Concerning RAW vs JPEG, it's not a right or wrong issue. It's a matter of capturing and retaining the maximum amount of data in an image. It's really only relevant if you plan on doing post processing. For the average soccer mom, it's unnecessary.

I've just started using LR myself, but I don't remember seeing a pano or HDR feature off the top of my head. I, too, thought it was confusing compared to PS because it handles files differently. One advantage it has is the catalog feature. It helps organize your photos and you can also rate and tag them.

 

^ not to mention metadata

its so nice to say "oh i shot that in april sometime with my 50mm"

boom it sorts lens, date, camera etc

 

^ That data still comes with a JPEG image. I know that on Flickr the exif info shows all of the settings and whatnot used. I use RAW from regularly, but I don't like the idea of relying on RAW and PP. I want the image to be perfect right from the camera and skip the editing. Personal preference, really. No doubt RAW has plenty of advantages. It would be great to use RAW + JPEG option when shooting but I'd probably fill up the memory card quickly.

 

 

Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/zachbreaux/5325397249/

 

Black Swan?

Highly recommend it (well the movie atleast)

Awesome pic btw

 

^ I think I just went through your entire flickr photostream, breaux...

You do a hell of lot with lighting. Any recommendations where one can find a bulk of knowledge about the proper way to use lights/strobes? Or would you say it's mostly about just experimenting with flash's and lighting umbrellas and such?

One other question about lighting: Can anyone tell me if there are any speedlights that can be used off of the camera, but do not require the pop up flash to fire?

 

You can use any flash off camera without the pop up. You just have to have a way to trigger it, either via TTL cord or wireless.

 

Ooooohhh kay. So I can basically have, say, three SB-600s (not exactly cost effective) around a subject and fire them with a wireless remote? Does that remote need to be triggered by hand when the picture is taken or can this remote trigger with the shutter on it's own somehow? Sorry for the 100 questions. I'm just excited to step my lighting game up.

 

Jasper, i acquired most of my knowledge of lighting through watching Zack Aria's one light dvd. However, i was experimenting with it before and now i am experimenting with it more than ever.

 

With three SB600s set up, I'd assume you will be stationary. In that case you could eliminate 2 of them with one AlienBee 1600 and maybe a reflector. As far as the remote, it's really a trigger that goes on the hotshoe on your camera. You'll need receivers for each flash unit as well. There are a few good options out there like Pocket Wizards and Cybersyncs. I prefer the latter because they are cheaper and just as realiable. Their transmitting distance is more limited than the PW, but they will still transmit up to 400ft even through walls and blind spots.

http://www.alienbees.com/remotes.html

 

heres my rig for the night... shooting after dark on the beach so ill be bouncing off the sand.

 

Thanks, Jon! I'll do my searching and get my lighting on. Thanks again.

 

Flickr for info: http://www.flickr.com/photos/zachbreaux/5328338851/

 

Jasper, I've got a remote and receiver for sale right now if ur interested.

 

^ Very cool lighting. Is that just with a black backdrop and lights?

 

No it was just in a dark room. Had to burn a few things out.

 

Flickr for lighting info:http://www.flickr.com/photos/zachbreaux/5329472476/

 

Da da da daaaaaaa! It's Captain Gumbo!!!!!

 

So I should be making my first lighting purchase tomorrow. I'm still reading up on flash/speedlight triggers and receivers. What I can't seem to find out is - will a trigger/receiver work on my Vivitar RGPRO 648? I'm looking at the CowboyStudio NPT 04 trigger and I've read that it will work with the cheaper Vivitar 285 flash, so I assume it will work with my Vivitar 648 since it has a slave function... right? Any help is much appreciated.