Gary Fongs Lightsphere II - Cloud or Clear

marian wrote in post #2477800
I had a chance to attend another "world class wedding photographer" opening seminar in Las Vegas this past year, while I was there for WPPI. But, it was a private party at the top of the Belagio hotel Penthouse. To go to this private seminar would have cost me almost a thousand bucks! After a few email exchanges, and I got to see his website.

I was UNIMPRESSED! There are a lot better shooters out there!

Hey were you at the AllStars party? If so we might have met... (I was the one that was VERY impressed by what I saw )

Jamie,

No I didn't go to that party at the Belagio, as I mentioned. There were too many other "side" parties/discussions going on during WPPI, that week. As I mentioned, it was almost a thousand bucks and I didn't think it was worth the money, to join his inner circle. His name escapes me at the moemnt. Since you were there, what was the gentlemen's name? (I can't remember!) And as a side note, anything at the Belagio Penthouse, better be pretty spectacular!

At WPPI, I met and made contacts with many other photrographers. There was way too much going on that week!

Croasdail,

I never disputed with you on the LS, that is besides the fact! You had brought up the "world class photographer," so there's probably a few of us, that may want to know, the "magical name." If this person is an artist as you mentioned, why did you mention $10 grand "to get to the first discussion?" (Whatever that means!)

This is a forum, so everyone has an opinion. I respect yours, just as you should respect anyone else's on this forum. If anyone puts up a website, then it is open to "public viewing."

Oh well, I'm outta this thread, too much to do!

Nice shot and thanks so much for sharing!

Boy I love technology

And the Internet , holly molly - breaks down the wall of communication for sure.

What the heck did we do back in the day? Well I logged into BBS's by modem ...

Anyway,

So far my vote is the Flip-It for sure - just a old school solution with a nice hinge on it, priced fair.

Now I am in debate about the diffuser option, looks pretty nice...

If I do "go for" the diffuser add-on , I will post results here.

Cheers,

Dave

jamiewexler wrote in post #2477164
I'll comment on the Flip-It (since I've never used a LS). I've been using a Flip-it for two year now, and find it to be the most effective light modifier for me. Who'da thought that adding a hinge to the old rubber-band-n-an-index-card could improve the concept so much, but it really works. I have one for each of my flashes - a small one and a big one. They both work great.

Here's one (Canon 20D + 550ex w/flipit tipped back slightly):

marian wrote in post #2478572
Jamie,

No I didn't go to that party at the Belagio, as I mentioned. There were too many other "side" parties/discussions going on during WPPI, that week. As I mentioned, it was almost a thousand bucks and I didn't think it was worth the money, to join his inner circle. His name escapes me at the moemnt. Since you were there, what was the gentlemen's name? (I can't remember!) And as a side note, anything at the Belagio Penthouse, better be pretty spectacular!

Actually the photography allstars program (http://www.photography​allstars.com/) is a steal at $1000/year, and I plan to join as soon as I am ready to take my business beyond the 20 weddings a year I'm shooting now. For those who are just hearing about the concept, it is a forum like this one where 5 successfull photographers provide one-on-one mentoring to the 40 or so members of the program on topics ranging from business to marketing to portfolio critique. The wedding business is represented by Huy from f8 studios - one of the finest PJ's in the business, and Kevin Jairaj from kjimages, who has a great "fashion inspired" technique. The three other mentors (Alicial Alvarez - kids, Tim Schooler - senior portraits) specialize in various other portrait related fields.

While I was at the Bellagio, Kevin and Huy sat down with me and let me drive through the forum. I saw lots of invaluable attention paid to the members...these guys gave away all their secrets! One lady submitted an entire wedding of hundreds of images and Huy created and posted a video where he made comments and suggestions on each one. They and the other mentors and members were really approachable and welcoming.

In my short history as a WP, I have yet to find another program that gives you the 1to1 attention that the Allstars does...

Too bad you missed it, it was one heck of a party!

What an opportunity Jamie! That sounds awesome. I hope to be in that position in 2-3 years when my boys are in school! Right now I could not imagine doing more than 20 weddings!! But I certainly want to get to that point. And to be albe to get one on one training... awesome! By then you might be one of the "pros" mentoring me! You know I think your photography rocks!

Awww, thanks Kathy!

The 10 Grand was the deposit required to book a date. Everything from there went up in price. Anyway.... probably best I just drop this as it seems likely to become a sideshow to the main topic.

Sorry all. I'll skip back over to sports where Gary Fong isn't quit the sensitive subject it appears to be here

... chow

I have the flip-it and the diffuser. I haven't seen that the diffuser adds a lot to the properly used flip-it, except a little more junk in the bag and another velcro thingy to make noise with. The flip-it stays on all the time, and adjusts as I need. I have the 4x4 model.

Mickey

ModernPics wrote in post #2478921
Nice shot and thanks so much for sharing!

----
Anyway,

So far my vote is the Flip-It for sure - just a old school solution with a nice hinge on it, priced fair.

Now I am in debate about the diffuser option, looks pretty nice...

If I do "go for" the diffuser add-on , I will post results here.

Cheers,

Dave

bpuppy wrote in post #2475876
I used to use one, but have gone back to the 580ex's built-in in bounce card and/or bouncing off of side walls ... takes more thought, but the directional sidelight is worth it. I no longer even take the LS with me.

Ditto.

jamiewexler wrote in post #2479122
Actually the photography allstars program (http://www.photography​allstars.com/) is a steal at $1000/year, and I plan to join as soon as I am ready to take my business beyond the 20 weddings a year I'm shooting now. For those who are just hearing about the concept, it is a forum like this one where 5 successfull photographers provide one-on-one mentoring to the 40 or so members of the program on topics ranging from business to marketing to portfolio critique. The wedding business is represented by Huy from f8 studios - one of the finest PJ's in the business, and Kevin Jairaj from kjimages, who has a great "fashion inspired" technique. The three other mentors (Alicial Alvarez - kids, Tim Schooler - senior portraits) specialize in various other portrait related fields.

While I was at the Bellagio, Kevin and Huy sat down with me and let me drive through the forum. I saw lots of invaluable attention paid to the members...these guys gave away all their secrets! One lady submitted an entire wedding of hundreds of images and Huy created and posted a video where he made comments and suggestions on each one. They and the other mentors and members were really approachable and welcoming.

In my short history as a WP, I have yet to find another program that gives you the 1to1 attention that the Allstars does...

Too bad you missed it, it was one heck of a party!

I'll have to take a look at that, thanks!