Live Last read · last published · next check
I break down what Exposure Simulation is, why it matters in the studio environment, and why you need to turn it off while using strobe lighting. It catches out both new & experienced photographers who enter the studio for the first time after buying a mirrorless camera.
Do you really want to get inside my mind? How I see the industry? What I was thinking when coming up with various ideas and the realities of shooting them? Then you need to join me on Patreon!
Buying something to do all the heavy lifting for you is a sure fire way to complacency, arrogance, and ignorance. So you don't have the knowledge yet to know whether it's user error or the equipment isn't good enough? Good! You will strive to learn answers. You will end up understanding equipment better and be a better photographer!
Optical receivers, also known as slaves, can get you out of trouble, alongside, of course, helping you fire multiple lights with ease. In this 101 blog, I explore what they are and how to tackle quite a common studio issue, where slaving may just save your shoot!
If you have no experience with studio photography, you may wonder how do you magically fire the lights? And why is it so important to be in control in the studio and not let your camera (or lights) make the decisions for you? In this blog, I'll tell you about both these things!
Let's talk about speedrings, the best mounts for photography strobe lighting softboxes, and other modifiers, This is why I think you should stick to the 'big two' to future-proof yourself!
Outside of creativity, a photographer is merely a problem solver that understands both the limitations of physics & their available tools to tackle it. An expensive camera/light will do you no good if you can't use it, so tell that to people the next time they tell you that your fancy camera takes amazing photos..
An introduction to the Bowens Esprit, a workhorse that just keeps on galloping! Having said that, the only Bowens strobe light I've had fail me so far is the Gemini GM250R, which ironically is newer. Digital strobes have more tech to go wrong, and often times, it's tech that isn't needed for non-specialist use.
I'd taken some of my favourite and best loved photos on these lights, but they had a bit of a reputation for overheating. They're now discontinued and have been replaced with other budget strobe options new to the market, but at the time and for the price point, they were fantastic.
In today's 101, I cover the first strobe lights I ever bought! They're small, they're basic, but ultimately they can do what you need them to do. I always say this, but a light is a light is a light, and what you are paying for is consistency, convenience, build quality and of course, adaptability in the long run.