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Bowens Espirit
Gemini Flash System
In the Studio, and On the Go
by George Schaub
For those
who need a lighting setup beyond what a shoe-mounted flash offers
the choice is a monobloc or flash heads with power pack. For those
who need to have a traveling kit and studio lights in one package,
monoblocs are an attractive alternative, as there’s no need
to lug heavy power packs on the job. But monoblocs also need a power
source to build up the charge required for strong output and fast
recycling times. However, there’s now a way to have it all in
one package with a new breed of monoblocs that can work from both
AC and battery power. One such is the espirit Gemini from Bowens,
distributed in the US by R.T.S Inc.
The Gemini kit is composed of two flash heads (monoblocs) and a Gemini
Battery set, as well as a strong duffle-bag like carrying case and
stands for the heads. We worked with the 500WS heads, although the
kit comes in both 250WS and 750WS units as well. The supplied stands
come with an “L” bracket that allows you to mount the
heads in vertical or horizontal positions. Once mounted you can choose
from either AC or battery power; be sure to set the appropriate switch
on the back and avoid connecting both at the same time. Once you do
the green “go” light comes on quickly and you’re
ready to shoot. Model:
Caitlin McTiernan, Photo by John Schaub
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Alien
Skin’s Exposure
A Film Simulator For Digital Photographers
by George Schaub
A couple of years back, when digital “filters” started
appearing, a number of us sat around and joked that there would soon
be a Van Gogh or a Monet filter for images, with push-button conversion
of any image to look like Starry Night or the lily pond in the Gardens
of Giverny. It turns out that some code writer must have been listening;
we now have plug-in filters to mimic just about any look or style
of art. A new set of plug-in filters from Alien Skin Software, dubbed
“Exposure,” takes this another step in offering a myriad
of options to emulate the look of a host of films. That’s right,
now you can turn any digital image into one that looks as if it were
shot on a wide array of color and black and white films. Plus you
can mimic the look of various processes, including calotype (now there’s
an obscure reference), daguerreotype, push-processed Tri-X, and even
cross-processed Ektachrome. Goodness, they even have one option for
converting an image to look like GAF 500, a film that disappeared
before quite a few readers of this article were born (even though
this reporter has a frozen sample of same complete with box in the
downstairs freezer).
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Vote!
There
are now numerous color management/calibration devices and programs available
in a variety of price ranges. While these can be invaluable in achieving
better prints and results overall, many photographers are hesitant to
use them due to their perceived complexity. What is your experience
with calibration setups?
Please comment briefly on your experience with color management and
profiling hardware and software. |
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Desert
Living’s First Annual Photography Contest
Think
your photos are worth publishing? What are we looking for? Landscapes,
cityscapes, nature, architecture, people, travel, societal, food,
fashion, action, sports, whatever your creative heart desires. Quality.
Composition. Lighting. Emotion. The finalists will be published in
the July/Aug 2006 issue of Desert Living magazine. A five-person panel
consisting of the top minds in art, architecture, design and photography
will judge your work. Deadline to enter May 1, 2006.
Blue
Pixel Presents Nature’s Best Photography Experience
Nature’s Best Photography™ Experience is a Unique
Educational and Instructional Event Appropriate for Digital Photographers
of All Experience Levels.
"Capture
the Coast" Photo Contest
Photographs, taken by amateurs, may include landscape, lifestyle,
portrait, motifs (coastal details), and people.
Digital
Photography Workshops - Understanding Digital Photography
The mastery of digital imaging concepts and technology is
essential for anyone working within the photographic arts today.
Anchell
Photography Workshops
Steve Anchell is a contributing writer to Shutterbug
and Rangefinder magazines. He is also the author of The Darkroom Cookbook
and is working on a companion title, The Digital Cookbook. He has
been teaching photography since 1979. For more information visit his
website at www.anchellworkshops.com.
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April 25, 2006
In
This eNewsletter:
All the talk in the past was about megapixels, with the horserace
of ever-higher counts grabbing all the headlines. Some folks claim that
the latest 6 and 8 MP cameras deliver such good quality at such low price
points that the megapixel race is over. If so, what else differentiates
brands and models? Could we finally be getting down to what should have
been the core of marketing all along, image quality? 
