Home made ringflash

[tude]

Thought this was kinda neat if you have a garage to piddle in..
Although he uses it for macro I could see this seriously being used for portraiture.
http://www.motleypixel.com/forum/index.php/topic,80.0.html
While trying to assemble a strobist kit at my local camera store I ran across something like this for $99 and I really like it for portraiture.
It comes with a sock for the front so you can use it as a softbox or take it of and get those great circular catch lights in your subjects eyes.
Neatest thing about the setup is that you use your speedlights and is great for use outdoors cause it is portable:thumbsup
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003D681Q8/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B002IFLVWG&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=142YX46E6ZM6999MMVCK

[tude]

Here is a neat sight that lets you view a photo and see a diagram of how it was lit.
Enjoy
http://strobox.com/

[tude]

Concerned about the cost of off camera flash?
Vivitar makes a awesome off camera flash head for $90
http://www.amazon.com/Vivitar-285HV-Auto-Professional-Flash/dp/B00004TVSP/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1291820470&sr=1-1
Here is a 2 umbrella kit that can be used with 2 speedlights for $31:thumbsup
http://www.amazon.com/CowboyStudio-Strobist-Photography-Studio-Umbrellas/dp/B002DE3RYM/ref=sr_1_7?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1291820649&sr=1-7
Course you need flash triggers and radio poppers fit the bill for me.
Albeit they are not E-TTL for your camera a light meter will help you get those puppies dialed in.
Amazon has Cowboy studio rec/trans on the cheap as an alternative to the poppers..
http://www.amazon.com/CowboyStudio-NPT-04-Wireless-Receiver-cowboystudio/dp/B002W3IXZW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1291820834&sr=1-1
Just throwing some ideas out there for the Christmas season:D
BUT BEFORE YOU BUY ANYTHING START HERE>>>>>http://strobist.blogspot.com/2006/03/lighting-101.html

[tude]

Happy Shooting!!!!!
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc81/jeptransport/picture2.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc81/jeptransport/April.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc81/jeptransport/IMG_6094asSmartObject-1.jpg

[Diamond Lil]

Mike, you get better and better at the girls each time you post. The first is one of your best.

I'd have to take a course to know what it takes to understand flashes the way you do.

[echo3]

:iagree…about the girls!
Thank you for all the info. I have so much to learn about lighting and flashes.
I went to an expo not too long ago and listened to a great photographer named Tom Bol. He does mostly outdoor photography and he highly recommended using flash and off camera flash in all photography.
I've been trying to use it more, but I really need to invest in a speed light, all I have is the camera's flash. :(

[tude]

Mike, you get better and better at the girls each time you post. The first is one of your best.

I'd have to take a course to know what it takes to understand flashes the way you do.
I didn't take a course and I don't understand it all yet:confused:
I do know photography is reflected light and to manipulate the light is as important as camera settings..
I can't think of anyone more qualified for the task

[tude]

:iagree…about the girls!
Thank you for all the info. I have so much to learn about lighting and flashes.
I went to an expo not too long ago and listened to a great photographer named Tom Bol. He does mostly outdoor photography and he highly recommended using flash and off camera flash in all photography.
I've been trying to use it more, but I really need to invest in a speed light, all I have is the camera's flash. :(
You need a speedlight (or two)..
I will take a pic of the portable studio next time I can get out of the truck so you can see how easy it is.

[echo3]

You need a speedlight (or two)..
I will take a pic of the portable studio next time I can get out of the truck so you can see how easy it is.

That would be great, thank you!

[Diamond Lil]

I didn't take a course and I don't understand it all yet:confused:
I do know photography is reflected light and to manipulate the light is as important as camera settings..
I can't think of anyone more qualified for the task

You are truly a kind man.
I am going to start by getting the Canon Speedlite 430EX II Flash (http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/speedlite_flash_lineup/speedlite_430ex_ii) real soon.