Dustin Diaz Photography

This is Russ. I work with him every day at Twitter. I have no idea how we came about creating this shot, but it happened, and it will be remembered for a long time.

strobist:
SB-900 @ 1/1 @ 35mm thru 45" umbrella 2' directly above held by Zhanna Shamis
SB-900 @ 1/1 @ 200mm 6' behind subject directed at back of subject

camera:
Nikon D3 | 24-70mm(ƒ/2.8G)@70mm | ƒ/11 | 1/250s | ISO 200

Erin and I headed up to Twin Peaks, San Francisco (at this exact location) with our good friend Sally Carson. She loves her bikes. Like, a lot. Especially this one. It's pretty rad actually. Here she is rockin out at the top of the hill.

strobist: 3 x SB-900 on a Lastolite TriFlash all @ 1/1 @ 17mm into Big Mama 3' away.

Erin picked up this fancy dress at a nearby block sale for a ridiculously good bargain. Here she is showing it off (and because I asked politely). She looks great, doesn't she? (the answer is yes ;)

strobist, camera, setup info: see here

361/365. Every man dies — but not every man lives ~ William Ross

I haven't fully accepted that this photo project is going to end in just four days.

I wish I had more inspiring words right now.

I don't.

In other news, a book will hopefully shortfly follow in the new year with plentiful photo setup and documentary goodness.

Speaking of...

setup, camera, strobist info: see here

347/365. My Christmas Scarf — my first one ever, too

.... And we're back on schedule.

Today Erin bought me a scarf. It makes me look festive. From my look, it's quite obvious I'm extremely looking forward to finishing these last 18 days. Seriously.

It got me thinking after my last shot about others who have inspired me throughout the year.

So this time I want to point everyone to an amazing portrait and lighting artist I've admired long before I started this project. See Ryan Rodinis. Dig deep into his photos. He's been doing this far before I knew how to connect a flash to a transmitter.

... and for those still paying attention...

setup, camera, strobist info: see here

336/365. This is how it's done — join this dance party

Everyone, this is Shakuntala. A client we shot this evening who graciously allowed me to post one from the series for the 365.

Not only that, it was her request that we get a shot of her jumping. With that in mind, I only asked that she "jump like this" - and this is what came of it.

And yes, this is yet again the famous charcoal making another appearance. And with proper white balance, you can get this deep blue.

Lastly, the lighting for you strobist freaks (that's what we are), you're looking at a lighting setup pretty darn near this setup with some extra help from Erin.

And holy crap. It's December. See ya tomorrow.

333/365. Is that a lens cap in your pocket? — why yes it is, sir.

quite a few things...

this is in fact a separate shoot altogether, separate from yesterday, which means as you can tell I'm still excited about this new charcoal background. I feel like no matter what I shoot can go straight to a magazine ad.

That is of course, with proper lighting. Which is why I've been doing a bit more in the studio lately since it brings forth a new challenge of obtaining "perfect light"

The difference is, when going outside in the deep darkness of the city, carrying softboxes, speedlights, and telephoto lenses, it's more of a miracle that I even get lights to those places, since I usually travel alone and don't have a car (and don't need one).

Which brings me to the point of shooting in the studio. It comes with an unsaid rule of "if you don't take a good photo, then you suck" (yeah, that's what's going on in my head). Afterall, you're in a controlled environment, and able to fiddle with lights all day long without worrying about bums asking for change, or rushing to beat the sunset, or timing your "in the middle of the road" shot before a trolly runs you over.

What's all this mean?

Shooting in the studio is hard, and it takes time, and involves making a lot of mistakes.... like.. a whole lot.

On a related note, when you're behind the camera AND in front of the camera, it takes double-time. But really, throwing on a nice jacket every once in a while doesn't hurt your photos. Sure beats the 'ol t-shirt 'n jeans.

Ok, enough typing of words that most folks blow by. Let's do this...

setup, camera, strobist info: see here

332/365. Underestimation — forget about it

Some of you knew already, but this is my first play with the new charcoal seamless, and it's completely awesome.

Plus I got to finally sport my new Ted Baker Jacket (purchased in Paris during our Honeymoon)... and I'm pretty sure I made the jacket look better than they did on the Ted Baker website.

On another note, turns out I'm in competition with a Youtube star for "Flickr" Photographer of the Year. So if you're still up for this quest that seems to be taking forever (Mashable allows you to vote once a day (gah this makes me sick to my stomache)), you can still do this....

But nevermind that now, we've got real problems.... let's check out this stupidly complex setup!!

setup, camera, strobist info: see here

318/365. The convenient truth — it's just a few train stops away

This shot was pretty fun. Immediately after shooting it, it reminded me of An Inconvenient Truth, however the convenient truth is that as a photographer, I feel extremely blessed to live in a city like San Francisco where it takes 10 minutes of public transportation to get to views like this, even if it takes a dragon claw lookin' speedlight setup to light up the subject.

On another note, I want to encourage everyone again that if you've been enjoying this crazy 365 along with each setup with bizarre strobist info, then vote for me for Flickr's Photographer of the Year in the 3rd annual Mashable Open Web Awards.

And of course, without further reading...

setup, camera, strobist info: see here

304/365. I'm a School Girl — Happy Halloween

This is, without a doubt, Erin, looking extremely hot and sexy in her Halloween costume.

Unfortunately ,between getting a trick, or a treat... it looks like you'll be getting tricked into not getting strobist info tonight — even thought the big mama softbox came thru with a second performance.

And since it's nearing on 2AM, it's time to hit the sack. See ya tomorrow.