The 50-50-50 slump buster

Ok, so you've hit it the dreaded slump, that place where no photographer likes to be. You're creative juices are at an all time low. What used to look like a great photo-op now is just the dog you have to feed, or the apple you are saving for tomorrow. Light is just something hindering your vision, the world has gone "blah". Do not fear the 50-50-50 is here. I ran across this photographer in a group I moderate called S.U.M (setups mandatory) over on flickr.

He just completed  this little project where he took 50 photos, for 50 days, with a 50mm lens.

He had to use flash for each photo and he had to photograph the setup shot for each.

So for all you Strobist out there looking for a little spark, besides the one that come from your speedlight, this might just be what the Dr. ordered.

DIY Ring flash

I have made 2 or three different ring flashes over the last two years, and have finally found one that I think makes the grade. With that being said there are a few things to mention.

POWER - DIY ring flashes that incorporate speedlights will not have the power of a commercially made one.

AESTHETICS - It probably will not look as cool either.

USEABILITY  - Not being tethered to a wall or larger power source will give you freedom to grab and go anywhere!

"THE LOOK" - You still get that same great head on light with the full subject shadow like the commercial ring flashes.

$$$ - And this one is huge compared to some of the more affordable models ($399), you will only be spending around $ 20-30.

I could explain how to make this but the videos explain it so much better.

I did  two things differently. I used flat stock aluminum instead of galvanized steel. I thought it might be easier to work with. The bends on the flatstock were different due to the fact that I do not use the hot shoe sync cord he uses, instead I use STE-2 or radio triggers.

Below is his 2 part video tutorial.

Another (Super Cheap) Shoe adapter

For those of you wanting to experiment with off camera flash. Here is an affordable way to hep get you there.

I ran across US Camera while I was looking for cheap sync cords. At $7.95 this has to be the cheapest shoe adapter I have seen. Turns out this guy is right down the mountain from me in Centennial, CO. 

I think he has all the parts to make your own flash as well!

It is constructed of metal for years of use. Has test button and two PC outlets.

 Lets any camera, digital or film, with a standard hot shoe have a  PC terminal to connect external flash via cord.  

Great for testing of flash shoe operation for technicians.