1StbPS200EBip/9071/139/2985/2440
One Strobe Starter
Portrait Studio Lighting Package III
Special
Limited Time SALE Price!
Now with
a great FREE Bonus: Cell
Phone Antenna Booster!
All Brand New for
2004!

Here's a GREAT New Portrait Studio Package! All !
|
Here's what you get:
1) One Britek PS-200 120WS Professional
Strobe (Show
me)
2) One 32" Black/White Umbrella (Show Me)
3) One 6 1/2 Foot Light Stand
(Show
me)
4) One Unique Umbrella-Capable Reflector (Show Me)
5) One Sync Cord
6) One Power Cord
7) All Necessary Bulbs
(flash tube, modeling light bulb, etc.)
With this package you'll have everything you need to start
making great pictures! See just below.
Plus, as a Free
Bonus!
10) One FREE Cellular Phone
Antenna Booster! $20
Value! (Show Me) |
|
Just scroll down or
click on a "Show Me" link to jump to the item. (Kit
#9071) |
|
This is a Great starter Portrait Studio
setup, for an amazing price! You'll
have what you'll need to start getting fabulous portraits (also
great for product photography)! With a powerful 120WS Master
strobesa, you'll be able to appropriately light your victims
(er, your "subjects, that is:), which will allow you to
get professional-level results with the necessary interplay of
light and shadow, resulting in the depth and texture characteristic
of pro portraits. Also, professional strobes (like this) come
with all the bells and whistles already built-in - like what,
you may ask? Like Modeling Lights, (see here
and here), variable power
with the flip of a switch, removable and interchangeable umbrella-capable reflectors, and the capability
of using an almost infinite variety of light modifiers (such
as umbrellas, softboxes, SoftCases, snoots, honeycombs, etc.).
In addition, you'll have a Light
Stand for your strobe, AND a Black/White Reflection Umbrella
to creatively soften the light and effectively help to hide the
lines, sags, and wrinkles often found on our older victims (it
makes them look younger, more vibrant, and attractive - and often
results in the photographer being called names, like "Artist"
and "Genius" :). Umbrellas are also great for photographing
reflective surfaces; they cut down on or eliminate the "hot
spots" on glass, chrome, oil paintings, and on virtually
all similar reflective surfaces). And in addition, you'll also
receive an umbrella-capable reflector with the strobe, and all
necessary sync cords, power cords, and bulbs. Over all, this
is a fabulous professionsal-level starter package which
will give you what you need to start you off in portraiture or
product photography, and is infinitely upgradable! Unlike other
kits, this starts you at the pro level, and allows you to expand
whenever you like - without being stuck with amateur equipment
that you wasted your money on. And you get all this for
less than one-HALF of what you'd pay for just one single strobe
from a competing manufacturer (and less than a dinner would cost
you at a nice restaurant - and this professional lighting equipment
is absolutely guaranteed to last longer than any dinner you'll
ever have ;-).
See more on this subject just below.
|
| Wondering
what the price is? See
it below. |
|
Another great photographic
deal from Photographer's
SupplyStation! "PhotoSource3"
on eBay |
| Important: I just HATE IT when I buy a "kit"
or "package," and then when I receive it, I discover
that I can't use it because there's something else I need (usually
at a substantial additional cost, too) to make it work (i.e.,
the "batteries not included" syndrome)! So I'd never
do that to my (cherished) customers! With this fabulous package,
absolutely everything is included (well, except a camera, film,
and photographer, that is)! When this package arrives, all you'll
have to do to start making great photographs, is open it up,
unwrap your new goodies, put the strobes on the light stands,
plug 'em in, point them at your favorite victims, and, baby,
just like Elvis, go ahead and rock and roll (fire away)!
NO additional equipment or parts are needed to start using your
new studio lighting package! |

NEW! No waiting for an Auction
to end! Bid Now = Buy NOW!
|
|
Dear Visitor: Welcome
to my eBay fixed-price
auctions! This format
allows you to make your purchases INSTANTLY! No bidding
(and no chance of being outbid, no chance
of the price increasing, and
no chance of
losing out on the auction). This is just like making any regular
purchase; simply placing your bid, places your order! Order one
item or package, and one gets shipped right away; order 2, and
both get shipped right away (once you pay for them, of course:).
So just decide how many
of these fabulous PS-200
Portrait Starter Kits you
want, and as soon as you place your order (and pay), your new
goodies will be on their way to you - right away!
|
| This
professional flash (strobe) lighting kit and equipment will work
with all film cameras (APS, 35mm, 120, medium format, large format, etc.)
and many
digital cameras (still digital, program digital, automatic
digital, digital slr, etc.). Will it work with your camera(s)? It most
likelywill (please see here for important information
about using strobes with digital cameras before bidding).
I get tons of e-mails asking me if this equipment will work with
a certain brand of camera; so here are just a few of the
MANY different camera brands that can use this equipment successfully:
nikon, minolta, canon, olympus, kodak, hassleblad, canon eos,
canon powershot, cannon,
Bronica, Contax/Yashica, Hasselblad, Mamiya, Rollei, leica, lieca, polaroid,
yashica, pentax asahi, argus, bronica, mamiya sekor, konica,
jc penny, contax, mitsuba, sony, panasonic, vivitar, vivatar,
praktica, argus, fuji, contax, and many, many more. Have questions?
Feel free to ask, or see HERE for lots of additional
photographic information. Thank you for visiting this auction,
and may the photographic Gods smile upon you! |
|
Want a whole professional 4, 5, 7, 8,
9, or TEN strobe photographic
lighting studio in one dynamic kit? Maybe some NEW Continuous Digital
lights? Only a strobe or two? Something really, really special
for the photographer you love with all your heart (like,
perhaps, yourself:)? Look
no further!
You can find ALL these things
right now in my other auctions (except for the luscious lovely to the left; I'm
gonna keep that one for myself:)
<-Looks almost like natural
light, doesn't it? Not completely! Strobes made this lovely image
better. The give-away? The main light looks like it's coming
from the left (which it is - for the main light - a window),
but look at the catch lights in her eyes! That's coming from
2 strobes; one just behind and (barely) to the right of the camera,
and the other just to the left of the camera (a Minolta Maxxum
7, btw)! From now on, whenever you're looking at pictures in
magazines, notice the eyes for clues to the lighting setup -
and where the catch lights appear in the models' eyes. The secret
to ALL magnificent images? That's an easy one; it's the LIGHTING!
A photographer is a LIGHT writer! See below for more information
and lotsa photographic tips and tricks...
|
|
Please read THIS before ordering ANY lighting equipment |
|
Portraiture! The art making
people look great (or at least better than they really are:).
This is the most popular and useful branch of photography today,
and nothing's going to change in the future, so even if you're
not into portraiture now, you might as well plan on doing some
(or a lot) of portraiture work soon. Also, remember that EVERYONE
you'll ever see, meet, or pass in the street is a portrait customer!
When do people need their portraits made? The answer to that
question would take at least a week just to scratch the surface
of all the possibilities! But for just a few examples, consider
these reasons: birthdays, graduations, school yearbook pictures,
sports teams, bands & musical groups, etc., anniversaries,
new babies, holidays, religious reasons, and a million more reasons.
Basically, everyone you'll ever know (even if you live to be
101) will have a hundred different reasons to want their portraits
taken. And one client with a few kids can pay your rent every
month!
It doesn't matter if you've never made a pro picture in your
life, or even if you're a product photographer, a still life
photographer, a fine art photographer, a landscape photographer,
or even an architectural photographer; as soon as people find
out you're a photographer, they'll start asking you to take pictures
of them, their kids, or their friends and relatives. So no matter
what type of photography is your first love, sooner or later
(most likely sooner), you'll most assuredly find yourself making
pictures of people. And every single one of us has parents, friends
(and sometimes spouses, children, and relatives coming out of
our yin-yangs:). If you're a beginning photographer, portraiture
is the fastest and easiest way to find clients, because everyone
you meet - and everyone you know - is a potential portrait client!
It's also a great way to meet those beautiful girls and
gorgeous guys, while making money as well as new friends (i.e.,
"Hi, I'm a photographer, and you're just the type of model
I need for my portfolio; I'd love to shoot you one day... Um,
with my camera, that is"). ;-)
Reality Check: This package is specifically designed
to be the least expensive "Bare Bones" Professional-Level
starter portrait package available anywhere. And at the fabulously-low
sale price, you're getting an amazing bargain, too! True, it
would be nice to have a second strobe for a fill light, and a
third strobe to light our background (which not only eliminates
those pesky shadows, but also gives us the depth and separation
between our victim and the backdrop). And ideally, we'd want
a mini-light for a hair light (ever notice how the pros' pictures
always show the shining, glow on the hair? The hair light is
the secret of this healthy and shining hair). But in an ideal
world, we'd all be rich and famous photographers; in the real
world, though, many of us don't have sugar-daddies (or mommies:),
and we have to start someplace (see my other auctions
for the larger kits). That's what this kit is designed to do:
get you started in portraiture or product photography with the
minimum set of Professional Level equipment that you'll
need in order to make great Professional portraits and
pictures. After a few profitable portrait sittings or product
jobs, you can add other equipment, like a backlight, a hairlight,
a custom backdrop, and a background support set. But realize
that - with this package - you'll have what it takes to start
making great images. If you want a 3 or 4 strobe portrait kit,
or a package that includes a background, just check my other
eBay auctions and my eBay store!
Why am
I selling this kit for such a low price? Because I know photography and I know photographers
(sheesh, I AM one, y'know). Those among you who order and use
this package will discover how much this little kit improves
your pictures, and how much fun studio photography is.
Then, when you're ready for more photographic equipment, who
will you come to? That's right - me (well, hopefully
me, anyway:). So while I'm not making much (if anything) on this
kit, I WILL be making something much more important: friends.
And, hopefully again, future customers, too (hey, we all gotta
eat, don't we?:). If I can help you enjoy photography, and improve
your photographs, that'll be enough for me; even if you never
order another thing from me (but do try to order something else
in the future, if you can). Once you get up to speed with this
equipment, your next acquisition might be a background light
(a backlight), and then maybe background/backdrop; but don't
push yourself, just have fun making great photographs (who knows,
perhaps you'll become a rich and famous photographer); but at
the very least, with this starter kit, you'll be able to make
some fabulous images - and have fun doing something you're sure
to love.
How do the pros make their older
subjects look so much better than they really look? That's easy
- when you know how! Just soften the light with umbrellas (or
a softbox or softcase), which helps hide all those lines, wrinkles,
and sags on so many of our older victims. No portrait setup would
be complete without these secret weapons (umbrellas), so this
kit includes the umbrella for you!
Just open the boxes that will
arrive at your front door, and you'll be in business! Add one
photographer, a camera, some film (or digital cards), and a victim
to photograph, and you're ready to fire away! This is the entry-level
to buy, because the strobe is pro equipment with a modeling light,
variable power, interchangeable reflectors and accessories, and
capable of using all kinds of light-modifying equipment (check
my other auctions for other portrait packages that include additional
strobes, a background support set and a custom backdrop). And
now you can own this complete starter portrait studio package
without taking out a second mortgage on your house! Heck, you
can own this great package for LESS than ONE-HALF of what you
might pay for just ONE competing strobe, or a dinner at a nice
restaurant! For more information on starting out in photography,
just click the "tell me more about photography" link
below. Thank you for viewing this auction, take care, and, as
always, take (or better yet, "make") lots & lots
of great pictures!
|
| Hmmm. Tell
me more about photography... and what equipment I'll need to
succeed |
Back to top of page
| Important: I have many auctions that are not listed at the top
of the eBay auctions page, and lots of additional equipment available
for immediate purchase (no waiting for an auction to end,
and no chance of being outbid) in my eBay store! The only
way to be sure you haven't missed something that might be perfect
for your needs is to check ALL my eBay auctions and store
items by clicking HERE! <-
Clicking here will open up a new page in your browser with a
list of my auctions and eBay store items; this auction
page will remain open behind the new page, so you won't lose
your place. |
 |
Shop with
confidence!
Bid with
confidence!
Buy with
confidence!
From a Profoundly Proud
GOLD eBay PowerSeller!
This GOLD
PowerSeller proudly provides a plethora of perfect photographic
products - PLUS - pure, powerful, and peerless customer service!
|
-->
Check out all my other wonderful eBay auctions! |
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| Be Careful, dear friends, when you
choose your photographic equipment! All strobes and kits are
NOT equal... and you should know what you're ordering
before spending your hard-earned money. |
|
Take Care, gentle photographer - when choosing
your lighting equipment. There are many strobes and much lighting
equipment of lesser quality, fewer capabilities, and much less
versatility being sold online nowadays. Of course, it's you who
will make the decision about who you will buy from, and which
equipment you will buy; however, before making your purchasing
decisions (and forking over your hard-earned cash:), ask yourself
a few questions: Do
these strobes come with modeling lights? Do these strobes have removable reflectors? Does it come with variable-power
capabilities? Is it expandable and are there accessories available
for the strobes to easily and inexpensively expand your lighting
capabilities? Does it come with a guarantee backed by an
American-based manufacturer/distributor to provide warrantee
service or replacement? Does it even come with a warrantee? If
the kit includes umbrellas, are they appropriately matched to
the strobe's output power? Does it come with an American
power plug, or does it require adapters just to make it work
(at extra cost to you, as well)? And how much help and information
can you expect from the seller? If the equipment you're considering
buying fits your needs, even without the capabilities I usually
like my equipment to have, then make your purchase knowing
what you're ordering and what you're going to have to work with
when your equipment arrives. I'm not suggesting that you shouldn't
buy equipment with lesser capabilities, just that you should
understand what you're getting before you spend your hard-earned
money. But, of course, you're the customer, and you
decide what to buy, and from whom to buy it.
Here's why
I like my strobes to come with the capabilities I've described: 1) If a
strobe doesn't come with a modeling light, you'll have
no way to know what your picture will look like until after
you get the prints back! In fact, modeling lights are probably
the greatest capability any strobe can have (especially
for beginners in studio lighting). See below for details on modeling lights. 2) If a strobe doesn't have a removable reflector,
then you can't control the light spread (coverage angle)
- you're stuck with whatever output angle the strobe comes with,
so it's far less useful to us (sometimes we want a narrow light
spread to highlight our subject; other times we want to remove
the reflector completely for a broad 180º light spread to
light backgrounds, large areas, or groups, for example). In addition,
on strobes without reflectors, won't even be able to use a barndoors
on your strobes! 3) If a
strobe doesn't have variable power capabilities, you'll
need a larger studio area because you'll have to physically move
the strobes farther away from your subject in order to reduce
the light when needed (with variable power strobes - such as
these - we simply flip a switch). 4)
If you're only buying 2-3 master strobes, you're much
better off having them be of the same power; it makes it quicker
and (much) easier to set up your shots and allows you to get
perfect exposures more easily. 5)
One of the greatest disappointments
for new strobe owners is to discover that they cannot (easily
and inexpensively) expand the capabilities of their lights
(by using color filters/gels to allow us to change the color
of our backgrounds and subjects or to direct and modify the light
with barndoors because the strobes we bought didn't have the
ability to use these helpful accessories, etc.). 6) And finally, if you're buying umbrellas with your
kit, the size of an umbrella should be matched to the strobe's
output; too large of an umbrella will result in too much
light reduction (and consequently forces you to use either a
very slow shutter speed, or a much larger aperture, which cuts
down your depth of field, and may be out of reach for many zoom
lenses), and too small an umbrella will allow light spillover
and substantially decreased effect. That's why I always match
the correct umbrella size to the strobes' output power in all
my packages (if you want larger or smaller umbrellas, just ask;
you da boss:).
So use your head, choose your equipment carefully, review the
seller's feedback, check out the supplier's web sites,
and no matter where you buy your equipment, have fun and make
some great pictures! Thank you for visiting this auction, your
time and consideration are most sincerely appreciated. You might
care to review my business philosophy, if you like.
|
| Using
a Digital Camera? There
are those who "claim" their strobes will work perfectly
with ALL digital cameras. Ha! BEWARE, dear friends, beware. This is untrue! There are some digital
cameras which will NOT work with pro strobes, and unlike
the others who DON'T tell you the truth, I've explained this
situation ethically and honestly (see THIS for the explanation). When you deal
with Photographer's SupplyStation - PhotoSource3 on eBay, you
get more than just great equipment and fabulousely low
prices - you also get honesty, integrity, and help, too. I won't
sell an item that will disappoint you (just check my feedback for proof of this). Even though
the cheaper strobes may cost less than the decent equipment I
sell; often in life, we find that the cheapest things
we buy end up costing us the most money in the end. But "you
pays your money, and you takes your choice," and no matter
who you buy your photographic equipment from, I wish you all
the best! See my business philosophy here. |
| ALSO, if you
try using strobes of substantially different power outputs (Watt
Seconds) to light your subject, your job will become much
more difficult! Just try lighting one side of your subject with
a more powerful strobe, and the other side of your subject with
a less powerful strobe! Half of your picture will be overexposed
(washed out), and the other half will be underexposed (way too
dark)! That's why ordering your equipment from a photographer
who knows about studio photography - and uses the same equipment
he's selling - is your best option! That's why my packages actually
WORK! Want proof? See my Feedback, and discover what way over
1,000 other fine eBay folks have to say about my equipment and
customer service. Remember, you can fool some of the people all
of the time, and you can fool all of the people some of the time,
but you can't fool all of the people all of the time. Way over
a thousand other eBay buyers (plus over 2,000 other happy customers)
can't all be wrong, huh? :) See my Feedback and decide for yourself. |
Back to top of page
The
NEW 2004 Britek
PS-200 Professional Studio Flash

The NEW PS-200 Monolight
| This
brand new Britek PS-200 is a great starter Monolight for the
beginning professional, the pro with tight budget constraints,
or the advanced amateur who is ready to bring the professional
look to his or her photographs (without mortgaging the house). |

| Why
are photogs so in love with their studios? BECAUSE (in our studios)
WE CAN CONTROL THE LIGHT! And a "studio" can be a corner
of any room, as long as we can CONTROL THE LIGHT. In our studios,
we can play God! We can make it daytime or evening or night;
we can shoot 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We can CREATE anything
we can imagine - as long as we can CONTROL THE LIGHT! |
|
After all, the word
"photographer" itself (from Greek) actually
means Light Writer, or "one who writes with light."
The term is meaningful
because those of us who make photographs are slaves to light.
Light is both our nemesis and our salvation (when we can control
the light). Without the right types of lighting equipment, we
can never progress to professional level studio pictures. Or
location pictures.
Sure, we can make beautiful photos
with available light... when the light's just right, at the exact
time we need it, and at exact place we need it, if it's not raining,
if it's not snowing, if it's not too cold, if it's not too hot,
if it's not too dark, if everyone we need to make the photographs
are available at the exact time the light's just right for our
needs, under all the right conditions.... beginning to see now?
When we can control the light, we can make the best photographs.
|
| PhotoSpeak:
BTW, did you notice, above,
that I said "make" photographs, and not "take"
pictures? Well, here's your first lesson in how pros speak about
photography (photospeak): "Snapshooters" or "point
and shooters," who don't think and plan their shots (e.g.,
most of us) are the ones who "take" pictures (the rank
amateurs). Photographers "make" great photographs by
careful thought, detailed planning, and, most of all, scrupulous
attention to lighting. Before they even think about pressing
that shutter, they "design" their photos carefully.
Soon, with a little effort, you'll be "making"
great photographs! It's not that hard, believe me. But ya gotta
CONTROL THE LIGHT! |
Back to top of page
 |
This little beauty cranks out a full
120 watt seconds* for mamma or poppa (or both)!
Why do photographers want
powerful flash equipment (strobes)? Because (both indoors and
outdoors) with strobes, WE CAN CONTROL THE LIGHT! Sound familiar?
Starting to get the picture, now? (sorry, I just couldn't resist
;-)
BTW, did you realize that both
the photo above, and the photo on the left, were both taken against
the same background? Yup. The backdrop was a pure white canvas.
Why does the picture on the left look like it has a brown background?
BECAUSE I COULD CONTROL THE LIGHT. Even with a cheapie old (really
old) digital Fuji (no speed control, no slr, no aperture choice,
etc.). How? See the "technique section below).
Hmmm... Light!
What
the heck is a "Watt Second?" And what's a "GN?"
|
| Technique: How
was I able to make the background that's in the top picture pure
white, and the very same background, in the picture above, appear
brown? It's easy - when you know how (it's sorta like this: What
kind of question is a hard question? Answer: One you don't know
the answer to. And what kind of question is an easy question?
Answer: That's the one you do know the answer to). Here's
how it's done: In the top picture, I lit the background with
a backlight strobe (it's own strobe), so it received enough light
to expose properly, and consequently it came out pure white.
In the picture above, I did not light the background; I just
used the tiny little built-in flash on the digital Fuji, which
was enough to (barely) light the strobe I was photographing,
but too weak to reach or brighten up the backdrop to white; therefore,
the background underexposed and looked brownish, even though
it was really a pure white canvas! Carried to an extreme, I could
even make a white background look black, if I wanted to. How?
By lighting the subject so brightly that the (unlit) background
would underexpose (i.e., not receive enough light) so badly it
would come out black. It's all in the LIGHT folks; it's all
in the light! Remember, a photographer is a LIGHT writer. |
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Back to
top of page
You also get
a FREE Bonus: A Cell
Phone Antenna Extender!
Win this auction and
you'll receive this $20.00 Antenna Booster - Absolutely
FREE! |
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| At
the great price you'll get for this fabulous package, you could
buy 2 or even 3 of these kits for LESS than HALF what you might
pay for just a single competing strobe! BTW, when I tested
this fabulous new strobe, I discovered that it clocked in at
an incredible F16 at 10 feet! Whatta powerful little sucker it
is! Plus, you can set it for full OR half power. |
|
Technique: BTW, I purposely made the photograph above to
show you an example of a photographic situation (perspective
distortion) that often plagues our amateur images. I used this
technique to distort the relative size of the reflector, compared
to the strobe's body. Look at the picture at the top of this
auction description (or the small one to the left); then look
at the image above. The reflector in the image above appears
larger than it really is, in relation to the body of the strobe
(compare the relative sizes of the strobe and the silver reflector).
Why does this happen? It's called "perspective distortion"
and I'll spare you the physics of the explanation, but whenever
one part of an object is closer to the camera's lens than the
other part of an object, the perspective is distorted (it's due
to the rendering of a 3 dimensional object into a 2 dimensional
image). For fun, try this: come in really close to someone's
face with your camera, and with the person's nose closest to
your lens, take a picture. When the print comes back, you'll
see the nose looks huge (compared to the rest of the face). Of
course, you can do the same with almost any object you photograph.
The lesson? Beware of holding the camera too close to your subject
(unless you want perspective distortion for some reason, like
this example, or for fun). This most often happens when we're
using wide angle lenses (since we can fit more into the frame,
we sometimes bring the camera too close to our subjects), but
it happens with all lenses. For portraiture, use somewhere between
an 85 to 135mm lens (the short telephoto range makes most faces
look better). The opposite of the perspective distortion effect
is a compression of space caused with long telephoto lenses.
If a subject really does have a large nose, shoot your victim
with a longer telephoto lens; it will compress space, and make
the nose look smaller. Just a couple more tricks up the professional
photographer's sleeve. Read on, and learn more.... Back
to top of page |
More about the
new
PS-200.....
Back to top
of page
| Now
lemme tell ya about another great feature on these dynamite little
units that's not found on many competing strobes costing 3-5
times the price of these: when you set these units for 1/2 power,
the modeling lights ALSO dim to 1/2 power! What a great feature
(what's a "modeling light?" see the explanation just
below this picture)! [Why, you may ask, would we want to reduce a strobe's
power output? see the "technique" section, below. |

As we can see
from the back view, The New PS-200 is well-stocked with controls
and comes with all the extras already built-in.
The PS-200
is a "Monolight," which means that all the required
components are included in the one package (as opposed to other
strobes which may have the flash head in one segment, and then
need an additional and separate power supply in order to get
it to work; at an additional cost, too). With these units, everything
is included; just plug them in, and fire away!
The "ready"
light goes on to let us know when the strobe is charged and ready
to fire; the "test" button lets us fire the strobe
to test its proper functioning or to take a meter reading; the
"sync" terminal lets us attach a sync (or PC) cord
to the sync terminal on our cameras to control the firing of
the strobe with the shutter button on our cameras; and the "optical
slave sensor" lets us fire the strobe automatically with
the flash of any other strobe or flash unit (so we don't have
to use a sync cord at all, if we don't want to). The Full/Half
Power switch lets us choose the power output with the flip of
a switch. The other controls are pretty much self-explanatory.
|
|
BTW,
a "Modeling
Light" (see the picture
of the modeling light, below) is a separate,
additional, light (in addition to the strobe's "Flash Tube")
that's built into the strobe and throws continuous light over
the same area as the strobe's flash tube will (see the picture
below for a close-up). You turn on the modeling light (before
your shot), so the photographer can see what the modeling will
look like, as s/he adjusts the lights before he takes the shot
and fires the strobe ("Modeling"
is PhotoSpeak for the highlights (light areas) and shadows (dark
areas) that fall upon the subject, giving it the depth and texture
necessary for professional results). This great feature (modeling
light) is usually only found on much more expensive lights.
This unit can be activated by
the PC Cord (included, of course), the Test Button, or the Slave
Sensor (which means that any other flash, even your camera's
little built-in flash, can automatically fire this unit by it's
light alone, so you don't even need to use a sync (PC) cord unless
you want to). BTW, a "PC Cord"
(Push Contact), also called a "Sync Cord"
is a wire that connects the strobe to your camera, and fires
the strobe when you press the camera's shutter button.
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|
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|

The PS-200 comes ready to
go, with built-in umbrella holder, built-in light stand connector,
and the ability to set the direction or tilt of each light to
perfectly fit your needs for every shot!
See the image above
for a description of each of the controls on the unit.
|
| This is a Fabulous deal, but let's
not lose sight of the reality. If you're rich, have a sugar-mommy
or daddy, are a high-income pro, or if you can get financing,
my advice would be to spring for something (several somethings,
in fact) more powerful, more feature-rich (and a LOT more expensive).
Lights are like hard disks and internet connections: no matter
how big a hard disk is, and no matter how fast your net connection
is, they're never big or fast enough. But if you're just starting
out, or are on a budget, or are an advanced (or advancing) amateur,
these little babies sure make a lot of sense. Let's face it,
your portrait clients (or your mother-in-law) won't have any
idea whether you paid three hundred or three thousand for each
of these strobes; they'll just be impressed (let them think they
cost you an arm and a leg; especially those snooty, skinny, little
models - "Ya want great head shots, sweetie? It's gonna
cost ya; hell, my lights are so valuable, whenever I trade one
in, I gotta pay it alimony!") Umm, just some photographer
humor, folks :) - it sorta grows on you as you progress in photography;
you'll see. |
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to top of page
 |
We can see the difference between
the Modeling Light Bulb and the Flash Tube (the circular tube
surrounding the modeling bulb) in this close-up shot of the PS-200's
business end (with the reflector removed, of course).
The modeling light is a fabulous photographic aid for every photographer
- but especially valuable to the amateur, because it let's
us "see" exactly where the light will fall when the
strobe flashes. This feature alone is worth at least a hundred
rolls of ruined film (which you'll save by having a modeling
light)! One of the major questions (and hesitations) I had when
I was beginning to learn photography, was "If you use strobes,
how do you know what the subject will look like, or how and where
the light will illuminate the subject, if you don't have continuous
lighting to judge by?"
The answer was really simple:
You don't. UNLESS your strobes also have MODELING LIGHTS! With
modeling lights, you can see exactly where the strobe's
flash will illuminate the subject, because the modeling light
falls on the subject the same as the strobe's light will fall
on the subject (less intensely, of course)! And this is why the
pros pay lotsa money for good strobes that come with modeling
lights. That's why the professional photographer's pictures look
so much better than ours do: they have the right equipment for
the job! They can CONTROL THE LIGHT! And now, so can you. back up to rear view of PS-200
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|
| PhotoSpeak: What's a "Slave Sensor?"
Well, if you had to use
a PC Cord for every strobe, just think what a mess of tangled
wires you'd have if you were using 5 or 6 or more strobes to
light your subject (as many pros do)! So, science came to our
rescue with slave sensors. It's a tiny little sensor built into
most good strobes, that sits & waits for a short, intense burst
of light. When it detects this burst of light (the flash from
another strobe), it automatically sets off the flash tube in
the strobe its built into. Voila! Now, with strobes that have
slave sensors (often just called "slaves"), we can
connect only one strobe to our cameras (with the PC or Sync cord),
usually the strobe closest to our camera, and when we press the
shutter button, firing the one connected strobe, that flash will
automatically set off all the other strobes we may be using for
that shot! Ah, ain't technology wunnerful (sic)? Even most of
the little flashes built into most modern cameras can set off
most strobes with slaves. A strobe that has PC socket, or both
a PC Socket and a slave sensor is called a "Master"
strobe; a strobe that only has a slave sensor and no PC socket
(usually less expensive units) is called a "Slave."
Whichever strobe you're using with a PC cord is referred to as
your "master" strobe for purposes of that shot. Most
of the better strobes have both PC sockets and slave sensors,
so they're more versatile and useful to us (however, there are
many very good slaves out there today, and you won't need all
your strobes to be masters, so don't hesitate to buy some decent
slaves when the time comes - and, believe me, if you stick with
photography, the time will come). |
|
Complete: Each
of these PS-200s comes complete with umbrella-capable reflector,
sync cord, AC cord, Flash Tube, Modeling Light, built-in umbrella
holder, and standard light stand connector; it's ready to plug
in and fire away! Since these strobes are A.C. units, they're
ready to rock! No
batteries or powerpacks or light heads or connector cords are
needed; just plug 'em in,
and (just like Elvis) you're ready to rock and roll. As with
all quality strobes, these are capable of using many additional
custom accessories, of course (e.g., snoots, barn doors, softboxes,
stands, unbrellas, honeycombs, gel holders, etc.). BTW, pros
use umbrellas to "bounce" the strobe's light off of
(or sometimes through) to make the light softer, reduce or eliminate
shadows, and "mellow-out" the picture. Softboxes (and
SoftCases) and umbrellas are specifically designed for this purpose
(and yes, these are able to use custom-fitted softboxes &
softcases).
These are brand new, 100% guaranteed,
with the manufacturer's full one year warrantee . These are NOT
seconds, blemishes, or anything other than brand new, absolutely
perfect, current 2004 models! Just 'cause the price is great,
doesn't mean these are in any way less than perfect! Questions?
Requests? just e-mail any questions or requests, to me at
PhotoSource3@pss3.com.
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|
|
Point
of Information: Why, you might be asking yourself, have
virtually all photographers switched to using strobes, when "regular"
continuous lights (photographers call them "hot" lights)
are everywhere, and it's easier for us to see how the lighting
will look with them? Well, the continuous lights, like the ones
in our houses (tungsten lights), or halogen (and similar) are
called "hot lights" for a reason: they get hot. Really
hot! And the special photographic hot lights get twice as hot
as household bulbs! This tends to make certain things, like flowers,
foods, animals, and those darn pesky models, wilt. Especially
models. They get very, very, unhappy when they wilt. Whine, gripe,
groan; you'd think a little melting makeup, and running mascara,
limp hair, and sticky lipstick, and beads of sweat running down
their lovely curvaceous (umm, let's say noses) was a big deal
or something, the way they complain! ;-)
Next, there's a little problem
with the "color temperature" being way off with hot
lights, so we have to use special films (3200K or 3400K) or filters,
or special photographic bulbs, when using them (strobes are perfectly
balanced at 5500K to simulate sunlight, so we can use all the
regular daylight films we've come to love/hate over the years).
You'll notice that most of your pictures taken indoors without
using a flash turn out with a yellowish color cast; that's because
household lights are loaded with yellow and red light. The solution
is to either use special films, or special filters. But why create
more problems for yourself? Using strobes eliminates all these
headaches (and heat!). Also, with continuous lights, they're
always shining; usually right in our subject's eyes, causing
squinting and annoyance (and ugly looking pictures). With strobes,
nothing is shining in their eyes, and the flash is too short
to cause any of this discomfort to our beloved subjects (until
AFTER the flash, when they might be chasing all those little
light blips around the room:). Additionally, with strobes, we
can control the light much better! We can adjust the power output
with the flick of a switch. We can modify the light with umbrellas,
softboxes, softcases, filters, scrims and gobos, doo-dahs, and
thingamajigs, etc., etc. We can direct the light with barn doors,
snoots, honeycombs, and many other accessories. In short, with
strobes, we can play God with our photography; WE CAN CONTROL
THE LIGHT! And we can do it 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, whenever
we want, no matter what the weather is, and without regard to
daylight or night. There are yet other, more esoteric, as well
as mundane reasons why strobes are the preferred means of photographic
lighting in the modern world, but we'll pass on those things
for now. You've probably had enough information shoved down your
throat already (sorry, but I can't resist trying to educate everyone
about photography).
|
BTW,
technically speaking, all professional photographic flash units,
even though nearly all pros call them "strobes," are
not technically strobe lights. A real stroboscope is capable
of dozens (or hundreds or even thousands) of flashes per second,
and many can maintain that flash rate for hours on end. Our photographic
strobes would die a dozen deaths if we tried to set them off
25 or 50 times a second! However, since photographers almost
always call these lights "strobes," we'll just stick
with the term; but, technically..... Well, you get the idea ;->
Back to top |
| Important: I have many auctions that are not listed at the top
of the eBay auctions page, and lots of additional equipment available
for immediate purchase (no waiting for an auction to end,
and no chance of being outbid) in my eBay store! The only
way to be sure you haven't missed something that might be perfect
for your needs is to check ALL my eBay auctions and store
items by clicking HERE! <-
Clicking here will open up a new page in your browser with a
list of my auctions and eBay store items; this auction
page will remain open behind the new page, so you won't lose
your place. |
Back to top of page
Technique: Why would we want to dim a strobe to
1/2 power? Because in order to get great pictures, we have to
be able to control the light (sound familiar?) in a number of
ways. Sometimes a full power flash is too powerful for the effect
we're after; other times we may want to reduce the illumination
to create a different mood. In people pictures, for a head shot
(that's what photographers call a picture of a person's face,
often the face and shoulders), we often want part of the face
highlighted, and the other part of the face in a light to medium
shadow. This interplay of light and shadow is called "modeling,"
and is a hallmark of good photography. Anyway, as an example,
a common lighting ratio for people pictures is a 1:2 (also 1:3,
1:4, or even 1:5) ratio - full illumination on one side of the
face, and 1/2 that amount of light on the other side of the subject's
face (we rarely want full frontal lighting, because it gives
the face a flat and unappealing look, as well as other negative
aspects). The 1:2 (full/half) lighting combination can give us
an interesting and often flattering image, with a good ratio
of light and shadow - revealing the character, and giving us
depth and texture (but be sure to play around with other lighting
ratios, too, for even more creativity). Whenever we have two
strobes to work with, we can achieve this 1:2 ratio by moving
one strobe (the one providing the shadow side lighting) twice
as far away from the subject as our main light (the strobe providing
the full illumination). But often things get in the way, like
walls and such; not all of us have lots of room in our studios
(especially living room studios :) to move our lights as far
away as we like. Aha! The scientific wizards devised a most convenient
solution! A variable-power strobe (like this great PS-200)! Now,
instead of moving lights all over the place, all we have to do
is flip a switch, and Voila! 1/2 power without any hassle at
all! In some very powerful strobes, we might even find variations
from full power, all the way down to 1/32 power. Another way
to achieve a lighting ratio (when we only have one strobe) is
to use a reflector to "bounce" some light onto the
shadow side of the subject's face. You can buy a "professional"
reflector for as much as $100.00 or more, but I just use a white
poster board, which you can find at any art supply store for
under two bucks. You don't have to spend a fortune to make great
pictures, just use your equipment to its fullest extent - and
use your head!
Back up to the PS-200 description |
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Specifications: PS-200 Pro Studio Monolight
|
| AC
Input |
110-120 Volt |
| AC
Fuse |
5
Amp |
| Modeling
Lamp |
100W Halogen (rated 1,000 hours) |
| Flash
Tube |
BC-100Y
(rated 10,000 flashes) 120WS (huh?) |
| Guide
No. (ISO 100) |
GN:
45 Meters / 120 Feet (huh?) |
| Trigger |
Test button / Slave / PC Cord |
| Slave Effective Distance |
15 Meters / 50 Feet |
| Sync
Socket |
5
ø Standard Earphone Type, 6V DC |
| Diameter
of Light Head |
70 ø mm |
| Recycling
Time |
1-3 Seconds |
| Dimensions
& Weight |
240 x 80 x 140mm 0.65Kg |
|
These units also have
the ability to accept all the standard light-modifying accessories,
of course. |
Back to top
| Important: I have many auctions that are not listed at the top
of the eBay auctions page, and lots of additional equipment available
for immediate purchase (no waiting for an auction to end,
and no chance of being outbid) in my eBay store! The only
way to be sure you haven't missed something that might be perfect
for your needs is to check ALL my eBay auctions and store
items by clicking HERE! <-
Clicking here will open up a new page in your browser with a
list of my auctions and eBay store items; this auction
page will remain open behind the new page, so you won't lose
your place. |
| Q. What the heck is a "WS" and what's a
"GN," and what in the world do they mean? |
|
WS = Watt Second | GN = Guide Number
Here's a brief explanation (using,
for this example, your (well, it might be yours soon:) new PS-200
strobe, which have a power level of 120WS, and a GN of 120):
The "120WS" (or the 80WS, or 20WS, etc.) is the output
power of your strobe and a watt second is equal to the electrical
term "joules," a high-falutin power level. The Guide
Number (GN) of these PS-200 units is also 120 (for ASA/ISO 100
film), with a standard reflector. Often, the Watt Second power
output is close to the guide number. What good is knowing the
guide number? Well, the GN gives us a method of calculating exposure
(for any strobe and any film) in this way: to calculate the correct
approximate exposure for any subject at any distance, simply
divide the distance (in feet) that the subject is from the strobe,
into the strobe's GN (guide number); the result is our approximate
"F" stop.
For example, (presuming you're
using ISO/ASA 100 film), our GN is 120, and the subject is 12
feet away, then: 120 (GN) divided by 12 (feet away from the subject)
= 12.5, so we'd use an exposure setting of just over F11. If
our subject is 8 feet away, then: 120 divided by 8 = 18.75 which
would give us an approximate F stop of just over 16. See? Umm,
if you don't understand it, don't worry about it (it took me
years to fully comprehend). Suggestion: If you're serious about
improving your photography, you should consider getting a handheld
flash/ambient light meter see links here
(sorry, I don't carry any at this time, but I do offer some suggestions
on my web site).
Back
up to the PS-200 description ------------------- Back to top of page
|
You're getting One Britek PS-200
Professional Strobe with this kit
You also get
a useful FREE Bonus: A
Cell Phone Antenna Extender!
Now win and you'll
receive this $20.00 Antenna Booster - Absolutely FREE! |
| Each
and every order (placed from this eBay auction listing)
will include one FREE Cellular
Phone Antenna Booster. Please understand that you will receive
one free antenna booster with your order
(regardless of how many kits or packages you order). Unlike with
other sellers, this is not a gimmick - there are no
additional costs to you, there are no additional shipping
charges tacked on - this is really and truly a FREE bonus! Wondering
if these products are really as good as they sound? Just check my feedback! See this great antenna booster here! |
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Here's some information about the items comprising
your new starter studio: Brand New 2.8 to 6.5 Foot
Light stands

| Unlike
many of the items you'll find listed on eBay, all these items
are Brand New, not old, used, banged-up cast-offs that someone
else is trying to get rid of. These are 100% new, perfect, and
come with the manufacturer's full warantee. Consider this when
making your purchasing decisions. |
Top:
3/8" stud, 1/4" thread, type A.
Size: 2.8 ft to 7 feet; Weight: 2.4 lbs. ea. |
|
Here's a fabulous deal on
an excellent quality light stand. This Brand New Britek light
stand extends to a height of 7 Feet, and
folds down (fully assembled) to only 2.8 feet for easy packing
and transport.
These stands have a black
finish which reduces unwanted glare; three vertical sections
(19mm, 16mm, 13mm), and three double-braced legs (16mm), which
provide excellent stability in the studio or on location. They're
topped with a standard 3/8" stud with 1/4" thread,
type A. Sturdy as all get out, yet only weigh about 3 lbs. (so
you can pack up a set of three stands for under 10 lbs. for location
shoots - believe me, schlepping around anything heavier can give
you a hernia, especially when added to all your other gear).
Yet these babies can be folded up and put in the corner of your
closet and take up very little space.
I've been using these same stands for over 3 years now, and couldn't
be happier! You'll probably love 'em, too. They're sized perfectly
for multiple uses: with a low height of under 3 feet, they're
great for background lighting; at their full 6.5 feet, they're
perfect for lighting standing subjects, lighting from above for
kids or sitting subjects, or even hairlights; and adjusting them
anywhere in-between, they're perfect for subject-level lighting,
whether you're photographing kids or adults (or things)! BTW,
as stated above, you'll be buying brand new stands here, NOT
my used ones (those are mine! you can't have them; I like them,
and I'm gonna keep them; you go buy your own! (hey, at this great
price, buy several. :).
Reality Check: Hey, if you're rich, I'd suggest buying
a set of bigger, heavier (& more expensive) stands for your
pro studio setup, and another set of lightweight stands for location
shoots; but my studio is in my house, and I don't have 20 foot
ceilings for the 15' stands anyway, so these stands work just
fine for me. 6.5 feet is plenty high for most uses, and we have
larger stands should you need more height. And they're sturdy
enough for studio work, and light enough for location work. Realize,
though, that these stands, while certainly a great deal and a
marvelous value, are the working photog's Chevys and Fords; not
Rolls Royces. Treat them with minimal respect, and they'll see
you through to old age; but if you're looking for the Ferraris
of light stands, go buy something else. This sturdy light stand
is rated to hold a load of 10 pounds (but, personally, I try
to keep the load under 9 lbs when it's fully extended) either
way, it's likely to be able to hold darn near any lighting unit
you're using. Of course, there are bigger and heavier stands,
too.
All the sections of these stands
are quality tubular stock, NOT the cheapie solid ones (which
are heavier and less versatile, as well as cheaper). The only
"cheap" part of these stands is the price - not the
quality! Bid now, while they're still in stock.
Back to top of page
|
You're getting
One 6 1/2 Foot Light stand with this package
NEW!
No waiting for an Auction to end! Bid Now = Buy NOW!
|
|
Dear Visitor: Welcome
to my eBay fixed-price
auctions! This format
allows you to make your purchases INSTANTLY! No bidding
(and no chance of being outbid, no chance
of the price increasing, and
no chance of
losing out on the auction). This is just like making any regular
purchase; simply placing your bid, places your order! Order one
item or package, and one gets shipped right away; order 2, and
both get shipped right away (once you pay for them, of course:).
So just decide how many
of these fabulous PS-200
Portrait Starter Kits you
want, and as soon as you place your order (and pay), your new
goodies will be on their way to you - right away!
|
Free Photo Tips!
Technique: Which background should
we use? That's a question
with a million answers; the answer is: It depends. It depends
upon what effect we're after, which mood we wish to create, how
we choose to present our victim (um, er, our "subject,"
that is:) to the world. But there are a few basic guidelines
we can follow. If our victim has striking blue eyes, for example
(blue, brown, or whatever color, if their eyes are beautiful,
use a similar color backdrop), but for this discussion, if our
subject has beautiful blue eyes, consider a background with blue
as a predominant color (see my eBay store for some great backgrounds).
If our victim has wonderful blond hair, consider using a backdrop
with golds, tans, or light browns in it. If our subject is wearing
a red blouse or dress, use a background with reds in it. If our
subject is wearing a green suit, consider a backdrop with greens
or blacks. It's our job - as photographers - to make our subjects
(whether they're people in portrait pictures, or products, or
buildings) look as good as we possibly can. And one of our most
powerful and potent allies in this quest is the use of backgrounds!
It's up to us to make our pictures make our subjects look
as beautiful (or handsome, or striking, etc.) as we possibly
can!
The
Portrait Session: If,
for example, we're doing a portrait session, and we only have
a blue background and a brown background to work with (hey, not
all of us can afford to have dozens of different backgrounds
when we're just starting out, y'know), what do we do? That's
easy: tell our portrait client to bring two (or more) changes
of clothes; in one set of clothes, wear something blue, and in
the other set of clothes, bring something brown! This way, we
get to make our clients look great using the backgrounds we already
have! Also, tell them to bring one dressy outfit, and one casual
outfit, so we can get images that show them urbane and sophisticated,
and another set of images with them casual and comfortable. Oh
yes, and this way we get to sell them twice the number
of prints, too! One set for business and impressing folks, and
one set showing that they're pretty darn attractive in jeans
& cowboy boots, too (or whatever their particular casual
attire may be).
Back to top of page
Tip
1: Ask the client what they enjoy doing;
ask them about their hobbies, their passions, their interests.
If they play the guitar, have them bring one along; if they love
basketball, have them bring one to the session; if they just
adore their dog or cat, bring them, too (more pictures, more
poses, equal more SALES!).
Tip
2: If they have a child,
then tell them to bring the child along (unless it's strictly
a business sitting, where children would be inappropriate), and
bring a couple of sets of clothing for the child. too. Make some
exposures (in addition to the standard single-subject portrait
poses, of course) with the victim and the child, and some exposures
of the child alone. Have the child in dressy clothes for some
shots, and in play clothes for another set of shots (film is
the cheapest part of your costs, so don't be afraid to use a
lot). Then, be SURE to ask the subject to bring the child's grandparents
(or uncles & aunts) along to view the prints - I guarantee
you, 90% of the time, the grandparents will - at the very least
- triple your sale! They just can't resist ordering pictures
of their little darlings! A couple of 11 x 14s for the walls
in the house (and for the office walls, too); a few 5 x 7s for
their relatives, and some wallet-size prints, to carry with them!
Remember, you're not only a photographer - you're also
in business to make a living (quite a nice living, too,
if you use your head)! See my other auctions for some more tips
see here.
Quickie
Technique #3: Portraits
- Set the camera at subject's eye level; focus on the eyes; light
one side of the face brighter than the other (half in light to
medium shadow); to hide wrinkles use umbrellas or softbox; to
de-emphasize a large nose, raise camera level slightly and shoot
full or 3/4 face; to de-emphasize a receding hairline, lower
camera slightly or have subject raise head slightly. More "quickie
technique" information will be included in other auction
descriptions. Thank you for viewing this auction, and good luck!
Tell me more about getting perfect exposure...see
here
Back to top of page |
Remember, folks, there's virtually nothing for
sale nowadays that someone couldn't make a little cheaper, using
lower quality materials, less reliable components, poorer manufacturing
processes, and unskilled workers. Those of us who make our purchasing
decisions based solely upon price are this unscrupulous
person's legitimate prey. For goodness sakes, don't pay a
cent more than you have to for a product - but in my (sad)
experience whenever a deal seems "too good to be true,"
it usually turns out not to be true. Please check my feedback - and then make your purchasing
decisions; after all, it's your money, and you
have to decide upon what to purchase, and from whom to purchase
it. Thank you for being kind enough to visit this auction, and
may the Photographic Gods smile upon you (um, a little help from
the Lottery Gods wouldn't hurt either, huh?).
Back to top
of page |
| Don't miss all the great Free Photographic Tips and
Techniques I place in all my auctions! Where? See here
and here and here! Where
else can you find both great deals on fabulous equipment AND
learn how to make better photographs - whether you buy anything
or not? Huh? Nowhere else! So who da man? |
Photographic Tips & Techniques
Technique: The most important "secret" of good photography is the thought the photographer
puts into a picture before s/he even considers what type of film
to use! The point here is that we have to train ourselves to
think before we shoot! What color is our subject? How
can we make that color (or shade) stand out? In the lovely picture
to your left, notice how the blue-violet shadows to the right
of the model's head accentuate her blue eyes. Notice, too how
half the face is in a light shadow, adding depth and texture.
We have to ask ourselves: What do we want to emphasize in our
picture? How will we direct our viewers' eye to our subject?
If it's an outdoors photograph, how will we separate our main
subject from any other distracting elements in our photograph?
At which angle should we shoot? Is it important to establish
place in this photograph (i.e., is it important for the viewer
to know where our subject is? Or do we want to hide the location)?
If we're shooting people, what is our victim's least appealing
feature (i.e., a large nose, a bald head, pot belly, lotsa wrinkles,
etc.:)? How can we hide or de-emphasize it? What's our subject's
most appealing feature (i.e., eyes, profile, smile, boobs - oops!
sorry, I couldn't resist:) ? How can we emphasize the attractive
aspects of our subjects? These are the questions photographers
have to ask, before we shoot. THINK before you shoot!
MAKE a photograph - don't "take" a snapshot! Review
the "Tips" in my auction descriptions; take the time
and thought to prepare your photo sessions long before
your subject arrives! Learn to know what you want before
you put film in your camera. Learn to "design" your
pictures before you pick up your camera! Take a piece of paper
and a pencil, and sketch out what you want in the picture you're
considering; this will be a great help in the beginning, and
after a few weeks or months of doing this, you'll start to do
it all in your head, and won't need the pencil and paper any
more. Is your subject a child? If so, have some colorful toys
around. Is your victim a man? Have him bring a suit and some
jeans to the session. Is your subject an attractive and shapely
young woman? Ask her to bring a dressy outfit and a sexy outfit
or a bikini. Is your subject older? Be sure to have an umbrella
or softbox ready to hide the lines and wrinkles. Shooting outdoors?
Avoid placing a subject in the bright sunlight (which causes
squinting eyes and harsh shadows), and find some open shade to
shoot in (overcast days are great for outdoor shoots). I promise
you that a good photograph doesn't require the genius of an Einstein
- it just takes a little thought and preparation (creativity
and practice doesn't hurt either)! You don't have to study photography
for 20 years, just train yourself to think before you
shoot! Don't try to plan out 100 subjects all at once; think
about one or two, and then use 10 rolls of film on just a few
ideas. Shoot from different angles; shoot from different heights;
shoot with different lighting angles; shoot with color film;
shoot with black and white film; think, then shoot! Pretty soon,
you'll wake up one day and realize that you've changed; you'll
look at the world differently; you'll "see" things
most people never even notice; one day, you'll realize that you've
become something special; something different, but different
in a most amazing and wonderful way; you will have become - a
photographer!
© 2002 Back to top of page
Quickie
Technique #5: Exposure
- All meters built into all cameras are "reflection"
meters; they read the light reflected by our subjects AND everything
else in our viewfinder! This often causes incorrect readings,
and pictures that turn out looking like doo-doo. Instead of letting
our camera's meter read the exposure from our whole frame,
set your built-in meter to its "spot" setting. Then,
center the most Important part of your subject (i.e., the face
of a person, the flower petals of a flower, the coat of a dog,
etc.) in your meter's spot circle and take your reading; then,
when our viewfinder's spot circle is filled with our subject
and NOT with the surroundings, lock in exposure (e.g., press
the shutter button half-way down), re-compose the shot, and then
press the shutter button all the way down and make the exposure!
I think you'll be pleased with the results! More "quickie
techniques" information will be included in my other auction
descriptions. Thank you for viewing this auction, and may you
have the very best of luck!
Photo
Tip #29: Go buy (or subscribe
to) at least a half-dozen top magazines (Vogue, Cosmo, GQ, Elle,
etc., etc. and don't forget my favorite, Playboy:). Then get
a 3-ring binder and a 3-hole punch; this will become your idea
and guide book. Go through the magazines and tear out every page
with an image that you admire, find interesting or striking,
or has dramatic lighting. Then take the pile of pages, punch
the holes in them, and put them into your binder. Separate the
images into categories. Study each picture to determine where
the strobes were located, how the shadowing was arranged, what
the background was (and how it was lit). When you're about to
do a portrait session, look at your victim's face; find similar
features and similar clothing on models in your binder, and see
how the pros lit them. Pay attention to where and how the hands
are placed in the pictures. Pay attention to where and how the
legs are placed in the pictures. Pay attention to what angle
the body is placed in relation to the camera; see how the clothing
is arranged, and how it relates to the background. Pay attention,
read the magazines, tear out pages, put them into your binder.
Study them. Emulate the best you find. This is the best way learn:
from those who are great - and successful - photographers!
Back to top of page |
|
From whom
should you buy your photographic equipment? Hey, it's your hard-earned money, so you
should buy from anybody you darn well like! However, one of the
advantages of buying from another photographer is that, unlike
"salesmen," who just want to "sell" things
to you, a photographer will know what you need, and what
you don't need; a photographer will know why you'll
need something, and why you won't need something; a photographer
will have actually used the equipment being sold, and will be
able to offer advice based on real-life experience. Of course,
the facts that photographers (like us) are usually much
better-looking, a lot smarter, definitely kinder, and unquestionably
much more creative than other folks, doesn't hurt either, does
it? ;-)
Unlike the others who try to
cover up their own photographic illiteracy with not-so-vague
warnings cautioning you against buying from anyone else (but
them, that is:), I won't stoop to such reprehensible behavior;
I guess I'm just not greedy enough to do such things. In addition,
I trust you to be smart enough to make up your very own mind,
without my self-serving advice, telling you who you should
and shouldn't patronize. Sure, I'm in business to sell photographic
equipment, but I'd rather lose a few sales than insult my customers'
intelligence with admonitions like: "Buy from me! Don't
buy from the other guy!" So go ahead and check out what's
available, compare prices, quality, and customer service philosophies
see here; see who you think will provide
more help and support. Then, check out the feedback profiles
see mine; go look to see what the other "photographic
experts" were selling a few months ago (that'll be a revelation:).
Next visit the web sites, of your potential suppliers (especially
those who claim to be photographers with "100 years experience,"
and see how much they really know about photography).
Then, in addition to the usual, logical, informed, procedures
for making your purchasing decisions, check with the old standby
that's almost always right, your gut feelings. Check things out;
make up your own mind. Then, without doubt, you'll come to the
right conclusion. [However, - just in the interest of saving
you time and trouble ;-) the conclusion you'll surely come to
is that "PhotoSource3"
on eBay (who is also the
beloved founder and talented creator of MyPhotoHome and Photographer'sSupplyStation)
is "Da Man" from whom to buy your photographic goodies!
=:-) ] Thank you for being kind enough to view this auction (I
hope you realize that my humor is meant to be fun, and is intended
with good will), may you have the best of luck, and don't forget,
as always, no matter who you choose to honor with your photographic
purchases, take (or better yet, "make") lots of great
pictures! And remember, you can't get good - unless you get started.
Back to top of page
|
Now with a fabulous FREE Bonus: Cell Phone Antenna Extender!
A $20.00 Value - Absolutely
FREE!
Each order comes with one FREE Cellular Phone Antenna Booster.
 |
Ever have your cellular
phone fail to find a signal when you really needed it? Those of us who have cell phones, have them because
we never know when we'll find ourselves in a situation where
it will save our butts (or those of our spouses, kids, or friends)
from some emergency.
Other times, when we're on our
cell phone with an important call, we discover that we've just
"dropped" the call during the most important part of
our conversations. It's happened to all of us, and I really hated
it when it happened to me!
We've all seen the ads on TV
and in the magazines and newspapers for these Cell Phone Antenna
Boosters, and hundreds of thousands have been sold for $19.95
each! And, yes, they DO help (I've tried them on my own cell
phones). They're easy to install (just peel and stick them on
the phone behind the battery). To be perfectly honest, though
(and I always am:), they're nowhere as "Wonderful"
as the TV ads make them out to be (what is?:), but they really
do help pull in the cell signals when you're in a "fringe"
area or inside buildings. I certainly don't think they're worth
$20, but in an emergency, these little antenna boosters could
make the difference for you. And one thing's for sure: you can't beat the price!
It's FREE!
I just happened to come upon
a fabulous deal for these cellular phone antenna boosters, and
I feel that it's something we should all have - after
all, when an emergency happens to us, we'll NEED to have a connection
that will work (but no guarantees:)!
Sure, I could have sold these
for five or ten (or maybe even fifteen) dollars each (as others
are doing) and I could have made a great profit on them - but
I'm NOT the average eBay seller (you might care to review my
business philosophy, here), and I feel that if you're kind enough
to purchase this great pro lighting equipment from me, the least
I could do would be to give you one of these as a FREE gift!
So I'm including one of these Cellular Antenna Boosters with
EVERY order. For FREE! Just my way of saying: "Thank you
for your patronage!" So "Who da man?" Huh? Who
da man? ;-)
|
| Each
and every order (placed from this eBay auction listing)
will include one FREE
Cellular Phone Antenna Booster. Please understand that you will
receive one free antenna booster with your order
(regardless of how many kits or packages you may order from a
dutch auction). Unlike with other sellers, this is not
a gimmick - there's no "catch," there
are no additional costs to you, there are no additional
"shipping" or "handling" charges tacked on
(as so many other sellers do) - this is really and truly a FREE
bonus! Wondering if my products are really as good as
they sound? Just check my feedback for assurance, and see for yourself! |
Back to top
| Important: I have many auctions that are not listed at the top
of the eBay auctions page, and lots of additional equipment available
for immediate purchase (no waiting for an auction to end,
and no chance of being outbid) in my eBay store! The only
way to be sure you haven't missed something that might be perfect
for your needs is to check ALL my eBay auctions and store
items by clicking HERE! <-
Clicking here will open up a new page in your browser with a
list of my auctions and eBay store items; this auction
page will remain open behind the new page, so you won't lose
your place. |
| I do
my best to be the FASTEST
shipper in all of cyberspace! Over 99% of all my orders ship the very next business day
after payment is received. Don't think anyone can ship that fast?
Just check my feedback and see for yourself! I'm just like
you - when I order something, I want it, I want it ALL, and I
want it yesterday! While I can't promise yesterday deliveries
(yet:), I can promise I'll do everything possible to assure super-fast
shipping. (note: personal/business
checks will delay shipment; echeck orders will be shipped as
soon as they clear). Back to top |
Accessories
& Information
 |
Point of Information:
BTW (btw means "by
the way" for any "newbies" paying us a visit),
a "Reflection" umbrella is one that reflects the strobe's
light back onto the subject, and thereby softens and diffuses
the light. This technique is often used in portraits, delicate
items, and for photographing reflective surfaces, and performs
many beneficial services for all us hard-working, and under-appreciated
photographic artists. Keep it a secret from others, though, and
let them think we get our beautiful images through some sort
of secret and esoteric magic, passed down through the centuries,
from master to disciple. It helps increase our value ;-) - and
please don't send me any e-mail explaining that photography hasn't
been around for centuries, I know that. Duh. Actually, photography
(in one form or another) has been around for about 150 years.
Back to top
|
 |
White/Black Reflection
Umbrellas: 32"
The White/Black umbrella is made
of the new P-Satin clothes-PU bonding with high denier Satin.
Their Black cover can achieve almost 100% light reflection rate
and provide soft almost shadowless light, which is suitable for
indirect and diffusive lighting. A wonderful method of softening
the light. You get One Umbrella with this fantastic kit!
Technique:
Photographers use these umbrellas
to diffuse and soften light; in portraits, for example, this
soft lighting very effectively hides many of the lines and wrinkles
on the faces of our victims (umm, our "subjects" :),
making them look younger and more vital. It's also great for
photographing highly reflective surfaces, such as jewelry, glass,
and chrome (it avoids the bright reflections that mess up our
pictures). But don't let our clients know our little secrets,
just accept their appreciation (along with your quickly-escalating
fees), and let them believe it was your phenomenal photographic
skill that made them (or their products) look so damn good!
Look, you're spending a lot of time and money acquiring the
equipment, and learning the skills of the photographic arts;
you're becoming a skilled professional; your work is valuable
as well as beautiful. Don't price yourself out of the market,
certainly, but don't sell yourself cheap, either.
Back to top of page
|
 |
H70- 150mm 7" Umbrella Reflectors
Used alone for about
60º coverage, or with optional barn doors to control lighting
spread, or with an umbrella to create soft and diffuse lighting.
This custom reflector is designed with a special "slot"
in it to allow for the use of an umbrella, without the need for
a special umbrella holder accessory! A unique innovation! This
is usually the reflector that comes with the Britek PS-200 Strobes,
since they have an integral umbrella holder built in to the strobe's
light stand connector. You get One of these reflectors with this
package!
Back to top |
You'll also be receiving a Sync Cord (also called
a "PC" Cord), and a power cord for each and every one
of your new PS-200 Pro Strobes, and don't forget that both have
integral (built-in) umbrella holders, and light stand connections
too! Everything you'll need is included, so when your new photographic
equipment arrives, all you'll have to do is unpack them, put
them on the light stands, plug 'em in, point the strobes at your
victim,(s) and rock & roll (fire away)! Unlike some other
lighting equipment which requires additional power supplies and
connector cables, this great A.C. kit comes 100% complete - no
additional attachments or accessories are needed to start using
this equipment within a few minutes after it arrives!
Back to top of page |
|
Special Limited-Time
Super LOW Sale Price! EVERY Bid is a winner! |
Unbelievable as it may be, this great kit can be
yours for LESS than
$140.00!
(Similar
kits from competing manufacturers sell for double, triple, and
sometimes even more!)
And don't
forget your FREE $20 Cell Phone Antenna
Booster!
But these
go quickly, and this fabulously-low sale price won't last long!
Bid
Now! |
You can own this entire professional photographic
lighting package for only $139.00! LESS than HALF what you'd pay for just
one strobe from a competing manufacturer or photo
supplier! [How can you sell brand new equipment for such low
prices? [see here for answers]
Back to top of page |
Ladies and
Gentlemen, "Elv*s" has left the building....
(Sorry, eBay won't
allow me to use the great rock & roller's name anymore; but
we know who Elv*s is, don't we?:)
That's it for the goodies, folks; now for the details (below):
| Shipping & handling is only 29.85 for UPS ground delivery
(in the contiguous 48 US states ); add 24.40 for 2nd and additional
packages shipped together to the same address (what
does "additional shipping" mean?)! Other shipping
methods available, buyer chooses. Just e-mail me if you want
a shipping quote. Payments by credit cards, cashier's checks
and money orders processed immediately; personal/business checks
are welcome, but orders will be held for 5-12 business days.
California residents only add 8.25% sales tax (sorry). Thank
you for taking the time to view this auction, may you have best
of luck, and happy bidding!! |
Oh, BTW, if you should ever outgrow this equipment
(unlikely, because photographers can always use all the lights
and light stands we can get; I know many pros who use 6 or 8
or more strobes just for head shots!), but if you do, you can
either trade it in on the new ones, or sell it (maybe even right
here on eBay) - and you might even be able to sell it for as
much as (or maybe even more than) you paid for it! So unlike
that great computer we're all using right now (which will be
virtually worthless, for resale purposes, in 6 months or a year),
these lights and photographic equipment will retain a good portion
(if not all) of its value if or when you're ready to move on.
Back to top of page |
| Guaranteed!
This brand new, top quality,
equipment equals or surpasses those with retail list prices far,
far higher! Go ahead, check with your local photo store(s) or
online. Bid responsibly, but bid with confidence; these items
are 100%
guaranteed to be brand new,
with manufacturer's full one YEAR warantee! You may return
this package (in new and undamaged condition, of course) within
10 days of receipt for a full refund (excluding shipping and
a 20% manufacturer-imposed restocking fee (why?), if it is not exactly as described
above in every way. Trust me, you'll love it! If you'd
like to review way, way over a THOUSAND more impartial
and objective opinions, check
my feedback and see what every other customer
has had to say about this package (as well as every other item
I've ever sold), and about my customer service, and my commitment
to 100% customer satisfaction! Hey, us struggling photogs
have to stick together, y'know (and all of us are always struggling
- to make that elusive "perfect" photograph, huh?).
Thanks again for viewing this auction, I sincerely appreciate
your time and interest; please feel free to e-mail any questions
to me see here for links. |
Back to top
of page
Use your Visa, MasterCard, American
Express, or Discover Card for a quick and easy shipment |
| As
an eBay GOLD PowerSeller, and a PayPal "Verified" premier
business seller, my
customers are safer,
happier, and better off all around! :-) If you're a PayPal user, you no
longer have any dollar limit on your purchases when you
order from me (unlimited credit)! You're ALWAYS better off buying
from PhotoSource3! Plus, your purchase is doubly guaranteed
against fraud! Read more about your safeguards...here. |
| NOTE: You're
welcome to pay with PayPal or BidPay by credit card or electronic
check. For those not technologically inclined, regular mail "snail
mail" (i.e. the post office) will also work just fine, too.
Unlike most other sellers, I'll be glad to work with you to make
our transaction a great experience for you; after all, you're
the customer, and it's my privilege to not only provide
you with the finest equipment at the best possible price, but
also to make your purchasing experience the best you've ever
had! So just let me know what works best for you, and it will
be my pleasure to accommodate you! I hope this helps provide
enough alternatives for you (if not, feel free to send in your
suggestions). One of the differences between me and the big guys,
is the fact that I'm always willing to do whatever I possibly
can to help out my customers in whatever ways are needed. Here's
my business
philosophy. Will I ship to Canada and other countries? Sure
I will! But see here before placing an out-of-the-USA
bid. Basically, though, if you're willing to pay the increased
shipping charges, then I'll probably be happy to ship to you.
Back to top |

Check out my other eBay auctions! |
Feel free to contact me with any questions:
PhotoSource3@pss3.com
Back to top |
| Note: Although this rarely happens, sometimes
item numbers or minor appearance differences may change, or new
models replace older ones, as manufacturers alter, and update
equipment, etc.; items are subject to change (but not to worry,
because any changes or replacements will be with items of equal
or greater capabilities and value (just check out my feedback and you'll see). Being
human (yeah, as hard as it may be to believe, most photographers
ARE human, and contrary to popular belief, I'm not perfect),
sometimes a typographical error might creep into the descriptions
somewhere; please forgive any mistakes, and please rely on the
large listing of the package contents at the top of this description,
and repeated again down at the bottom (just to be sure:), for
the final word on what this package includes. Thanks for understanding. |
You also get
a handy FREE Bonus: A
Cell Phone Antenna Extender!
Now win and you'll
receive this $20.00 Antenna Booster - Absolutely FREE! |
| Each
and every order (placed from this eBay auction listing)
will include one FREE Cellular
Phone Antenna Booster. Please understand that you will receive
one free antenna booster with your order
(regardless of how many kits or packages you order). Unlike with
other sellers, this is not a gimmick - there are no
additional costs to you, there are no additional shipping
charges tacked on - this is really and truly a FREE bonus! Wondering
if these products are really as good as they sound? Just check my feedback! See this great antenna
booster here! |
Back to top of page
Even MORE
Photographic Tips & Techniques
Photo tip #56: This
is perhaps the most important piece of photographic advice I
can give to any photographer, amateur or professional (but especially
amateurs), so pay attention, gentle reader, pay attention! There
are few things more frustrating than getting back your prints
(regardless of whether it's film or digital) and finding an image
that's absolutely wonderful; everything is perfect, the lighting,
the shadows, the exposure, the background - absolutely everything
is fantastic; everything is phenomenal; everything is exquisite
beyond description - and then saying to yourself: "How did
I do that?" The moral of this story? KEEP NOTES! Write down
your settings (camera, lens, shutter speed, aperture, film used,
distance from subject, lighting setup, meter readings, etc.)!
I know, I know, it's a hassle; it's like backing up your important
computer files every day. Nobody likes to do it. But we all should.
Here's what I did: after going through this situation at least
a dozen times, I started keeping great notes, and whenever a
"perfect" picture came in, I'd make an extra print
of it, and place the image into a scrapbook, where I wrote down
all the settings, right under the picture. After a while, I had
a couple hundred of these images and data in my scrapbook. Now,
whenever I want a certain effect for a picture, all I do is flip
through my scrapbook, find an image with the effect I want, and
all the information I need to set up my equipment is right there!
Hey, when you're working (or paying models by the hour), being
able to get perfect exposures - quickly - is money in the bank
(and it's also impressive to your subjects, too)! You have to
remember that in addition to being a photographer, you're also
a business person, and time is money! If you're doing
product photography, the more shots you get in a day, the more
money you make. If you're doing portraits, the more portraits
you finish in a day, the more money you make. The more images
you make per portrait session, the more prints you'll sell to
your subjects. So take a bit of advice: KEEP GOOD NOTES! Or do
like I did: get one of Minolta's new Maxxum 7 cameras that will
automatically save all this information (and more!) for you for
every exposure (awright, so I'm lazy:).
Back to top
of page |
|
The
Business of Photography - Selling
Portraits: We
have our portrait session where we make dozens and dozens of
exposures (sometimes, we might even take a hundred pictures or
more in a portrait session; especially if we're working with
a family or group). Then, we send our clients home, telling them
that we'll call them as soon as their prints come back. We then
send the film or disk to our lab and have them make contact sheets
for us; when we receive the contact sheets from the lab, we carefully
examine each image, and pick out the very best 5 or 10 or 20
images (we never let our clients see ALL the images - there are
always a bunch of exposures that turn out terrible)! There are
those pictures where the client's eyes are closed (everybody
blinks, and sometimes they blink just when we press that shutter
button:); in other shots, the client moves their head or glances
away and messes up our carefully-designed lighting. So we pick
out the very best ten or twenty images out of all the pictures
we made during the portrait sitting. The client never
sees the imperfect images, only the very best of all our shots.
Then, we have our lab make an 11 x 14 print of the best image,
and then we have the next 5-10 best images made into 8 x 10 prints
for us. The, we make 4 x 6 prints of perhaps about next 3-5 best
images from the session. We then put the 11 x 14 print and maybe
3-4 of the 8 x 10 prints into beautiful frames. We set up all
the pictures in our studio and call the client in to see all
these lovely images (or we bring the pictures to our client's
home or office for viewing). Of course, there are some portrait
sessions wherein we make only a few pictures; perhaps a business
executive wants one picture of himself for the company annual
report, and isn't interested in any additional shots. But even
then, always make at least a dozen exposures; that way
we're sure of getting at least a couple of good images (just
try to imagine how embarrassing it would be to call our client
and tell him/her that we have to do the session all over again
because none of the two or three pictures we took turned out
good enough).
Why the frames? Because we also
make quite a nice profit on selling picture frames, as well as
pictures (albums, too)! The client ends up seeing only the most
beautiful images (and thinks we're phenomenally-talented photographic
artists:). They see how wonderful the pictures look in the lovely
frames, and end up ordering lots of prints, and lots of frames.
Always ask the client if grandma and grandpa would like some
prints; after the client orders the 11 x 14s, 8 x 10s, 5 x 7s
and 4 x 6 prints, always ask how many wallet-sized prints they
would like. Write up a great order! Make a lot of money by making
a lot of people very happy. Can you think of any better way to
make a living? And, unless you're a gynecologist, in what other
profession can you ask a magnificently beautiful girl (or guy,
depending upon your outlook:) who you've only just met, to take
off her clothes, and have her do so quickly and happily? Huh?
AND get paid for doing it! Damn, I love photography! :-) BTW,
no matter what your models may look like, always tell them they're
beautiful/handsome; it makes them feel good about themselves,
helps them loosen up for the camera, and is absolutely true -
everyone has beauty, if only we have the eyes to see it. And
therein lies the secret of every great photographer: he/she has
developed the "photographic vision," the eyes to see
the beauty in everything.
Buy a copy of Popular Photography,
and every other photographic magazine you can find. Look for
the ads that all the custom labs always have running in these
magazines; also find the ads for wholesale suppliers of picture
frames, albums, calendars, custom mugs, and poster-size prints.
Call, e-mail, visit the web sites, or write to every supplier
and ask for their wholesale price lists. Choose the labs
and photographic suppliers you like, and compare prices and delivery
times. Try out a few different sources, and after a while you'll
have your favorite suppliers. You'll find that the prints and
other supplies are surprisingly inexpensive, and you'll have
a truly great markup for your profit. Wham, bam, you're on your
way to a fun, creative, and wonderfully rewarding way to make
a living doing something you love. What more can we ask out of
life? OK, someone to love, perhaps? If you haven't met him/her
yet, there are few better ways to find new friends (and lovers:)
than through photography (after all, making people look great
tends to impress them favorably, right?).
So give it a shot; there's no
downside; if it works for you as a profession, great! If not,
at the very least, you'll have a wonderful and creative hobby
(along with the admiration of your friends and family). And at
best, becoming a successful photographer means fame, fortune,
and world travel; and the joys of the artistic creativity that
accompanies such success aren't too difficult to learn to live
with, huh? And don't forget about all the exquisitely beautiful
/ handsome models you'll be "forced" to work with,
either! :) Hey, it's a tough job, but somebody has to do it,
right? Life has few guarantees, but one thing you can be absolutely
certain about is this: you can't possibly succeed unless you
try.
Back to top
of page
|
| Questions, questions,
questions.... |
| How
can you sell this brand new photographic equipment for such low
prices? What shipping and payment options do you offer? How do
I know you're trustworthy? What's your policy on customer service?
Will these pro strobes work with my digital camera? What if my
camera is old? I wanna talk to you; what's your phone number? I live in
Southern California; can I pick up the equipment myself? Will
you offer more photographic equipment (than you have now)? Are
your products guaranteed or warranted in any way? What if I
want certain equipment, but you don't have an auction with the
equipment I want? What's your policy on customer service? Do
you accept Lay-Away orders? Will you ship to Canada or Europe
or Asia? Technical Questions? Somebody else e-mailed me after
I bid on your auction(s) and offered me a "deal" on
similar equipment... |
| see here for Answers, answers,
answers.... |
| Important: I have many auctions that are not listed at the top
of the eBay auctions page, and lots of additional equipment available
for immediate purchase (no waiting for an auction to end,
and no chance of being outbid) in my eBay store! The only
way to be sure you haven't missed something that might be perfect
for your needs is to check ALL my eBay auctions and store
items by clicking HERE! <-
Clicking here will open up a new page in your browser with a
list of my auctions and eBay store items; this auction
page will remain open behind the new page, so you won't lose
your place. |
Back to top of page
 |
Shop with
confidence!
Bid with
confidence!
Buy with
confidence!
From a Profoundly Proud
GOLD eBay PowerSeller!
This GOLD
PowerSeller proudly provides a plethora of perfect photographic
products - PLUS - pure, powerful, and peerless customer service!
|
-->
Check out all my other wonderful eBay auctions! |
|
Wanna see the ultimate
eBay Photographic auctions? Go Look! |
Back to top of page
Yet MORE Photographic Tips &
Techniques
|
Photo Secrets Revealed:
The Myth of the "one-shot"
professional photographer
Most folks will look at a marvelous,
prize-winning photo in a slick publication, and think that some
great pro pointed his/her camera at the subject, took an exposure
or two, and - Voila! A "perfect" photograph! Sometimes
we let folks think that, but the reality is more like this: perhaps
the most famous publication for stunning photographs is National
Geographic Magazine. Most major National Geographic articles
contain somewhere between 10 and 20 images. So how many pictures
do you think the photographer(s) working on each assignment make
to submit for each article? Thirty? Fifty? Maybe even five hundred?
Five thousand? Nope! The world's greatest photographers
make and submit an average of 36,000 images for an article
which will contain only 10 or 20 of them. No, it's NOT a misprint
- they make
Thirty-six Thousand exposures
for each assignment! Pity the poor photo editors who must
view them all, and choose the best ten or twenty to include in
the magazine. That's an average of over two thousand pictures the world's finest photographers will
make for each picture that makes it into the magazine.
Don't believe me? Just call National Geographic Magazine and
ask them yourself.
The point here is to understand
two things about photography: one, nobody, no matter how experienced,
and no matter how sophisticated his/her equipment (cameras, lenses,
exposure meters, etc.), knows exactly how a shot will come out
ahead of time; and two, the greatest photographers are the most
dedicated. Think about it for a moment; have you ever made 36,000
pictures for a single project at one time? Don't feel bad - neither
have I - but then again, I'm not one of the world's greatest
photographers (heck, if I could afford all that film, maybe I
could be:).
The lesson? 1) Don't think there's
ever going to be a time where you can predict exactly which shot
will be perfectly exposed (so make many exposures), and don't
hesitate to use film; burn up as much film as you possibly can,
and then shoot a few more rolls (no, I don't own stock in a film
company); and 2) for every important shot, bracket like mad!
"Bracketing" in case you aren't sure, is the practice
of determining (or guessing) the proper exposure for a certain
shot (using meters, charts, or experience), then using those
settings for a few shots, then making additional shots both under
and over those settings (i.e., 1/3 of a stop under and 1/3 of
a stop over, 1/2 of a stop under and 1/2 of a stop over, 3/4
of a stop under & over, a full stop under & over, etc.).
This way, chances are, at least one (and probably a few) of the
pictures will come out virtually "perfect!" Many of
the new cameras can be set to automatically bracket your
shots for you, so (as much as I know we hate to read manuals)
READ YOUR MANUAL and learn how to get the most out of your camera.
Remember, greatness demands dedication. Hell, even mediocracy
requires some serious study. You don't have to learn everything
at once, just a few minutes a day will help. But I warn you,
if you get some studio lighting equipment, you just might find
yourself happily snapping away for hours at a time; I've often
looked up from my camear's viewfinder only to discover that the
whole night slipped away, and it was light out again!
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More FREE Photo Tips & Techniques: The Portrait Session
Technique: Which background should we use? That's a question with a million answers; the
answer is: It depends. It depends upon what effect we're after,
which mood we wish to create, how we choose to present our victim
(um, er, our "subject," that is:) to the world. But
there are a few basic guidelines we can follow. If our victim
has striking blue eyes, for example (blue, brown, or whatever
color, if their eyes are beautiful, use a backdrop with similar
colors), but for this discussion, if our subject has beautiful
brown eyes, consider a background with browns, tans, or golds
as a prominent color. If our victim has wonderful blond hair,
consider using a backdrop with gold, tans, or light browns in
it. If our subject is wearing a red blouse or dress, use a background
with reds or pinks among its colors. If our subject is wearing
a green suit, consider a backdrop with greens and/or blacks in
it. It's our job - as photographers - to make our subjects (whether
they're people in portrait pictures, or products, or buildings)
look as good as we possibly can. And one of our most powerful
and potent allies in this quest is the use of backgrounds! It's
up to us to make our pictures make our subjects look as
beautiful (or handsome, or striking, etc.) as we possibly can!
If you can't afford a professional background (check my other
auctions and eBay store for some great backdrops), then use a
sheet, or go to a local fabric store and buy some solid color
fabrics for use as backgrounds (avoid patterns and busy designs
like the plague! They detract from our images, and look like
doo-doo in the final print).
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The
Portrait Session: If,
for example, we're doing a portrait session, and we only have
a background with blues and browns among its prominent colors
(like my great "Stormy Weather" background in my eBay store) to work with (hey, not all
of us can afford to have dozens of different backgrounds when
we're just starting out, y'know), what do we do? That's easy:
tell our portrait client to bring two (or more) changes of clothes;
in one set of clothes, wear something blue, and in the other
set of clothes, bring something brown or gold! This way, we get
to make our clients look great using the backgrounds we already
have! Also, tell them to bring one dressy outfit, and one casual
outfit, so we can get images that show them urbane and sophisticated,
and another set of images with them casual and comfortable. Oh
yes, and this way we get to sell them twice the number
of prints, too! One set for business and impressing folks, and
one set showing that they're pretty darn attractive in jeans
& cowboy boots, too (or whatever their particular casual
attire may be).
Tip
1: Ask the client what they enjoy doing;
ask them about their hobbies, their passions, their interests.
If they play the guitar, have them bring one along; if they love
basketball, have them bring one to the session; if they just
adore their dog or cat, bring them, too (more pictures, more
poses, equal more SALES!).
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Tip
2: If they have a child,
then tell them to bring the child along (unless it's strictly
a business sitting, where children would be inappropriate), and
bring a couple of sets of clothing for each child. too. Make
some exposures (in addition to the standard single-subject portrait
poses, of course) with the victim and the child, and some exposures
of the child alone. Have the child in dressy clothes for some
shots, and in play clothes for another set of shots (film is
the cheapest part of your costs, so don't be afraid to use a
lot). Then, be SURE to ask the subject to bring the child's grandparents
(or uncles & aunts) along to view the prints - I guarantee
you, 90% of the time, the grandparents will - at the very least
- triple your sale! They just can't resist ordering pictures
of their little darlings! A couple of 11 x 14s for the walls
in the house (and for the office walls, too); a few 5 x 7s for
their relatives, and some wallet-size prints, to carry with them!
Remember, you're not only a photographer - you're also
in business to make a living (quite a nice living, too,
if you use your head)! See my other auctions for some more tips
see here .
Explanation: Just in case you were uncertain about
what I meant when I said "bring the child's grandparents
(or uncles & aunts) along to view the prints," above,
here's how it usually works: We do the portrait sessions, where
we make all the exposures (take all the pictures). Then, when
we get back the proof sheets (or prints) of the photo session,
we go over all the pictures and we pick out the best shots (depending
upon the reasons for the shoot, and the uses to be made of the
final pictures; for example, in student pictures for high school
or college yearbooks, we may only want 1 or 2 poses; for private
portrait sittings, we may want 5 to 15 poses). We NEVER let our
subjects see the shots that came out looking like doo-doo! We
show them only the best shots. So, depending upon the requirements
of our photo sessions, we choose the very best pictures from
the entire shoot (2 or 10 or 20 poses, etc.), and we have our
photo lab send us prints of the best shots (usually, I have 1
or two 8 x 10s, 4-6 5 x 7s, and perhaps 3-6 4 x 6s printed).
We then put the 8 x 10s and 5 x 7s in beautiful frames, and set
the others alongside them. We then call the customer(s) and make
an appointment for them to come in to view the pictures (or we
can go to the customers place, too). We present them with the
best prints and let them "ooh and aah" over their beautiful
pictures. Then, we ask them to choose which pictures they want,
and at what size they want each pose (11 x 14" or 8 x 10,
or 5 x 7, or wallets, etc.). Then we ask which frame they want
with their pictures (substantial extra income for us:). Try to
invite as many grandparents as possible to the viewing of kid's
pix; they spend the most! :-) Then, the most important part of
the whole process occurs: our appreciative clients whip out the
checkbook, and we run to the bank to collect our well-deserved
(and quickly-escalating) fees! Soon, Sports Illustrated, National
Geographic, and Playboy magazines send us to the world's most
beautiful and exotic places (first class, of course), along with
a couple of dozen exquisitely beautiful, world-class models to
photograph (in various degrees of undress) for them. Fame, wealth,
and public adulation, soon follow. Ahh, life is good! But when
you're rich and famous, don't forget who helped you get there
(little ol' moi), and have the limo driver swing by to pick me
up on the way to your next exotic locale. :-)
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Quickie
Technique #3: Portraits
- Set the camera at subject's eye level; focus on the eyes; light
one side of the face brighter than the other (half in light to
medium shadow); to hide wrinkles use umbrellas or softbox; to
de-emphasize a large nose, raise camera level slightly and shoot
full or 3/4 face (not profile); to de-emphasize a receding hairline,
lower camera slightly or have subject raise head slightly. More
"quickie technique" information will be included in
other auction descriptions. Thank you for viewing this auction,
and good luck! Tell me more about getting perfect exposure...see here
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NEW! No waiting
for an Auction to end! Bid
Now = Buy NOW!
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Dear Visitor: Welcome
to my eBay fixed-price
auctions! This format
allows you to make your purchases INSTANTLY! No bidding
(and no chance of being outbid, no chance
of the price increasing, and
no chance of
losing out on the auction). This is just like making any regular
purchase; simply placing your bid, places your order! Order one
item or package, and one gets shipped right away; order 2, and
both get shipped right away (once you pay for them, of course:).
So just decide how many
of these fabulous PS-200
Portrait Starter Kits you
want, and as soon as you place your order (and pay), your new
goodies will be on their way to you - right away!
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Here's a GREAT New Portrait Studio Package! All !
|
Here's what you get:
1) One Britek PS-200 120WS Professional
Strobe (Show
me)
2) One 32" Black/White Umbrella (Show Me)
3) One 6 1/2 Foot Light Stand
(Show
me)
4) One Unique Umbrella-Capable Reflector (Show Me)
5) One Sync Cord
6) One Power Cord
7) All Necessary Bulbs
(flash tubes, modeling light bulbs, etc.)
With this package you'll have everything you need to start
making great pictures! See just below.
Plus, as a Free
Bonus!
10) One FREE Cellular Phone
Antenna Booster! $20
Value! (Show Me)
Only
$139.00 for this entire package! |
|
Just scroll up or
click on a "Show Me" link to jump to the item. (Kit
#9071) |
|
This is a Great starter Portrait Studio
setup, for an amazing price! You'll
have what you'll need to start getting fabulous portraits (also
great for product photography)! With a powerful 120WS Master
strobesa, you'll be able to appropriately light your victims
(er, your "subjects, that is:), which will allow you to
get professional-level results with the necessary interplay of
light and shadow, resulting in the depth and texture characteristic
of pro portraits. Also, professional strobes (like this) come
with all the bells and whistles already built-in - like what,
you may ask? Like Modeling Lights, (see here
and here), variable power
with the flip of a switch, removable and interchangeable umbrella-capable reflectors, and the capability
of using an almost infinite variety of light modifiers (such
as umbrellas, softboxes, SoftCases, snoots, honeycombs, etc.).
In addition, you'll have a Light
Stand for your strobe, AND a Black/White Reflection Umbrella
to creatively soften the light and effectively help to hide the
lines, sags, and wrinkles often found on our older victims (it
makes them look younger, more vibrant, and attractive - and often
results in the photographer being called names, like "Artist"
and "Genius" :). Umbrellas are also great for photographing
reflective surfaces; they cut down on or eliminate the "hot
spots" on glass, chrome, oil paintings, and on virtually
all similar reflective surfaces). And in addition, you'll also
receive an umbrella-capable reflector with the strobe, and all
necessary sync cords, power cords, and bulbs. Over all, this
is a fabulous professionsal-level starter package which
will give you what you need to start you off in portraiture or
product photography, and is infinitely upgradable! Unlike other
kits, this starts you at the pro level, and allows you to expand
whenever you like - without being stuck with amateur equipment
that you wasted your money on. And you get all this for
less than one-HALF of what you'd pay for just one single strobe
from a competing manufacturer (and less than a dinner would cost
you at a nice restaurant - and this professional lighting equipment
is absolutely guaranteed to last longer than any dinner you'll
ever have ;-).
See more on this subject just above.
|
| Wondering
what the price is? See
it here. |
|
Another great photographic
deal from Photographer's
SupplyStation! "PhotoSource3"
on eBay |
| Important: I just HATE IT when I buy a "kit"
or "package," and then when I receive it, I discover
that I can't use it because there's something else I need (usually
at a substantial additional cost, too) to make it work (i.e.,
the "batteries not included" syndrome)! So I'd never
do that to my (cherished) customers! With this fabulous package,
absolutely everything is included (well, except a camera, film,
and photographer, that is)! When this package arrives, all you'll
have to do to start making great photographs, is open it up,
unwrap your new goodies, put the strobes on the light stands,
plug 'em in, point them at your favorite victims, and, baby,
just like Elvis, go ahead and rock and roll (fire away)!
NO additional equipment or parts are needed to start using your
new studio lighting package! |
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| Important: I have many auctions that are not listed at the top
of the eBay auctions page, and lots of additional equipment available
for immediate purchase (no waiting for an auction to end,
and no chance of being outbid) in my eBay store! The only
way to be sure you haven't missed something that might be perfect
for your needs is to check ALL my eBay auctions and store
items by clicking HERE! <-
Clicking here will open up a new page in your browser with a
list of my auctions and eBay store items; this auction
page will remain open behind the new page, so you won't lose
your place. |
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You also get
a FREE Bonus: A Cell
Phone Antenna Extender!
Bid now and you'll
receive this $20.00 Antenna Booster - Absolutely FREE! |
| Each
and every order (placed from this eBay auction listing)
will include one FREE Cellular
Phone Antenna Booster. Please understand that you will receive
one free antenna booster with your order
(regardless of how many kits or packages you order). Unlike with
other sellers, this is not a gimmick - there are no
additional costs to you, there are no additional shipping
charges tacked on - this is really and truly a FREE bonus! Wondering
if these products are really as good as they sound? Just check my feedback! See this
great antenna booster just above! |
 |
Shop with
confidence!
Bid with
confidence!
Buy with
confidence!
From a Profoundly Proud
GOLD eBay PowerSeller!
This GOLD
PowerSeller proudly provides a plethora of perfect photographic
products - PLUS - pure, powerful, and peerless customer service!
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Check out all my other wonderful eBay auctions! |
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© 2004 RMorgan/Adam Publishing
Co./Wryter All Wrights Wreserved Worldwide! So there! ;-)
andale andalegallery
| Click button to see all of my eBay items. |  |
On Apr-08-04 at 17:03:53 PDT, seller added the following information:offerpts 1346960
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