Lighting

Manfrotto’s ML360HP Midi Plus-36 and ML840H Maxima-84 Hybrid LED light panels should prove to be quite popular among professional photographers who require compact, low heat, low power consuming, daylight-balanced lighting accessories that can be used as stand-alone units or in conjunction with outdoor light and electronic flash.

Flash exposures are interesting in that, with the exception of the lightning-like blasts of light produced by larger studio systems and the tinier “poofs” of light emitted from pop-up flashes, to the human eye all flash exposures are perceived as being equal in value even though they might differ by several stops.

Most underwater exploration takes place during the day, in open water. The underwater photographer can create three-dimensional-looking images by carefully balancing the ambient light of the background with the artificial light that is used to illuminate the subject.

Electronic Flash - Electronic flash is daylight balanced (5500K, or Kelvin) and can be used for almost any studio application. When shooting with electronic flash, the actual exposure is made by the discharge of a powerful micro-burst of light, which is generated by the power pack (or generator) and output through the flash lamp head.

Sometimes, the phrases, acronyms and strings of numbers or number-letter combinations used to talk about photographic lighting or techniques can be daunting to the uninitiated neophyte photographer. We've prepared a list of the basic terms. Have we left any out that you think should be added? Please let us know!

Off the cuff, one might think there are few, if any, differences between packing a DSLR system and an HDSLR system, but once you look beyond the basics, i.e. the camera bodies, lenses and tripod (the legs, but not necessarily the head), the differences start adding up.

Spring is in full swing and summer will come and go before you know it, so be sure to enjoy the nice weather while you can. The warmer weather lures people outdoors, and the longer daylight hours keep them outside longer.

As a working photographer, the center of the universe is your camera bag and its contents. Your cameras and lenses are the tools of your trade. As you may have noted, both are mentioned in plural because just as you wouldn’t jump out of an airplane without a backup parachute, you shouldn’t attempt to photograph an emotionally spiked, non-repeatable event armed with only one camera.

You've signed a contract and the date is set, so how does a savvy wedding photographer proceed? Photographing a wedding involves more than simply showing up on the big day with a camera, lens, flash and a set of charged batteries.

Making pictures of the bride as she prepares for the wedding requires spontaneity while catching the decisive moment with a tactful attitude. A wedding day generates tensions on all sides—and as a neutral third party you should be an understanding, positive force for the duration.

You’re about to enter the arena: the wedding ceremony. Everyone is properly dressed, coiffed and mentally prepared (keep your fingers crossed). The coming aftermath of dining, dancing and escape to blissful marriage shimmers in the hazy future. This Is It. Just be certain that you’re ready. Have a plan, and follow it.

Before a swarm of guests descends on the reception hall and disrupts the carefully arranged environment, be sure you’ve captured it in its exquisite perfection.  Most halls are tastefully appointed and designed with visual impact in mind. With the exception of the occasional fluorescent-lit VFW hall, the reception venue is best shot in available light.

The wedding reception is where you win your battle stars. Events unfold quickly and sometimes simultaneously. You have to be very organized to stay on top of the action here. Enter the arena armed with cameras, lenses and battery-powered, on-camera or handle-mounted flashes.

Even among the likeminded, you’ll find those who prefer standard-issue shoulder bags, and others who go for photo backpacks, sling and holster-style bags or hard cases.

After cameras and lenses, the third slice of your wedding gear triad is your choice of lighting gear. The most basic system revolves around a dedicated TTL (through the lens) flashgun mounted on your camera’s hot shoe (or preferably on an adjustable flash bracket). 

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