A flash can be one of the most important accessories you own and, when used properly, gives your shots a more professional appearance. Here are a few things to consider when choosing the right flash for your DSLR:

Rotation:  A flash that attaches to your camera’s hot shoe needs the ability to rotate and tilt. For example, tilting your flash at an upward angle behind your subject will allow you to ‘bounce the flash’ for a softer lighting effect. A fixed flash can greatly hinder your ability to creatively light your subjects and scenes.

Bracket Your Flash:  It’s most common to mount your camera’s flash in the hot shoe but you may want to consider using a bracket. These portable metal mounts allow you to attach your flash higher above your camera. Some brackets allow a variety of positioning options which mean the flash can be attached above or to the side of the camera. Having this option means you can remain mobile and adjust your flash to each situation throughout an event.

Recycle: Your flash’s recycling time can be very important, especially if you’re shooting an occasion where you need to keep moving in the action. Recycle times on these flash units are quite quick but the recycle time slows as the flash’s batteries drain. A faster recycle time might buy you more time as your batteries deplete from use; you may also want to keep extra batteries on hand if this is a concern.

5D Mark II & Current

photo credit: kevindooley

• Err 10 – related to files
• Err 20 – related to the mechanical mechanism
• Err 30 – related to the shutter
• Err 40 – related to the power source
• Err 50 – related to the electric control
• Err 70 – related to images
• Err 80 – related to the electric control of images

Read more from the source, Tallyn’s

Unfortunately Error 99 will remain a mystery.  The magical error has so many meanings that it requires quite a bit of physical diagnosing to discover a problem.  The three most common reasons for an Error 99 are a lens problem like a failing aperture, lens/camera connection problem or a mirror box/shutter problem.

Just combine the promise of free candy with a group of small children and you have a recipe for a challenging photo opportunity.  With a bit of planning, however, you can bet on snapping some super shots of your favorite little goblins this October 31st!

Start Early:  Get a jump start on your evening by planning a few extra minutes for your photography before the festivities begin.  Let the little ones know in advance that cooperation now means they’ll get to the candy faster!  This technique will often buy you a few extra wiggle-free moments to start shooting.

Try Twilight:  The hour or so before the sun sets is the perfect time for photography.  The lighting conditions will be favorable and you shouldn’t need your flash.

Through the Looking Glass:  If you have a glass pane on your front door, try having the kids look through while you shoot from the other side.  Just remember to turn your flash off so light doesn’t bounce off the glass.

Now Let Them Run:  Try taking a few pictures of your kids running down the sidewalk with their treat bags in tow.  Make sure your ISO is set to a higher setting to catch the movement and pick your perfect spot to shoot before you let them run free.

Nighttime Shots:  The right flash distance can make all the difference when it comes to creating that perfect image.  Most cameras have a flash that is effective somewhere between five and ten feet from the subject; just don’t stand too close or else you may find your picture looks too bright or overexposed.

If you shoot using a DSLR, a high-quality add-on flash unit can greatly improve your images and allow you to capture fantastic nighttime pictures.  PROMASTER has the most complete flash line in the industry with a product to suit everyone’s needs and budget.

www.promaster.com/flash

Get on the waiting list!

“Rugged construction houses barrier-breaking technologies, delivering low-noise 12,800 ISO still shooting at up to 9-fps, with 24-fps cinema-quality HD video.”

$5199.95

ETA of Arrival – December

-To pre-order contact the retail store at 973-467-2291 ext 111

• Nikon-original FX-format CMOS Sensor
  Newly engineered for striking image fidelity and low-noise, optimizing pixel size and count in a 12.1-megapixel sensor to produce extraordinarily rich files.
• Low Noise ISO Sensitivity from 200 to 12,800
  Renowned low-noise performance at 12,800, plus expanded settings to an astounding ISO 102,400 (equivalent) and ISO 100 (equivalent).
• Continuous Shooting Up to 9 FPS
  Secure exacting moments in time with an expanded buffer, allowing continuous capture of up to 82 JPEG (fine) or 36 14-bit NEF (RAW) images.
• HD Video Capture
  Record smooth 24 fps HD video, leveraging low-noise D3S image quality along with high fidelity stereo sound capability.
• One-button Live View with Two Shooting Modes
  Two modes for studio or remote shooting—Tripod Mode offers 27x magnification for precise focus confirmation.
• 3-Inch Super-density 921,000-dot VGA LCD Monitor
  D3S monitors are individually calibrated during assembly to assure accuracy.
• Dynamic Integrated Dust Reduction System
  Ultrasonic process combats the accumulation of dust on the optical low-pass filter, safeguarding image quality.
• Nikon EXPEED Image Processing
  Drives breathtakingly rich image fidelity, low-noise and fast image processing.
• Fast, Accurate 51-Point AF System
  4 Dynamic modes and 15 cross-type sensors deliver AF precision and razor sharpness.
• 1,005-Pixel 3D Color Matrix Metering II
  Nikon-pioneered RGB metering includes color information to intelligently determine more accurate exposures.
• Scene Recognition System
  Referencing an onboard image database, teamed with RGB metering, SRS enhances exposure and white balance evaluation and improves AF speed and accuracy.
• Rugged and Precise Magnesium Alloy Construction
  Effectively protected from invasive dust, moisture and electromagnetic interference with a self-diagnostic shutter mechanism tested to exceed 300,000 cycles.
• Nikon Picture Control
  Four preset options and 9 customizable settings provide personalized style control.
• 100% Viewfinder Coverage
• Dual CF Card Slots with Overflow, Backup and Copy Options
• Virtual Horizon Graphic Indicator
• Approx. 4,200 Images per Battery Charge

The Nikon S1000pj is now in stock at the Mack Store.  Stop in and give it a try!

$429.95

Camera Specifications:

• 12.1-megapixel resolution for stunning prints as large as 16 x 20 inches
• World’s first camera with an ultra-small, built-in projector provides new ways for enjoying your pictures anytime and anywhere
• 5x wide-angle Zoom-NIKKOR glass lens; 5-way VR image stabilization system
• Bright 2.7-inch high-resolution LCD; Scene Auto Selector and Smart Portrait System
• Capture images to SD/SDHC memory cards (not included)

Projector Specifications:

• Brightness: Up to 10 lumens
• Image size: 5 to 40 in.
• Throw distance: Approx. 10 in. to 6 ft. 6 in.(26 cm to 2 m)
• Endurance (battery life): Approx. 1 hour
• Resolution (output): VGA equivalent

“The case is very well built and designed. The simplicity makes it so easy to use. Your gear is protected and won’t fall out during travel”

via A Photographers Review: The Light Caddy — Scott Wyden Imagery.

We’d like to thank everyone who attended the Photowalk this weekend. We hope you had a great time and we can’t wait for the next event!

For those that couldn’t make it, check out some of the photos that the Photowalkers took. Enjoy the laughs and the great captures!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottwyden/sets/72157622461561966/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/orcaholic2001/sets/72157622460202950/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/placenamehere/sets/72157622461449316/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/orcaholic2001/sets/72157622460202950/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/anaivette/sets/72157622459738268/

If you didn’t have a chance to upload your photos please share the link with us once you do!

Photography has long been considered a powerful storytelling medium, and the photo essay is simply a more deliberate method of telling a particular story or chronicling a certain event.   Photojournalists such as Lauren Greenfield and Deanne Fitzmaurice have captured our imaginations and touched us through powerful photo narrative, and with today’s digital technology and a few storytelling techniques, you can begin experimenting with your own photo essays.

Here are a few tips to help you get started:

•    Clearly Define Your Story:  It can be as simple as the first day or school or something more complex such as a controversial topic or current event.  Whatever the case may be, make sure you can clearly define it and explain it in one or two sentences.  The clarity gleaned from this exercise will help guide you throughout the process.

•    Go a Little Deeper:  Consider what aspects of the story you wish to convey.  Is it the wonder of seeing a natural wonder for the first time? The excitement of playing in a first little league game? Spend a little time contemplating the topic as you may uncover other aspects of the event to explore.

•    Plan Your Images in Advance:  It doesn’t have to be exact, but think about each photograph as a paragraph or chapter of your story.  How many images you take is up to you as each story is unique.  You may find that ten images portray the event as you wish while others may take fifteen or twenty.  There is no right or wrong number;  just make sure that each photo serves a particular purpose and plays a role in moving the story forward.

•    Consider How to Share Your Story: Continue to play with your creativity by enlarging the photos and having them mounted or framed as a series. We’d be happy to help you put the final polish on your photo essay. The completed result can become a wonderful conversation piece hanging in your living room or even in a local community center or art gallery!

Parking for the Photowalk:

If the lot behind our building is full then make a RIGHT out of our driveway onto Morris Ave and then your first right at the big white church onto Church Mall. Parking could be found on the street. If by chance that is full too, go down the street and make a right on Academy. This is where Mack employees typically park so there should be a lot of parking spaces there. If that is also full then there may be spots in downtown Springfield on the street and behind stores. Hopefully everyone will be able to find parking safely.

CAUTION: Foodtown (now Foodking) has big signs that say they will tow cars.

“It’s made getting around with my light so much easier.”

via My favorite tool-The Light Caddy.