DIYPhotography.net

Lately I've been finding myself wanting more out of my all around umbrella. I've been using the Westcott double fold umbrella for a long time now as my main on location modifier. While I am generally happy with it as a softening device, I wanted to have some more options in my bag without giving up on portability.

The Softlighter II by Photek provides an interesting option for that sake. I've been using it for a few days and in general I am pretty happy.

The images on this review are from a recent shoot for Jim Ridolfo profile pic. Jim Ridolfo is an Assistant Professor of Composition and Rhetoric at The University of Cincinnati. Click to continue ›

I just put down Joe McNally's The Moment It clicks. It clicked. I don't really know how to catalog this book, it is not a learn-photography-techniques book, not a biography and not a Manifesto. Or maybe it is a little bit of all three.

When coming to review it I didn't really know how to break the book down, there is some structure to it created by having four different chapter and some sections, but it didn't for feel right to go part by part and review it. instead it felt right-er to review the whole thing as a whole. Click to continue ›

Some time ago, I was contacted by B&H to do a review on Impact's Collapsible Background (Black and White 5' X 7').

I love using collapsible backdrops on location as they give me some freedom with regards to choosing a background. While I prefer working with existing walls / plants / fences to crate appealing backgrounds, this is not always possible. And this is where the collapsible comes in handy. Click to continue ›

There is only one way that will allow you to take a ton of photography gear on a family trip and get away with it. Hook your family on photography.

My wife is a lost cause, so I decided to try and lure my 5 years old daughter into the photography dark side. I got her a camera. Specifically, the Vtech Kidizoom Plus Pink Digital Camera. Below you can find my reasons for getting this camera as well as my thoughts and review. I would also love to hear your thoughts about getting a camera for your little one, share them in the comments.

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I know you love lighting diagrams. We all do. So if you are a Lighting Diagrams freak (or a Stobist) at heart this will make you happy.

The good guys over at strobox created a lighting diagram that fits on the iPhone. Now, it is true that you can surf to the Lighting Diagram Creator site via the iPhone, but it feel better using this dedicated app.

Even better news after the jump. Click to continue ›

The Essential Guide To Portrait Photography is a new eBook from the home of Digital Photography School, with produced by Darren Rowse. Thank you.

I love this blog, so I am happy that they have an eBook out.  I got a copy (well, an eCopy) I have read it and I love it.

To be completely transparent on this, I got my review copy for free.

Review and giveaways after the jump.

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As you may recall my computer kinda crushed on me last year. I've been looking for a backup solution ever since (in the meantime, there is not a single component in my computer that was not replaced, excluding the motherboard).

I found that the CloudPlug answers most of my needs, and decided to review it here on DIYP.

If you're just here for the coupon, jump to the end. If you want to share your backup strategy, let us know on the comments.

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A PJ book? Are we talking about a new Pajamas book? A rising Photo Journalist?

Our friends over at Photojojo lunched the Photojojo book. It is a book loaded with great projects for the DIY addict.

For a long time now, I've been reading the PJ newsletter. It is a great source to get project inspiration and  some great ideas to lay with once you are sitting at home wondering what to do with all those great pictures you took.

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OK, I know what you're thinking. This post is probably gonna be about hacking used lens to a matchbox pinhole camera using some chewing gum.

Well it is even better (and simpler) than that (and it's about creativity more than about DIY). The best camera is simply the camera that you carry around with you. And since it looks like iPhone sales are close to hitting 6 billion units, odd are that your best camera is an iPhone.
This and the fact that Chase says so.

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Are you an "I love to carry stuff with ease" (AKA comfort carry) kind of photographer or a "I love access to my lenses" (AKA easy access) kind of photographer?

The comfort carry kinda photographers tend to take backpacks that have back systems, while the easy access types go for pouches and sling bags.

When I got the Rotation360 for review I was happy to see that you can have both comfort and access in the same system. Read on for my full review.

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