View Full Version : New Gary Fong Diffuser - Whale Tail
Brittany35
7th of April 2007 (Sat), 16:03
demb??
rslv
7th of April 2007 (Sat), 16:05
demb??
http://www.dembflashproducts.com/
Brittany35
7th of April 2007 (Sat), 16:07
hmm.. i dont think i really like that product.. seems cheapy, and i dont like the add on bracket thing.. plus one thing about the whaletail that i think looks cool, is the gels. I like to do special effects and stuff and it seems practical for me
Lotto
7th of April 2007 (Sat), 18:24
Someone please do a "Flip-it! VS Flush-it!" test!
I will propably be needing a diffuser (once the 580II arrives) that throws abit more light forward than abetterbouncecard. Demb or Fong? That is the question...
Top pic with seat cover down, bottom one with cover 90 degree up.:lol:
EdgarG
7th of April 2007 (Sat), 18:32
Ultimate Portaloo lol
Thornfield
8th of April 2007 (Sun), 07:54
I think he built it for photographers that think the sun shines out of their *ss. :)
tekkie
12th of April 2007 (Thu), 17:48
I think he built it for photographers that think the sun shines out of their *ss. :)
lmao thats a good one
judging by the pic above it appears to work pretty well, I was contimplating getting one
coreypolis
12th of April 2007 (Thu), 17:51
theres no question it works, just a matter of price justification and whether you can build your own to be as effective and consistent
tekkie
12th of April 2007 (Thu), 17:55
yeah maybe I will cut up my paintball hopper and see if I can make one lol
resqd1
12th of April 2007 (Thu), 18:43
results dont look any different from my lightspere
runninmann
12th of April 2007 (Thu), 19:21
Old tech:PhotosGuy, is that one of these?
gretchensteele
14th of April 2007 (Sat), 13:08
I seem to be in the minority with this..but I use mine (cloudshpere) lots, and it works very well for me....that said, know that it will not make every shot instantly perfect...nor should you use it for every flash shot....you still need to know what the heck you are doing....I hate using a bracket - too heavy for long drawn out events and weddings as I have limited hand /arm strength - this isn't for every single situation, but for me it's always been a wonderful tool especially when doing weddings and events...and it doesn't look as tacky as duct tape and tupperware bowl. Call me a fool I suppose :)
Brittany35
14th of April 2007 (Sat), 13:18
I seem to be in the minority with this..but I use mine (cloudshpere) lots, and it works very well for me....that said, know that it will not make every shot instantly perfect...nor should you use it for every flash shot....you still need to know what the heck you are doing....I hate using a bracket - too heavy for long drawn out events and weddings as I have limited hand /arm strength - this isn't for every single situation, but for me it's always been a wonderful tool especially when doing weddings and events...and it doesn't look as tacky as duct tape and tupperware bowl. Call me a fool I suppose :)
haha i agree with this.. I totally agree thats it too expensive, but i think it looks like a great tool to have from pix ive seen, but i definetly wouldnt go shoot a wedding (which is what i do for side jobs right now) with **** taped to my equiptment or anything like that. The bride would probably freak out, and it would look unprofessional, but i DO agree that you dont always need that thing, so its very feasable that someone use a notecard taped onto their flash while out free shooting or whatever.. but not in a professional enviroment where you have clients watching you. They want to see expensive stuff haha.
Wilt
14th of April 2007 (Sat), 13:21
I just was at Fred Miranda wedding forum, and there were a multiple posts about the LightSphere products falling off the flash unit at the most inopportune times! That, to me, is worse than the tape-on look at a wedding job...it loses your shot for you when you might not be able to re-create the moment!
Brittany35
14th of April 2007 (Sat), 13:32
hmm..well thats the lightsphere... gary even showed in his video with the whaletail holding it by that with his camera hanging and it stayed on tight
polarberry
22nd of April 2007 (Sun), 11:39
Initially didn't like the look of it, but after seeing the demo's, I'm sold. I use the Lightsphere II at weddings and although it gets comments (all inquisitive and friendly) the results are great. The only problem is that it's not too secure on the camera, especially if you are carrying two cameras around your neck. The Whaletail seems to eliminate this shortfall. However, I do love that the Lightsphere is somewhat "crushable" for storage, can't see forcing the Whaletail into my pocket. Now it's just waiting for it in the UK. BBJ Imports say it'll be available in April.
TMR Design
22nd of April 2007 (Sun), 11:59
I think that if you're liking the Gary Fong products and find them to be what works for you then the whale tail seems like a better, more flexible product. I agree that the method of attachment looks like its been refined and will stay put. I owned the LSII for a bit and one thing I really didn't like about it was that once the sleeve is stretched a bit and slips on easier it then begins to loosen and can easily slide off if the flash it tipped too far in the wrong direction.
I'm sure we'll start to see reviews of the whale tail as more people get them and please, if you do get one, post a review and some sample shots.
sapearl
22nd of April 2007 (Sun), 12:08
For wedding work, what do you feel it's effective range is?
I use the Lumiquest pocket bounce which can run a little "hot" close to a subject but will throw the light a nice distance when doing a group. I was wondering how his LS compared.
..... I use the Lightsphere II at weddings and although it gets comments (all inquisitive and friendly) the results are great. ........
polarberry
22nd of April 2007 (Sun), 13:38
For wedding work, what do you feel it's effective range is?
I use the Lumiquest pocket bounce which can run a little "hot" close to a subject but will throw the light a nice distance when doing a group. I was wondering how his LS compared.
I use it primarily as a fill-in during the candid walk-abouts. You can get pretty close to your subject without fear of burn out and it really gives a nice even spread of light and skin tone. For bigger groups I tend to remove the dome which allows more light to escape from the top of the sphere, again you can control this by pointing your flash head behind you. When I need the most light, I tend to remove it. Maybe I should look into the Lumiquest for the larger group shots. A downside is the Lightsphere's size and the comments you get at functions but you learn all the comebacks. My favourite is "It's a collection plate-any tips greatly appreciated"
sapearl
22nd of April 2007 (Sun), 20:44
That's a pretty creative line Polarberry... I certainly couldn't take up collections with my lumiquest :lol: .
But thanks for the explanation on the LS. It always got the impression it did a pretty decent job on close-in subjects. That's one thing I have to be careful with the pocket bounce, and why I switch to the pocket bounce 80-20 to let some of that light escape up to the ceiling. But it does a super job on medium sized groups and candids.
Brittany35
3rd of May 2007 (Thu), 14:04
ok guys and girls.. I just got the whaletail yesterday and ive only messed with it for a few minutes so far, and i think its really nice! it attaches very easily and yes it DOES hold your camera up if you hold onto it (I tried it over my bed just in case haha). I wish it didnt cost so much, but so far is seems well worth it for the convenience and nice light output (at least to me). So, although its a little pricey, i would recommend it!
dsze
3rd of May 2007 (Thu), 14:14
I just don't get it. If someone can show me something you can do with this Fong-Toilet that I can't do otherwise I might give it a little credit. I would never pay money for one of these things.
Wilt
3rd of May 2007 (Thu), 15:21
I just don't get it. If someone can show me something you can do with this Fong-Toilet that I can't do otherwise I might give it a little credit. I would never pay money for one of these things.
To train your cat to use the commode in your bathroom ?;)
dsze
3rd of May 2007 (Thu), 15:23
To train your cat to use the commode in your bathroom ?;)
You've got me there! :lol:
Double Negative
3rd of May 2007 (Thu), 16:01
Just an idea, but if they were sold in the POTN store, we can call 'em "POTN Potty!" :p
sapearl
3rd of May 2007 (Thu), 16:09
Actually, not a bad idea..... that would make it a Pretty Potent POTN Potty fund raising program ;) .
Just an idea, but if they were sold in the POTN store, we can call 'em "POTN Potty!" :p
Double Negative
3rd of May 2007 (Thu), 16:29
Actually, not a bad idea..... that would make it a Pretty Potent POTN Potty fund raising program ;) .
</groan>
:D
Wilt
3rd of May 2007 (Thu), 16:39
Actually, not a bad idea..... that would make it a Pretty Potent POTN Potty fund raising program ;) .
And given that the Fong toilet is somewhat portable, it would be a Pretty Potent POTN Porta Potty fund
Double Negative
3rd of May 2007 (Thu), 16:53
And given that the Fong toilet is somewhat portable, it would be a Pretty Potent POTN Porta Potty fund
Perhaps I should Ponder Paying a small Pittance for a Pretty Potent POTN Porta Potty... Presuming one could Potentially Photograph Perilously Photon-starved scenes and Pull off Powerful Photos, Perchance...
Okay, I'll stop now. :p
marian
3rd of May 2007 (Thu), 17:00
Lotto,
I haven't been watching this post, so I am "late" looking at your pictures. How can the Whaletale do those pictures? I see the lights in the eyes of your son, but the heavy shadow is coming from a lightsource from the left side! In both pictures!
Is there something that you are not telling? How did you shoot that? An on flash diffuser (Whaletale) will have the light coming from the front, plus bouncing off the ceiling!
Bad enough people spent money for a round Tupperware devices, that fell off! (Why don't you all return it?) Now, it's a "mini toilet" up there!
Wilt
3rd of May 2007 (Thu), 17:32
Perhaps I should Ponder Paying a small Pittance for a Pretty Potent POTN Porta Potty... Presuming one could Potentially Photograph Perilously Photon-starved scenes and Pull off Powerful Photos, Perchance...
Okay, I'll stop now. :p
...I'm feeling a little ill...
TMR Design
3rd of May 2007 (Thu), 18:28
Make way... I'm heading to the Fong John to puke!
sapearl
3rd of May 2007 (Thu), 19:15
I get that all the time... I know... "I'm a poet and didn't know it - my feet are are Longfellows and smell like the Dickens. " :lol:
</groan>
:D
sapearl
3rd of May 2007 (Thu), 19:18
Egads.... look what I've started; longer and more horid than my own pathetic piece of poetry pertaining to the paltry plastic porta potty, which pretends at portraying a diffusion projector.
Perhaps I should Ponder Paying a small Pittance for a Pretty Potent POTN Porta Potty... Presuming one could Potentially Photograph Perilously Photon-starved scenes and Pull off Powerful Photos, Perchance...
Okay, I'll stop now. :p
Lotto
4th of May 2007 (Fri), 05:12
Lotto,
I haven't been watching this post, so I am "late" looking at your pictures. How can the Whaletale do those pictures? I see the lights in the eyes of your son, but the heavy shadow is coming from a lightsource from the left side! In both pictures!
Is there something that you are not telling? How did you shoot that? An on flash diffuser (Whaletale) will have the light coming from the front, plus bouncing off the ceiling!
Bad enough people spent money for a round Tupperware devices, that fell off! (Why don't you all return it?) Now, it's a "mini toilet" up there!
It's my off camera Flip Phong© :lol: My diffuser costs $1.64 to build, will sell it for $39.95:evil:
(This product is meant for educational purposes only. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead is purely coincidental. Void where prohibited. Some assembly required. List each check separately by bank number. Batteries not included. Contents may settle during shipment. Use only as directed. No other warranty expressed or implied. Do not use while operating a motor vehicle or heavy equipment. Postage will be paid by addressee. Subject to approval. This is not an offer to sell securities. Apply only to affected area. May be too intense for some viewers. Do not stamp. Use other side for additional listings. For recreational use only. Do not disturb. All models over 18 years of age. If condition persists, consult your physician. No user-serviceable parts inside. Freshest if eaten before date on carton. Subject to change without notice. Times approximate. Simulated picture. No postage necessary if mailed in the United States. Breaking seal constitutes acceptance of agreement. For off-road use only. As seen on TV. One size fits all. Many suitcases look alike. Contains a substantial amount of non-tobacco ingredients. Colors may, in time, fade. We have sent the forms which seem to be right for you. Slippery when wet. For office use only. Not affiliated with the American Red Cross. Drop in any mailbox. Edited for television. Keep cool; process promptly. Post office will not deliver without postage. List was current at time of printing. Return to sender, no forwarding order on file, unable to forward. Not responsible for direct, indirect, incidental or consequential damages resulting from any defect, error or failure to perform. At participating locations only. Not the Beatles. Penalty for private use. See label for sequence. Substantial penalty for early withdrawal. Do not write below this line. Falling rock. Lost ticket pays maximum rate. Your cancelled check is your receipt. Add toner. Place stamp here. Avoid contact with skin. Sanitized for your protection. Be sure each item is properly endorsed. Sign here without admitting guilt. Slightly higher west of the Mississippi. Employees and their families are not eligible. Beware of dog. Contestants have been briefed on some questions before the show. Limited time offer, call now to insure prompt delivery. You must be present to win. No passes accepted for this engagement. No purchase necessary. Processed at location stamped in code at top of carton. Shading within a garment may occur. Use only in well-ventilated area. Keep away from fire or flame. Replace with same type. Approved for veterans. Booths for two or more. Check here if tax deductible. Some equipment shown is optional. Price does not include taxes. No Canadian coins. Not recommended for children. Prerecorded for this time zone. Reproduction strictly prohibited. No solicitors. No alcohol, dogs, or horses. No anchovies unless otherwise specified. Restaurant package, not for resale. List at least two alternate dates. First pull up, then pull down. Call toll free before digging. Driver does not carry cash. Some of the trademarks mentioned in this product appear for identification purposes only. Record additional transactions on back of previous stub. Decision of judges is final.)
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/169/483582300_3e8394c216_o.jpg
Wilt
4th of May 2007 (Fri), 10:27
:lol: Lotto, do you have a copyright on your disclaimer? I'd love to use it!
Double Negative
4th of May 2007 (Fri), 12:21
Forgot one...
"Do not taunt Happy Fun Ball(TM)"
:D
donlavange
4th of May 2007 (Fri), 20:52
If results last longer than 4 hours consult a Doctor! Then rinse and repeat!
TMR Design
4th of May 2007 (Fri), 20:55
May cause anal seepage. LOLOLOLOL
Lotto
5th of May 2007 (Sat), 11:33
Wilt, I read that disclaimer on another forum couple years ago. The author said is OK for everyone to use it.
marian
5th of May 2007 (Sat), 15:15
Great disclaimer Lotto! LoL!
I'm glad that you mentioned off camera flash picture!
You product works as well, if not better than the EXPENSIVE Whale Fong Thing which he is selling right now.
: )
Titus213
12th of June 2007 (Tue), 00:31
May cause uncontrolled, oily, flatulence.
LightInspire
12th of June 2007 (Tue), 19:26
I admit, I've been fonged and when I had to get a new flash the LS II doesn't fit...going to sell them and get me the better bounce card or flip it.
kevie
18th of August 2007 (Sat), 16:43
with all this toilet talk i thought i would throw in "Whoomp there it is!"
constrict
18th of August 2007 (Sat), 21:08
someone had to do it...
http://a342.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/89/l_83d14bd3dc284cb76604913cf5379395.jpg
please don't ask how I pp'ed it :-D
TMR Design
18th of August 2007 (Sat), 21:10
LOLOLOLOLOL. Funny Stuff!!! :D
LightUser
20th of August 2007 (Mon), 21:53
hmm.. i dont think i really like that product.. seems cheapy, and i dont like the add on bracket thing.. plus one thing about the whaletail that i think looks cool, is the gels. I like to do special effects and stuff and it seems practical for me
I really like mine. I did not get the add on bracket. Flipit on flash only. However, I don't like turning the flash around and using the narrow side of the flash though..seems like a waste of light but it works.
byso
30th of October 2007 (Tue), 00:20
Well after reading these very incite-full posts I decided to give the Whale Tail a go.
I guess some will suggest I have more money than sense ;)
Moppie
30th of October 2007 (Tue), 01:33
I guess some will suggest I have more money than sense ;)
You own a Sigma lens, so that is not possible :)
You know you now have to post a photo of you holding the camera, with the fong dong on top with the lid up :lol:
Kristy
30th of October 2007 (Tue), 02:07
Now we can just wait for the forum questions to come: "Should I shoot with the toilet lid open or closed?"
Sorry.. .I just stumbled on this... by accident... and Curtis! I'm totally cracking up about your toilet comment.... LOL :lol::lol::lol:
Sorry I didn't read the thread.. I couldn't get past Curtis's remark... and it is so freaking true... it looks exactly like a toilet!
constrict
30th of October 2007 (Tue), 09:52
someone had to do it...
http://a342.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/89/l_83d14bd3dc284cb76604913cf5379395.jpg
please don't ask how I pp'ed it :-D
TMR Design
30th of October 2007 (Tue), 15:01
I didn't even think it was PP'ed. Isn't that actually the new Fong Flusher. :D:D:D;)
mchong75
30th of October 2007 (Tue), 16:09
WOW, 14 pages of useless info on GF whale tail.
ramirez.photo
30th of October 2007 (Tue), 18:19
WOW, 14 pages of useless info on GF whale tail.
exactly what I thought when I searched for some WT stuff
I ended up buying the reporter and studio
byso
30th of October 2007 (Tue), 20:35
exactly what I thought when I searched for some WT stuff
I ended up buying the reporter and studio
What do think of it?
Curtis N
30th of October 2007 (Tue), 21:11
WOW, 14 pages of useless info on GF whale tail.Yep.
I reckon the thread is about as useful as the product.
TMR Design
30th of October 2007 (Tue), 22:09
Yep.
I reckon the thread is about as useful as the product.
I'm having trouble with this one Curtis. I think the thread is slightly more useful than the product. LOLOLOLOL
acura nsx pilot
7th of November 2007 (Wed), 01:21
I can SEE a clear toilet bowl on its way from GF soon.
Wilt
7th of November 2007 (Wed), 10:42
I can SEE a clear toilet bowl on its way from GF soon.
...complete with a supply of Tidy Bowl, to clean any buildup of deposits
(food which might accidentally get on it when you set it on the table, silly!)
DwightMcCann
7th of November 2007 (Wed), 12:58
I almost hate to introduce a realistic query into this fine thread of derision but I'm going to chance it: virtually all of my flash shooting (not studio strobes, but the 580 variety) is done in a very dark, very high ceilinged room with dark drapes on the walls. I was using a StoFen but switched to Demb because although flimsy looking, it seems to throw more light and stores flat in a Ziploc bag. I do see other 'togs occasionally come to the casino who are basically wedding shooters using Cloudbursts or whatever but I never see their results to know how it worked out. What I wonder is, what good is all this diffusion from such a small light source if there are no walls, particularly white ones, to reflect the light onto the subject. Are all the GF light modifiers designed specifically for the GWC who shoots exclusively in living rooms or offices? [NOTE: PLEASE do not take the GWC reference personally unless it applies to you ... I know some like to take offense at everything and if you are one of those then it is specifically NOT directed at you!]
Wilt
7th of November 2007 (Wed), 13:14
What I wonder is, what good is all this diffusion from such a small light source if there are no walls, particularly white ones, to reflect the light onto the subject.
None at all -- apart from the economic benefit derived by the makers of batteries, which are consumed at a faster rate by the wasted light output which goes in all directions (and not toward the subject). Photographically speaking, none at all unless the light modifier can increase the apparent size of the light source a modest amount.
Are all the GF light modifiers designed specifically for the GWC who shoots exclusively in living rooms or offices?
Seems to be the case...or they are used by the photographer who does not understand lighting sufficiently to comprehend the waste of light output in high ceilinged or no-ceilinged areas.
A century ago, people bought Snake Oil and they bought things to ward off 'the Vapors', too. It takes a while for the general public to learn to do otherwise.
What the heck is a 'GWC'?
DwightMcCann
7th of November 2007 (Wed), 14:10
None at all -- apart from the economic benefit derived by the makers of batteries, which are consumed at a faster rate by the wasted light output which goes in all directions (and not toward the subject). Photographically speaking, none at all unless the light modifier can increase the apparent size of the light source a modest amount.
Seems to be the case...or they are used by the GWC who does not understand lighting sufficiently to comprehend the waste of light output in high ceilinged or no-ceilinged areas.
Well, good, then I am not completely disconnected from reality, which is always a surprise for me! :rolleyes:
Wilt
7th of November 2007 (Wed), 15:34
Here are some shots I did for another thread, to demonstrate the effect of different light modification, with a ruler positioned about 1.5' from a wall, with the focus on the wall to show the resulting shadow in sharpest focus (not the ruler).
Here is a naked flash lens at about 5'...
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i63/wiltonw/Lensonly.jpg
...then a piece of paper the size of the native flash lens at 5', which is what a Stoffen would do with no ceiling and walls to bounce light from...
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i63/wiltonw/Papercover.jpg
...and then a modifier which increases apparent light source to 5"x7" (a Wescott Micro Apollo softbox), at a distance of 5'
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i63/wiltonw/sofbox.jpg
...finally the same Wescott at a distance of 10' from the ruler
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i63/wiltonw/10footsoftboxb.jpg
Items like the Fong Lightsphere or Whaletail would fall in between examples #2 and #3 at 5', as the apparent size of the light source (modifier only, no ceiling bounce) is in between. BTW these were all shot in a room with an 8' ceiling, so there was some residual 'ceiling bounce' even with the native flash lens only!
DwightMcCann
7th of November 2007 (Wed), 15:46
Yup, I can see they might be an improvement for a smaller room with good reflective surfaces, but then simply bouncing off the walls by pointing the flash head would seem to be a good alternative but I guess the GF devices appear convenient. Sometimes I find that the need for more light overtakes the need for softening of light source even with 580 EX II in my environment.
And, speaking of batteries, I now have the Canon external battery pack CP-E4 and two spare battery holders for it with charged batteries and some loose charged batteries ... and in my bounce unfriendly environment I was going through two sets with the StoFen but usually get away with one using the Demb.
Again, I didn't mean to steal this fine and well deserved thread, but wanted to be sure I wasn't missing some critical toilet humor, er, ah, no, what I meant was, some important detail on improved lighting control. :-)
LightUser
7th of November 2007 (Wed), 19:01
If you are going to do bounce only then you will be face with all kinds of shadow problems, either in the eye sockets, etc...the GF Lightsphere yes spreads light all over the room but if it has white walls the light bounces off all the walls at the same time filling in everything, no or hardly no shadows. Just do a +1 FEC or if you use your preflash first then you will get perfect exposure about every shot. If you can't bounce, put on a soft box and shoot direct.
donlavange
10th of November 2007 (Sat), 21:25
If you are going to do bounce only then you will be face with all kinds of shadow problems, either in the eye sockets, etc...the GF Lightsphere yes spreads light all over the room but if it has white walls the light bounces off all the walls at the same time filling in everything, no or hardly no shadows. Just do a +1 FEC or if you use your preflash first then you will get perfect exposure about every shot. If you can't bounce, put on a soft box and shoot direct.
Unfortunately, the largest softbox for non studio lights available seems to be 12" x 12". I use the largest LumiQuest (Big Bounce) on the Canon 580 and usually use the Quantum bare bulb as a slave close to the ceiling as a general light booster.
Any knowledge out here on any softboxes larger than 12 X 12 that have a positive effect on the Quantum? Many (late 70's) years ago, I had an aluminum bracket by Larson that attached to the base of the camera and held a 16" silver umbrella which reflected the light very well toward the subject.
Wilt
11th of November 2007 (Sun), 14:00
Unfortunately, the largest softbox for non studio lights available seems to be 12" x 12". I use the largest LumiQuest (Big Bounce) on the Canon 580 and usually use the Quantum bare bulb as a slave close to the ceiling as a general light booster.
Any knowledge out here on any softboxes larger than 12 X 12 that have a positive effect on the Quantum? Many (late 70's) years ago, I had an aluminum bracket by Larson that attached to the base of the camera and held a 16" silver umbrella which reflected the light very well toward the subject.
Metz handlebar speedlights (Metz 45 and 60) have available speed rings which fit studio softboxes. I have a Chimera XS (extra small) which is 12x16, for example, which works with my Metz 45. If it didn't look so absurd and block the lens, you could mount larger!
LightUser
11th of November 2007 (Sun), 20:33
Gary is coming out with a lightsphere II with his new universal mount to mount on any flash. Don't know if it will be just clear, cloudy or both and it should be out in a few weeks. No more buying one to fit just your flash..one fits all.
lawmans3
24th of November 2007 (Sat), 11:26
It seems most people replying about how bad this product is or useless it may be, have never used one. I have and I have to tell you I get better results indoors with the 'Tupperware' model, than I do with a 'custom camera' flash bracket. The lighting is closest to studio for on-camera flash. I have tried a lot of different diffusers for camera flash and this one is the simplest/easiest to use. Yes, it does create some conversation, which has yet to be negative or demeaning to my 'pro' image. It's not what equipment you carry around, it's how you handle yourself and work with your customers. If you have to have certain equipment to look the part, don't worry about it, your not a pro.;)
The flash bracket works well in large rooms with high ceilings, but other than that the 'Tupperware' diffuser is better.
DwightMcCann
24th of November 2007 (Sat), 11:40
It's not what equipment you carry around, it's how you handle yourself and work with your customers. If you have to have certain equipment to look the part, don't worry about it, your not a pro.;)
Now that's what I'm talking about! When I first started shooting VIP events at the casino it was because I was asked by one of my ongoing clients there ... I really didn't want to but I respect my customers needs. My first gig amounted to walking around a restaurant (a four diamond one at that) and asking people who were trying to eat and watch the Superbowl if I could take their picture. I was very uncomfortable. I didn't know the people and thankfully they were very cooperative or at least turned me down pleasantly. I had quite a few pictures with food in teeth. :-) I tried to make it fun ... normally I would ask the lady of a couple, "Would you like a picture with your Dad?" They loved that and it broke the ice and they bullied their husbands into having a picture. So here I am, a year and about 20 such events later, and when I walk into the room hands go up and people come rushing over to ensure that I will get their group or the birthday girl or the anniversary or whatever ... and these are people who have "albums" of my little 4x6 refrigerator shots! So why am I driveling on? Because Lawmans is precisely correct ... you act like a Pro and treat your clients respectfully and they don't give a hoot about what your equipment looks like and to some extent what your pictures look like (customers always like your images) but how you make them feel about themselves.
LightUser
25th of November 2007 (Sun), 18:46
It seems most people replying about how bad this product is or useless it may be, have never used one. I have and I have to tell you I get better results indoors with the 'Tupperware' model, than I do with a 'custom camera' flash bracket. The lighting is closest to studio for on-camera flash. I have tried a lot of different diffusers for camera flash and this one is the simplest/easiest to use. Yes, it does create some conversation, which has yet to be negative or demeaning to my 'pro' image. It's not what equipment you carry around, it's how you handle yourself and work with your customers. If you have to have certain equipment to look the part, don't worry about it, your not a pro.;)
The flash bracket works well in large rooms with high ceilings, but other than that the 'Tupperware' diffuser is better.
If you have the cloudy version, get the chrome dome and there you are set for the high ceilings. About the only time I do not use the lightsphere is when there are no white ceilings.
lawmans3
1st of December 2007 (Sat), 00:06
If you have the cloudy version, get the chrome dome and there you are set for the high ceilings. About the only time I do not use the lightsphere is when there are no white ceilings.
Yes, you're right. The Chrome Dome does help a lot with high ceilings and will save batteries on normal ceilings. ;)
potnuser
15th of January 2008 (Tue), 19:43
here is a brief overview of the WhaleTail design and few comparison shots: http://photo.greenlightstreet.com/www/index.php?/publisher/articleview/frmArticleID/4/
why is this "tail" so expensive? :cry:
Wilt
15th of January 2008 (Tue), 19:50
why is this "tail" so expensive? :cry:
Cost of injection molds for all the bits'n'pieces, and because some of the public is gullible enough to pay the price.
Curtis N
15th of January 2008 (Tue), 22:41
why is this "tail" so expensive? :cry:Same reason Canon charges $40 or more for a simple plastic lens hood.
It's capitalism. You charge what the market will bear.
cdifoto
29th of August 2008 (Fri), 11:03
You charge what the market will bear.
Then add 30%.
Titus213
29th of August 2008 (Fri), 13:16
Then add 30%.
Plus shipping and handling.;)
cdifoto
29th of August 2008 (Fri), 13:16
And sales tax, where applicable. Plus 3% for PayPal.
Maddog12
29th of August 2008 (Fri), 14:06
I hate the tupperware and I will hate the toilet bowl. Not a big fan of Fong...never have never will.
"I filled my toilet with my flash, but my pictures still turned out crappy"
Hangerhead
30th of August 2008 (Sat), 06:21
ost of the comments here are about how expensive the WT is, rather than if it's any good at what it is set out to do.
i see there is a lambency knock-off, also with gel inserts.
has anyone got any (wt or lambency version) comparison shots comapred to a ABBC for example?
Also, would the gel inserts be used purely to help balance the flash colour with the ambient?
I don't yet understand how the sample shots show the girls skin as 'skin colour' but the background has gone blue/green or orange...
Shooting
31st of August 2008 (Sun), 21:08
Try the Demb flipit..Joe Demb will write to you personally and his customer service cannot be beat. Peter Gregg (maker of abbc) and Gary Fong will not even answer their emails. Shows how much they appreciate their customers.
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