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Low Light Photography
30th March 2019
It’s Dark Down There
For those interested, these photos were taken with a Sony A7 III camera using a 24-240mm lens. In most cases, the ISO setting was 16000 or 32000 and taken handheld with a shutter speed of 1/15 or 1/30 and aperture as wide as f/3.5. I think the photos are of pretty decent quality considering the cave environment.
The Litra Torch
28th March 2018
Tiny LED Lighting
The Torch is an accessory that you can literally carry around in your pocket to provide a convenient light source. Suggested price is $80 and includes the diffuser, belt clip, GoPro mount, USB charging cable.
For more information please visit Litra.
Written by: Arnie Lee
Rogue Safari
26th March 2014
Flash Extender
In the next few articles, I’ll review a few of the more interesting finds from the exhibit floor.
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Below are unretouched photos without any flash compensation. Clearly the Safari does a good job of extending the range of the camera’s pop-up flash. | |
![]() Taken using the pop-up flash without the Safari |
![]() Taken using the pop-up flash with the Safari |
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Rogue says that the Safari works best with lenses that have a focal length of 100mm or greater. My simple tests proved equally effective using both Canon and Nikon cameras. You may want to dial down the flash compensation if your subject is close to the flash.
The Safari sells for about $35. For more information, please see www.RogueSafari.com
Reviewed by Arnie Lee
LumiQuest Softbox III – review
27th March 2011
Add Soft Lighting to your off-camera flash
The modern day external flash unit is a vital accessory for indoor portraits, still life, food shots and more.
Light that originates from a small source such as an external flash unit is harsher than light that originates from a larger source. To “soften” the lighting especially for portraits, photographers often use “modifiers” to alter the lighting to something more pleasing. Most of the modifiers work by spreading the light out over a larger area.
LumiQuest has been a well-known maker of modifiers for many years. Among their bestsellers is the Softbox III. When I was attending the WPPI Expo, Heidi one of LumiQuest’s principals gave me a quick demonstration of this lightweight device. I was so impressed that I ordered one when I returned home.
The concentrated light from the flash bounces inside the reflector of the Softbox III and passes through the translucent material covering its face. Instead of harsh light originating from the small flash head, a softer light originates from a much larger reflector.
Follow along as I show you how I’ve used the Softbox III to improve the lighting on some of my recent portraits.
Enjoy those Winter Brights
24th January 2011
In my last article Fight those Winter Blahs, I pleaded that you not put your camera away for the winter. In our part of the universe (western Michigan), December through March are known to bring day after day of heavy, blanketed overcast. Along with these dark clouds come lots of dull lighting that tends to stifle the picture taking mood of many of us. I suggested that despite the dark skies, there’s plenty of opportunities to find ways to make your subjects “shine”.
So it was a very pleasant surprise to see today’s sterling bright sunshine. As I looked out the window, I could see a crystal clear blue sky and blinding reflections coming from our snow-covered lawn. But as I opened the front door to fetch the Sunday newspaper, the bone-chilling winds reminded me that a 10-degree temperature makes Grand Rapids feel like the Arctic.
After enjoying a cup of hot tea, a couple of the grandkids were prodding me to play outside in the snow with them. Despite the icy cold, I decided that I wouldn’t miss this chance to have some outdoor fun and maybe take a few winter photos too. So I tracked down my trusty ski jacket and soon followed the grandkids outdoors.
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Written by Arnie Lee
Shimmering Lights and Colorful Ornaments
15th December 2010
The Holiday season has always been a wonderful time for me. While it’s envigorating to all of my senses, I’ll concentrate only on my visual sense here.
As I look around at the Christmas and Chanukah decorations, I’m overwhelmed by the variety of colors, textures and shapes. I’m often amazed at the intricate detail that I find. Let me show you what I mean.
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If your visual sense appreciates all of the stimulation that the Holiday season brings, go fetch your camera and take a few up-close photos. They’ll help you recall the Holidays long after they’re over. Happy Holidays!
Written by Arnie Lee
Lighting Tip # 1
05th October 2010
Why was this assignment so easy? Because the colors and lighting do all of the talking.
![]() Here the sun is at my back. This emphasizes the texture of the leaves. |
![]() Here I’ve moved a few feet so that the light is now coming from in back of the leaves. |
Portrait Tip #2
02nd September 2010
Portraits are one the most common type of photographs. We’d like to share some tips for taking better people pictures.
Portrait Tip # 1
30th July 2010
Portraits are the most common type of photographs. We’d like to share some of our know-how for taking better people pictures.