Ask the Photography Pros!

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Comment by Scott Noack on December 30, 2010 at 11:41pm

I forgot to mention that I currently use a Cactus v4 Radio Slave Set I purchased from MidWest Photo Exchange for $45.  Very happy with it and it has never failed to fire a strobe head yet.  Here is the link to the  Cactus v4 Radio Slave Set in case you want to see what I'm talking about.

@Geoff - The Radio Popper sounds solid and the ability to vary the strobe power remotely would be a need advantage. 

Comment by Geoff Faulkner on December 30, 2010 at 10:21pm

I used the ebay models, but they didn't always fire. I currently have a set of Radio Popper JRx Studio. I purchased the transmitter, several remotes, and the RP Cube which lets me control the remote flash level from the camera. It's a pretty cool system. http://www.radiopopper.com/

Comment by Scott Noack on December 30, 2010 at 9:14pm

I have a question for you camera pros...  Where are you favorite shooting locations in San Joaquin County for family portraits?  Do you have a favorite old red barn in yellow mustard you like to shoot and don't mind sharing with us?  Or, a favorite walking bridge or other interesting landmark?  Thanks in advance.

Comment by Scott Noack on December 30, 2010 at 9:11pm

The relatively inexpensive radio units ($50 or less Amazon and/or EBay) work great to play with in a small studio to remotely fire your strobe head or speedlite.  I use one to fire my main light, then use the slave function to fire the other two.  Works great. BUT, if you plan to doing studio work with a bunch of other people at one of those workshops and if they are using flash (and not continuous lighting) they pretty much all use PocketWizards (PW).  A new PW transceiver will set you back $170+.  I don't own one yet but always looking for a deal on one.  If you have one for sale or find a good deal on one I'm in!! 

Comment by Michael P. Hays on April 6, 2010 at 5:05pm

For general criteria check out "Buying a Digital Camera" under "PHOTO TIPS" for more information. For more specific information and my opinion, I prefer Olympus if all other factors are the same. They seem to out perform Nikons and Canons in digital cameras. Most Nikons and Canons are 35mm cameras re engineered for digital but Olympus designed their digital cameras from the ground up including special optics designed specifically for digital. Most photographers will swear by removable lenses as the best but cost wise you get a lot less for a lot more money. If your job requires the absolute best then paying thousands for equipment makes sense. But for the best on a budget I recommend a 10x OPTICAL zoom permanently attached and at least 10 mega-pixels. If they still sell it the Olympus 565 UZ is a great camera. It is feature rich, has a help system that is better than some photography courses and costs less than $300. If you have any more specific questions on the camera contact us at The Brit and the Yank Photographic Team (209) 676-0883

Comment by Brittany Lauren Keenan on April 5, 2010 at 11:14pm

Hi Michael! Im looking to get into photography when I go back to school. I dont know much about 'what a good camera is' but my friend owns a very nice nikon camera similar looking to the default picture of this group. Im on a bit of a tight budget. What camera would you recommend for an amateur photographer like me? Im interested in outdoor photography of landscape and people.

Comment by Jeffery Haws on March 3, 2010 at 11:16pm

I have been reviewing several of the wireless / non IR transmitters. I know of a few that have purchased either the PW models, eBay Triggers as well as RadioPoppers Jrx. While waiting to save the $ for the triggers, I am leaning toward the RadioPoppers Jrx models. One of the Tracy Camera club members is really enjoying his. Be sure and read comments and learn of others experiences to help you make a decision.

Comment by Jeff Herrmann on January 22, 2010 at 6:31pm

Yes i want to use radio control units, for back lighting and not sure IR work for that. I have used IR and slaves 20 years ago when shooting wedding but when I droped that, just went to a single flash. Just recently entered digital with a Canon.

Comment by Michael P. Hays on January 22, 2010 at 10:31am

It can depend on the model of camera you are buying. Some camera models support IR flash triggering. It also depends if you are going to operate the remotes in line of site to the camera. If you are, you can use cheap optical flash triggers. Just put a piece of drafting tape over the built in flash and use manual settings. Drafting tape is used to reduce light output and because it doesn't leave much residue. Depending on the camera, you can determine correct exposure using a flash meter or trial and error. I have used a modification of this technique in the studio and on location for the last twenty years.

If you are determined to use radio control I have heard some good things about the ebay models.

Comment by Jeff Herrmann on January 21, 2010 at 11:06am

Micheal, I have a question. I'm on a tight budget and would like to purchase a few remote flash trigers. the PW's are out of my price range, who do you recommend? Thanks...