In this episode Mark explains why f/2.8 is a large aperture opening and f/22 is a small aperture opening. Mark also discusses the meanings of the numbers on many lenses.
All posts by kelsey
White Balance
In this episode Mark Wallace discusses how different sources of light affect the colors of your photographs. Mark explains color temperature and white balance, and demonstrates how you can get the most accurate color in your images.
Gear used in this video
- Nikon 85mm f/1.4D IF AF Telephoto Nikkor Lens with Hood
- Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II Digital SLR Camera Kit
- Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM AutoFocus Wide Angle Telephoto Zoom Lens with Case & Hood
- Nikon D90 12.3 Megapixel Digital SLR Camera Body with DX Format CMOS Sensor
- Nikon 50mm f/1.4G AF-S Auto Focus Nikkor Lens
- Datacolor Spyder 3 Studio SR – Complete Color Management System
- X-Rite Digital ColorChecker Passport, Exposure & White Balance System
- ExpoImaging ExpoDisc 77mm Digital White Balance Solution Filter for Digital Still & Video Cameras
Using a Ring Flash in the Studio
Mark Wallace shows you how the many ways a ring flash can be used in a studio.
Blue Background
Join Mark as he shows you how to take a drab background and punch it up with some color! Using speedlights and gels, Mark makes a great portrait in an industrial warehouse.
Using the Rogue FlashBender and Diffusion Panel by ExpoImaging, Mark gets soft light on his model. Then he uses a Rogue Gel to cast a blue light on the background. Perfect for a quick, on-location shot.
Gear used in this video
- Nikon D7000 Digital SLR Camera Body, with Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S VR
- Westcott Pro 8′ Free Sliding Lightstand with 5/8 Mounting Stud, 4 Sections with 3 Risers, Black Anodized
- ExpoImaging Rogue Master Lighting Kit, Includes Large FlashBender Reflector, Small FlashBender Reflector, Large Diffusion Panel, Bounce Card/Flag
- Nikon SB-900 TTL AF Shoe Mount Speedlight
- Nikon SB-700 TTL AF Shoe Mount Speedlight – USA Warranty
- Interfit Photographic Umbrella Holder with Hotshoe Adapter
- Lowepro Pro Runner 200 AW Photo Backpack holds DSLR and 3 to 4 Lenses, Black
Photobooth Automation
Mark shows you how to automate your Adobe Lightroom 4 to process incoming photos from your photobooth. Join Mark as he explains how to automatically stylize the photos, and put them in a slideshow that can be played on a big screen.
These tips are great for corporate parties or events, but also wedding photographers can use this to promote their work and sell more images at the reception!
Gear used in this video
- Nikon D3S Body Only
- Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S Nikkor Lens – Nikon U.S.A. Warranty
- Nikon SB-910 TTL AF Shoe Mount Speedlight
- PocketWizard Plus III Transceiver #801-130
- Benro A2690TBH1 Travel Angel Aluminum Tripod
- PocketWizard N90M3ACCND Nikon 10 Pin Remote Pre-Trigger Cable
- Tether Tools Aero Table, Master Edition Portable Computer Tethering Platform, 22″ x 16″, Black
- Tether Tools TetherPro 15ft USB 3.0 Male (Type A) to Micro (Type B) 5-Pin Cable, Hi-Visibility Orange
- Savage Nucor, Plain Uncoated Foam Mount Board, 40×60″, Pack of 12 Boards
- Westcott Pro 8′ Free Sliding Lightstand with 5/8 Mounting Stud, 4 Sections with 3 Risers, Black Anodized
- Da-Lite Deluxe Fast-Fold, Portable Free Standing Projection Screen, 7′-6″x10′, Video Format, Dual-Vision Surface (Front and Rear Projection)
Making a Photobooth
In this episode, Mark shows you how to create a photobooth setup for your next party or corporate gathering! The key to this is the white foam core boards, also known as V-flats or bookends. These allow the flash to bounce so you get great light from only one speedlight. You also should use a wide-angle lens to fit many people in the pictures!
Mark uses his PocketWizard PlusIII’s to trigger the camera and take fun pictures. If you don’t have wireless remotes, you can also use a shutter release cable to achieve the same results. Using Lightroom, Mark is able to quickly create a slideshow to show the guests their photos. In the next episode, Mark will show you how to do that to make a big impact at a party, corporate event or even a wedding.
Gear used in this video
- Nikon D3S Body Only
- Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S Nikkor Lens – Nikon U.S.A. Warranty
- Nikon SB-910 TTL AF Shoe Mount Speedlight
- PocketWizard Plus III Transceiver #801-130
- Benro A2690TBH1 Travel Angel Aluminum Tripod
- PocketWizard N90M3ACCND Nikon 10 Pin Remote Pre-Trigger Cable
- Tether Tools Aero Table, Master Edition Portable Computer Tethering Platform, 22″ x 16″, Black
- Tether Tools TetherPro 15ft USB 3.0 Male (Type A) to Micro (Type B) 5-Pin Cable, Hi-Visibility Orange
- Savage Nucor, Plain Uncoated Foam Mount Board, 40×60″, Pack of 12 Boards
- Westcott Pro 8′ Free Sliding Lightstand with 5/8 Mounting Stud, 4 Sections with 3 Risers, Black Anodized
The Magic Lens
In this episode, Mark shows why the Canon 85mm f/1.2 lens is his favorite!
With such shallow depth of field, this lens is great for getting out of a bind with undesireable backgrounds. The 85mm isn’t for everyone though, as it can be extremely difficult to get the focus where you want it with such shallow depth of field.
Gear used in this video
White Paper Tricks
Mark explains why white seamless paper is so versatile in the studio. Using unique lighting and making something called a “gobo,” you can create different and exciting backgrounds that look like they were shot on black.
Seamless paper can be purchased in a variety of sizes and colors. Try using some of these techniques on different colors as well to see the effects you can get.
Gear used in this video
- Nikon D3S Body Only
- Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G AF-S VR II Zoom-Nikkor ED-IF Lens
- PocketWizard Plus III Transceiver #801-130
- Profoto D1 1000 Watt Second Air Monolight Flash with Built-in Reflector & Power Cable, Coated Flash Tube
- Matthews Baby Junior Triple Riser Stand with Wheels
- Profoto Zoom Reflector 2 – Accepts Profoto Grids, No Gridholder Needed
- Profoto 20° Honeycomb Grid. #100606 / 505-528
- Profoto 10 Degree Honeycomb Grid for the #505-502 7″ Grid Reflector. #100634 / 505-572
- Profoto 5 Degree Honeycomb Grid for the #505-502 7″ Grid Reflector. #100635 / 505-571
- Profoto 50° Magnum Reflector #100624 / 505-504
- Lee Filters Black Foil
- Matthews 20″ Century Stand with Sliding Leg, Grip Head, Arm
- Tether tableTether Tools Tether Table Premier, 18″ x 16″ – Black
- Tether Tools Aero Table, Master Edition Portable Computer Tethering Platform, 22″ x 16″, Black
- Tether Tools TetherPro 15ft USB 3.0 Male (Type A) to Micro (Type B) 5-Pin Cable, Hi-Visibility Orange
- American DJ Mini Fog Portable Fog Machine, 400W Heater Core, 120VAC
- Sekonic L-758DR DigitalMaster, Programmable Digital Flash & Ambient Exposure Meter
- Benro A2690TBH1 Travel Angel Aluminum Tripod
- Savage Seamless Background Paper, 107″ wide x 50 yards, Super White, #1
Simple Soft Light
Join Mark as he demonstrates how to take great pictures in any environment with no flashes or reflectors. The key to great soft light outdoors is finding “open shade.” Mark travels around downtown Phoenix pointing out opportunities for great outdoor portraits.
Gear used in this video
Smash, Flash and Freeze
Mark shows how to take photos that look “high speed” but were really taken with a long exposure and a flash! He’ll be smashing light bulbs, breaking eggs and dropping strawberries. With this simple setup, you can capture the motion of every smash and splash!
Gear used in this video