotos.com/ to know it should be on another level of what might have been done before.

Those of you that have been wanting a Studio Lighting workshop/shoot with "Real" Models? Well, this is it.



Hope this helps,
Ross Hamamura
The Tourist of Light
http://www.rdhphoto.net/

Nikon D700, blueSLR remote trigger and geolocation system

Yes, I plan on finally buying a iPhone  ...  when the  iPhone v5  ships sometime in June 2011.

So, what is cool about the  BlueSLR    http://usd.blueslr.com/   ... is that  when paired with a  iPhone and D700  it  will allow you to trigger a D700 at aprox 200 feet , AND tag your RAW D700 files in camera with GPS information.  for aprox.  $149.00  .. and a free iPhone app.  (you need to run both)

As soon as I get a iPhone 5  ... this will be my next purchase  :).

Here's a link to Rob Golbraith's  review:
http://www.robgalbraith.com/bins/content_page.asp?cid=7-11133-11212

IF, you are like me ...    whenever I have my D700  I have my Mobile phone (which will be a iPhone 5)   ...  so, with this combo, which I will already have with me + blueSLR ...
All my older remote triggers will go the way of the Dinosaur (and film) ... PLUS, I will have GPS geolocation tagging on my D700 (D800) files.


p.s.  for the iPhone  ... I am also going to get a  "Light Meter" app  ... how cool is that !

Hope this helps,
Ross Hamamura
The Tourist of Light
http://www.rdhphoto.net/

WeTransfer.com for Large 2gig file SENDs .. for FREE

This Large File Send/Transfer site is too good to not share. :)
WeTransfer.com   https://wetransfer.com/

It allows you to SEND/TRANSFER  to someone  Large  files up to 2gig FREE ... Yes, that's 2 gig!
I am a heavy user of YouSendIt.com   ...  but, it's crazy not to try/USE this.

Don't even mind there Advertising model they are using  ... Hey, if they can provide a  Great Service (for FREE)  AND  make some money ,  More Power to Them !

If you need to provide  large files (ZIP)  to your customers  FAST  (and easy)  ...  you got to love this (and the web).  :)   ...  Oh,  did I mention it's for FREE !


4/24/11   Have been using this for  a  few  over  1 gig ZIP file transfers ...  and so far, it is working like a charm !
When you are going over 1 gig , it does take a while  (even when using a cable web connect)  ... so, if you have to sent to more than one(1) email address ... Make sure you list them ALL :).

Too bad on this FREE  service  ... it does not  store a  email Address list for you , (or a group send list) ... or I did not easily see it.   ... but, it is FREE ! :)   

* What is COOL  though  ... when your  client downloads the file ... you are sent a email letting you know.   Nice !


Hope this helps someone,
Ross Hamamura
The Tourist of Light
http://www.rdhphoto.net/

Guillermo Velez Studio Lighting Workshop 6/18/11

Fashion Phototographer  Guillermo Velez  is having a workshop in Honolulu, Hawaii  on 6/18/11  10am - 6pm
Complete with two(2) Models (one Guillermo will bring with him, the other from Honolulu) and a Make Up Artist.
With Studio Lighting gear provided by Hawaii Photo Rental.
* Location is most likely going to be 1013 Integrated

4/15/11  update:   here is some pics of  the main Model he  will be bringing with him  for the Workshop.

Look at the flyer and his web Link  to get more info  ...   
* This should be interesting !!!

All you have to do is look at  Guillermo's site  http://www.gvphotos.com/   to know it should be on another level of what might have been done before.

Those of you that have been wanting a  Studio Lighting workshop/shoot with "Real" Models?   Well, this is it.



Hope this helps,
Ross Hamamura
The Tourist of Light
http://www.rdhphoto.net/

Virus via email attachment ZIP ... bude.exe

I got a "different" kind of email from what I "thought" was  DHL-USA.

It said it was to tracking information for a package sent to me.

Being that I do use DHL  ... I thought nothing of it. 

But, it was strange that it was in a ZIP file   (many business owners don't know how to handle a ZIP).

Now, the RED flag  should have been ... there was a  exe file inside ... bude.exe

What was interesing was that it installed itself at this path

AppData\Roaming\Ixatce\bude.exe

and was Hidden on the  files Running List in  Win7 PRO.

Well, I  knew it was trouble when it tried to go outside my  Firewall to the Internet.

Short story  ...  I reported the virus   ...  my AntiVirus on a Quick scan did not detect it!

After I reported the  issue ... a UPdate was done ... and when I scanned it "then" caught it.

It seems to look for  User info and Passwords ... and probably  sends it back.

I noticed my  IE  had no UserNames  stored.       So, I would have to re-type everything.

What is interesting is ...  I did not notice it was running ... and  a scan did not catch it at first.

Started getting  "more"  SPAM  after I  went thru a site  asking survey questions in order to get a  Free or Discounted iPad  ... I know , I know ... what a mistake. :)  ... I should know better.

Beware,

Hope this helps,

Ross Hamamura

The Tourist of Light

http://www.rdhphoto.net/