The Digital Photography Show #35: The Men of Lightsource and Where to Get the Best Prints
The Digital Photography Show #35: The Men of Lightsource and Where to Get the Best Prints (26MB, 73mins)
January, 20, 2007: Welcome to the Tungsten-lit Thirty-Fifth episode of The Digital Photography Show!
What happens when podcasters collide? You’ll find out when Michael and I talk with the geniuses behind Lightsource, the terrific podcast that focuses on…wait for it…lighting! Check these guys out at www.studiolighting.net.
We talk about the importance of getting your flash off-camera and basic studio set-ups. They also offer a lot of other great hints.
Michael wants you Mac users to see if the slideshow-maker Fotomagic is for you. You can find it at www.fotomagico.com. Let us know if you like it.
Thanks to our advertiser DXO (www.dxo.com) for the 20% discount they are only offering to listeners of this show. Try the program for free, and when you’re ready to buy, use the code DPSSHOW.
And don’t forget the fifty buck discount on Alien Skin’s Snap Art. Just call and tell them you heard about it on The Digital Photography Show.
You can check out the show’s photo album on Phanfare at www.dps.phanfare.com.
We love our sponsor, Alien Skin (www.alienskin.com), and our advertiser, DXO Optics Pro (www.dxo.com). Michael and I aren’t paid enough to lie – we think their programs are first-rate, and we use them all the time.
Thanks to everyone for listening and joining us there on the blog. Without you, we’d be stuck talking to each other. Yikes!
Scott
January 21st, 2007 at 11:19 am
I just wanted to be the first one to leave a comment on this podcast … I’m still downloading it so I can’t say much about it.
The real reason that I’m writing is to comment on one of your sponsor’s products. I recently got Alien Skin’s Exposure and I’ve been playing around with the B&W photo filters and I must say that they are fantastic for portraiture. I loaded a few images from a recent model shoot and converted them with Exposure to B&W using various B&W “film types” and I was impressed with all of the results.
I put a few samples on my flicr site here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/allenrockwell/sets/72157594487962035/
January 21st, 2007 at 9:16 pm
Like Allen, I am jumping on to comment without first hearing the podcast.
I love the lightsource podcast. I have been a subscriber from the beginning and love the show. Even if you are not a studio photographer, (and I am not), you can learn a lot about lighting. The guests are great. It is second only to this podcast.
Like Allen, I have Exposure. I also downloaded the trial version of Snap Art as well. Both I cannot live without now. They are that good.
My computer died recently. I am currently shopping for a new one (Mac versus Windows internal debate right now). I need to work into my new computer price the cost of buying Snap Art because it is THAT good. And tremendous fun! I hope the special does not run out before I can afford to buy it!
Looking forward to the latest podcast.
I hope Michael fills us in on his latest photo workshop in Vermont!
January 22nd, 2007 at 4:14 am
I haven’t left many comments about this show in the past (though I’m a longtime listener), but this week I was compelled to do so. I was very pleased with the interview this week.
As much as I enjoy this show, one of my longtime criticisms (though I can’t really blame anyone because as of yet I’ve been too lazy to email Michael and Scott to share it) is that too often this show is an infomercial for various software companies. Don’t get me wrong, I’m thrilled that I won a copy of Snap Art, and I already owned Exposure of love it. The software you guys do feature is top-notch. However, I really wish there was more discussion about photographic technique, lessons learned from photo shoots/photo expeditions, and interviews with professional photographers rather than software developers.
Now granted, I am not really into studio photography, and the guys in your interview did discuss some products, but I liked that it got down to the nut and bolts of actually doing stuff to impact taking photos, and that some complicated topics were discussed. Please don’t try to avoid such topics because they may seem boring; it was refreshing to hear a photography podcast get down to the nitty gritty and not discuss something in a superficial way. It was a very large step in the right direction.
I particularly liked it when Michael stepped in to ask a question about cords for lighting. That’s something that the guests may have forgotten to mention because they are experts in this area and it may seem like a given to them, but it’s a question that needs answered for Joe Photographer like me with no experience in studio lighting, and I’m glad someone asked it on my behalf. That was good hosting. I prefer those kinds of questions that address real gaps of information over questions like “Your software has this cool feature that does this. Could you explain it again?”
I’m not all against discussing software on occassion. But a balance is nice.
Please take all this in knowing that despite my criticisms, you guys are my #1 podcast that I keep coming back to week after week. You are obvioiusly doing something right. Keep up the good work.
January 22nd, 2007 at 5:31 am
Allen and Landya - Hey, thanks for leaving a comment while the show was still downloading. But don ‘t feel like you actually have to hear the show to praise it -you can heap accolades on us even before you listen! We’re not picky.
Kyle, thank you for your well-articulated and valid feedback. I can’t say enough about how helpful it is to hear from y’all about what you’d like to see more of on the show. You make excellent points here and give specific examples.
We know that the vendor interviews can have an “infomercial” feel, but people want to hear about new software and hardware (I know I do) and the people who know it best are the people who make it. I think it’s fair to give them a forum - and the listeners are smart enough to understand that the vendor is going to be trying to present their products in the best possible light.
Still, the listeners are learning a lot more about the product than they would from an ad or a review, and I try to ask questions that bring out the aspects of the product that would be most interesting to the enthusiast. The interviews are slanted to the positive, but I think they give enough detail that people who don’t need the product’s features will know what NOT to buy.
And, of course, we never allow a vendor on unless they are willing to give a free copy of their product to one of listeners. That’s over thirty listeners who have gotten some great stuff for the price of an email.
But you are absolutely right that week after week of product interviews gets tedious. Which is why we try to mix it up - none of the last four shows featured vendors. We talked to Scott Kelby about what’s new in Photoshop CS3, with Andy Rathbone about what Windows Vista has for photographers, Rick Sammon critiqued some listener photos (and in the process, taught us all how we can better “see” a picture), and now the guys from Lightsource shared some lighting tips.
While two of those shows discussed software, you weren’t hearing “infomercials” from people trying to sell it to you. What you were getting was the straight scoop on the newest features for two of the most important tools digital photographers use (Photoshow and Windows) from two of the leading experts in the software’s field. I thought those guests were amazing, with extremely timely and pertinent information to share.
I’m glad you liked this episode and we’re planning to do even more that feature useful tips and tricks. Eventually, the vendors will be back, along with the giveaways. But we will try to keep it fresh.
Kyle, thanks again for your note. We really want to stay your number one podcast.
Scott (but if you disagree, Michael wrote this)
January 24th, 2007 at 3:48 am
Great show, as always.
I have to admit, some of my favorite photos were done in my little studio. I got studio lights a few years ago for product photography, portraits, and artwork capture for digital print. I can highly recommend the Alien Bees lights which, while ridiculed by some studio pros as toys, are actually one of the best bangs for the buck out there.
If you aren’t shooting something very large, like cars or elephants, the Alien Bees B400 lights are more than adequate. There are tons of useful accessories, from snoots to grids to softboxes or all sizes.
I typically use three lightheads. Two on either side of the subject (one of which is much lower powered) with softboxes, and a third for backlight, toplight, or underlight, as the case may be, with some kinf of light modifier. If you cannot afford three lights, grab a 5-in-one reflector panel to bounce light from one of the sides instead.
Do not chince on the tripods for these things. I recommend at least the 10-pound, and preferably the 13-pound stands by Alien Bees or equivalent. Anything less will not hold the light and softbox well, and believe me, you’ll be wanting to get at least one softbox. More importantly, you will start to get greedy with creativeness and want to position lights creatively using extender arms, which really require a very sturdy light stand (13-pounder preferred for the extender, which includes a very heavy counterweight).
For triggering the flash, you have lots of options. You can use the included sync cord from the camera to one of the lights, with the other lights set as slaves. If your camera does not have a sync cord attachment spot (such as with the D70), buy a hotshoe adapter. Do not skimp by buying the $20 no name brand. As a colleague of mine learned the hard way, get the Wein hotshoe adapter made to protect digital cameras (closer to $70).
As soon as you get tired of the cord (or transferring the cord from camera to light meter and back again), consider going wireless. Alien Bees now offers a wireless system for cheap, though I haven’t tried it yet (on order as I write). I have used the Microsync Digital which frees you completely. It’s tiny, works perfectly, and I love it despite the $300 price tag. http://www.microsyncdigital.com/
If you have a fairly recent Nikon, you don’t even need the above. You can trigger the heads using the Nikon flash in commander mode. Although I have Nikons and Canons, the Nikons are way ahead when it comes to flash photography.
For backdrops, I got the background support system and a few paper and fabric backdrop rolls from Amvona, though if you’re patient you can get their stuff brand new on eBay for considerably less. Beware, a lot of people buy Amvona stuff on eBay for considerably more than retail.
However you put your studio lighting system together, home-made or store bought, just do it! Like these guys say in the podcast, your creativity will ooze immediately. It’s a lot of fun.
Here are some pictures of smoke I took in my little studio last year: http://rumdoodle.phanfare.com/album/177730
Now stop reading and put your light studio together!
January 24th, 2007 at 5:01 am
Another informative show, guys.
John…your pictures of liquid smoke are breathtaking. Thank you for sharing them with us.
January 24th, 2007 at 7:25 am
Nice show. I just started looking at the info at http://strobist.blogspot.com/. Sounds like StudioLighting.com will be a nice addition also.
January 24th, 2007 at 1:32 pm
I finally got to listen to the show. It was fantastic! I loved the basic questions you guys asked, like “What’s a mono-light?” “Where are the cords?” “Why use a ring flash and what is it?” My problem when I listen to Lightsource is that there is no one stopping the person and asking them these basic questions. As a result, it is sometimes impossible to visualize how some lighting setup works.
I understand Kyle’s comment about “infomercials.” But I think I have learned more listening to this show about incredibly useful software/books/hardware to improve my photography than I could ever get from a magazine or class. Digital photography is constantly changing and it really helps to have a place I can count on to keep me up-to-date with the latest developments.
In short, I say keep the show exactly as is, mixing the “how to” with the interviewing of software developers/marketers. Alien Skin is only one example of something I learned about from this podcast. That software has taken my post-processing to a new level (not only in terms of quality but also fun). I would NEVER have purchased a plug-in (that costs $100 on sale) had I not heard the interview(s), listened to Scott and Michael describe how they use it, and seeing their photos after using it. I certainly would not have purchased two such plug-ins, but I made the mistake of taking their advice and downloading the trial version of Snap Art!
By the way, since the topic of this show was lighting, I thought I would share what looks like an excellent new product from Joe Demb. His new flash bracket:
http://www.joedembphotography.com/bracket/
January 26th, 2007 at 12:37 pm
Hi Guys
I’ve actually paused the podcast half way to comment on the printing sources. I have been using Sony Imagestation for over a year now, and have been really happy with it. They give 20 free prints when you sign up, and whenever you order a photo gift you normally get a coupon for free prints or shipping. I have yet to actually pay for prints of my photos, since I bought a few photo gifts last year. Their turn around time is fantastic - it’s usually less than a week from the time I place my order.
Their variety of gifts available are really good and they offer great discounts throughout the year. It was so strange for me to hear you not know about them since prior to getting Phanfare I used Sony’s Imagestation for all my photo storage.
If you do sign up and they ask for a referral please use my email address: binkieloo_69 @ yahoo.com. Thanks.
OK back to listening to the podcast.
January 27th, 2007 at 3:58 am
LOVED this show. You guys really should have them back on. Lighting is the most essential element in producing a good image and in my experience, one of the hardest things to get your mind around. I have a really hard time understanding the basics, but this show really made me feel like I had somewhere to start. Keep up the GREAT work!
January 27th, 2007 at 4:18 am
I had to laugh when I listened to the rest of the show (ie the interview), ‘cos I’m one of those people using Home Depot lights as an extra light source.
I’m mostly using it for my eBay stuff, since I can’t afford a home studio and flashes (uh point and shoot speedlights) don’t work so well on shining objects. Hopefully once I get selling really well on eBay I can invest in a better camera and some better lights.
I really enjoyed the show, but would have liked a little more info on the kinds of lighting that work for different situations. It was really good to have a lot of the questions that Scott and Michael asked asked (sorry that sounds weird). They were all the sorts of questions I would have asked.
I’d really love it if one day there was a show on getting the best pics with a point and shoot. I can’t afford/am nervous of a DSLR right now, but really would like to get the best shots I can with my Nikon 3200. I am also hoping to upgrade soon to something with a bigger zoom, since I love macro and landscape photography.
Thanks guys for an always terrific show!
January 28th, 2007 at 11:29 am
Hi Guys,
I just wanted to say this was my first podcast of your show and I was really amazed. The topics were very interesting and the thing that I found most entertaining is how when I’m listening it just like friends sitting around and discussing a hobby that we all love. I went to the NAPP forums where I’m a member and told everyone they should start listening to you on a regular basis. Keep up the good work…..