Dustin Diaz Photography

157/365. I saw a man. Not a machine ~ Terminator Salvation
(up close)

If not for the lighting alone, go see Terminator Salvation. Have a margarita before you go, and watch a masterpiece of light.

Regarding this photo, this wasn't originally intended to replicate anything from the Teminator movie, but I thought the quote was fitting.

It still amazes me what we can do with one light and by simply taking it off the camera, create vastly different and stunning photographs.

This shot, had it not been a selfy, is the equivalent of someone holding the camera in one hand, and a domed speed light in the other. No umbrellas, softboxes, or grids — just up close, eye-level, and personal.

For the truly curious... read on..

setup, camera, strobist info: see here

136/365. A throne is only a bench covered in velvet ~ Napoleon Bonaparte

I've rented a D3 for the weekend while I wait for my D700 to come back from Nikon. It's actually smaller than when the MB-D10 battery pack is attached. It makes for an interesting feel. The dials and buttons are also in interesting places, and I think the firmware is old. I do however love the 100% viewfinder - now everything I see in the frame is actually being captured up to the edges. Other neat things are the dual-card slot, and the voice memo. That could come in really handy when doing strobist setup shots :)

Anyway, this was taken up on Guererro and 24th — and as anyone knows, I have a thing for benches. This was one was taken with ambient-light only. Felt good too since I got a glimpse from some car headlights passing by. The reflection turned out perfect on the bench.

And as for yesterday's post, that's life... and it goes on. Cheers.

116/365. Standing outside a broken phonebooth with money in my hand ~ Primitive Radio Gods

I love this song. And although this looks more like an outtake from the Matrix, I was going for something to do with public phones. The truth is, it 'was' an outtake where I was still testing exposure making sure the flashes were firing. Thus, the one I wanted was lame, and this one came out better. Lighting fanatics, read on...

camera, setup, and strobist info: see here

Yes, of course it flies — as if you needed to know.

strobist and camera info: see here.

85/365. Don't make me laugh ~ me - thinking

Self portraits are due every so often. Plus I thought I'd try something slightly different with the lights. see strobist info for details. Happy Thursday everyone.

82/365. As soon as you're born you start dyin', so you might as well... have a good time ~ Sheep go to heaven (Cake)

Tonight I bought a new lunch pale to hold random house items. I've always loved lunch pales even since a kid, even through out high school. Bright red is always a great color since they get noticed quite easily. Plus it's plaid!

Anyhow, this is "San Fran Steve" (as so I've named him). I haven't shot him in a while, so he deserved a reintroduction.

strobist info: see here

camera info: Nikon D700 | 50mm(ƒ/1.4G) | ƒ/2.5 | 1/200s

78/365. One Look, and that's all it took to send me to another galaxy ~ Jonas Brothers (Out of this world)

I'm enjoying the two light front & back setup for a lot of my toy shots. However I'm hoping I just don't turn my brain into auto mode whenever I can't think of a shot and immediately turn to setting up random lights. My brain is turning into mush as I type this so let me quickly post the info.

strobist info: Nikon SB-900 @ 1/32 into 43" reflective 5' away camera right. SB-600 @ 1/64 thru grid spot onto glass bar in the back. triggered with PW's

camera info: Nikon D700 | 50mm(ƒ/1.4G) | ƒ/1.4 | ISO 100 | 1/250s

70/365.
Domo <3 Nikon

Today I had the opportunity of teaching photography to Junior High School students for a Volunteer after-school program. It was actually quite fun and I was rather amazed on how much information can be stored in a 12 year old brain considering how much I went off with all the math. I'd love to post some of those photos but I'm sure I'd need some sort of parent consent form hoopla. So I shot this one when I got home.

Be sure to check out the detailed strobist info in the previous photo.

Happy Bokeh Wednesday!

62/365.
I learned that *should* is a word I *shouldn't* use ~ Brendan Small (Home Movies)

This is Dave taking a picture of these water pipe thingys. They looked cool, so we both took pictures of it.

Happy Bokeh Wednesday Eve everyone. One more afternoon 'til we hit the middle of the week.

58/365. You're sexy ~ Stewie Griffin (Family Guy)

Today was Photo Friday. We had a laugh today at ptg's photo on making fun of my style, lighting techniques, quotes, and general photography demeanor. It was humorous at best.

But on a more important note, this is Ed Ho with his medium format Pentacon Six TL. It had no light meter so he used his compact to guide him. Point being, old film cameras are cool and fun.

strobist info: Nikon SB-900 @ 1/16 with 70mm head. 5' from subject about 80° from camera left. Had an assistant hold it (no light stand).

camera info: Nikon D700 | 50mm(ƒ/1.4G) | ƒ/9 | ISO 200 | 1/50s