DIY studio for product photography...

I wanted to share this video I came across that shows how easy it is to setup and light product photography, it demonstrates that with a little effort (and little money) you can get big results.

The cans with sticks look extremely useful and I will be making some for myself this weekend.

If you find this video interesting/useful you might want to check out the library of videos done by Pro Photo Life, they have over 30 well done photography videos of interest to photographers of all levels.

Subscribers will need to return to the blog or head over to YouTube to watch the video posted below.

Westcott Ultimate Flash Kit Review...

Here are a few points I did not make I didn't make well) in the above video.

The quality of the materials and workmanship in this Westcott softbox is as good as it gets. Two things that really stuck out for me: 1) I loved how the rotating adaptor ring spins 360 degrees so I could position the softbox at any angle I want allowing me to wrap light on my subject in unlimited ways, and 2) the light stand/flash bracket is all metal so it stayed in the position I put it in and I could tighten it without the fear of it breaking (which is pretty common in the less expensive plastic models).

Westcott is currently running a $100 off sale for this kit, you find more about it here, you can also get more product details here.

Below are sample images we took using the Westcott Ultimate Flash Kit, no bounce, no other light modifier or enhancer. Imagine the things you could do in combination with other light modifiers.

The model in these shots is Bethany, she was one of the models that we used at a recent seminar and we will surely be using her in future projects. If you are in southern Maine and are looking for a model for an upcoming shoot/project you can find Bethany on Model Mayhem.

Click on any image to view larger and in a new window.

Interview with Joel Grimes...

Here is an interview we did with Joel on Sunday and not only does he take great images, he gives great advice and insight too (he's my new man crush).

One thing Joel talked about (but it did not make the interview) is one way to grow as a photographer is to push yourself with weekly self assignments. Great advice.

The interview is (just) under 10 minutes and worth every second, except the parts where my chin wobbles like a freaking turkey gobbler.

;)

You subscribers know the routine, videos don't get pushed thought with your subscription so you'll need to return to the blog or head directly over to Weekly Photo Tips on YouTube to watch it.

A woohoo weekend...

This past weekend was the Joel Grimes seminar and it was a game changer.

There will be a lot more to follow, a video interview, a behind the scenes video covering the two days, and images from the attendees, but for now I am going to leave you with these four images, kindly supplied by Trent Hobbs.

It is important to note that the last image of Bethany has not been edited in any way, it is straight out of the camera and is a great example of how incredible the lighting techniques are that Joel taught us over the weekend.

(a lot) More to come...

More on DIY LED lighting...

I have a couple more links to share with you to "enhance" our post of a few days ago on DIY LED lighting.

Here is a post from Judith on Photojojo showing her LED keychain lighting setup, shots she did along with comments and sample shots from her readers.

You will find a handful of articles here posted on DIY Photography from an introduction to LED lighting to Painting with LED's, all well worth your time.

It would be very cool to see the images you do using this lighting method so please feel free to post them on our Flickr group and share them with the rest of us (I double dog dare you!).

If you need a refresher or missed the original post you can find it here, or you can go directly to our YouTube channel just to watch the video.

Don't be surprised if you don't hear from me again until next week, we are busy getting ready for the two day Joel Grimes workshop being held at our studio this coming weekend.

Martha Stewart weddings...

If you've been following this blog for very long, you may remember posts from a wedding last September that involved some crazy weather.

I had traveled to Long Beach Island on the Jersey Shore to shoot a wedding with Stacey Kane (I'm known as her "boy Friday") and we ran into the most outrageous weather - heavy rains, gale force winds, along with astronomical high tides that led to some serious flooding (you can read the originals posts here and here).

Luckily the weather broke just in time for the ceremony to be held on the beach and all went perfectly.

A few days ago Stacey emailed me to let me know that the wedding is being featured on Martha Stewart Weddings!

How cool is that... ;)

Here are a couple screen shots, if you click on either they will open up larger in a new window, or you can just head over to Martha Stewart and see the entire post.

We are heading back to Long Beach Island for another wedding next month, I hope the weather is just a bit better.

Just one more week to go...

Until I'll plunk my ample butt in a chair to absorb everything Joel Grimes has to offer.

Joel will spend two days (April 1th & 18th) teaching his workshop "Taking your creative vision to the next level" at our new studio here in Biddeford Maine.

I'm also excited about the chance to meet with and share information, techniques, and business ideas with other like minded photographers.

For complete workshop details and to reserve your seat visit the workshop page here, and please feel free to email me if you have any questions.

See ya there!