Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Best Working Photographer Shoes (boot) for Hawaii

Red Wing Men's Hiking #8691 in Black, Review

After killing two of my favorite Ferragamo dress shoes at wedding beach shoots, I started to hunt for the “Best” Working Photographer Shoes.

And I finally found one … the Red Wing WaterProof Work shoe that looks like a Hiking MID Boot in Black (NO aluminum Toe). It is actually a new style , # 8691 Men’s Hiker $ 180.00 + $ 8.00 to ship to Hawaii : http://www.redwingshoes.com/red-wing-shoe/8691-red-wing-shoes/8691-red-wing-mens-hiker-black

It also comes in a true work boot style with aluminum toe … but that is another style number.

For me, this shoe had to be:

1) Comfortable. It always surprises me how much time in a Photogs life is spent standing and “waiting”. And if shooting Events, Sports : Add Walking , and semi-running.

2) Waterproof. This has floated high on my list. In Hawaii, you will end up at the beach doing a shoot. And maybe even walking across rocks. For sure a beach Wedding. And you don’t want to look like a total wimp, by screaming and/or running like a baby when you are surprised by a large wave on shore. Or cry out loud when your $400 shoes gets wet. (tearing up a little is understandable)

3) Durability. This kinda relates to the Rocks at the beach thing , above. Beach rock is very hard on shoes. And it’s nice when a work shoe lasts , to add value.

4) MID. it needs to be a slightly higher MID boot design so SAND from the beach does not go into the shoe when walking on the Beach. I did not realize how important a feature that was until I started shooting Weddings on a beach, and saw another Wedding photog with Hiking MID boots on.

5) Black. Most hiking boots are brown. In order to disguise this WaterProof Hiking boot as a dress shoe it has got to be at least BLACK, preferably all black.

The Red Wing #8691 Men’s Hiker in Black meets all requirements!

Have been wearing it for over a week now. Shot a number of events (with a lot of standing and walking) … it is so comfortable, even my Nike running shoes and my Rockports will sit on the shelf unused from now on. The shoe holds my heal snuggly like a good running shoe and even has a wide base like a running shoe. A moderate arch support (the Merrell Pulse II Waterproof is slightly more comfortable, with more arch support), and though I bought it in Normal (D) the width and toe space is roomy , I do what I normally do, and bought a half size larger , for airlines travel (Normal width, they call it D … note: the Hawaii Red Wing store only carries Wide and in this style only Brown , so I had to special order in D / Black … it only cost $8.00 more and took only one week to get to my home) In fact on a upcoming trip to New York City (a city of walking) I plan to ONLY bring this Red Wing Hiker (no dress shoes). (well, along with my fav slipper Reef Mick Fanning -02 : http://www.amazon.com/Reef-Mens-Fanning-02-Sandal/dp/B001PTHDF0)

Fyi: the shoe is made like a TANK! And the sole is like truck tires. But, it also has a slightly bouncy/Airy feel (similar to my Doc Martins, but more comfortable, durable and better looking … those Doc Martins are only for yard duty now). Have a “Beach Home” Wedding on the North Shore to do this week … so, it’s SAND , Rock, WaterProof ability will be tested.

* 9/23/2011 update: Did that North Shore wedding ... and of course as I was shooting them walking down the beach I got hit "good" by a wave. Talking pants all the way up to my knee wet (lined wool pants). The Red Wing #8691 never really felt wet on the inside (like any of my previous shoes would). AND it kept the sand out. And did not feel uncomfortable the rest of the night (even after the wave hit me, I did not take the shoe off that night). The sand and water pretty much fell off by the end of the night (terminator style), and it did not have a wet feeling inside. My pant was wet , but it did not feel like the inside of the shoe was really wet (though my socks did get wet). After getting hit by the wave, it did destract me enough that I forgot to take a bride "single" shot at the beach (hate when that happens). :) ... I don't think anyone really noticed I was wearing a hiking boot until I layed down on the floor to take a shot, and a Bridesmaid "exclaimed" out loud , he is wearing really heavy duty Hiking Boots! ... LOL , you will only know why when you actually see this shoe, from the bottom. *

Shot this week a “Business Dress” Event at “The Modern Honolulu” (formally the Edition Hotel) , and “The Plaza Club” in Downtown with this Red Wing #8691 with a black wool dress pant … it seemed to disguise well as a dress shoe … No one kicked me out for not having a dress shoe on (or looked at my shoe strangely) , LOL.

10/28/11 ... found out on a trip ... that this shoe , even though it does NOT have a aluminum Toe ... does have metal in it ... it set off a alarm when I walked thru a metal detector.
* Also, found out that if you go to the RED Wing store (in Aiea) and have your foot measured ... the size is pretty true. When the store measured my foot I was a Regular width which I special ordered (the store only stocked Wide) ... But, I also bought my normal 1/2 size larger ... so it would be easier to take on and off at the Airport. (and if my foot swelled on a trip)
This "might" have been a mistake with this shoe because it probably would have fit perfectly if I bought my correct "measured" size. I think this heavy shoe actually had a pretty good fit at my "correct" size.
*** This has become my BEST Work shoe EVER !
Next test will be Nov. in New York (maybe in the snow) :).

This all Black shoe can be worn with wool pants or Jeans. Nice!

I have found the Perfect Photographers Work Shoe/Boot ! The WaterProof Red Wing Hiker # 8691 in Black.

I plan to wear this shoe “Everywhere” … and will probably end up wearing less Dress shoes in the future.

11/30/11 Update: Just came back from a 10 day New York trip ... 30-40 degree cold, Rain , NYC sidewalks and roads , puddles   ...
* This Waterproof (and slightly heavy) 8691   really shined on this trip. and it was the ONLY shoe I took in this trip.
I am talking over 100 NYC blocks of walking and two rainy days that was not higher than 40 deg. ... walking quickly thru puddles, bad roads and sidewalks.
This shoe PASSED with flying colors !
Can you tell this is now my favoite shoe "Ever".       Now, I am wondering if I will ever bother to buy another Feragamo , ever.   (I might try a Merrel Pulse II  if they ever do a black lol)

Hope this helps someone,

Ross D. Hamamura
The Tourist of Light
www.RDHphoto.net

Monday, September 5, 2011

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

Sunday, May 8, 2011

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/

Thursday, May 5, 2011

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 :)

"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!

Sunday, April 24, 2011

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

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

Sunday, April 17, 2011

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/

Thursday, April 14, 2011

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/

Tourist of Light
blog by Ross Hamamura