mmmm I think I need a 135L....

 

I was trying to think of what to get my mother for her birthday (the 24th) when I remembered her telling me this spring that she wanted me to try and get a sunset picture of a lighthouse not too far from here. Look at the clock and realize I can make it there just in time if I run out the door. Drive the 40 minutes there and pull up right at the perfect time.......if there was actually a dramatic colorful sunset today

 

 

first time I went out to shoot in months too.

Going to Disney again next month fml ....at least I can look forward to using it as a photography trip, and an excuse to upgrade my walk around lens

 

Are you staying in the park?

 

yeah, Im staying at Port Orleans Riverside this time. Its such a hassle not to stay at the park.

 

I think next time we go, will stay at the park as well. Will get more night time at the park for pictures.

 

yeah, the "extra magic hours" for resort guests only is nice. I think that Fri-Sat night the Magic Kingdom is open till midnight while Im there, occasionally they will stay open till 1, they usually vary it depending on resort volume

 

 

So I've been battling with a flash issue for months, just figuring it was wear and tear. It was the same exact thing my old 580 used to do, it will fire about once every 4 or 5 clicks - like during a shoot - so it *seemed* like it was taking 6-7 seconds to recycle. So I was figuring to get a new flash soon, etc. Because obviously that's a huge problem for any type of serious flash photography. Yesterday I was doing a shoot and before I started, I test-fired the flash off the camera a few times using the button on the flash. I hit it maybe 10 times, and the thing is firing like a beast, no issues. I mean I was hitting it 2 times a second and it was not skipping a beat. I'm like and so then I put it on the camera, and it continues firing like a beast. I have no idea what happened but it appears to be working fine now! And I am a happy camper.

Thanks for reading this long and drawn out post.

Hope everyone has a nice holiday!

srika

 

Battery Issue?

 

nah, I was using the same Powerex 2700's as when I had the issue, which are several months old. (not old).

 

Are they the same batteries you were using in your old 580ex? We're you using rechargables in that one?

I'm assuming 2700=2700mAh?

 

no no, these are pretty new. the old 580 batteries are long gone (they were the same type but older model).


I'm quite sure it's not a battery issue.

 

Do you have problems with regular alkaline batteries?

 

I've only used them a couple times as backups. IIRC they did not improve the flash's recycle time. (If they did, I would have probably continued using them).

 

Is this an issue with using your "new" 5D? If so clean the contacts.

 

it is, but it was also an issue with the 7D. But you're right, I forgot to do that. I need to do that on the flash and the cameras. Thanks for the reminder, someone had recommended that to me a week ago but I forgot. I think that is what the problem is.

 

Nvm then if it didn't fix the problem.

Ya possibly dirty contacts

 

yeah, they must have got pretty dirty....

 

 

Still think its the batteries.

 

some unknown DJ artist dude on facebook wanted to get promo photos done and contacted me today. I have to share this with the class.

 

 

What's next?

Hey man, I've got a buddy that's getting married... you mind shooting the wedding? The girl is really good looking and so you should be able to do it for free because of that... is that cool? I mean she looks good so you should be able to use it for your portfolio, k?

 

B&H has a 5DII bundle (CF, bag, software) for $2k

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...G&A=details&Q=

I thought about it, but I'd have to sell my 50D and 17-55 2.8 to offset the purchase, so I'd be left with a great body and only two EF lenses - 50 1.8 and 70-200 2.8... so I'd also have to buy the 24-70 2.8L on top of the 5DII... too much money, even selling some of what I have.

 

Just sold my Tokina lens.

I did take so many memorable pics with that lens. Hate to see it go. But I had to do it because the wedding is killing me.

An upside for this is that I sold it for 600 bucks which is the same amount that I paid for it about 2 years ago. And another upside is that the guy who bought the lens did say that he baby all of his gears. I'm just glad that it's been sold to a person who appreciate it.

I'm probably going to pick up the 5D MarkII around the end of next year. That should be fun.

 

its insane how well the tokina's hold their value. I bought one locally for like $500 a year or so ago, played with it for a bit and decided to just keep my 10-20 instead.

If they could ramp up their production they would sell a shit ton more lens'

 

I guess you're not home.

 

nope, working like a fucking slave. I'm gonna go pick it up tonight.

 

Im shooting this party tonight. getting picked up in a limo at 10, should be lots of fun photos. I'm doing it 'pro bono', since it's a charity event for Cystic Fibrosis. but I don't have to pay.

 

Nice.

 

but do they have a lot of nice clothes?

 

I just love the replies I could have come up with for that DJ dude...

"Yeah, I first picked up a camera when I was 5, too...I guess I've been a photographer for OVER 25 years..."

"OK, so where are one of those 8 guys to shoot this thing for you for free?"

 

will have to see tonight!


here is how the convo ended btw:

 

Wow..him saying "I won't pay you" = dick, take a hike.

 

 

oh. totally over my head. lol

 

I, and the lens, are now home

 

well, there are times when a 'mutual' scenario is reasonable and acceptable. not for a wedding, but you know the deal with TFP and TFCD setups. A scenario where you are working with a model, and in return for the opportunity to shoot them, they get photos. And I have done that numerous times in the past, and it has bolstered my portfolio and experience. I did a bathtub shoot recently with an acquaintance and that was along those lines, I contacted her and asked if she wanted to do it, and each of us gets to add to our portfolios thereof. And that's understood. Oh and, she's hot so that's another (big) factor lol. Another scenario is pure opportunity, like if you get in some desirable situation because of your photography experience. I haven't had this kind of thing happen often but tonight is a possible example (but not really since it's for charity). I am doing this "pro bono" because my friend asked me, and I will get to bolster my portfolio with the ensuing party photos. That is, I do feel it will be beneficial to me so I don't mind doing it free (and also the charity is a "feel-good" kind of gesture). Now, a random DJ douche on facebook? no, I don't feel any need to be "nice" in that scenario.

If a friend contacted me and said, hey, Adriana Lima is in town and coming to ______ can you swing by and snap some photos? I would just be like, DONE! and not even talk about any compensation. I would just GO. That is opportunity, for someone like me, at least.