The Cheaper Alternative Softbox
Photography Gears
Phottix Easy-up 60x90cm (42″) Umbrella Softbox with Grid
For a very long time I have always wanted to have the photography gears that professional photographers use. In my journey of trying to acquire those gears I found out that the brand that the professionals use aren’t cheap. Same reason why I have always been looking for the “Cheaper Allternative”. The Yongnuo YN-460 Flashgun & Yongnuo CTR-301P remote flash triggers are just some of the cheaper alternatives that I was able to acquire. And today, another I finally received an addition to my cheaper alternative photography gears, The Phottix Easy-up 60x90cm (42″) Umbrella Softbox with Grid. Compared to the more famous Westcott 28 in. Recessed Front Apollo Softbox, the Phottix easy-up softbox is 50% cheaper. I never got a chance to see a Westcott Apollo in person so I cannot really compare them in detail. Anyway, below is a sample shot using the Phottix Easy-up softbox. I must say this is a good bang for the buck.
(click on image for better view)
DIY – Snoot with Grid for Speedlights
DIY Photography
Purpose & Function
One of the most important gears that a strobist should have. Snoot and Grid is one of the best tool in controlling and shaping light. It helps in preventing the light in spreading and concentrates the light beam from your flash unit/speedlight to a specific part of the subject you are shooting.
Materials Needed
- Empty Pringles container
- Color Black Spray Can
- Straws
- Scissors
- Cutter
- White Glue
- Super Glue
Preparing the Snoot
- Cut the Pringles container according to the desired length of the Snoot.
- Using the Cutter, slice the Pringles cap/cover diagonally into 8 sections.
- Put a generous amount of Super Glue at the top of the Pringles container.
- Immediately attach the container cap and and let the Super Glue dry.
Adding the Grid and finishing
- Using the scissors, cut the straw pieces into segments 2 inches long each.
- Using the white glue and straw, form a honey comb figure that will fit the opening of the Pringles container and secure it in place using the Super Glue.
- Finish it off by painting it with black, let the paint dry for few minutes and your done.
Enjoy your new Snoot with Grid 
My First Flashgun – Yongnuo YN-460
Photography Gears
My First Flashgun - Yongnuo YN-460
The Good News!
After several weeks of research, reading reviews and more than a month of waiting I finally received my very 1st flashgun, My very own Yongnuo YN -460.
First Impression.
After opening the brown postal envelope, the first thing that I noticed is the Nikon-ish box that the flashgun was in. Honestly, I was quite impressed with the box alone. I did not expect to receive it in a very presentable packaging. I was actually expecting a matte brown cheap box since I got the item for a very low price. The next thing that impressed me is when I opened the box. A velvet-like pouch bag was covering the flash itself. Again, I did not expect this one. Then after opening the pouch bag, the flash itself was again wrapped with a very thick plastic covering.
The Looks.
The Yongnuo YN -460‘s front side looked very similar to the Nikon SB-600. At the back you can see 1 button for switching the flash on and off, a button for changing the operating mode to Manual, Slave 1 & Slave 2, and a button for increasing and decreasing the flash power. You can also find here the light indicators or Idiot Lights as others call it which indicate which mode you are on, flash power and a light that changes from red to green to indicate that the flash is ready to fire.
Yongnuo YN-460 (Back)
Whats in the box?
- 1pc. Yongnuo YN-460 Flashgun
- 1pc. flash stand
- 1pc Velvet-like pouch bag
- 1pc Product Manual
Features
- Manual Power Settings - 1/1 – 1/2 – 1/4 – 1/8 – 1/16 – 1/32 – 1/64
- Flash duration (full power) - 1/800
- Recycle time specified(at full power) - 5 sec alkaline
- Recycle time measured (at full power) - 9 to 10 secs. alkaline, 5 sec NiMH
- Manual Mode Operation
- Optical Slave operation mode
- Swivel -180 to +90 degrees
- Tilt -10 (older models: 0) to +90 degrees
- Operates using 4 pcs AA batteries
Tamrac Rally 6 Camera Bag – a great gift to end 2010
Photography Gears
Everytime the year ends I always try to recall all the blessings that have I received for the whole year and I must say I have received a lot specially for my photography. Last July 18, I got my first DSLR camera my Nikon D90 with a 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 DC. After 2 months I was able to buy myself a Hahnel Triad 80 Tripod, Marumi 62mm UV & Circular Polarizer. Last November, my wife gave me a Nikon MC-DC2 remote shutter for our anniversary and just when I thought that would be ending my very loving wife bought me another gift, A Tamrac Rally 6 Camera Bag. I am truly blessed this year and I have high hopes that 2011 will be better specially for my photography. Thank you LORD for all the blessings and to my wife for the wonderful bag, I love it!!!
Tamrac Rally 6 Camera Bag – a great gift to end 2010
Photography Gears
Everytime the year ends I always try to recall all the blessings that have I received for the whole year and I must say I have received a lot specially for my photography. Last July 18, I got my first DSLR camera my Nikon D90 with a 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 DC. After 2 months I was able to buy myself a Hahnel Triad 80 Tripod, Marumi 62mm UV & Circular Polarizer. Last November, my wife gave me a Nikon MC-DC2 remote shutter for our anniversary and just when I thought that would be ending my very loving wife bought me another gift, A Tamrac Rally 6 Camera Bag. I am truly blessed this year and I have high hopes that 2011 will be better specially for my photography. Thank you LORD for all the blessings and to my wife for the wonderful bag, I love it!!!
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