Project 4 - Smoke Photography

For my 4th photography project I decided to do smoke photography.  I had a lot of fun doing this but there were some issues that I ran into.  First, it is really tough to control smoke.  If there is any draft the smoke will move to wherever it wants to.  It's also tough to focus on smoke in low light.  I found that the first 10 shots were not quite in focus when I reviewed them to see what I was getting.

Project 2 - Toy

My daughter came up with the idea of doing a toy photo for this project.  At first I wasn't too keen on it but as I thought about it I liked the challenge.  Isn't that what a project is supposed to do, challenge you a bit?  So off to figure out what I could take a picture make a photo of.

My Review of Flashpoint 16 Channel, Radio Remote Control Set, with Transmitter and Receiver, Range of 90'

Originally submitted at Adorama

Flashpoint 16 Channel, Radio Remote Control Set, with Transmitter and Receiver, Range of 90'

Flashpoint 16 Channel, Radio Remote Control Set, with Transmitter and Receiver, Range of 90'

Not bad for the price

By DM|ZE from Delaware on 11/21/2010

4out of 5

Pros: Lightweight, Easy to Use, Reliable
Cons: Weak Construction, Bulky
Best Uses: Weddings/Events, Portraits, Family Photos
Describe Yourself: Photo Enthusiast
Was this a gift?: No

Currently I have an Olympus FL-36R that can be activated wirelessly but you have to have line of sight. With this I no longer need line of sight, I've used it for one photo shoot so far plus some testing around (probably 100 shots so far). No misfires, popped every time. I will say the receiver is a bit bulky. I also have a strobe light (Flashpoint 620m), I like how I can use it to pop that as well but it just looks bulky hanging there. Still works though. Compared to a lot of other options this is a much cheaper alternative. I wouldn't mind having some of the more expensive sets but my wallet really likes these.

(legalese)

EDIT: I recently went to use my radio remotes and they wouldn't fire.  After ensuring that the batteries were good and checking the channel settings I realized that the transmitter led wasn't even lighting up.  It doesn't seem to be documented anywhere but there is a small screw under the QC sticker of the transmitter that allows you to open it and replace the battery.  I had thought that it might run on the power from the hotshoe on the camera, but that is not the case.  After running to the convenience store between on my way to another shoot I replace the battery, which was an A23 or 23A (depending on the brand) and it was working again with no problems.  I think when I had placed the transmitter in my bag it may have been where the test button was held down and drained the battery.  The battery was about $5 and I was glad that it fixed the issue. I hope this helps someone.