Radio Popper Transmitters On Their Way...

More photo goodies!

If you've been looking for an alternative to the expensive Pocket Wizard radio flash triggers that currently rule the photo universe, you might just have a new 'expensive' option coming in the first weeks of January. Radio Poppers from Kevin King, Phoenix Arizona based wedding shooter, promises to be a revolutionary new transmitter / receiver flash trigger for working with E-TTL and Canon / Nikon cameras. His tiny Radio Popper receiver units promise more flexibility with shutter speed sync, increased transmitter working distance and flawless reliability in bright daylight. You can read more about his Radio Poppers on the STROBIST website, where you can follow links to an original article from September of this year.

There still seem to be a lot of skeptics and Pocket Wizard true-believers out there who want to cast doubt on his invention and scheduled January 2008 release date. You can check out the Radio Popper Website and decide for yourself.

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Watching Chase Jarvis' NYC Photoshelter Talk

I'm Watching Chase Jarvis' NYC Photoshelter Talk on the Strobist Website as I make this post. He's addressing a crowd of 600 + photographers, complete with a video, slide show and DJ! Chase is a young guy, outdoorsman, commercial advertising / editorial photographer and photo- creating- dynamo and he's sharing the inside scoop on his methods and work ethic.

For those of you who dream of shooting at this level commercially, this video is definitely worth your time.

Here is a Direct Link to the video.

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Duncan Babbage's Ghetto Trigger Test!

For those of you who can't afford or refuse to part with the big bucks for Pocket Wizards Wireless Flash Triggers, there is always the less expensive, Chinese made 'Ghetto Triggers'. Notoriously cheap, poorly made and somewhat unreliable, they are nevertheless very popular items on E-bay that have made their way into most retail photography shops and a lot of Pro Shooter's camera bags. Some Remote Trigger Units being more dependable than others, you have to ask around on the photographers net forums to find a batch from a manufacturer / seller that has proven itself in daily use. The remotes currently offered on E-bay are hands down, more powerful and reliable than the units being produced just a few years ago. I own one myself and use it frequently with very few problems. Best 70 bucks I ever spent!

A few quick tips:

• Test the unit in different locations / situations that best reflect the type of photography work that you do on a daily basis. Small rooms, large studios, factory floor or outdoor shooting in close proximity to your lights, whatever situation most representative of your average work setting.
• Test different battery brands / types in each Remote Unit, lithium, alkaline, Duracell, Eveready etc... I have found that my Chinese made Remote Trigger is 98-99 percent reliable in most situations if I use Fresh Duracell Batteries. The Cheap Dollar Store Double-A's just don't seem to work. I guess it has something to do with continuous average Voltage or Amps......who knows!
• After a PC Connector came loose inside my Remote Trigger, I dismantled it, fixed the problem and filled the guts of the unit with High Strength Hot Glue. Problem Solved!
• Whatever you do.................Don't drop it! Trust me, they don't bounce.

Duncan Babbage, Photographer and New Zealand Native has extensively tested the Ghetto Remotes and found some interesting things about the Channel Frequencies and overall reliability.

Thanks to Duncan and to the Strobist Website for pointing us to his article.

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Packing Lite With The Strobist!

Approaching my early 40's has brought about a major change in the way I pack for assignments. I no longer feel the need to pack every light, every stand and light modifier I own. In fact I have learned to do more with less and improve upon the quality of the work at the same time. Send me out the door with a camera, a light bulb and one match and I will come back with good pics! With experience comes the confidence to 'make do' and utilize your surroundings and minimal gear to accomplish any assignment. Not every job will produce images worthy of 'Communication Arts', but that is also the case with most ( average ) assignments, even when you pack the entire studio! Knowing my desire to slim down the gear and give my aching back a rest from equipment overload, a friend of mine turned me onto the STROBIST weblog . It has become an invaluable resource for ideas on packing lite and working smarter, not harder! The link below will take you to his homepage and a wonderful article about the idea of doing more with less!

Note: Eventually this post on his site will move off his home page and be accessible in the June 2007 postings. But for now, this link will get you there.

Link Below:
On Assignment: On Vacation

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