The punch list. 10 random questions.

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Archive 2008 · The punch list. 10 random questions.

Sam Hassas
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p.1 #1 · The punch list. 10 random questions.

Just some random questions I'm looking to get answered. Chances are so are others. If you know one or several, give an answer while noting the number to the respective question. Thanks everyone.

1. In LR when exporting a jpeg, at what resolution and quality number can I export and still maintain maximum resolution and quality to print a 12x18 print. Tell of your experience be it you are a professional printer and if your like us regular photo joes who have trial and error experience.

2. Do you clean your own sensor. What is the best sensor cleaning option IYO. Why should I leave it to Canon and Nikon to clean my sensor. How good of a job do they do cleaning it?

3. Which rolling case do you use when flying. Does it fit in the overhead compartment? If you can/like, list what you carry, (# of bodies, lens access. etc.)

4.What tripod and head do you use. Why is the tripod you use the best for wedding photography.

5. When your flash is ON camera, do you go full manual, ttl, ettl, other. Why?

6. Why aren't you using Lightroom, (for those that have tried it and feel they found better, I'm curious)

7. Do you use umbrellas or softboxes or both for formals. Why?

8. For those that use online hosting sites like Smugmug, Pictage, Zen. What do you feel is the biggest reason for down sales when on any particular wedding you upload.
1. Unpreparedness on your part, (gathering emails, passing out cards)
2. You bombed the wedding, images sucked
3. Nationality of the attendants. (not being raciest, just real talk)
4. Other

9. Where can I buy these. I believe they are called PC-1 cables and are used for pocket wizards amongst other things. These are mine. I'm very much interested in the one with the hotshoe. I bought mine at my local camera store for $45. Surely they are out there for cheaper:

This image is copyrighted by the owner

10. Is Sam the most handsome dude on FM? (no need to answer this one as it so CLEARLY known he is. (maybe except for Daniel, radioblurs)

Nov 26, 2008 at 10:35 PM

scott shoemake
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p.1 #2 · The punch list. 10 random questions.

1. In LR when exporting a jpeg, at what resolution and quality number can I export and still maintain maximum resolution and quality to print a 12x18 print. Tell of your experience be it you are a professional printer and if your like us regular photo joes who have trial and error experience.
-no clue dude, i always go max to be safe.
2. Do you clean your own sensor. What is the best sensor cleaning option IYO. Why should I leave it to Canon and Nikon to clean my sensor. How good of a job do they do cleaning it?
- i have an old school shop do the heavy dust spots that are stuck. the night before a wedding i use a rocket blaster and blast the dust bunnies away on all 3 bodies.

3. Which rolling case do you use when flying. Does it fit in the overhead compartment? If you'd can/like, list what you carry, (# of bodies, lens access. etc.)
-Think Tank Airport Security Intl. V2.0 I bought this a few months ago, took to NYC for a shoot. it is so slick, so durables, so useful, TSA locks, fits in all (even intl) carryon requirements, built in cable to lock to pew or DJ's booth, fits all you need. one of the top 5 buys i've ever made.

4.What tripod and head do you use. Why is the tripod you use the best for wedding photography.
people still use tripods? jk, i use a mono for some overhead shots. it is the cheapest bogen and has a medium ballhead on it with the quick release.

5. When your flash is ON camera, do you go full manual, ttl, ettl, other. Why?
I mix it up. i almost never shoot straight on, if i do i use a demb. when i'm bouncing in close quarters i use ettl and bump up the FEC. when i'm bouncing off high ceilings or need a lot more light, I go full manual. if I find a great manual setting for a certain situation, i just leave it there.

6. Why aren't you using Lightroom, (for those that have tried it and feel they found better, I'm curious)
I echo your question.

7. Do you use umbrellas or softboxes or both for formals. Why?
It depends on how much time I have. If I have time I use the AB800s with a big softbox and a big octobox. The light is so soft and isolates more than an umbrella. If I'm on tight schedule, I use speedlights and umbrellas. Still good results, but less power.

8. For those that use online hosting sites like Smugmug, Pictage, Zen. What do you feel is the biggest reason for down sales when on any particular wedding you upload.
1. Unpreparedness on your part, (gathering emails, passing out cards)
Main reason would be not enough people getting the word out.
2. You bombed the wedding, images sucked.
Never.
3. Nationality of the attendants. (not being raciest, just real talk)
I wouldn't say nationality, I'd say more the class of the average person there.
4. Other

9. Where can I buy these. I believe they are called PC-1 cables and are used for pocket wizards amongst other things. These are mine.I very much interested in the one with the hotshoe. I bought mine at my local camera store for $45. Surely they are out there for cheaper:
Try Midwest

10. Sam, if your wife wasn't cute, your kids would look like Ewoks.

I'm no expert, I hope this helps out and adds to the discussion.

Nov 26, 2008 at 10:53 PM

Lucky_Dog
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p.1 #3 · The punch list. 10 random questions.

1. I export at 85% for prints. I came up with that by using WHCC's recomendation of 10 in PS and with trial and error I found that 85% had about the same size file. Prints look good... I usually don't print as big as you are asking about, though.

9. Paramount is the brand I use and have to pay a begrudging $40 or so for them....

Nov 26, 2008 at 10:59 PM

PierreB
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p.1 #4 · The punch list. 10 random questions.

Here's all I know:

No. 3
I use a PELI 1650 and no, it doesn't fit in the overhead compartment - I check it.
It carries my 400/2.8 IS, 300/2.8 IS, 70-200/2.8 IS, 16-35/2.8, 50/1.8 plus all the hoods. Also in there is a 1DsMKII, a 1DMkII, a 580EX flash gun, 5 or 6 LEE filters plus holder, some CD's, a cable release, some cleaning cloths and a few other bits & pieces.

No. 4
I use a Wimberley II which I guess is rubbish for weddings but then, I shoot sports.

Nov 26, 2008 at 10:59 PM

ksmahgrts
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p.1 #5 · The punch list. 10 random questions.

aww, i thought this was going to be a survey with super-fun, super-deep questions like:

'what color eyeballs do you have?'
'boxers or briefs?'
'if you were a marmoset, what would your name be?'

oh well.

#2 - yes. with dust-aid.

This image is copyrighted by the owner

the first time you do it have an experienced user there for moral support - if only for the fact that the sound will make you think 'HOLYPOOPIJUSTMASSACREDMYSENSOR!!!!' don't worry. you didn't.

why not just have canon/nikon do it? i say why spend what? $40 bucks? and the headache of sending your gear away and be without it even for a couple of days when you can get 12 dust-aid for the same $40 bucks

and of course i can't forget #10 to which i say

#10 - sam? sam who?

Nov 26, 2008 at 11:00 PM

jcolman
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p.1 #6 · The punch list. 10 random questions.

I have a local shop clean my sensor if necessary. Otherwise I use rocket blower before each shoot.

Lightroom rocks. Can't help you on print quality because I set it to max quality.

ettl because it works.

manfrotto tripod with bogen quick release head

softbox, umbrella or my home made beauty dish (my favorite)

check out flash zebra for the connectors

me. but I'm biased.

Nov 26, 2008 at 11:16 PM

Brad Barr
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p.1 #7 · The punch list. 10 random questions.

1 dont use it

2 air...have never needed more than air

3 backpack when flying proroller 3 local

4 tripod?? rreally?? Sure i have a bogen 3023 like most, but it lives in the car. Only time i use it now is to operate a camera via pw remote

5 On camera..ettl off camera full manual. ettl with nikon works much better than canons but still used it with canon too. Normally its pointed somewhere else anyway

6 back when i tried it, it was really slow...havent gone back. I use bb to cull....and still use dpp for basic edits...ps for actions and more complex things

7 No...just strobes up on a stick....why..because it works, its quick and easy,

8 Sales online for most that i know of are less than spectacular. Lots of lookers...few sales...proabably a few stealers in there too. I think its not an ethnic thing...people just dont buy online much. Same for my sports site too. Its like pulling teeth

9 http://pccords.com or http://michaelbassdesigns.com both have these. both will custom make any cord and lenght and tips. MB has some really cool stuff for using pw's and strobes

10 Sorry I dont play for that team

Nov 26, 2008 at 11:31 PM

Ray Soemarsono
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p.1 #8 · The punch list. 10 random questions.

2 - Yes. Google Copperhill method.

3 - ThinkTank Airport International. Best. Damn. Bag. Ever.

4 - Don't use one for weddings but I have a Gitzo carbon fiber with Markins ballhead. Very nice.

7 - No. Cause I want it to be as simple and quick as possible.

9 -http://www.paramountcords.com/

Nov 26, 2008 at 11:47 PM

Brad Barr
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p.1 #9 · The punch list. 10 random questions.

pccords.com = paramount cords same thing. Not cheap though. I was about to buy one of their cords...and just for grins searched b&h and found it cheaper there.

Micheal bass gets my vote. Heck I ordered a cord to operate my canons remotely....then switched to nikon 2 wks later...doh!!!!! But he redid my cord for me for free.
bb

Nov 26, 2008 at 11:52 PM

chaloux
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p.1 #10 · The punch list. 10 random questions.

Since most people seem to have covered everything else, I'd like to officially say

to this:

scott shoemake wrote:
10. Sam, if your wife wasn't cute, your kids would look like Ewoks.

Nov 26, 2008 at 11:57 PM

TMP-G
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p.1 #11 · The punch list. 10 random questions.

scott shoemake wrote:

10. Sam, if your wife wasn't cute, your kids would look like Ewoks.

I'm no expert, I hope this helps out and adds to the discussion.

ROFLMAO.. that is too funny!

Nov 27, 2008 at 12:25 AM

ckhagen
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p.1 #12 · The punch list. 10 random questions.

Sam, I think I love you. 80% of those questions are exactly questions I need answered. Thanks for asking them.

Nov 27, 2008 at 12:31 AM

Jonathan H
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p.1 #13 · The punch list. 10 random questions.

PierreB wrote:
Here's all I know:

No. 3
I use a PELI 1650 and no, it doesn't fit in the overhead compartment - I check it.
It carries my 400/2.8 IS, 300/2.8 IS, 70-200/2.8 IS, 16-35/2.8, 50/1.8 plus all the hoods. Also in there is a 1DsMKII, a 1DMkII, a 580EX flash gun, 5 or 6 LEE filters plus holder, some CD's, a cable release, some cleaning cloths and a few other bits & pieces.

You check your cameras and lenses? You are a BRAVE soul. God bless you and your faith in the TSA.

I'll spend an extra $75 on FedEx, shipping my gear ahead of time, before allowing those goons to get anywhere near my glass. They have full rights to cut my locks off to look inside. I just flew back from LA to DC with a checked Peli with $12K of lighting (Profoto Pro7a and two heads). Sure enough, they opened it, looked through the case, left a "TSA wuz here!" note, and didn't do a very good job properly repacking the heads after they were done.

Thanks TSA.

Nov 27, 2008 at 12:39 AM

Tony Hoffer
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p.1 #14 · The punch list. 10 random questions.

1. I export at 300dpi without resizing then handle it in Photoshop if needed.

2. Yes, Sensor Swabs. Although I've seen the crazy magnifying glass/vacuum thing and it looks sweet.

3. Homemade pads with velcro on the end that are adjustable to any suitcase or layout design. I'll send you pics if you want. Saves a ton of money. 2 cameras, 10 lenses, 4 PWs, 4 flashes and more in a carryon bag.

4. Bogen legs and Bogen mini-ballhead. Hardly ever use it, don't care too much.

5. ETTL. The flash is smarter than me.

6. I am cause I'm smart.

7. Umbrellas. Interested in softbox, not sure of the benefit.

8. Zenfolio here. Reasons for not making money: 1. I give out the disk 2. Zenfolio isn't too upfront with selling stuff. 3. Doesn't blend in to my site well.

9. Flash Zebra

10. Is the pope catholic?

Nov 27, 2008 at 01:03 AM

gillyohan
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p.1 #15 · The punch list. 10 random questions.

I'll try answering some.

2. I clean my own sensor using Copperhill method. It's easy to do, and I kind of enjoy scrubbing the dust bunnies away. Brushes and blowers can work for some stuff, but may as well use the method that is sure to get rid of everything. I'd rather pay $50 for the kit, than pay $50 for each time Canon cleans each camera.

3. I use a Pelican 1510. It fits in the overhead for anything larger than the small regional jets, in which case you need to gate check everything anyway. You can fit two bodies (with grips), two flashes, 70-200 2.8IS, 17-50 2.8, 35, 50, 85, couple triggers, batteries for bodies and flashes, PSD, some cables and chargers. Stands and and 'pods need to go in a separate bag; I usually pack with my clothes.

4. I don't use a tripod.

5. On camera flash is on ettl, because it usually works and I don't like changing the settings all the time, because I'm moving all the time.

6. I haven't used LR because it lacked good noise reduction and selective work. LR2 seems to better, but I'm kind of happy just using bridge.

7. I use an umbrella for indoor formals, unless I have a huge group. It softens the light a bit; I keep it pretty close to the subjects.

8. I use instaproofs, but there is no solid reason for not selling. I get roughly the same average number of people viewing the images for each wedding, but some weddings sell really well and others don't. Some I fly out for sell well, and others don't. Some "wealthy" weddings sell well and others don't. One theory I have, is that when there are a lot of out-of-town family members who are really close to the B&G, it may lead to more sales.

Nov 27, 2008 at 04:32 AM

gillyohan
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p.1 #16 · The punch list. 10 random questions.

Jonathan H wrote:
PierreB wrote:
Here's all I know:

No. 3
I use a PELI 1650 and no, it doesn't fit in the overhead compartment - I check it.
It carries my 400/2.8 IS, 300/2.8 IS, 70-200/2.8 IS, 16-35/2.8, 50/1.8 plus all the hoods. Also in there is a 1DsMKII, a 1DMkII, a 580EX flash gun, 5 or 6 LEE filters plus holder, some CD's, a cable release, some cleaning cloths and a few other bits & pieces.

You check your cameras and lenses? You are a BRAVE soul. God bless you and your faith in the TSA.

I'll spend an extra $75 on FedEx, shipping my gear ahead of time, before allowing those goons to get anywhere near my glass. They have full rights to cut my locks off to look inside. I just flew back from LA to DC with a checked Peli with $12K of lighting (Profoto Pro7a and two heads). Sure enough, they opened it, looked through the case, left a "TSA wuz here!" note, and didn't do a very good job properly repacking the heads after they were done.

Thanks TSA.

Jonathan - I have a lot of friends who work for UPS, and they say packages are treated like crap. I can't imagine other carriers being any different. There is just no guarantee, whether it's shipping or checking. If you need to check fragile gear, try to gate check it. Just my thought.

Nov 27, 2008 at 04:36 AM

swim_r
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p.1 #17 · The punch list. 10 random questions.

Sam Hassas wrote:

3. Which rolling case do you use when flying. Does it fit in the overhead compartment? If you can/like, list what you carry, (# of bodies, lens access. etc.)

Pelecan 1510 Fits PERFECT in overhead bins, even on the tiny CRJ 800 and 900 series planes that I have to fly in all the time because I live in Fresno. So far the most I have fit in it was (all nikon)

D3
D2Hs
14-24 2.8
24-70 2.4
70-200 2.8 VR
10.5 fish
85 1.8
105 macro
SU-800
3x SB800
2x Radio Poppers
Seconic Flashmeter (for the cheap aliembee mono that I checked)
plus cards, batteries, business cards, and misc. other stuff

It was crammed and weighed about 50lbs but it all got there safe and never left my sight.

(sorry for the poor quality, it was taken with my cell phone...)

6. Why aren't you using Lightroom, (for those that have tried it and feel they found better, I'm curious)

I use ACR, it is exactly the same without all the frills of Lightroom that slow the computer down, plus it is a bit easier to go in to Photoshop for the heavy work. Plus ACR CS4 is freaking awesome.

7. Do you use umbrellas or softboxes or both for formals. Why?

Neither. it is all about the beauty dish. Try it sometime, it gives the images a little something special. We normally shoot a beauty dish on the main light and bare bulb the other two lights (if we use them)

8. For those that use online hosting sites like Smugmug, Pictage, Zen. What do you feel is the biggest reason for down sales when on any particular wedding you upload.
1. Unpreparedness on your part, (gathering emails, passing out cards)
2. You bombed the wedding, images sucked
3. Nationality of the attendants. (not being raciest, just real talk)
4. Other

We use fotki and it is amazing, plus it is WAY cheaper than any of the other sites, and the services are comparable. but to answer your question it depends on the class of the family (do they value photography? or are they the disposable camera type of people?) and also how well we mingle with the guests and hand out business cards.

Edited on Nov 27, 2008 at 06:14 AM · View previous versions

Nov 27, 2008 at 05:20 AM

radioblurs
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p.1 #18 · The punch list. 10 random questions.

i'll play

1. i don't experiment with jpeg sizes-full size jpegs when exporting from LR-i've got the space, memory's cheap

2. i don't mess with my sensor either-i'm afraid of doing something to it

3. haven't done any destination weddings-currently when i travel, just my tamrac backpack

4. i have a heavy duty JTL tripod, though if i use anything during a wedding it's my induro carbon fiber monopod-light weight, mobile, and all that-for head, just picked up a bogen ballhead

5. mostly on camera flash on e-ttl with camera in full manual-off camera is also good and full manual for that, of course-i use on camera mostly b/c there isn't a lot of time to set up off camera flash/strobes

6. oh, but i am using LR

7. softboxes preferred though i like evan's use of beauty dish outdoors-i just find softboxes to be very pleasing on groups

9. flashzebra has them for $20 (if that's the one i think it is)-they're out of stock and have been for a while, though

10. haha, i think i prefer my position behind the camera

you're the man, sam

daniel

Edited on Nov 27, 2008 at 05:27 AM · View previous versions

Nov 27, 2008 at 05:24 AM

hardlyboring
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p.1 #19 · The punch list. 10 random questions.

Scott, I live in Columbus not five minutes away from Midwest Photo Exchange. They are sweet and always give me top dollar for my used equipment and for some reason never charge me tax.
FYI EVERYONE --- If you ever need to buy anything, give them a call, very knowledgeable a great place to get cheap stuff.
Doug

Nov 27, 2008 at 05:25 AM

DBPhotography
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p.1 #20 · The punch list. 10 random questions.

6. I use Capture NX simply because I think it does the best job with Nikon RAW files.

7. I use Demb flip-its for anything outdoors. Much easier to work with and the output is perfect for me.

That's all I got!

Scott

Nov 27, 2008 at 06:02 AM

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