Other options

Since we have had our lecture on fill flash for photojournalism a lot of students have started to look for ways to move their hot shoe flashes off camera. The "industry standard" are Pocket Wizards. This uses radio waves to send the signal to trigger you lights. But these empty out your wallets at the price of $169 each a you need two. But there are other options. First there are Radio Popper Jrx's. You can pick up these for $120 for the basic set for $140 for the studio set. The only difference is the studio set allows you to control your studio flashes from you camera(yea "the industry standard" won't let you do that!)Here is a review from Strobist.com

Next up is a set up triggers from Paul C. Bluff(aka Alien Bees) called the Cybersyncs. These also use radio waves to transmit their signal. These retail for $59.95 for the Transmitter and $69.95 for the reciever. You need both.

You forgot about me!

In all the hoopla over the Nikon's D3s we all forgot that Nikon revealed a new DX lens at the same time. The new Nikkor 85mm F/:3.5 Micro ED VR lens is a great addition for those looking for new lens that is great for portraits and macro photography. Most people would say why a wierd a minimum aperature like F/3.5. It's only 1/2 stop from f/2.8 and the the VR somewhat eliminates the need for that I figure. The lens will retail for about $530 street price. It will be availabe in January.

2,904 Megapixels

This is a photograph of almost everyone person at Game 1 of the world series. It was shot by photographer David Bergman. This was taken using a Gigapan.The device allows you move your camera around in tiny increments and take pictures. This photo composition of hundreds of images. But unlike a normal panorama you can actually zoom all the way into the picture to see the details. Here is the link to full picture. When I say detail I mean DETAIL! Zoom all the way in behind home plate and you will see Alec Baldwin wearing a suit. He looks completely out of place since everyone else is in rain coats. David also did a Gigapan image of President Obama's Inauguration

New Gear!

Soon I'll finally be getting some new gear. I plan to purchase a lighting kit and some new lenses. For the lights I plan on purchasing a set of Alien Bees along with a Vagabond battery to make the set portable.As far as lenses go I'd like to purchase a wide angle and a fast long lens for photojournalism. For wide angle I'm getting the Tokina 11-16 2.8. Its a tack sharp wide lens that performs at the pro level for half the price. For my long lens I'd like the Nikkor 80-200 f2.8.

Halloween @ WTD

If your a photographer and haven't read What The Duck your really missing out. WTD is daily comic strip blog that is all about an aspiring photographer who just happens to be a duck. The writer Aaron Johnson writes from a point of view I feel that everyone in the photo world can relate to. Here is Halloween inspired strip called ''Headshot"

Canon 1DMkIV high iso samples

After some searching I finally found some Canon 1DMKIV high ISO pictures. I found them on flickr on Slvr Scoobie's photostream. Looks like he got to hold and shoot the camera onto his own card and keep the files at the Photo Plus Expo( I wonder if Canon ok'ed that). Below is an image he shot at ISO 102,400 at f4 at 1/8000 sec. Um......WOW! Nikon and Canon have changed the game with these new cameras.

Bil Frakes x Nikon D3s

Recently photographer Bill Frakes was given a simple assignment: Take the new Nikon D3s and put it through multiple shooting situations to show how well it works. He shot both stills and HD video and put together the video below:

The Brides Revenge

The next assignment up for my Advanced Portraiture class is Fashion\Glamour\Portraiture assignment. I choose to fantasy for my shoot. Initially I wanted to do a "Half Life" themed shoot. But while watching Kill Bill Vol. 1 the night before I came up with Vengeful Bride concept pictured below. It was the one selected so I've got a fun shoot ahead of me.

Testing ,Testing,1,2,3

Most of my classmates and I are currently in the market for a new lens or lenses. So that means lots of research and price and comparing. But I was wondering how exactly do they test the lenses for sharpness and image quality. I found article here on how Pop Photo do their testing.