Looking over the image Bugaglo (very nice shot BTW)
The exif reads...
[Camera]
Exposure Time = 1/250"
F Number = F1.6
Exposure Program = Manual
ISO Speed Ratings = 100
Exif Version = Version 2.21
Date Time Original = 2009-08-28 12:39:26
Date Time Digitized = 2009-08-28 12:39:26
Shutter Speed Value = 7.97 TV
Aperture Value = 1.36 AV
Exposure Bias Value = ±0EV
Max Aperture Value = F1.24
Metering Mode = Pattern
Flash = Flash fired, compulsory flash mode
Focal Length = 50mm
If you shot it at 1/1250th wouldn't that have killed he ambient light coming in from behind her?
Paul Buff wrote:
Don't know about the PW Mini. But with Cyber Sync and an electronic shutter CCD camera such as Nikon D40 and a suitable flash in the AB/Elinchrom flash duration range you can get the full flash power at 1/1600 shutter.
Paul,
How's that working out with most CMOS cameras like the 1D MII?
Don't specifically know the max sync speed of 1D MII, but CMOS cameras don't have electronic shutters so the mechanical camera shutter limits the max sync speed, with or without CyberSync unless they employ high speed sync. Most CMOS cameras will sync right up to their stated max flash sync speed with CyberSync . . it's latency delay is 1/4000 second. Many other trippers are 1/1600 or slower latency.
bugaglo wrote:
Oh, yea, sorry, more details: 86" PLM silver, no front panel, Canon 1dII, 50mm 1.2L, aperture at 1.4, Broncolor ringflash with central umbrella adapter, Mobil power pack set at minimum power, PocketWizard mini TT1 on camera and PW plus on pack, shutter speed is 1/1250 to compensate bright window light.
I'm still experimenting with the 86" PLM silver, but I will say this. Its a very contrasty light. Its nice that the light source is as large as it is...for full body shots..you can light a lot..but still create a lot of highlights with quick fall off for harsher shadows.
You cant fudge with this light either...you have to really take aim with it. Its not something you can just FLOOD a light with room on..and I like that you have quite a bit of control with it. Will post pictures in the next 48hrs of hopefully some artistic nudes as well as editorial shoot for a designer.
The efficiency is amazing. I have a full elinchrom light setup but I bought a b400 and b1600 to use on location because they are SOOO lightweight. I've been using the 160WS b400 quite a bit and with the 86 PLM I have more then enough power to do what I want even at 1/4 power. Its quite the combo.
I have a senior portrait shoot on the beach tomorrow late afternoon and will bring PLM to see how it works. I'm not going to say its a flattering light for all people...but if you have a model with great skin and bone structure..it will yield amazing photographs. It is a specific tool that will not be as broadly used as I initially thought. Also...WOW Factor is there. My client was very impressed when I used the umbrella on a shoot. It just makes you look like a high end photographer. Ok...will post links to pics soon. Best wishes all.
lafashionphoto wrote:
I'm still experimenting with the 86" PLM silver, but I will say this. Its a very contrasty light. Its nice that the light source is as large as it is...for full body shots..you can light a lot..but still create a lot of highlights with quick fall off for harsher shadows.
You cant fudge with this light either...you have to really take aim with it. Its not something you can just FLOOD a light with room on..and I like that you have quite a bit of control with it. Will post pictures in the next 48hrs of hopefully some artistic nudes as well as editorial shoot for a designer.
The efficiency is amazing. I have a full elinchrom light setup but I bought a b400 and b1600 to use on location because they are SOOO lightweight. I've been using the 160WS b400 quite a bit and with the 86 PLM I have more then enough power to do what I want even at 1/4 power. Its quite the combo.
I have a senior portrait shoot on the beach tomorrow late afternoon and will bring PLM to see how it works. I'm not going to say its a flattering light for all people...but if you have a model with great skin and bone structure..it will yield amazing photographs. It is a specific tool that will not be as broadly used as I initially thought. Also...WOW Factor is there. My client was very impressed when I used the umbrella on a shoot. It just makes you look like a high end photographer. Ok...will post links to pics soon. Best wishes all.
Paul keep on truckin!...Show more →
This is why it's a system. Put on the front diffuser or use the white version and you have a whole different - more conventional, lighting quality - wide soft and unfocused.
Will post pictures in the next 48hrs of hopefully some artistic nudes as well as editorial shoot for a designer.
Looking forward to it -- especially the nudes... but no fat chicks. I get queasy. Not to disparage obese ladies, I just, um... think I've said enough...
Unfortunately much of the country (world) has lost sight of the desirability of good looking smart people and advertisers are more and more catering to the overweight masses. Instead of PITA running "save the whales" ads and shaming the overweight, media leaders might consider stimulating the masses to clean up their act by presenting positive images of of how people could look if they really worked at it. It's becoming a negative world and I don't like the result.
Most animal species discriminate based on appearance. It might not be nice or pc but it's a natural reaction. I always find it quite hypocritical of companies like dove to say you're perfect the way you are, and then try and sell you a beauty product. Society keeps telling us it's ok to be overweight yet constantly chastises models for being underweight. We need to focus more on being healthy and forget about the rest.
I guess to keep this on topic... the large PLM with diffuser would be a great light source for bigger subjects.
Carlton Beener wrote:
I always find it quite hypocritical of companies like dove to say you're perfect the way you are, and then try and sell you a beauty product.
Yes, I agree to a certain extent. But they are also doing some good work on self image. This is an interesting video though if you have not seen it:
the large PLM with diffuser would be a great light source for bigger subjects.
Funny!
Statistics on anorexia show that between 1 – 5% of all female adolescents and young women are anorexic. The average age of onset is 17.
Anorexia is much more prevalent in western culture than in non-western countries. Some believe this has to do with the media in western society, which portrays thin women as beautiful and desirable. Anorexic statistics do not tell us for certain, however
Anorexia is the third most common chronic illness among adolescents.
Statistics on anorexia are not favorable as far as treatment goes. Only about 1 in 10 people with eating disorders receive treatment. Remember, anorexia statistics show that 20% of people with anorexia who do not get treatment will die.
Memories of Karen Carpenter ... Sonic Youth have 2 great songs about her, interesting. Before that I just shrugged her off as .. well .. crap music. Also an underground video from college days by by Todd Haynes, of the "I'm Not There" Dylan pic.
What I hate most is the arrogant photogs that are just so rude and nasty to many models and mua's, etc. I hear the stories from them and am apalled. Not how I try to run my studio. We all collaborate and have fun!
Trying to be honest about my quite ambivalent feelings about the fashion industry, T&A, meat market, Model Mayhem, OMP, industry that I work in (or want to again.) And contribute to. And the images that I lust over.
All without starting a war! (Figured Deezie is a good one to pick on 'cause he is pretty cool.)
Michael wrote: All without starting a war! (Figured Deezie is a good one to pick on 'cause he is pretty cool.)
Yes, that was my lame attempt at humor. And you can pick on me all you want, Michael. Coming from you it's a compliment. Besides, my feelings are roadkill after the hack-job my wife's done on me. I'm battled tested, now -- or just beaten down
I rather enjoyed Carlton's quip: "I guess to keep this on topic... the large PLM with diffuser would be a great light source for bigger subjects."
Thumb up to Paul. For me it is the most interesting lighting product coming out of the market in recent years.
It seems very impressive for the performance-to-price ratio. I seriously want to buy one. I am an Elinchrom and Bowens user. I have never used any of Paul's product. Other manufacturers are slow thinking about the design of a low cost, truely functional parabolic umbrella. There also are chinese and korean over-size parabolic umbrellas which are too big and clumsy to use.
Paul Buff is the guy who got the vision and forwarding thinking to produce something like this. It is a shame that there is so much negativity in this forum where people are only interested in attacking him rather praising him for his innovation of providing affordable lighting solutions.
Give me a decent looking size 6-8 (like my 57 year old wife). Natural beauty, inside and out, is way preferable to plastic baby dolls of any size. Me . . . I'm 5' 7" and 155 pounds and wear 30-30 Levis and tuck my tee shirt in most of the time. Hate low riders and big beer guts. I look and feel better at 148 - but what I've got is good enough for me. If I don't be careful with food and lifestyle I can creep toward 170 and no longer like it.
Deb refuses to get above a healthy 115 and was, 20 years back, anorexic and an alcoholic. She said "no more" and she spends a lot of time sponsoring people at AA on speaking and helping people on both subjects. And, yes, we eat at the Waffle House and similar regularly.
Of course I grew up in the 50s when this was the norm and people were proud of what they looked like. Anorexia . . . no good, but a much smaller problem than obesity.
