Review Yn560 & assignment black on black

 I while back I posted about a great find: speedlights similar to the canon 580ex, but at a price under $100. Being a photography student and in the need for multiple lights I purchased a few.

     I have now had a couple chances to test theses litte guys out, both indoors and outdoors and I am VERY impressed.

    Advance lighting assignment ( no I am no longer enrolled at AIS, but that doesn't stop the homework!) :
  
 Black on black

   I set up a studio in my bedroom,

      A bed sheet is used for my background. I used one Yn560 attached to the tv for my main light, at full power, and flagged with a square piece of foam. Reflectors where then placed strategically around the Carbonio fins to highlight as needed. I noticed the bottom was having problems being lit, so I added a second Yn560 set to low power, as a key light on the floor.

Results:

Birthday photo shoot.

      By turning 26 I have crossed the line , I have now lived over a third of my life! Reflecting on my past has gotten me excited for the next 50 years of adventures!

    So for this birthday, I decided to celebrate by having a fun photo shoot with Brit. Her Auntie was nice enough to get a very fancy private pool arranged for us to use ( thank you ). The pool itself was absolutely amazing. It was so clean the water was as clear as air!


    I started off by using my 50mm lens. I really want to perfect my ability with this lens as I think it's a mandatory portrait lens even for underwater use.



Next, some wide angle shots in the deep end of the pool.




Then over to the shallow end of the pool.

Like a dog chasing his tail

    Last night the plane had a rough landing, we swayed and bounced in the wind. The pilot struggled to stay stable and bring the speeds down. As the wheels hit the tarmac we bounced and lurched forward. Yelps from the passengers sing out in chorus. Except that is, for me. I am too excited for what the future awaits.
    Last week I gave a final presentation on my photography business plan, and while it was well received it was still just a presentation. The moment the wheels touched the ground I was no longer a student, but an artist trying to break my way into the professional world.
   These first couple months are going to be spent getting a feel for the profession on the island, updating my portfolio and creating a promotional packet. However by the next 12 months I expect to be in full swing as a professional photographer.



  My networking graph

 Each circle represents a base in time.  Graphing out the transitions and phases to get to where I want to go with the 4 disciplines of underwater photography I am choosing to follow

$75 speed lights

  Well I just received my YN560 speedlights from amazon.  They look pretty similar to the canon 580 I left at the water fall this quarter.
     I have only briefly tested them, and they did flash. Even when synced to my cowboy studio radio slave.

  looks like only time will tell on how durable these $75 flashes actually are

 Will post some images soon