tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28842732044013664792024-03-12T22:11:36.764-04:00Alex CampagnaAlexandre Campagnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01310565268056574089noreply@blogger.comBlogger16125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2884273204401366479.post-32470814813323752902009-06-22T16:12:00.003-04:002009-06-22T16:14:31.158-04:00Viper<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/campalex/3637002663/" title="Viper by AlexCampagna, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2479/3637002663_ed5c7b3ef8.jpg" width="356" height="500" alt="Viper" /></a><br /><br />First official "good-looking" shot from my D90!<br />During a walk in the local downtown, I spotted this nice Viper parked in front of the marina. It was sunset, so I shot in raw and darkened the sky in post processing.<br /><br />I kinda like the result... what about you?Alexandre Campagnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01310565268056574089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2884273204401366479.post-8319507841565425072009-06-22T16:05:00.002-04:002009-06-22T16:10:31.083-04:00Time to relax...<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/campalex/3608420081/" title="2nd Shooter by AlexCampagna, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2479/3608420081_c14065148b.jpg" width="500" height="378" alt="2nd Shooter" /></a><br /><br />Hello all, after being inactive with phography for quite a while (winter can get pretty boring), I am now back... with a new camera! I bought a Nikon D90 a few weeks ago. Here is the last picture from my beloved Canon Powershot S5, which I just sold to my sister!<br />This shot was taken during a photo shoot. Before packing up I asked the subjet if he could hold still for a few seconds.<br />Well he did! 3.2 seconds exposure. SB-80DX shoot through umbrella Camera left.Alexandre Campagnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01310565268056574089noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2884273204401366479.post-40726277244488050842009-01-31T23:49:00.000-05:002009-01-31T23:50:25.660-05:00Deja vu..<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/campalex/3243331216/" title="Déja vu.. by AlexCampagna, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3474/3243331216_1c1e0ea42e.jpg" width="379" height="500" alt="Déja vu.." /></a><br /><br />Well the name says it all. It's been done countless times by coutless people. But I just had to do it. <br /><br />It's a good thing though, because I've learned a lot with just this little experience. Wanna know what I learned the best? CLEAN GLASS BEFORE SHOOTING. Yep. Took me about an hour in PP to remove all this dust.<br /><br />Strobist: SB-80DX in light table underneath, studio strobes in softboxes on each side of subjects. You can see a similar setup <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nickwheeleroz/2177346205/">here, taken by a super strobist, Nick Wheeler.</a> Check out his photostream, he's simply awesome.<br /><br />If you want to build this light table I am talking about, see this article on <a href="http://www.diyphotography.net/">DIYphotography.net</a> called <a href="http://www.diyphotography.net/light-up-the-floor-a-floor-lit-table-top-studio-project">Floor Lit Table Top Studio Project <br /></a>Alexandre Campagnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01310565268056574089noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2884273204401366479.post-24415767478068787762009-01-28T09:59:00.000-05:002009-01-28T10:00:40.655-05:00Lemonade<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/campalex/3228726393/" title="Lemonade by AlexCampagna, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3302/3228726393_d1419d49fd.jpg" width="500" height="350" alt="Lemonade" /></a><br /><br />Another shot from my strobist weekend. This must have been done thousands of times by other strobists, I just wanted to try it myself. One of the best one I've seen is from <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/baldmonk/2389244695/in/set-72157603872135248/">bald monk</a><br /><br />Bubbles were made possible thanks to using sprite!<br /><br />Strobist: SB-80DX in home made light table underneath subject, Studio strobes with softbox CR (camera right) AND CL (camera left) at about 1/4, on each side of the glass.Alexandre Campagnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01310565268056574089noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2884273204401366479.post-30436643562416956892009-01-28T09:53:00.002-05:002009-01-28T09:57:19.368-05:00Mmmm.... Moka!<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/campalex/3214672378/" title="Mmmm Moka by AlexCampagna, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3354/3214672378_c8e5dbd87b.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Mmmm Moka" /></a><br /><br /><br />Another shot from my strobist weekend. I wanted to shoot coffee beans for a while now, finally got the chance to do it. <br />The mini coffee cup, got it from the dollar store. It's actually a candle (removed the tip in PS).<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/campalex/3214677284/"> See setup shot here.</a><br /><br />Strobist: Studio strobe at 1/4 camera right, white reflector camera left.Alexandre Campagnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01310565268056574089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2884273204401366479.post-55341029974286410152009-01-18T22:45:00.003-05:002009-01-18T22:50:40.295-05:00Ikea.... Bright!<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/campalex/3208780122/" title="Ikea... bright! by AlexCampagna, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3097/3208780122_f527ae1ce1.jpg" width="370" height="500" alt="Ikea... bright!" /></a><br /><br />Well it's been a while since I've posted pictures on my blog. I've been either busy or did not had any pictures worth posting.<br /><br />This weekend I had an opportunity of borrowing our local photoclub studio strobes set, I a did a series of product/food pictures, which I will be posting in the next few days.<br /><br />Hope you like this one, it is actually a remake of a similar picture I saw on flickr (if you click on the picture you will get to my flickr page where the link to the other photo is...). <br /><br />Strobist: SB-80DX behind subjects at 1/64. Black cardboard cut in the shape of the objects to prevent light spilling out on the sides.Alexandre Campagnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01310565268056574089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2884273204401366479.post-15914875697284935282008-08-06T15:38:00.000-04:002008-08-06T15:39:12.552-04:00Sea Louette<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/campalex/2738684969/" title="Sea Louette by AlexCampagna, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3159/2738684969_992627380d.jpg" width="368" height="500" alt="Sea Louette" /></a><br /><br />Another nice place in P.E.I., CANADA called "Campbells Cove". Lots of beautiful rock formations there...<br />5 seconds exposure with a 3 stops ND filter.Alexandre Campagnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01310565268056574089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2884273204401366479.post-84329757641016738512008-08-05T23:02:00.001-04:002008-08-05T23:08:26.621-04:00The voyager<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/campalex/2736776683/" title="The voyager by AlexCampagna, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3203/2736776683_dcbb59d608.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="The voyager" /></a><br /><br />Shot at dusk on the beach of Basin Head, P.E.I., CANADAAlexandre Campagnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01310565268056574089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2884273204401366479.post-38238410182379855502008-08-05T21:41:00.003-04:002008-08-05T21:43:06.036-04:00Grand Falls Super Wide Angle<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/campalex/2736566093/" title="Grand Falls Super Wide angle by AlexCampagna, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3242/2736566093_0468522b52.jpg" width="500" height="263" alt="Grand Falls Super Wide angle" /></a><br /><br />Since my camera doesn't allow for wide angle lenses, this is actually a stiched panorama of 10 images (5 x 2) shot in portrait orientation.<br /><br />This is a very nice place in New-Brunswick, Canada called "Grand-Sault"Alexandre Campagnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01310565268056574089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2884273204401366479.post-13474018439073661032008-07-30T18:15:00.002-04:002008-07-30T18:24:36.330-04:00Beach Crocs!<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/campalex/2716934363/" title="Beach Crocs! by AlexCampagna, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3113/2716934363_ea535195f0.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Beach Crocs!" /></a><br /><br />Here's the first of many pictures I will post in the next days that were shot during my vacation in Prince Edward Island, Canada. <br /><br />Upon my return I was excited to learn that version 2 of Adobe Lightroom was out, and boy was I happy when I found out they included virtual gradient filters!<br />They will simulate and color you want, exposure, sharpness etc. and you can add many of them in any direction. How cool is that!?!<br /><br />On this picture I used a blue gradient filter for the sky and a coral one for the beach.<br /><br />More to come !Alexandre Campagnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01310565268056574089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2884273204401366479.post-83285621022382415222008-06-24T22:02:00.003-04:002008-08-06T20:48:54.866-04:00Spiderlight & Softbox Food shoot !Hi again everyone!<br /><br />I did a food shoot a few days ago to test the possibilities of my softbox. I must say I am quite amazed at the results! :)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/campalex/2591702198/" title="Yummy! by AlexCampagna, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3019/2591702198_97e5e7f9e6.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="Yummy!" /></a><br />1/40sec F2.8 ISO 80 (please note I shot this using a Powershot S5 IS. The f2.8 on my camera is much more slower than the real f2.8 you are getting on a DSLR lens.)<br /><br />I realize this is not lightning speed shutter, but with the camera on a tripod it doesn't do much difference. It is also to be expected from a light such as this one.<br /><br />See setup shot below:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/campalex/2590864923/" title="Setup shot for "Yummy!" by AlexCampagna, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3020/2590864923_2252de45dd.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Setup shot for "Yummy!"" /></a><br /><br /><br />Hope you like it! It is my first experience at product/food photography.<br /><br />AlexAlexandre Campagnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01310565268056574089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2884273204401366479.post-17746833152265141412008-06-24T21:16:00.003-04:002008-08-06T20:47:48.862-04:00Spiderlight softbox (continued)Well hello everyone.<br /><br />Sorry it's been quite a while since my last posts about the spiderlight and softbox. I had waited a while for the parts needed to put everything on a light stand and I finally got them (like a month ago).<br /><br />Now I finally found some time to take a few extra pictures as requested by a lot of people, and did a real good test out of everything. Read below for details.<br /><br />First, I needed something sturdy to support this big softbox. So I went online to www.bhphotovideo.com and ordered an <A HREF="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/253069-REG/Impact_LS_96HAB_Air_Cushioned_Heavy_Duty_Light.html">Impact Air-Cushioned Heavy Duty Light Stand.</A><br />Since this stand is only about 40$, I had a lot of doubts about it but when I got it I was amazed about how strong it really is. It's the perfect candidate to hold this big softbox.<br /><br />Next I needed a swivel bracket to attach my spiderlight/softbox combo to the light stand and to be able to point it in the direction I want. Having looked over the official westcott website for a bit while designing my spiderlight fixture, I noticed <A HREF="http://www.fjwestcott.com/details.cfm?id=14&tbl=accessories">this nice tilter bracket</A> they made for their real spiderlite. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/campalex/2608587437/" title="Westcott swivel bracket by AlexCampagna, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3115/2608587437_92f51533d5.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Westcott swivel bracket" /></a><br /><br />It's not cheap (about 32$) but I wanted something of quality that could last beyond my softbox so for me it was an obvious choice. You can get it <A HREF="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/416659-REG/Westcott_6013_Tilter_Bracket.html">here</A> at B&H Photo.<br /><br />Since my softbox design attached directly on the spiderlight fixture (I will improve on that on my future designs), all I need to do is attach the spiderlight to the tilter bracket. Since the westcott tilter bracket already came with an insert pin, I went to my local hardware store and bought this double treaded bolt along with two nuts. One end is designed to screw into wood and the other one is like a bolt:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/campalex/2608587813/" title="Double treaded bolt and nuts by AlexCampagna, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3231/2608587813_944a3e94c7.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Double treaded bolt and nuts" /></a><br /><br />So I pre-drilled a hole in the bottom of my fixture and screwed the bolt in place. Since there is no "head" on this screw/bolt, the only way you can screw it is by using a combination of two nuts. See picture below of the bolt in place on my spiderlight fixture:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/campalex/2609418598/" title="Bolt in place by AlexCampagna, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3233/2609418598_8f73d1a54b.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Bolt in place" /></a><br /><br />With tilter bracket insert pin in place:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/campalex/2608588711/" title="Pin in place by AlexCampagna, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3286/2608588711_9c51f7231f.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Pin in place" /></a><br /><br />All that needed to be done next is to fit everything together:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/campalex/2609417200/" title="connected to stand by AlexCampagna, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3083/2609417200_7fa0bf36eb.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="connected to stand" /></a><br /><br />Overall view, with the heavy-duty light stand:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/campalex/2609416924/" title="Overall view by AlexCampagna, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3250/2609416924_37fa562a4d.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Overall view" /></a><br /><br />Some people also asked me how I proceeded with the diffuser panel. Since I like when things are nice and clean, I went to my local fabric store and had them cut my white cotton fabric to perfect size and sewed a velcro around the whole perimeter. Since I was there I also bought a piece of ripstop nylon and had the same treatment done to it. She sold me a couple meters of self-sticking velcro for my softbox, so now I have two different diffuser panels that will velcro on demand to my softbox. Sweet!<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/campalex/2608587059/" title="Diffuser panel details by AlexCampagna, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3030/2608587059_2139836962.jpg" width="374" height="500" alt="Diffuser panel details" /></a><br /><br />Next chapter: <A HREF="http://alexcampagna.blogspot.com/2008/06/spiderlight-softbox-food-shoot.html">REAL FOOD SHOOT with the softbox!</A>Alexandre Campagnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01310565268056574089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2884273204401366479.post-5765056740888550702008-04-28T20:21:00.005-04:002008-11-02T08:55:13.444-05:00DIY Spiderlight.... SOFTBOX !Last week I posted a <A HREF="http://alexcampagna.blogspot.com/2008/04/diy-spiderlight-strobe.html">DIY article on building a DIY Spiderlight</A>. If you haven't seen it here it is:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/campalex/2435827940/" title="DIY-Spiderlight by AlexCampagna, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2191/2435827940_0f13f8a61a_m.jpg" width="240" height="218" alt="DIY-Spiderlight" /></a><br /><br />I finally had some time to complete the softbox that was meant to go along this light fixture.<br />Here's what it looks like (without the diffuser panel): <br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/campalex/2450786870/" title="DIY-Softbox by AlexCampagna, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3116/2450786870_197554c5f5.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="DIY-Softbox" /></a><br /><br />I am so happy. The whole thing is very lightweight and also really strong. It also costs a fraction of a real softbox. Be advised though, this won't be done in an hour. It took me several hours to build it, and it is mostly because of the curved shape of the 4 sides. A "pyramidal" shaped softbox would have been much less complicated. But hey... does it look cool or what !<br /><br />To build this baby you will need: <br />- a 4' x 8' sheet of black corrugated plastic. Also called Coroplast (about 20$ and you can get it at your local signmaker or hardware store).<br />- a roll of STRONG aluminum foil<br />- Spray adhesive<br />- Aluminum tape<br />- Some wood to make the frame<br />- Some material for the diffuser panel. I bought a piece of ripstop nylon. Seems to work fine and it is also the "standard" material for this purpose. <br />- a couple of "L" shaped metal brackets<br />- Tools: Knife, scissors, T-50 stapler + staples<br /><br />That's pretty much it! About 35$ total for everything.<br />Here's how it was done:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/campalex/2450752556/" title="DIY-Softbox-01 by AlexCampagna, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3133/2450752556_2f3512b560.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="DIY-Softbox-01" /></a><br />Here's is a piece of coroplast with the layout of one of the big side parts.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/campalex/2450752794/" title="DIY-Softbox-02 by AlexCampagna, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2082/2450752794_6c8b7d636a.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="DIY-Softbox-02" /></a><br />One of the sides cut out. Notice the direction of the channels on this piece. This is important ! (No, I did NOT cut this on the hardwood floor!)<br /><br /><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3176/2452301503_a103a1456a_o.jpg" title="Softboxtemplate by AlexCampagna, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3176/2452301503_b3759c541c.jpg" width="500" height="322" alt="Softboxtemplate" /></a><br />Here's a template for cutting the sides. Click for full size jpg.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/campalex/2449928391/" title="DIY-Softbox-03 by AlexCampagna, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2169/2449928391_98e1f9dfd5.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="DIY-Softbox-03" /></a><br />Cutout of one of the top/bottom panels. Notice the direction of the channels on this piece. This is important !<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/campalex/2449927265/" title="DIY-Softbox-04 by AlexCampagna, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2085/2449927265_a7a9d544e2.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="DIY-Softbox-04" /></a><br />When you bend coroplast in the wrong direction, it can be desastrous. To avoid permanent fold marks, simply take a very sharp knife and cut the FIRST HALF the the coroplast layer. I did a cut every inches or so. This allows the whole panel to bend nicely without any problem (at least not yet...more details coming).<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/campalex/2449927565/" title="DIY-Softbox-05 by AlexCampagna, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3017/2449927565_d0d8b0e64d.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="DIY-Softbox-05" /></a><br />Aluminum foil applied to the panel with spray adhesive.<br />***** UPDATE May 1st 2008 *****<br />It has been brought to my attention that Mylar (the stuff heat survival blanket are made of) could do a much better job of reflecting that precious light. A good thing to know. I will probably replace the alu foil with some of this mylar soon...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/campalex/2450753514/" title="DIY-Softbox-06 by AlexCampagna, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3169/2450753514_aeca710cde_m.jpg" width="177" height="240" alt="DIY-Softbox-06" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/campalex/2449927897/" title="DIY-Softbox-07 by AlexCampagna, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2210/2449927897_a80c4a2a1c_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="DIY-Softbox-07" /></a><br />Here's the wood frame what will hold everything together. It will also be used to hold the diffusion panel as well. I did not picture any steps regarding the construction of this frame since the excellent strobist, do-it-yourselfer and photographer <A HREF="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nickwheeleroz/">Nick Wheeleroz</A> already did it when he build his own softbox. <A HREF="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nickwheeleroz/2377244402/">Click here to read his tutorial on building the wood frame</A>. While you're there, take a couple minutes to check his incredible work too! <br />By the way Nick, I am a professionnal woodworker myself and i built it exactly the same way as you did. See, no need to go with fancy joinery on that thing :o)<br />The only difference with his version and mine is that I built it a bit thicker and added a additionnal screw from the side for increased stability.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/campalex/2449928117/" title="DIY-Softbox-08 by AlexCampagna, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2165/2449928117_a04cb899ba.jpg" width="402" height="500" alt="DIY-Softbox-08" /></a><br />Here's the part where I TOTALLY SUCKED at this project. The fact that I had cut the first layer of the coroplast to make it bend easier, also made it really soft. I had to temporarily attach both of the softbox sides to the Spiderlight fixture and figure out a crude way to support and secure the whole thing while installing the top and bottom panels. The side panels were first stapled on the wood frame. <br /><br />I did not know what the final shape of the top/bottom panels would be so I had to take a big piece of thin cartboard and lay it down over the two installed sides and trace it out. I then transferred the layout on the coroplast panels. <br />Maybe I am making this sound simple but in fact it took me two whole afternoons of head scratching to figure out a way to do it all. Hopefully one of you guys will figure out a better way to do it and post it on this thread.<br /><br />Oh and I forgot, the top/bottom panels were first stapled to the wood frame. Then, they were connected to the side panels using black duct tape. I know, it ain't pretty, but is holds damn well. At least it's not grey!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/campalex/2449928811/" title="DIY-Softbox-09 by AlexCampagna, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2252/2449928811_0a726129d0.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="DIY-Softbox-09" /></a><br />The completed softbox. Ain't it pretty ?<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/campalex/2450754312/" title="DIY-Softbox-10 by AlexCampagna, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2156/2450754312_1e7e8ffc11.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="DIY-Softbox-10" /></a><br />A quick look from the inside.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/campalex/2449929035/" title="DIY-Softbox-11 by AlexCampagna, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2166/2449929035_95220e1010.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="DIY-Softbox-11" /></a><br />Lightbulbs in. Ready... set....<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/campalex/2450755186/" title="DIY-Softbox-13 by AlexCampagna, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2015/2450755186_e561143348.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="DIY-Softbox-13" /></a><br />Yeouch! My eyes! :o) <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/campalex/2450755046/" title="DIY-Softbox-14 by AlexCampagna, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3176/2450755046_e96b3902a7_m.jpg" width="180" height="240" alt="DIY-Softbox-14" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/campalex/2450754948/" title="DIY-Softbox-15 by AlexCampagna, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3175/2450754948_646192cea8_m.jpg" width="180" height="240" alt="DIY-Softbox-15" /></a><br />I placed the diffusion panel (cotton sheet) over the softbox for testing purposes. Both of these shots were taken at 1/200 f2.8 ISO 80. The first one is with all 5 bulbs turned on. The second one is with only 3 of the bulbs turned on (see my <A HREF="http://alexcampagna.blogspot.com/2008/04/diy-spiderlight-strobe.html">tutorial on the DIY-Spiderlight</A> for more details). You can really see the difference in brightness.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/campalex/2450755384/" title="DIY-Softbox-12 by AlexCampagna, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3195/2450755384_5a751b03f1.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="DIY-Softbox-12" /></a><br />Taken at 1/1600 f2.8 ISO 80<br /><br />Now a first field test (BEWARE OF THE MONSTER):<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/campalex/2449929215/" title="DIY-Softbox-16 by AlexCampagna, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2093/2449929215_cd4185a3a4.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="DIY-Softbox-16" /></a><br />Yep. It's me. Turned off all other lights in the room and set my camera on the tripod. This shot is not really good. Here's why:<br />1- I was alone. I had to pre-focus on... thin air. No subject to focus on since i'm behind the camera while composing the shot. That's why it ain't sharp.<br />2- The softbox is still on the floor. I haven't got my lightstand and swivel bracket yet.<br />3- The subject is ugly!<br />4- Again I was alone so no one or/and no lightstand yet to hold a reflector for me.<br /><br />Anyway. It does work! This was shot at 1/30 f2.8 ISO 80 (please note I shot this using a Powershot S5 IS. The f2.8 on my camera is much more slower than the real f2.8 you are getting on a DSLR lens.). Still a bit too overexposed on the lightened side. Of course this kind of light is not to be used to picture an excited child moving around. <br /><br />That's pretty much it! Later this week i will install the diffusion panel with velcro on the wood frame. I will also work out a way to make the spiderlight removable with some sort of washers and wing nuts... <br />As soon as I have my lightstand I will do some more serious testing with hopefully better subjects than me.<br />Might take a while though... I want to order my first "off-camera" flash. But then I have to decide between Nikon or Canon, but then I have to decide of my next camera as well... and so as lenses and BLAAAHHHHH!!!!!<br /><br />Anyway. Just give me a couple weeks. I'll be updating this thread as soon as everything is in.<br /><br />Hope you like the softbox!<br /><br />Here's some more test shots:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/campalex/2450284113/" title="Masterchief-1 by AlexCampagna, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2063/2450284113_4a6f7d71c8.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Masterchief-1" /></a><br />1/60 f2.8 ISO100, No diffusion screen, Softbox on left, DIY reflector on right<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/campalex/2450284355/" title="Masterchief-2 by AlexCampagna, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2240/2450284355_fb84e485c7.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Masterchief-2" /></a><br />1/40 f2.8 ISO100 No diffusion screen, Softbox on left, DIY reflector on right<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/campalex/2450284507/" title="Masterchief-3 by AlexCampagna, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3035/2450284507_1255ee0fd1.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Masterchief-3" /></a><br />1/40 f2.8 ISO100 <B> WITH cotton diffusion screen</B>, Softbox on left, DIY reflector on right. Again,please note I shot this using a Powershot S5 IS. The f2.8 on my camera is much more slower than the real f2.8 you are getting on a DSLR lens.<br /><br /><br />Next chapter: <A HREF="http://alexcampagna.blogspot.com/2008/06/spiderlight-softbox-continued.html">Mounting the whole kit on a light stand!</A>Alexandre Campagnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01310565268056574089noreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2884273204401366479.post-70388559284370258842008-04-24T19:26:00.000-04:002008-04-24T19:28:49.015-04:00Alone in the fog....Well this is literally how it was on that night. Me, totally alone in a park, surrounded by a nice fog. I took a lot of shots, but this one turned out to be the best. More to come later....<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/campalex/2438101766/" title="Alone in the fog by AlexCampagna, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2405/2438101766_a24c54a703.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Alone in the fog" /></a>Alexandre Campagnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01310565268056574089noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2884273204401366479.post-24170967048796098812008-04-23T00:32:00.001-04:002008-08-06T20:44:09.521-04:00DIY Spiderlight Strobe!It's been a while since I wanted to buy myself a <a href="http://www.fjwestcott.com/details.cfm?id=1&tbl=td5">Westcott Spiderlite TD5</a>. As you may know, its pretty darn expensive... about 365$ for the fixture itself without the bulbs. The bulbs will make it an additionnal 100$. That's roughly 465$.<br />So since I am pretty good at building things (i am a self-employed woodworker) I decided to build my own version of a Spiderlight:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/campalex/2435827940/"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2191/2435827940_0f13f8a61a_m.jpg" width="240" height="218" alt="DIY-Spiderlight" /></a><br /><br />The total cost, for all the materials AND the bulbs is about 120$. That's about 350$ savings! Not bad.<br /><br />So here's how I did it:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/campalex/2435006941/"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3119/2435006941_2323417e6e.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="DIY_Spiderlight-01" /></a><br />I started with some pieces of half inch MDF I had lying around. I glued 3 layers together to get about 1-1/2" of total thickness. The dimensions are 6-1/2" x 6-1/2". I then I took my 1-1/2" Forstner bit and drilled 5 holes. One in the center and 4 at the corners.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/campalex/2435824176/"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2197/2435824176_92e9d7a5ab.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="DIY_Spiderlight-02" /></a><br />I bought 5 of these rubber bulb sockets. They're fairly inexpensive, running at $2.50 each.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/campalex/2435006701/"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2030/2435006701_b15a927950.jpg" width="500" height="365" alt="DIY_Spiderlight-03" /></a><br />The 1-1/2" holes makes for a perfect, snug fit for these rubber sockets.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/campalex/2435007467/"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2031/2435007467_3df5b84b9c.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="DIY_Spiderlight-04" /></a><br />The next step is to add some aluminum foil to the bulb side. To get a more diffused effect I wrinkled the foil and then flattened it with an iron. I used spray adhesive to glue the foil to the MDF. I then removed any excess foil around the perimeter.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/campalex/2435007777/"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3040/2435007777_5de261ea50.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="DIY_Spiderlight-05" /></a><br />Here's what it looks like with all 5 sockets installed.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/campalex/2435008013/"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3234/2435008013_ea92fffa46.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="DIY_Spiderlight-06" /></a><br />Viewed from the back.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/campalex/2435825372/"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2340/2435825372_26904888c3.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="DIY_Spiderlight-07" /></a><br />A generous amount of construction adhesive to hold everything in place.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/campalex/2435008739/"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2115/2435008739_b7b786c291.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="DIY_Spiderlight-08" /></a><br />Now the fun part: electrical wiring! I bought this simple little wire switch to turn the whole thing on or off. Don't ask me what gauge the wire is, I just picked up the one that seemed the right choice. It has 3 wires inside. White, black, and green for grounding.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/campalex/2435826176/"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2288/2435826176_27f17b30d5.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="DIY_Spiderlight-09" /></a><br />I bought a 4x4 metal box (normally used for laundry dryers) along with the cover plate. I also bought a 2 position "toggle switch" (seen here attached to the cover plate) that will allow me to turn off 2 of the 5 lights to get a little less illumination should the need presents itself. I drilled holes in the inside corners of the metal box to get the socket wires through. Then I screwed the box to the MDF. For liability issues I will not tell you how to wire this. Please note that I TAKE NO RESPONSIBILITIES IF PROBLEMS/FIRES/INJURIES RESULT FROM THE USE OF THIS TUTORIAL.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/campalex/2435009485/"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3050/2435009485_6dbc40b257.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="DIY_Spiderlight-10" /></a><br />Here you can see the cover plate attached and the toggle switch in place.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/campalex/2435009803/"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3111/2435009803_5e64505661.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="DIY_Spiderlight-11" /></a><br />The finished product! Seen here with the wire, switch and wall plug.<br />The fluorescent bulbs are Phillips Marathon, 27Watt. The color temperature is 5000K, which is the closest to the full-spectrum sunlight I could find at the hardware store (I bought these in a Home Depot in canada). They came in pack of two for around 13$.<br />***** UPDATE May 1st 2008 *****<br />If you think that those 5 27W bulbs might not be powerful enough for you, you can replace the 27w's with 4 85W, <A HREF="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/523189-REG/General_Brand_SP85_50_MED_Fluorescent_Lamp_85W_120V.html">5000K General Brand bulbs (available at B&H)</A>. That would throw some SERIOUS light!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/campalex/2435827160/"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3079/2435827160_6db89410cd.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="DIY_Spiderlight-12" /></a><br />Taken with the exact same camera settings (except F3.2 instead of 2.7.. .go figure) as the previous shot. All 5 bulbs turned on. Yep, its bright.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/campalex/2435010271/"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2213/2435010271_5cec3e691b.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="DIY_Spiderlight-14" /></a><br />Taken at 1/1600 sec. at F3.5.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/campalex/2435010493/"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2164/2435010493_af25ca84d7.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="DIY_Spiderlight-13" /></a><br />Same settings, with two of the bulbs turned off using the toggle switch on the back.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/campalex/2435827940/"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2191/2435827940_0f13f8a61a.jpg" width="500" height="454" alt="DIY-Spiderlight" /></a><br />Final Product.<br /><br />Well I can say I am pretty happy with the results. The whole thing weights about two and a half pounds, making it light enought to put on any lightstand. <br /><br />Come back later this week, as I will post another how-to article on building my 3'x4' softbox to go with the fixture. That one shouldn't cost more than 25$ if everything goes as planned.<br /><br />The other thing i'll need to do is add some soft of attachment to fit on a lightstand swivel bracket. I might buy the one from Westcott. I will also buy my first lightstand later on.<br /><br />Hope you liked the tutorial!<br /><br />Next chapter: <A HREF="http://alexcampagna.blogspot.com/2008/04/diy-spiderlight-softbox.html">Building the Softbox !</A>Alexandre Campagnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01310565268056574089noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2884273204401366479.post-14430135719354957152008-04-03T23:15:00.000-04:002008-04-03T23:44:59.082-04:00Welcome!Welcome to my Blog everyone. This is my first post ever so please bare with me here. This blog will mostly be about my <strong>photographic work</strong>, altough i might slide in some of my woodworking stuff too.<br /><br /><span style="color:#ff6600;">Happy blogging!</span>Alexandre Campagnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01310565268056574089noreply@blogger.com0