[Scott]

http://www.acen.org/...aphers-at-acen/

Okay, so the meet-ups were kind of a bust last year. Hopefully for 2011 we can rectify that, right?


Meet-up date and time:


Day: Friday
Time: 11:00 AM
Place: The Garden Area

(in case of rain: Lower Dome)


Don't know where the garden area is? View this topic:
http://www.acen.org/...-stuff-to-know/

Or this photo:
http://img.photobuck...en/IMG00290.jpg




How did your photos turn out?
What would you like to improve on this year?
When and where could we meet that would actually work?
Get any new gear you want to show off lately?
Learn any new techniques lately?

This is open to anyone with even a remote interest in photography.

This post has been edited by Scott: 18 May 2011 - 08:36 AM

[Seph]

How did your photos turn out?
awesome

What would you like to improve on this year?
my photos would come out better if i have a hover rocket pack.. i would be able to get some cool angles.. im still working on it though...

When any where could we meet that would actually work?
inception.. as in... in yo dreams

Get any new gear you want to show off lately?
no.. i dont show of my gear.. i share my work

Learn any new techniques lately?
yes



But in all seriousness... getting the togs together at acen.. i dont know.. i really dont see a large turn out. There is way to much potential going on all the time always for ALL the togs to be able to meet up

We do a good job on the forums though...

which reminds me.. There is a certain photographer I have to track down.. it would be nice if i remembered his name..

[Scott]

Seph, on 05 October 2010 - 02:36 PM, said:

What would you like to improve on this year?
my photos would come out better if i have a hover rocket pack.. i would be able to get some cool angles.. im still working on it though...

I could not find anything about that on Google, was it a joke or some type of camera mount?

Seph, on 05 October 2010 - 02:36 PM, said:

Get any new gear you want to show off lately?
no.. i dont show of my gear.. i share my work

Okay, how about producing the work you do with a $250 digicam and no lighting equipment.

Seph, on 05 October 2010 - 02:36 PM, said:

Learn any new techniques lately?
yes

Feel like sharing?


---------------------------------------------

I just took these photos today. Used 100mm Macro lens, a 1.5x TC (teleconverter), and a flash attached to a flash bracket and angled down toward the lens. The magnification is more than 1:1, but I'm not sure how the calculation works out. Overall pretty sharp considering the use of a TC.

[Seph]

Scott, on 05 October 2010 - 03:56 PM, said:

I could not find anything about that on Google, was it a joke or some type of camera mount?

It was a joke

Scott, on 05 October 2010 - 03:56 PM, said:

Okay, how about producing the work you do with a $250 digicam and no lighting equipment.

Well.. i dont have a $250 digicam.. but i DO have a sony dsc-p52
that you can get on amazon for $50
http://www.amazon.co...l/dp/B00008MZ0B

I leave my house at 8:30am, and normally do not get back until 9:00pm. And im booked this weekend. Basically. Im running low on natural light....
how about an led flash light

http://ledmuseum.can...enth/rr15-1.htm

or even a clamp lamp.....

let me know and Ill start setting something up...

Scott, on 05 October 2010 - 03:56 PM, said:

Feel like sharing?

Well... im shooting a lot of product photography. product photography is a hell of a lot different then shooting models, so ive been learning a lot on perspectives, and highly reflective surfaces like chrome, glass, and mirrors...

Though I do not talk about my product photography... I speak a LOT on my self portraits that ive been doing a LOT of lately.
Photographing yourself with an other subject with creative lighting is one hell of a doosy..
but I get it done

[Scott]

Seph, on 05 October 2010 - 05:46 PM, said:

It was a joke

Well I assumed with rocket in the name it was a joke, but you never know with product names these days.
Such as the "STEADICAM Merlin"

Seph, on 05 October 2010 - 05:46 PM, said:

but i DO have a sony dsc-p52
how about an led flash light
let me know and Ill start setting something up...

I was saying photography tools that most people would front the money for, so those two sound good.

We are still on page 1 of the thread and already another challenge is suggested. haha

I have similar tools available.

Maybe this will be good to generate some interest in the thread.

Any subject ideas? I'm always open for some photography.

Seph, on 05 October 2010 - 05:46 PM, said:

Well... im shooting a lot of product photography. product photography is a hell of a lot different then shooting models, so ive been learning a lot on perspectives, and highly reflective surfaces like chrome, glass, and mirrors...

Though I do not talk about my product photography... I speak a LOT on my self portraits that ive been doing a LOT of lately.
Photographing yourself with an other subject with creative lighting is one hell of a doosy..
but I get it done

The majority of money I've made in photography was in stock photos (objects on white quite a bit). I'd like to make money at photography, but I need to work on my willingness to "hustle" I guess. 8:30am-9pm is quite a long time to be doing any one thing though.

[DarkOne]

I think we'd all rather be getting shots- than discussing it XD

[Scott]

DarkOne, on 05 December 2010 - 12:41 AM, said:

I think we'd all rather be getting shots- than discussing it XD

Someone new to the discussion. Excellent

Yeah, but how would be get to know each other if we never talk? What better subject to talk about but shinny lenses.

[Seph]

Scott, on 05 October 2010 - 03:56 PM, said:

Okay, how about producing the work you do with a $250 digicam and no lighting equipment.

well.. my 10 year old camera died on me.....
I took these last night..

This photograph was taken with a dslr.... I could have gotten this shot with ANY dslr as I did not use any advance camera functions(on that note.. i never do)

I took a glass bubble ball

http://www.lightingd...0&aid=335461584

With a 12v 20w bulb

http://www.1000bulbs...412V102132.html

Hung the ball with the lighting wires then used photoshop to remove the wires.

and took these images last night

http://www.facebook....27&id=678103938

http://www.facebook....51&id=678103938

standard dslr/lens, about a $10 lighting/prop set up, and the clone tool on PS to remove the power cable

This post has been edited by Seph: 05 December 2010 - 01:25 PM

[Scott]

Those facebook photos look like you are making a Rasengan (Naruto's jutsu). haha

I'll see if I have any translucent globe things around the house... otherwise I'll come up with something random...

[Seph]

Scott, on 05 December 2010 - 02:27 PM, said:

Those facebook photos look like you are making a Rasengan (Naruto's jutsu). haha

I'll see if I have any translucent globe things around the house... otherwise I'll come up with something random...

what im basically saying is.. I dont always have to use "omg wtfbbq light equiptment"

I love that photo and its like a $10 prop shoot..

I work for a company shooting their products.. with the equipment they own.. and boy oh boy... their equipment is such the crap.. and old gear.. but i make it work

and going back to what I said a few months ago...

Its not about your gear.. its about your creativity, skill, and troubleshooting with the tools you currently have...

Scott, on 05 December 2010 - 02:27 PM, said:

Those facebook photos look like you are making a Rasengan (Naruto's jutsu). haha

i looked it up.. huh... looks like im going to have to put together a Naruto photoshoot for myself.. because.. as you know.. its rarely been done

[Y0sh1m1tsu]

Scott, on 05 October 2010 - 12:50 PM, said:

http://www.acen.org/...aphers-at-acen/

How did your photos turn out?

Adequate, but less than impressive.

What would you like to improve on this year?

In general, Everything. Specifically, Low light shots.

Edit typo: When and where could we meet that would actually work?

You tell me. But as previously mentioned, there are so many photo ops at any given time that it may be difficult to gather a group of shutterbugs for any significant amount of time.
Get any new gear you want to show off lately?

In this economy?

Learn any new techniques lately?

I found out that shooting the moon is best at ISO 100 at f10-14 with a 300mm minimum lens on a tripod. Holy cow. It really works!


This is open to anyone with even a remote interest in photography.

[Scott]

I decided to look into getting some insurance for my camera gear. Thanks to a tip from a fellow convention photographer I'm probably going to go with State Farm. They offer a business-use equipment police for $1.75 per $100 in gear as I don't quite fit into the personal articles policy. I feel more "professional" already.

[A True Elsewhere]

Hey yo... I'm a brand new photographer and I'd like to meet up with people, just to learn stuff! I just got a Nikon D80, and I'm excited to take photos at ACEN this year...

So I guess I'll keep my eye on this thread in case photographers DO meet up.

[Scott]

I at least know I'm going Saturday. If I can get a hotel room I'll be there the whole event.

Nikon, eh? Have you acquired anything besides the kit lens yet?

[Jace]

Hi there!

How did your photos turn out?

The ones I did last weekend were ok, other than the fact that I shot at 400 ISO on a sunny day, outside.


What would you like to improve on this year?

I'm sure you mean ACEN, so by me showing up will already improve my work!

Edit typo: When and where could we meet that would actually work?

Idc, anytime Sat/sun except for sat between ten and noon.

Get any new gear you want to show off lately?


The whole reason I'm making this post! I got my new flash in this week, as well as my 50mm 1.7 lens! Going to use it for a 'shoot' tomorrow


Learn any new techniques lately?


Yes, I learned how to point my flash up toward the ceiling!

<<

[fotaku07]

A True Elsewhere, on 15 March 2011 - 10:57 AM, said:

Hey yo... I'm a brand new photographer and I'd like to meet up with people, just to learn stuff! I just got a Nikon D80, and I'm excited to take photos at ACEN this year...

Congrats on the Nikon! I just converted to Nikon myself. It's been a joy so far learning how to use the system. Is the D80 your first Nikon DSLR?

[A True Elsewhere]

fotaku07, on 30 March 2011 - 10:42 PM, said:

Congrats on the Nikon! I just converted to Nikon myself. It's been a joy so far learning how to use the system. Is the D80 your first Nikon DSLR?

Yes it is! I'm trying to teach myself using the manual and a photog friend's suggestions... Unfortunately the friend in question is pretty lax. So it's a long road. I think what I'd like to learn most is how to work with natural lighting in all different sorts of environments.

Anyway, I'll be taking it to Acen and photographing some friends in their cosplays... I can't wait!

[magicalgamer]

If anyone sees me at the con taking a few photos during photoshoots and/or anywhere during the con really, I am more then willing to help out others with photo tips if they want.
I am currently using a Nikon d7000 with 2 SB600 flashes and a variety of lenses.
At a photoshoot with bad lighting, if I am there and you ask politely, I can let someone use a flash with your cameras remote flash setting (basically, I hold the flash, and you get the benefits of the flash)

[Scott]

So should we start planning for a specific meeting place and time?


magicalgamer, it's nice to see more photographers on here. Welcome to the party!

Do you use both flashes at the convention? I always debate whether I want to deal with flash setups as what I do is usually really high paced. Sometimes I might spend all of 10 seconds with a cosplayer. I can easily compensate for lack of fill flash in post-processing if I need to, so often I don't even bring the flash/bracket/flash extension cable/batteries/charger with me. I will probably be bring it to ACEN as I have at least one private session scheduled.

[magicalgamer]

Scott, on 31 March 2011 - 04:09 PM, said:

Do you use both flashes at the convention? I always debate whether I want to deal with flash setups as what I do is usually really high paced.

I carry my camera bag with me, so I have the flashes with me, but I won't always pull them both out.

For the spontanious, as I am walking around the con photos, I use 1 flash. At pre-organized gatherings I will pull out the 2 flashes.

I like having the ability to use a flash off camera quickly. Switching a flash between normal and remote is not always the quickest thing to do so I generally leave one flash in perma-remote status.

With the D7000 I use the U1 and U2 user saved settings. With a flick of the dial I can switch between whatever I decide I need for an event. basic example is I could have U1 be ISO 100 F/5.6 shutter 1/250, use a flash and with a multiple point focus and U2 could be ISO800 F/1.8 shutter 1/30 with a single focus point and white balance set to floresent)

[tfcreate]

Your biggest ally in using SLRs and many Range-finder/higher end P/S models is the manual mode. Learn that and you can't go wrong.
A HUGE mistake many make is to wait until the day of the con to figure out how things work. Bad move. Work on your technique now.
The thing is to just use the camera. Then analyze your shots.

This post has been edited by tfcreate: 31 March 2011 - 09:24 PM

[fotaku07]

magicalgamer, on 31 March 2011 - 09:03 PM, said:

With the D7000 I use the U1 and U2 user saved settings. With a flick of the dial I can switch between whatever I decide I need for an event. basic example is I could have U1 be ISO 100 F/5.6 shutter 1/250, use a flash and with a multiple point focus and U2 could be ISO800 F/1.8 shutter 1/30 with a single focus point and white balance set to floresent)

Thanks for the idea! I just got a D7000 and didn't even think about using the user presets on the dial. I'm going to have to play around with this and use it at the con.

[Scott]

magicalgamer, on 31 March 2011 - 09:03 PM, said:

I carry my camera bag with me, so I have the flashes with me, but I won't always pull them both out.

For the spontanious, as I am walking around the con photos, I use 1 flash. At pre-organized gatherings I will pull out the 2 flashes.

I like having the ability to use a flash off camera quickly. Switching a flash between normal and remote is not always the quickest thing to do so I generally leave one flash in perma-remote status.

With the D7000 I use the U1 and U2 user saved settings. With a flick of the dial I can switch between whatever I decide I need for an event. basic example is I could have U1 be ISO 100 F/5.6 shutter 1/250, use a flash and with a multiple point focus and U2 could be ISO800 F/1.8 shutter 1/30 with a single focus point and white balance set to floresent)

Ah nice, my K-5's relative, in imaging sensor at least! (The Sony sensor is crazy good) Yeah, those multiple user modes are pretty neat. The K-5 has 5, but up until recently I'm use to only having one with the K-7. I just need to spend some time thinking up a few useful configurations like that...

While I don't know much at all about it, the Nikon flash system is always said to be the best.

Are you always using the flash(s) in manual mode? How do you manage flash intensity, or does the camera body take care of that through wireless communication? Do you use diffusers with your flashes?

[magicalgamer]

fotaku07, on 31 March 2011 - 09:53 PM, said:

Thanks for the idea! I just got a D7000 and didn't even think about using the user presets on the dial. I'm going to have to play around with this and use it at the con.

When your camera is in manual set it up the way you like it, every little setting you normally would change. Then in the menu there is a "save user settings" that you use to save those settings to U1 or U2. I find the presets good for the couple shots you know you will encounter. Are the presets perfect for every situation, no. But if I have a choice between missing a shot or getting one, I will always choose the getting one. If I have a choice between a saved setting and manual I will always choose manual, but as a photographer I will not ask or make the cosplayer wait for me.

Scott - I usually bounce the flash off a wall/ceiling if it is available.
I can set the flashes to let the camera decide or I can set the flash intensity on the flash. Every situation is different, but since my off-camera flash is used as creative fill-flash quite a bit, I will usually keep it on a low setting. If the camera decides, you waste battery life when it tries to light the entire room when all you want is the cosplayer in the foreground.

What's fun is if you line up 20 photographers with comparable equipment, you get 20 different styles of results.

[Scott]

magicalgamer, on 01 April 2011 - 08:35 AM, said:

What's fun is if you line up 20 photographers with comparable equipment, you get 20 different styles of results.

Right, I agree. I'm always in learning mode, which is why I asked.

[Goldeneyeuro]

*joins into conversation* Hope there's a meeting and at a time when I can make it. Just got back from Anime Detour in Twin Cities, and was pulled aside when a group said "Look, someone else who shoots with a Nikon." Cue absolutely brilliant 20-minute long conversation with photography buffs that I'd love to repeat at ACEN.

I'm in the hardcore learning/experiment mode myself and last week's con was the first opportunity to see if I'd be overwhelmed by my new dSLR or not. I've only taken a brief look at a few pictures, but they've so far looked... well, it depends, I guess. Compared to some of my pictures I've taken from 2-5 years ago, or from some of the random shots my friends have taken, much better. I look at those and I can seriously see progress in terms of skill and camera quality. Compared to those who have owned dSLRs for a few years, I'll acknowledge that I'm still a beginner.

Took a class a few days ago offered by the place which I bought my dSLR from, and will be taking the followup ones hopefully before ACEN to get some more tips.

Gear I'm shooting with:
Nikon D3100 14.2 MP
Used Nikon 18-105 3.5-5.6 VR lens (Kit lens that comes with D90/D7000) (I sold the 18-55 that the body came with due to lack of range) with petal lens hood and UV filter (was mistaken for an 18-200 by those I spoke with mentioned in 1st paragraph)

I might get a diffuser (bought or made I don't know) since from just a brief look at the pictures I took with a depowered flash (excuse my terminology), they were brighter, yes, but I think I can achieve better results with a diffuser.

Also, is it sad that whenever I see someone shooting with a Canon dSLR, a very small "Hey, rival" thought comes into my head? XD

[tfcreate]

Pick a place and a time and I'll swing by.... if I don't have something scheduled.

[magicalgamer]

tfcreate, on 06 April 2011 - 03:01 AM, said:

Pick a place and a time and I'll swing by.... if I don't have something scheduled.

If someone picks a time, I will be there.

[fotaku07]

Goldeneyeuro, on 05 April 2011 - 11:33 PM, said:

I might get a diffuser (bought or made I don't know) since from just a brief look at the pictures I took with a depowered flash (excuse my terminology), they were brighter, yes, but I think I can achieve better results with a diffuser.

Also, is it sad that whenever I see someone shooting with a Canon dSLR, a very small "Hey, rival" thought comes into my head? XD

Welcome to the conversation!

I'm assuming you have an external flash if you want to get a diffuser? If so I'd recommend the sto-fens. The Gary Fong Lightspheres are nice for diffusing light but in my opinion aren't the best unless you're in a room with white or neutral walls. If you're shooting that thing in a room with a red ceiling or walls nearby you'll get a red cast on your subject. If you're just using the flash built into the camera there's things like the Gary Fong Puffer (there's cheap knock-offs on ebay or a soft diffuser like this

Having shot Canon for the past ten years or so and recently making the switch to Nikon your rival statment made me laugh. XD Yeah I guess I feel like my own enemy in a way. However, how insane would it be if someone showed up at the convention with a Hasselblad H4D or a Phase One. Would they then be our mortal enemies?

[tfcreate]

magicalgamer, on 06 April 2011 - 08:13 AM, said:

If someone picks a time, I will be there.

So far it's just a gear thread. These things often don't progress much beyond this.