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[neuroanatomist]

X-Rite ColorChecker Passport

Have it, use it, like it. You might also consider the ColorVision SpyderCube- quite handy for adjusting WB and exposure in RAW post-processing.

[Sean Setters]

I would suggest reading my Intro to Strobism to get a decent understanding of the tools needed for off-camera flash photography. I think it'll do more to improve the quality of your photos than anything else (especially for the money). You've already got a couple of flashes--you just need a few more tools and practice to get the most out of them.

[Fred Doane]

I'm trying to wrap my head around color and light settings. I'm thinking about the
<h1 class="parseasinTitle"]<span id="btAsinTitle"]X-Rite ColorChecker Passport</h1>

<span style="font-size: 9pt; color: black; font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif';"]Dan,

I use the X-Rite Color Checker Passport andcouldn't live without it for my studio work. I've used other foldout 18% grey cards and even had the original X-Rite Color Checker full size 8"X10" but nothing has been as accurate and handy as the Passport. I highly recommend it if you want accurate color reproduction or even to get you to perfect white balance and then you can use the warming/cooling patches to your taste for portrait or landscape shots.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"] Just remember it only has a life of 2 years even if it is well cared for.

<span style="font-size: 9pt; color: black; font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif';"]Fred~

[danm]

Fred - only two years? Why, the colors degrade? Do you have a reference for that, I can't google up anything on it.





Thanks Sean - great suggestion. I need an umbrella or two for indoor portraits, any suggestions?

[Sean Setters]

Thanks Sean - great suggestion. I need an umbrella or two for indoor portraits, any suggestions?
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Personally, my favorite is the <span style="color: #3366cc;"]Westcott 43" White Collapsible umbrella--it's compact when folded, relatively rugged, and allows you to use it as a reflective or shoot-through modifier. My new toy is the Paul C. Buff Parabolic Light Modifier (Silver) . I haven't gotten to test it much yet but I'm loving it so far. You don't lose as much light when using it because it is specifically engineered for optimal efficiency.

[Fred Doane]

Fred - only two years? Why, the colors degrade? Do you have a reference for that, I can't google up anything on it.

I recall when I was going through the paperwork when I bought it that it said 2 years. They even give you a place to put the date you start using the card so you know when the 2 years are up so youcan discard it. I found this review while doing a quick google search but if you read it carefully half way down he refers to the 2 years that X-rite rates it's life expectancy

"Also, the panels will fade in time and X-Rite say that the life-span of a ColorChecker is about two years."

Here is the link

Hope that helps...

Fred~

[Mark Elberson]

My new toy is the [url="http://www.alienbees.com/plm.html]Paul C. Buff Parabolic Light Modifier (Silver)[/url] . I haven't gotten to test it much yet but I'm loving it so far. You don't lose as much light when using it because it is specifically engineered for optimal efficiency.
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What size did you get Sean? Do use it for group shots or just in place of your normal 43'' Westcott?

[Sean Setters]

My new toy is the [url="http://www.alienbees.com/plm.html]Paul C. Buff Parabolic Light Modifier (Silver)[/url] . I haven't gotten to test it much yet but I'm loving it so far. You don't lose as much light when using it because it is specifically engineered for optimal efficiency.
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What size did you get Sean? Do use it for group shots or just in place of your normal 43'' Westcott?
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I got the 42" silver PLM. I didn't see the need in getting a larger one because I'm strictly using it with shoe-mount flashes anyway. Because the PLM focuses light (much like a beauty dish), I don't think the 42" size would be good for a large group. I image it would be fine for a couple if they were right next to each other (I haven't been able to use it in a shoot as of yet, though...maybe this weekend).


I think of it as a higher-efficiency umbrella with a more interesting spot-light pattern.