Dustin Diaz Photography

189/365. When she walks, she swing her arms... instead of her hips ~ Cake (let me go) — have you waited for her for so long?

So... the return of stubby (the 200mm ƒ/2.0) didn't happen. Nikon mixed up my orders and sent back my old D700 (which will now be up for sale).

On this photo itself, Erin and I rigged up the Flash Bullet studio. For a second I thought about doing my usual Flickr/90second edit... but there was just too much good stuff (about 5 minutes worth). Plus it really shows how we work together when shooting with each other.

So without further waiting, it's definitely worth your time checking out the setup, camera, and strobist info video (via iPhone 3Gs - hosted on Youtube).

strobist info (for those who prefer text):
SB900 @ 1/2 in 28" softbox high and above
SB900 @ 1/16 @ 35mm direct left
SB900 @ 1/64 @ 200mm into 1/8" grid direct right
580EX2 @ 1/128 @ 105mm front left

184/365. It's natural, punk rock... ~ Cake (You turn the screws) — red white and blue!

I know, there are a billion shots like this already.

Small backstory on this photo, I had originally shot something else (domokun on a stack of wooden blocks), shot several angles. Felt ok about it. Even took the setup shot to secure the whole deal.

Turned out lame. Didn't feel good about it. Reset. Do over.

So then I ended up with this shot directly afterward. I often forget how good big round light looks. I busted out the 45" calumet umbrella which gives a much larger and softer light than our portable 43" silver collapsibles (which fit in my Jansport bag).

Anyhow, I forgot to mention, the 365 is officially half way done!!

Ok, my brain can't complete real sentences now....

setup, camera, strobist info: see here

166/365. You'll always be waiting ~ Cake (waiting)

get a little closer

**another deep breath** So, we finally received our wedding rings today. (can you see it in the photo? ;)

In other news, I stayed on phone support with Nikon for about 30 minutes. The news was so so. Still gotta wait a few weeks :(

On another topic, my flickrmail inbox is officially flooded. Hopefully I can answer a few questions at once.

Q: "What white balance are you using with the different gels?"

A: As some of you know, I'm a full manual kinda guy — this includes White Balance. Auto WB is fine for general photography as it has got quite intelligent these days; but anytime you involve multiple lights with various gels, controlling your WB temperture manually is *very* important for color. Even this specific photo, I'm rockin' a cool 3000k°. And unlike many of my other photos, I have no gel on the key, and a full cut of CTO on the rim.

Many folks think I'm using a "blue gel" — in many cases, I'm not (in fact, I can't remember any time I did use a blue gel). It's the basic white balance tuning. Without going into details here, it's best to reference someone else who already talked about this. See Flash Gels for color correction.

Q: Do you really fit all that stuff in your bag?

A: Yes, my Jansport "Big Student" is awesome. It even fits 3 #3373 portable bogen lightstands, a couple 43" collapsible umbrellas, a few adapters, and at least 3 SB900 sized flashes. I can also stash a lens in the side pocket where "students" would usually put a water bottle.

Q: Is that a new shirt?

A: Why yes it is, Erin got it for me as an early birthday present (that's tomorrow)

Ok, nuf of that for now, I'll get to more questions later.

On with this...

setup, camera, strobist info: see here

115/365. She is touring the facility, and picking up slack ~ Cake (Short skirt, long jacket)

I'm a day late in posting this... after a day of wine tasting and dealing with trolls on the internet. Apparently I've wronged a few people that never managed to get their panties untangled. The best comments come from the Anonymous Cowards who will most likely never become anything in life.

Nevertheless, off to Twitter I go. I'm looking forward to meeting my new coworkers.

This shot of Erin was taken near Market & Powell, in her wedding dress (first time she's worn it since). Fun.

strobist info: Big Fireball @ 6:30pm - camera left

camera info: Nikon D700 | 85mm(ƒ/1.4D) | ƒ/1.4 | ISO 200 | 1/400s