Waverley Camera Club

Following suggestions from a few members, a Facebook page has been created for the club which so far only replicates the posts from the main website.

If you already have a Facebook account:

Become a fan of the club and use it as one way of following what the club is doing.

If you do not have a Facebook account:

Do not use this as your only reason to create an account. The email list will remain as the primary means of communication with members. The website, and now the Facebook page, serves both as an archive of what the club has doing and as a means of promoting the club.

As a further followup on the excellent talk from David Williams a number of the photos he took that night are now available in a gallery.

These range from the group shot taken at the beginning of the night:

through to individual portraits:

Last Friday’s night shoot at Beacon Cove/Station Pier was a resounding success with a superb sunset.

There were at least 14 people, though not all at once. Some arrived on time but left early, others arrived late, while others were there for the entire night.

Most of the early shift:

The next night shoot will be on 19/20 March outside the Casino.

Following the excellent talk from David Williams at the last workshop evening, Ross Garner sent through the following:

After the inspiring talk from David Williams last tuesday night I have been doing some research on lenses and remote flash triggers.

I found this site had good information: Strobist: Lighting 101

The following comments are for Canon users, however I think the same price points apply to Nikon and other brand cameras.

Lenses

Canon make two (affordable) 50mm lenses:

• EF 50mm f/1.8 II, costs about $140
• EF 50mm f/1.4 USM, costs about $500

I noticed David was using the Sigma 50mm F1.4 EX DG HSM which costs about $650

Seems the Sigma is recognised as the best lens. However the cheaper Canon does get good review for sharpness on non full frame DSLR cameras.

Remote control

Only the Canon ST-E2 Speedlite Transmitter gives TTL contol of the flash. ie the flash intensity controlled by the camera.

Available 3rd party items will trigger the flash, but not control the intensity

There is a limit of about 10m between the camera and the flash

In addition to the Sigma 50mm lens (available for other brands than Nikon, eg Canon), David was also demonstrating using a Nikon D5000 (shows you don’t need the expensive camera to get great results) and was triggering the external flashes with a Nikon SU-800 Wireless Speedlight Commander.

Both the Canon ST-E2 and Nikon SU-800 use infrared light which is what limits their range. Recently E-TTL compatible radio based remote triggers have become available, however they are quite pricey and are a significant investment (as much or more as your camera).

If you were also inspired and want to learn more, then you should be coming along to the Portrait & Flash Photography group at its second meeting next Wednesday. The site Ross found, Strobist, was also mentioned by David Gilliver at the first meeting and I expect it to be an essential resource for the group.

As Teddy will be away for this month’s Flash Portrait Group meeting he has asked Warren to take the class in his absence. What he would like to cover in this meeting is the following:

• A quick recap of the information presented by David Gilliver in the last meeting. There must be lots of questions now that you have had a few weeks to digest what he had to say.
• A run down on what equipment you will need to get you started with OFF-camera flash on a budget.
• Why OFF camera flash is so useful. Warren will bring some images in so we can dissect them and try to understand how the light has been used to good effect.
• Get some feedback from the group as to what you want to get out of future sessions. These can then be passed on to Teddy so he can tailor future classes accordingly.

It should be an informative night with lots of interactive discussion.