> > Well, thanks for all the info. Didn't know that would really get > the blood > boiling on the list. (To be honest, I'm just happy nobody ragged > on me for > my typo in the flash designation--I obviously meant the 550EX.) > > Chip, > > Do you use the soft boxes/bouncers with the cinch strap? The > webpage claims > there is one if you don't want to glue the Velcro on--have you used it? I > am not really excited about trying to glue stuff to my flash gun. Also, > your (long) post was very informative. Thanks. I actually was > going to be > shooting in a white corner of a small room with a small dark backdrop for > B&W--just family portraits and friends to practice some of the basics of > portraiture during a future visit. > > thanks to all who have given input into Santa's decision! > Daniel, I'll pass > along your Santa requests as well, but my hopes aren't high ( : P) > > Devon
Hi Devon, I've seen the cinch strap them but never felt the need to try one. The Velcro works well for me and I don't see the need for additional pressure on the loop and pile. The Velcro material is neat and easy to apply to the bounce panel and flash head. First make sure the surfaces you are going to stick the Velcro to are clean and oil free. Then just line up the Velcro material hook and pile material, leave the hook and pile TOGETHER cut the material to the desired shape if necessary and stick it to the PANEL. Experiment with the location of the panel BEFORE pealing the backing off to find a position that allows the flash head to move freely and without interference in all possible head positions. Note the position required, measure and use masking tape as a guide for positioning the Velcro already stuck on the panel. Then peal just one Velcro backing from the panel at a time using the tape as a guide. After checking the position of the Velcro material, press firmly on the positions where there is Velcro and than remove the bounce panel. Press the hook and loop material firmly all around on both the panel and flash head and BAM! your done. Now you can use most any of the Lumiquest panels using the same Velcro on the flash head, all you have to do is remember to stick the right type of material on the new panel! How do you think I figured this one out? 8^) I can only hope to help fellow EOSers, thank you. Can I offer you some other ideas? Try to find a spot in your home where you can take advantage of natural light falling through a large window or sliding glass door. This is some of the best light and it's free! If you have a large source of natural light, note the times when the light is most favorable and keep this in mind when you get your family set up for shooting. Use a tripod. Document what you do, how you used your camera and flash (modes etc.), to expose your shots on a frame by frame basis if possible. It's really easy to get a great shot while experimenting and very frustrating to be unable to reproduce the effect, I know! Use your flash or EOS body to change the amount of light the flash puts out to control the balance or ratio of the window light and flash light. If possible try using the natural light source as the main light and the flash as fill. Don't light your subjects flatly, use side lighting and if you have to move them and your backdrop around to get form on their faces. Crop tight and loose in all positions. O.K., O.K. so I talk too much! Have fun, hope St. Nick or whomever comes and leaves useful goodies! Hey, hope like sunlight is free! Regards, Chip Louie * **** ******* *********************************************************** * For list instructions, including unsubscribe, see: * http://www.a1.nl/phomepag/markerink/eos_list.htm ***********************************************************
