personal

Camera gadgets

March 10, 2008 /

Img_0001x Picked up yet another new toy the other day. Had been eyeing this one for a long while and with the big wedding I’m shooting this weekend, I figured now would be the perfect time to get it. It’s called a Lightsphere and it’s an external flash diffuser (really, it just makes a flash not flash-y looking). I played a little the other evening (thanks, Jack!) and it really, really makes a difference. White_balancelightsphere

#1. no flash, tungsten white balance (preset)

#2. no flash, custom white balance

#3. flash, flash white balance (preset)

#4. flash w diffuser (but no dome), custom white balance.

#5. flash w diffuser and dome, custom white balance.

Need to work on the camera settings with the flash, but definitely have the general idea down. Love the light the diffuser throws. A good investment!

I also have a new custom white balance system coming in any day. Looking forward to that too. I am finding that now that I’ve been doing the custom white balance, the pictures are much better overall.

And finally, thinking about getting a new camera. I know, I’ve only had the current (new) one for like 6 months. But I’m pretty sure I’m going to upgrade to the Canon 5D (a real pro camera). Like this week. I feel a trip to B&H coming on…  {no really, I do have a legit reason for the upgrade. First, my current back up is not so great and the external flash dosen’t work on it. Second, I have two weddings, 8 communions and 2 parties that are all mandatory backup situations- I need two super cameras minumum for all those events. Not to mention the 15 or so shoots beyond those I have booked between now and the first week of June- that’s going to be a lot of pictures. And I can’t afford to have a shutter meltdown again.} So if I show up with a new camera later this week, you’ll be the first to know.

Oh, and a new guilty pleasure in life…High School Confidential!! Ok, this is like the ultimate after school special, but with real people! Looooove it! It’s on WE network if you’re interested. Ivy, please tell me you watched it- with our love of after school specials, it surpasses even the cheesiest one. And there’s a girl with an eating disorder coming up in future weeks!! (Ivy & I were afterschool special junkies growing up thru highschool and after- especially the eating disorder ones. It’s good to have friends who understand, appreciate and share your oddest addictions).