The punch list. 10 random questions.

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Archive 2008 · The punch list. 10 random questions.

Sahid Limon
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p.2 #1 · The punch list. 10 random questions.

AWESOME! I was looking for answers for a lot of those questions myself. With that being said, I will share my experience with only a few questions for you:

2. Apparently, I heard the Arctic butterfly is the best sensor cleaner out there. However, they are a bit overpriced in my opinion. I use the sensor cleaner from Lens pen, and it works pretty solid. I was scared to death to even think of cleaning the sensor.. in fear I would mess it up, scratch it, or add dead pixels or something. However, once you do it, it's really a breeze. Just make sure you're in a dust free environment, open her up, swipe the dust from one side to the other, and test. Repeat if necessary. The first time I did it, I had to do it twice to get it almost factory fresh. When I was doing research on this topic, many of the photographers (including some members who worked at canon service centers) said that if you send in your camera, they pretty much use a lenspen or a similar device and do the same thing... just in a very clean environment. Some even said that after the cleaning from canon, they still found particles, simply because it's so easy for the dust to get back in the sensor. The lens pen works really well, and removes practically all my dust. However, it does take a bit more patience and time. I may get the butterfly just to save time since the 5D is a dust magnet.

3. looking for the same answers

5. I go full TTL if it's direct or slightly angled, and switch over to manual like you for bounce flash. When things need to be covered quick, and can get chaotic, I tend to use the flash in TTL and use a demb flip it to for fill. So far, it's worked like a charm.

7. I recently shot formals with a medium softbox, and two shoot through umbrellas on the sides, and it worked out great. The softbox does a great job for key, and the shoot troughs acts as a fill, and eliminates any harsh shadows around the face. It can add a terrible glare if they wear glasses though, so you have to pose accordingly.

9. I'm looking for these myself, since my flash fell off and broke the red plastic IR cover. Flashzebra supposedly has some, but I tried to get it through them 4 months ago, and they were "temporarily out of stock". I tried again last week, and gee... still temporarily out of stock. There are some hotshoe adapters with the mini stereo terminal built in that they sell on ebay, and they work pretty well. However, the build is absolutely horrendous, and I don't recommend you using those at all. Let me know if you do find a solution (hopefully moderately priced) that works though, as I'm looking for it myself.

Nov 27, 2008 at 06:17 AM

PierreB
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p.2 #2 · 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.

I have to check my gear - shipping my 30 kilo (60 pound) box of gear from here to Dubai and back would cost a lot more than $75.00. I understand that the TSA can be a PITA but AFAIK the TSA only operate in one country in this big ol' world (or maybe two - Canada anyone??). For everywhere else, the TSA are not known and are not really an issue. That's not to say that the European & Mid / Far East security is lax, anything but, I think they just do it a different way. When I check in I have to take my PELI case to the outsized luggage belt and it gets X-rayed in front of me. If the operator has any questions, I unpack the case in front of them, we look through it together and I pack it up. It's all very painless and I am involved in the process. It then gets a sticker on the outside reading 'security scanned'. This generally means that it won't get opened again along the way. I've never had a problem and if I did, my insurance covers me to buy replacement items (up to $10,000 value per item) when I reach my destination.

Nov 27, 2008 at 09:33 AM

Matt Khoury
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p.2 #3 · The punch list. 10 random questions.

don't you find that ettl sometimes, well, a lot of the times, over powers? i was trying to use my 420ex which is 100% ettl (i have another manual one i prefer) and every time it seems i pop that flash on, it's just a wash of light. blowing the shot. i thought ettl was supposed to be smart. for example, in door settings, f4, 250ss, iso 400, washed... i had to bump the stop up to f10 to get something decent.

Nov 27, 2008 at 04:32 PM

radioblurs
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p.2 #4 · The punch list. 10 random questions.

Matt Khoury wrote:
don't you find that ettl sometimes, well, a lot of the times, over powers? i was trying to use my 420ex which is 100% ettl (i have another manual one i prefer) and every time it seems i pop that flash on, it's just a wash of light. blowing the shot. i thought ettl was supposed to be smart. for example, in door settings, f4, 250ss, iso 400, washed... i had to bump the stop up to f10 to get something decent.

matt, try spot metering off the skin and then bump the exposure compensation between +2/3 stop up to +1 1/3 stop (depending on skin tone of individual of course)-you can really spot meter anything if you know it's relation to 18% neutral gray and then use flash exposure compensation to get it dialed in correctly

e-ttl can be fooled just like the in-camera meter can so you have to outsmart it (sort of)-also, i hope you're bouncing the flash, that will help make it more directional and make lighting more even and pleasing (less harsh)

one other thing: if you're shooting in a dark room at f/4 1/250 and iso 400, your flash is doing all the heavy lifting-it will look "flashy"-the only reason f/10 worked for you is because it taxed your flash's power, thus keeping it from overexposing the shot-check out strobist.com and planetneiltangents and that should help

hope that's helpful

daniel

Nov 27, 2008 at 04:51 PM

PhotosByRDD
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p.2 #5 · The punch list. 10 random questions.

1) No Clue

2) Yes. Clean with natural air brush after blowing brush with canned air. The swab with pec-pads and cleaning fluid.

3) N/A

4) I use Amvona tripods and ball heads. They're a great value for the price.

5) Depends on the situation but for weddings, mostly eTTL when on camera. It's quicker and as long as you understand how eTTL works in conjucntion with the different camera settings results are very predictable.

6) Never tried it. It seems each update of CS Bridge/ACR contains so many of the same features that it would be money spent needlessly. Plus I'm used to Bridge/ACR.

7) Umbrella. Single 60" Westcott convertible with the black cover on. Slightly camera left or right with shaft centered in middle of the group. It gives plenty of coverage for the typical group,with acceptable lighting. I don't figure we're exactly creating fine-art when shooting family formals. For bride & groom "romantics" I usually use either a Westcott 28" Apollo softbox or a Wescott Halo shoot-thru brolly/softbox hybrid. For the "romantics" I am trying to create more of a fine-art result.

8) Failure to pass out event cards with directions to reaching where the wedding is blogged and image proofs are posted will result in a reduction of sales. Offering a 30 day discount of 15% or so will boost sales.

9) Paramount cords, Adorama.com, Midwest Photo, etc.

10) No. Sorry.

Nov 27, 2008 at 05:25 PM

RedWhiteandRed
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p.2 #6 · The punch list. 10 random questions.

Sam Hassas wrote:
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.

100dpi through a Frontier or Lambda will work wonders - assuming the initial photo did not suck. There are machines that repair sucking photos but the dog's paws occasionally get caught in the shredder.

Sam Hassas wrote: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?

My usual assistant cleans the sensor - he cleans a lot of sensors so leave it to that guy. Apparently it is easy to do in any event.

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.)

Usual rolling luggage - not a camera bag. And then simply check the bags. Keep one small bag with a few items at hand and always use noise reducing headphones.

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

Gitzo Basalt with the 1298. This works well. ALso a Gitzo Geant for when something very tall is useful. A tripod is more useful than a lot of folk would imagine.

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

eTTL with a thoughtful use of the compensation. This yields excellent worry free results.

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

Aperture is more suited for my needs, my clients needs and all that jazz. Lightroom is good for some things and someone else.

Sam Hassas wrote:7. Do you use umbrellas or softboxes or both for formals. Why?

Both - depends. A small umbrella in dodgy conditions or a large umbrella indoors on occasion. Large softboxes outdoors with a crew.

Nov 27, 2008 at 06:07 PM

PierreB
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p.2 #7 · The punch list. 10 random questions.

+1 on the noise reducing headphones. I never travel without them.

Nov 27, 2008 at 08:23 PM

fotorelic
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p.2 #8 · The punch list. 10 random questions.

1. I use maximum. Probably can go maximum, 10 compression without seeing any difference. Background in graphic design but haven't tested my statement.

2. I use the blower bulb, which gets most of it, Lens Pen/Sensor Pen and SpecGrabber for sticky dirt. I try not to touch the sensor at all--only when necessary. I've never wet cleaned my sensors. Never used Canon (or Nikon) so don't know.

3. I use a cheap ProMaster/Vanguard metal case with dividers. I make my own from those kitchen drawer plastic dividers to supplement what comes with it. It fits under the seat if necessary. I can pack 2 bodies, maybe 2 lenses and a flash. I carry it plus my regular shoulder bag on board. Everything else goes into baggage check--one case that holds 2 compact stands, 2 off camera flashes, external battery packs, maybe a monopod plus accessories, and clothes. Since I can't fit everything I need into a carry on, I keep my carry ons smaller. If the baggage case gets stolen or lost, it isn't as if I lose my cameras and lenses.

4. Bogen 3021 because I already had it. Giotto's large ball head with RRS clamp. I use an upside down The Pod on it now. I just prop the camera on the Pod since I rarely use shutter speeds slower than about 1/15th, and if I did, I can take the Pod off and clamp the camera onto the tripod as normal. Using the Pod keeps me mobile. I use the tripod for formals when dragging the shutter and during ceremonies if it is really, really dark. Ideally, would get a TrekPod type with the Pod on it...even smaller and quicker, but it doesn't fold down that small.

5. I use either ETTL (hate it mostly) or auto thyristor. Auto thyristor is more predictable. Manual flash when necessary or in a situation where it makes more sense, such as when things aren't changing and/or I want absolute consistency.

6. N/A

7. Umbrella or bare flash (parabolic reflector). Umbrellas are fast to set up and take down. 46" now, but have thought of getting a 60". This is for inside churches. Otherwise, I use my 40" ones.

8. Don't use them but wouldn't use them expecting print sales profit. Not worth the time. Put them up for the couple to show off to others, and as a convenience to them, but don't expect big profits from sales.

9. Flash Zebra or Paramount Cords. Michael Bass for anything more customized.

Nov 27, 2008 at 09:37 PM

prof_fate
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p.2 #9 · The punch list. 10 random questions.

1. 85% or better) and full resolution.

2. Clean what? I shoot 100k+ photos a year, indoors and out, county fairs, weddings, etc. Clean what? I've got one of those static brushes and a blower and I clean if/when I see a big goober (or buy a new camera with factory dirt in it

) Blower, check it. Brush, check it. Never had to go beyond that. Just don't sneeze in there when the mirror is up.

3. I don't fly. I use a pelican soft rolling case. full, it's heavy.

4.IS lenses. More costly than a tripod but more versatile. Use higher ISOs. Fear not the noise! I like a grip head, bogen makes the only one that can take more than about 7 pounts. (70-200, body, flash adds to more than 7 pounds)

5. Depends on what i'm shooting and where - outside, reception or ? For receptions usually ISO 800, F2.8-4 range and 1/30 to 1/60 range, camera manual and flash eTTL.

6. I was a hard convert to LR. Didn't adopt it till 2.0 came out. Won't live without it now. Took my RAW to Proof time on seniors from 6 hours to 1. Can't say it's saved a ton of time on weddings at this point -i've only run 2 thru it with one to go tomrrow, but I don't do much if any effects on wedding pics like I do seniors, and wed pics don't need nearly teh spot retouching and such that I can now do in LR instead of PS.

7. 1 studio light behind me, up high (8 to 10 feet) with a 2x2 softbox, IS lens handheld at around 1/15 second, 5.6, and ISO 800 usually, custom WB. Works for 90% of the churches I frequent.

8. No friggin clue. I average 3 sales a wedding and about $40 per sale. Average wedding has about 150 guests so maybe 80 potential sales there. 95% of the sales are to a sister in the wedding party or of the flower girl.

9. midwest photo in columbus OH. find the link on strobist.

10. Who?

Nov 27, 2008 at 09:48 PM

Marcel VanEerd
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p.2 #10 · The punch list. 10 random questions.

4.What tripod and head do you use. Why is the tripod you use the best for wedding photography.
Manfrotto (Bogen) 058B legs. Heavy duty, very tall, easy to level anywhere. I have two heads, a "common" Manfrotto and my fave, a Linhof (no longer listed on their site) suitable for my Quickfix II adapter plates (still listed). Absolutely first grade German stuff.

5. When your flash is ON camera, do you go full manual, ttl, ettl, other. Why?
Full manual, because my flash (Metz 60 CT4) doesn't support anything else

6. Why aren't you using Lightroom, (for those that have tried it and feel they found better, I'm curious)
Not on a Win/Mac platform. I use Gimp on Linux.

7. Do you use umbrellas or softboxes or both for formals. Why?
Yes, if situations allow. Controlled light can make for "easy" portraits, eliciting a "your pictures are so nice and bright"

10. Is Sam the most handsome dude on FM? (no need to answer this one as it so CLEARLY known he is.
Beauty is as beauty does, Sam. It's only skin deep...

Nov 27, 2008 at 11:43 PM

Sam Hassas
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p.2 #11 · The punch list. 10 random questions.

Very awesome of everyone here. Thank you for helpin out. Got all the answers I needed and I'm sure lots of others did as well.

`Sam

Nov 28, 2008 at 10:13 PM

Ryan Britton
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p.2 #12 · The punch list. 10 random questions.

Sam Hassas wrote:
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.

Do not use LR but my settings would be 5400x3600 (I prefer to do my upsizing in Photoshop, however) at quality level 10 on the Photoshop 1-12 scale.

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?

Yes. I use foot-powered pump first. If that doesn't get it, then eclipse fluid and swab.

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.)

Pelican 1510. I can fit two 70-200-sized lenses, two bodies, and three 24-70-sized lenses in it with room for a few batteries and other small items.

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

I use the Arca-Swiss B1 Monoball head. Tripod I can't remember offhand, but if I did it again it would be this: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/206491-REG/Gitzo_G2220_G2220_Explorer_Alumimum_3.html

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

Both manual and ETTL. ETTL when lighting is changing constantly and I can't be troubled to keep track of adjusting it manually. Manual at all times when I'm able to keep up with it. Fewer misses that way.

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

Tried it in its original beta stage. It was so slow on my laptop (a new laptop at the time) I couldn't stand it. It caused enough paging out on the system to the point where I had to restart the laptop to get it going quickly again. Paging in takes too long.

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

Softboxes. Slightly more wind-resistant than umbrellas. We can also take off the outer diffuser if we need an extra kick of light.

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

B&H has them. They're still around $40 though.

Nov 28, 2008 at 10:53 PM

Tony Schreiber
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p.2 #13 · The punch list. 10 random questions.

Sam Hassas wrote:
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.

I export at 66% for everything. Probably sounds low to people, but I didn't get there blindly. I did some jpeg compression tests with Photoshop. My results are here, if interested: http://images.tonyschreiber.com/gallery/1903421_e3rsq My final jpeg file (from 5D and 1D3 raws) size varies 500k to 2mb, probably averaging around 1mb.

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?

Yes, though I haven't in some time. I used the Sensor Swab method, not much else.

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.)

I've traveled with a Pelican 1520 as my second case. My first is a backpack, first the Lowepro Compulus AW (I think) and now with the Think Tank Airport Acceleration. All have fit overhead and under the seat. In the TT AA, I typically back two gripped bodies, 70-200/2.8, 4 primes, fisheyes, 1.4x, tooobz, two 580 ex, CP-E3 battery pack and second batt cartridge, camera batteries, couple circ pols, memory cards and epson backup unit.

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

ETTL, +/- as necessary

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

Used a softbox last two weddigns, but setting it up is a PITA. Don't like umbrellas as much.

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)

Perhaps, though not the best dressed.

Nov 30, 2008 at 08:07 PM

Italo Campilii
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p.2 #14 · The punch list. 10 random questions.

3. Think Tank Airport International roller. $350. I did a LOT of research because I have 2 hernias in my lower back and i needed a roller bag with security features, small enough to fit on plane compartment but big enough to fit my 70-200 2.8L + 4-5 lenses + 2 5D's + 2 580EXs + batteries + 15.4" Macbook Pro

4. Sold my tripod. I had manfrotto, almost no need ever for it. Would only use for macro (maybe).

5. ETTL. Easiest, fastest, and i run 2 580EXs so I mess more with A to B than the main.

6. Never tried lightroom.

7. I use demb jumbo flip it but I want to buy umbrellas or softboxes now!

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.

3. Nationality of the attendants. (not being raciest, just real talk)
4. Other (people can't afford me)

10. Sam rocks dude! And so does Gabe, Sboerup, Transposure, Mel, and other cool guys but sure man, Sam rocks my socks!

Nov 30, 2008 at 08:28 PM

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