Battling the Early Afternoon Sun with the Phottix Ares and ExpoImaging FlashBender

It's never a good idea to do portrait photography in bright sunlight.

Why?

If you do this, then there will be really harsh shadows on your models's face. Also, because of the bright sunlight, your model will be squinting.

These two things will not give you a very flattering portrait…

So, if you have no option but to do your portrait photography in bright sunlight, then I suggest you follow these sure-fire techniques to improve your photography.

The first thing you need to do is to put the sun behind your model. With the sun behind, there won't be any harsh shadows on the face and the model definitely won't be squinting.

However, putting the sun behind our model will produce an unfortunate effect: to properly expose the model, the background will be overexposed! Just take a look at my photo below. My face is properly exposed and side-lit, but the background is very, very bright.

A solution to this problem is to add a “kicker” light.

The cheapest solution is using a reflector. Just aim the light back to your model and your model's face will be lit. The downside to this is a reflector can also be blinding! And this can make your model squint. Also, you are at the mercy of the ambient light. If the sun, say, gets blocked by clouds, then the amount of light reflected back will diminish.

A better solution is to use an external speedlite. With this, you can control the amount of light that you want to illuminate the model with. Also, you can place the kicker light anywhere you want. The only thing you would have to consider is the power ratio between the sun and your speedlite. And of course, you need to diffuse the speedlite or else it will cause harsh shadows on your model's face.

Also, a positive outcome of putting the sun behind your model is the sun will serve as a rim light. No need to bring, or buy a secondary speedlite just for this purpose. And nothing beats free!

I hope this will help you in your next outdoor photography. And don't listen to those who say you can't shoot in harsh sunlight. You just need to be wise about it. :)

Check out my set up for the photo shoot. I absolutely love the Rogue FlashBender and the Phottix Ares. I also used my Lowepro bag to weigh down my light stand. Also, I believe that it's critical to use a radio transmitter for your off-camera speedlite(s). With the bright sunlight, the infrared used by the camera system might get drowned out by the strong visible light spectrum.

------------

Gear used to make this post:

-- Canon 5D Mark II (article)

-- Canon 70-200 f/4L IS USM (review)

-- Canon 430EX-II Speedlite

-- Canon Powershot G15 (Reviews Part 1 and Part 2)

-- Phottix Ares (review)

-- Westcott Light Stand

-- Rogue Flashbender (Large) and Rogue Diffusion Panel (Large) (review)

-- Lowepro DSLR Video Fastpack 250 (review)

-- Joby UltraFit Sling (review)

The MeFOTO Road Trip Tripod

I absolutely love my Benro Travel Angel. It folds to a travel-friendly size, has a high weight capacity, and has moisture-resistant legs.

However, this tripod is a little overkill when I am just using the Canon Powershot G15... So, when the wife and I went to visit the NorthEast, armed with only the Powershot and an external speedlite, I decided to test the orange MeFOTO Road Trip. Technically, the wife and I did not do a "road" trip, but hey, a trip is a trip. :)

MeFOTO tripods are somewhat akin to Benro tripods. They fold and unfold the same way, they are packed the same way, they're bags are also made the same way... The major difference is that the MeFOTO comes with very colorful accents. So, instead of coming just in black, you now have several color options to choose from. Since I like the color orange, I decided to get that one.

The MeFOTO and the Benro Travel Angel A2691T are almost of the same length both when folded and when stretched out to their full lengths. Both has a detachable leg that can serve as a monopod. Both use an Arca-Swiss style ballhead - you can actually interchange the two plates of these tripods. Both tripods use twist locks for easy leg adjustments. And speaking of those twist locks, both tripods use weather-resistant seals.

However, they differ on a couple of things.

First, in terms of capacity, the Benro A2691T has a capacity of 26 pounds while the Road Trip has a capacity of 17 pounds. There is not much length difference between the two tripods but, boy, that couple inches go a long way when it comes to packing the Road Trip into my carry-on luggage.

There is also huge difference when it comes to the monopod implementation for the two tripods. For me, the winner here is the Benro... You see, both tripods have a detachable leg for your monopod use. For Benro, you just remove the head and then screw it to the detached leg. However, for the Road Trip, you actually remove the entire center column: the ballhead does not connect to the detached leg and instead connect directly to the center column. So, in effect, the Benro monopod, despite the higher capacity, is actually shorter than the MeFOTO monopod. But of course you can just assemble the center column and the leg once you arrive at your photo assignment.

All in all, the MeFOTO is a perfect tripod if you are using an Interchangeable Lens Compact or a DSLR with standard zoom lenses. The build quality of the tripod is great and the color options make it even more palatable.

The MeFOTO Road Trip tripod is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! Now, if only I have a light-capacity MeFOTO... ;)

Check out the video that the wife and I produced for this review.

And get your own MeFOTO Road Trip Tripod here:

Special thanks to Brian Hynes of MAC Group.

------------

Gear used to make this post:

-- Canon Powershot G15 (Reviews Part 1 and Part 2)

-- Canon 5D Mark II (article)

-- Canon 100mm f/2.8 Macro IS USM (review)

-- Benro Travel Angel A2691T (review)

-- Think Tank Photo Retrospective7 (review)

Buckingham Fountain

You know that autumn is here when the calendar hits September... But for me, summer is officially ended when the fountains are closed for the winter season. Alas, the Buckingham Fountain was closed on October 20.

So, as a final wave of goodbye to this summer, I give you my photos of the great Buckingham Fountain.

------------

Gear used to make this post:

-- Canon Powershot G15 (Reviews Part 1 and Part 2)

-- Think Tank Photo Retrospective7 (review)

-- Benro Travel Angel A2691T (review)

The Beautiful Chicago Skyline

I read somewhere, I can't remember where, that there are only 3 easily-distinguishable skyline in the US (or was it North America...): San Francisco, New York, and Chicago.

I am so happy to say that I visited two and I now live in one. And, I might be biased here, but I think Chicago has the best one... :)

These photos were taken while the wife and I were aboard the Sea Dog Extreme Thrill ride. (I reviewed the Think Tank Photo Urban Disguise 35 V2.0 during the ride also.) Catch that ride while you still can this year. And if you can't make it and if you'll be in Chicago next summer, I suggest you take that ride. Just be prepared to get soaking wet!

------------

Gear used to make this post:

-- Canon 5D Mark II (article)

-- Canon 24-105 f/4L IS USM Lens (Long term review)

-- Think Tank Photo Urban Disguise 35 V2.0 (review)

The Joby DSLR Wrist Strap for DSLRs and ILCs - A Video Review

Tired of using the neck strap that came with your camera? Don't have the patience to carry bulky messenger-type straps? Then check out my video review/demo of the new Joby DSLR Wrist Strap. It's very minimalist strap, weighs almost nothing, yet gives you an assurance that your DSLR with a standard zoom or short prime, or an ILC, will not tumble to the ground if ever your camera slips from your fingers.

It comes in two colors. I think the neon green is sexier... ;)

Check out my video below:

This minimalist strap is Highly Recommended!

So get yours here!


 


------------

Gear used to make this post:

-- Canon 5D Mark II (article)

-- Canon 50mm f/1.4 USM (review)

-- Canon Powershot G15 (Reviews Part 1 and Part 2)

-- Canon Powershot SX230HS (review)

-- Benro Travel Angel A2691T (review)

-- Lowepro Versapack 200AW (My reviews here and here)

Navy Pier at Night

Navy Pier is the top go-to destination in Chicago. You can eat, catch a movie, enjoy a cruise during the warm months, and even jog on the pier. Or, you can just sit back and enjoy the view...

The place becomes prettier during the blue hour and at night... These are some of my photos.

  

------------

Gear used to make this post:

-- Canon 5D Mark II (article)

-- Canon 24-105 f/4L IS USM Lens (Long term review)

-- Benro Travel Angel A2691T (review)

-- Think Tank Photo Suburban Disguise 30 (review)

Lowepro Urban Reporter 250

While the wife and I were traveling, I got a very interesting email from Derrick Story, photography evangelist of Lowepro. He asked me in the email if I would like to have a first look with a bag that hasn't been out yet. I said "yes" of course! It's not only the iPhone that gets me excited! Having a first look at a product from a quality bag maker such as Lowepro is something that can also be thrilling.

Enter the Lowepro Urban Reporter 250!

This is a classy bag and has a lot of good things going for it.

When you first hold the bag, you would think that Lowepro made a bag out of ... jeans! The bag feels good to the touch. And, like a good old pair of pants, I believe this material will weather nicely. However, the bag isn't made up of ordinary cloth. The cloth that makes up the bag is actually a synthetic material that will let rain drops glide over it. So, even if it does not have a rain cover, you can be assured that the bag will protect your gear from the rain. Just don't go swimming or go under strong waterfalls with it.

On either side of the bag are two roomy pockets. Both pockets are roomy enough for an external speedlite or a bottle water. I was even able to put a Canon Powershot G15 inside one of these pockets. Inside the pocket is another stretchy pocket that's good for filters, a phone or your business cards. 

At the back of the bag is a pocket that's big enough to house an iPad. However, this is not a padded compartment so I don't really recommend putting an electronic device there. You can put a book, a magazine, or even an ExpoImaging FlashBender in there. However, the true purpose of this bag is revealed when you unzip the zipper at the bottom: when you do this, you will be able to slip the telescopic handles of your luggage into the pocket. This will free up your hands and you won't have to carry your gear anymore, perfect when you're zipping through an airport.

Next, when you open the flap, you are presented with the front, main pocket that's also big enough for an iPad, maps, or a magazine. You could, technically, put a speedlite there though, because of the thick dimensions of the speedlite, the front pocket will be bulging...

When you open the bag fully, you'll be surprised to find a covered camera compartment. Yes, there is a cover under the front cover. This is because the camera compartment can be a stand-alone storage for your camera gear. This thickly padded section can actually be removed and what you are left with is a messenger bag which can be used for your daily commute. Without the compartment, the inside of the bag is roomy and you can even use it as a weekend bag.

There is a laptop compartment inside the bag and you can put a 13-inch Macbook Pro in there. Well, I rarely bring my laptop outside anymore, so what I have there instead is my full-sized iPad. The depth of the laptop compartment is deep enough to enable you to insert the iPad vertically. Yes, my iPad was standing inside the bag when I took the photo.

Now, the main compartment designed for camera storage is a roomy one. I was able to squeeze my Canon 7D mounted with a Canon 70-200 f/4L lens and with that set up, the padded top only bulged a little. Now, a 70-200 f/2.8L lens is an inch longer than the one that I have so you won't be able to squeeze it in if it's mounted to a camera. However, the bag is deep enough to house a 70-200 f/2.8L on its own... Or, if you really want to put that mounted 70-200 f/2.8L in there, then you can do what Derrick did here; it's a different bag, but you get the gist. Derrick is a master at manipulating his bags to suit his needs. :)

Oh, one thing I love: buttons! Yes, Lowepro decided to go retro with this bag so to lock the front cover and the side pockets, all you need to do is button the covers up. And I love the leather accents also! This bag has one classy design.

So, all-in-all, you can put a DSLR with a mounted standard zoom lens, a couple of extra short lenses, a couple of speedlites, a laptop in the laptop compartment, an iPad in the front pocket, a point-and-shoot camera and a bottle of water. That's a lot of gear!

What's one thing that I like changed? Just one thing: the padding for the strap. The padding is thin for my taste and I would have wanted a thicker one, like the one in the Lowepro Pro Messenger 180 which I reviewed here. For me, that bag has one of the best strap and strap padding there is.

And finally, to test out the bag, I decided to test it in one of the best places to test it: The Chicago Oktoberfest! It is an urban bag after all, and it is the perfect bag whether for use in the office, a walk-around bag, or even attending a beer-soaked festival! The look of the bag will enable you to blend with the crowd and its low-profile look will hide the fact that you have camera gear inside. From afar, you can't even tell the Lowepro bag from other messenger bags - perfect for photographers who want to remain anonymous. :)

The wife and I prepared a short video of the bag. Hope you like it.

This bag is Highly Recommended!

So get yours here!

Special thanks to the wife, Reina Reyes, for shooting the stills and video clips.

Special thanks to Derrick Story and Suzanne Knowlton for trusting me with their secret. Thank you for giving me the first look of this bag!

------------

Gear used to make this post:

-- Canon 5D Mark II (article)

-- Canon 24-105 f/4L IS USM Lens (Long term review)

-- Canon 70-200 f/4L IS USM (review)

-- Canon 430EX-II Speedlite

-- Canon Powershot G15 (Reviews Part 1 and Part 2)

-- Joby GorillaPod Focus (review)