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What are the advantages to using a flash bracket?

December 10th, 2012 3 comments

Do you use one? What are the advantages/disadvantages to using one for pictures of people?

During my 40+ year career I always had a bracket on my camera when I was shooting with flash. But I didn’t keep the flash on the bracket. Using a long sync cord I’d remove the flash and hand-hold it at about a 45-55 degree angle from the camera in my left hand (that’s out to my side and up) and as far away as my arm would stretch (after focusing and setting f/stop). With the flash visually aimed at the subject I’d hold the camera and trigger the shutter with my right hand only. Besides eliminating red-eye the angle of the flash "models" the subject with rounded highlights and shadows that aren’t present when the flash is left mounted on the camera. In other words a camera mounted flash lights the subject very flatly and it’s very unflattering lighting. That’s the primary reason, to me, for removing the flash from the camera. I even used this technique shooting with a 4×5 Speed Graphic camera which, believe me, is not light. http://www.hinduonnet.com/fline/fl2217/images/20050826000206501.jpg Holding a 35-mm in one hand is child’s play compared to this.
Later I bought a Larson Soff Shoulder reflector for my 35-mm cameras which is very bulky and cumbersome. I recently sold mine on eBay http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&viewitem=&item=260112713834&rd=1&rd=1 for a lot less money than it should have brought. They may be awkward but they make beautiful soft lighting that creates beautiful portraits.
There are some for sale on eBay currently http://photography.listings.ebay.com/Light-Controls-Modifiers_Softboxes_W0QQfclZ3QQfromZR11QQsacatZ79008QQsocmdZListingItemList
Soff Boxes can also be purchased from Larson Enterprises but expect to lay out some serious cash. http://www.larson-ent.com/products_list.php?cat_id=278 All of these are designed to be tripod mounted.

How can I get feedback on my ebay items ?

October 24th, 2012 5 comments

As a new member in ebay I need some feedback in order to sale my items – Do you have any tips ?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180377956529&ssPageName=ADME:L:LCA:US:1123

Some buyers are reluctant to buy from someone with zero/low feedback.
Why dont you purchase some inexpensive items that you want/need & build up your feedback score so buyers know what you are like to trade with.