j._scott_schrader

Maybe a roundabout way of asking the question is: are you purchasing or collecting anyone's

work who is alive today ...that you are aquiring because you think they will be an historically

significant figure in the history of photography and the work will become much more

valuable in 50-100ish years?

 

I think it is an intersting discussion but as much as my hindsight would love to have me

appear to be a savy investor ...there is no way that I would have purchased a print during the

depression when the vast majority of the US was working like dogs just to survive.

Large softbox close to the subject will give you a long continuous reflection of the softbox

that will define the shape of the glass object. Use your strobes for the exposure instead of

your modeling lights. The color temperature will be improved by using the strobes.

I have a set of Speedotron Black Line strobes including: 2 - Speedotron 812 power paks

(asymetrical), 4 - speedotron 102 light heads, 4 - light stands + 1 boom stand and 1 low

backlight stand, 4 - 42 inch photek umbrellas (Black outside & silver inside with exposed

ribs), 1 - Speedotron 42 inch white umbrella (Translucent), 1 - Speedotron Spot Grid, 4 -

Speedotron 7 inch reflectors, 1 - Photoflex Multidome (Large), 1 - Photoflex Multidome

(Medium), 1 - Photoflex Litedome XTC (small), 1 - Photoflex Halfdome (Large - 72 inches

tall...I don't believe they make this size anymore.) 4 - Barn Doors, 3 Speedotron Speed

Rings, 2 - Wein Pro Sync 1 infrared transmitters, 2 - Wein infrared recievers (for cordless

flash control), Carrying Cases for everything.

 

The Speedotron Black Lines have been very consistent and durable over time. I have used

them both in studio and on location for many years without them ever letting me down.

 

Of course this set-up is complete you will not have to purchase anything to supplement

this kit including light modification devices. (Soft Boxes, Umbrellas, Reflectors, Spot

Grid...)

 

I will be selling this equipment the second week in December. It is not available yet...I

need to finish out the year with it. I will not post a price in this response since there is a

specific forum for selling/buying equipment. I just want to let you know that it will be

available if you are willing to wait until the second week of December. I will also say that it

will be an excellent value! (Maybe a Christmas gift for yourself?) If you are interested send

me an e-mail with Speedotron as the subject line and I will give you a price for the entire

set up. (I also accept credit cards if that helps at all.)

m not sure what "economic" means to you (it vary's from individual to individual). I have a

set of Speedotron Black Line strobes including: 2 - Speedotron 812 power paks, 4 -

speedotron 102 light heads, 4 - light stands + 1 boom stand and 1 low backlight stand, 4

- 42 inch photek umbrellas (Black outside & silver inside with exposed ribs), 1 -

Speedotron 42 inch white umbrella (Translucent), 1 - Speedotron Spot Grid, 4 -

Speedotron 7 inch reflectors, 1 - Photoflex Multidome (Large), 1 - Photoflex Multidome

(Medium), 1 - Photoflex Litedome XTC (small), 1 - Photoflex Halfdome (Large - 72 inches

tall...I don't believe they make this size anymore.) 3 Speedotron Speed Rings, 2 - Wein Pro

Sync 1 infrared transmitters, 2 - Wein infrared recievers (for cordless flash control),

Carrying Cases for everything.

The Speedotron Black Lines have been very consistent and durable over time. I have used

them both in studio and on location for many years without them ever letting me down.

 

Of course this set-up is complete you will not have to purchase anything to supplement

this kit including light modification devices. (Soft Boxes, Umbrellas, Reflectors, Spot

Grid...)

 

I will be selling this equipment the second week in December. It is not available yet...I

need to finish out the year with it. I will not post a price in this response since there is a

specific forum for selling/buying equipment. I just want to let you know that it will be

available if you are willing to wait until the second week of December. I will also say that it

will be an excellent value! (Maybe a Christmas gift for yourself?) If you are interested send

me an e-mail with Speedotron as the subject line and I will give you a price for the entire

set up. (I also accept credit cards if that helps at all.)

I'm not sure what "economic" means to you (it vary's from individual to individual). I have

a set of Speedotron Black Line strobes including: 2 - Speedotron 812 power paks, 4 -

speedotron 102 light heads, 4 - light stands + 1 boom stand and 1 low backlight stand, 4

- 42 inch photek umbrellas (Black outside & silver inside with exposed ribs), 1 -

Speedotron 42 inch white umbrella (Translucent), 1 - Speedotron Spot Grid, 4 -

Speedotron 7 inch reflectors, 1 - Photoflex Multidome (Large), 1 - Photoflex Multidome

(Medium), 1 - Photoflex Litedome XTC (small), 1 - Photoflex Halfdome (Large - 72 inches

tall...I don't believe they make this size anymore.) 3 Speedotron Speed Rings, 2 - Wein Pro

Sync 1 infrared transmitters, 2 - Wein infrared recievers (for cordless flash control),

Carrying Cases for everything.

 

The Speedotron Black Lines have been very consistent and durable over time. I have used

them both in studio and on location for many years without them ever letting me down.

 

Of course this set-up is complete you will not have to purchase anything to supplement

this kit including light modification devices. (Soft Boxes, Umbrellas, Reflectors, Spot

Grid...)

 

I will be selling this equipment the second week in December. It is not available yet...I

need to finish out the year with it. I will not post a price in this response since there is a

specific forum for selling/buying equipment. I just want to let you know that it will be

available if you are willing to wait until the second week of December. I will also say that it

will be an excellent value! (Maybe a Christmas gift for yourself?) If you are interested

send me an e-mail with Speedotron as the subject line and I will give you a price for the

entire set up. (I also accept credit cards if that helps at all.)

All of the above plus about 10,000 other locations.

 

Gloria, I like your Aspen Nights painting quite a bit!

I have participated in this arts festival in the past...it is a good quality Arts Festival...not

crafty, and the prize money is among the best in the country.

 

From what I was able to determine when I participated...the prize money goes to those

who have the least wide-spread appeal. I remember the photog that won best of show in

my 1st year showing there...his name escapes me, but he shoots 20x30 polaroids... he

made his

own camera and polaroid makes the film for him and him alone. (Obviously there isn't a

large market for 20x30 poaroid film.) He didn't sell a single piece at the show,

but walked out with $10,000.00 in his pocket. His work was very experimental and the

award money from what I could tell was given more for his process than for his art.

 

Anyway, if you have work that would appeal to that particular market...it has the potential

to be a worthwhile venture.

You talked about your expenses but failed to mention your education, equipment

cost...even if it is already paid for some day you will need to replace it and you will

certainly have maintinence costs of your current equipment. Fuel is expensive these days

and you will continue to have the need and the wherewithall (a vehicle and gas money and

vehicle maintinence costs) to get to and from your place of business. It would be wise to

insure your equipment. You will need new software for image processing as new versions

become available and then eventually a whole new computer as the new software will at

some point not longer be supported by your current operating system. You will need to

feed yourself, your family and your photography habit. If you aren't married you will

someday need to buy a ring and support a wife and probably kids too.

 

Point being...there are an aweful lot of expenses associated with this business that I

suspect you might have overlooked...don't sell yourself short ...you will regret it in the

long run. Have him pay you a living wage based on what you are worth. How are your

skills? What are your skills worth to his clients? Can anybody do what you are doing for

him?...or are you doing an extraordinary job that would be difficult for a shooter off the

street to reproduce? Think and do your homework before you give him an answer. Check

with the other local pros who do that type of work find out what they charge for doing

that...price your services competitively.

#7

Rob,

 

Get a hold of a copy of the Art Fair Sourcebook. It is the bible for applying to the best

shows in the country. Let us know where you live and I will look up what shows are in

your area and when applications are available and due.

 

You will need to make an investment in a canopy and some display panels to exhibit your

work. I've got some that I will be selling in late November/early December...if you are

interested contact me off board and I can tell you about what I have. In order to have an

opportunity to make it profitable you will need to do more than just a few shows per year.

 

I have been exhibiting at Fine Art Festivals across the country for about 15 years now. I'd

be happy to share my experience with you and answer any specific questions you might

have.

 

You will get a lot of exposure at the good shows...I do a show that puts a half million

people througth the gate annually. Most good shows get 10's of thousands on a given

weekend. It's a great way to get your work in front of a lot of people. (Craft shows are a

totally different story.)

The question you have asked does not have an answer. ...or actually the answer is "it

depends" You would certainly charge a different rate if you were shooting BMW's product

line as opposed to your neighbor who is making homemade jams and jellies.

 

...not to mention that the rate would vary depending on your location. Yes, the price

would be different if you were in New York City as opposed to Muleshoe, Texas.

 

Research what others are charging in your area for similar type work...then, price yourself

accordingly. (Call some local photogs and tell them exactly what you were told by this

company...ask them what they would charge you to do the job.)

I will be in South Dakota in 2 weeks. I would like to camp at least 2 or 3 nights in Custer

State Park. I am seeking your recomendation on the campgrounds in Custer. Would like to

be close to areas where Bison and Prairie Dogs are plentiful...if it is near flowing water (river)

or lake that would be a bonus. Any other places where you might suggest camping in Black

Hills or Badlands? Thanks in advance for taking the time to respond.

 

Also, anything worth doing/seeing on the eastern side of the state? I have a daughter who

will be turning 8 while we are there and would like to do something special on her

birthday...we will be near Brookings on her b-day.

oops! Ellis, to answer your question who asks...several photogs (mostly PJ's) that use my

studio occassionally for some freelance work. They seem convinced that it is the way to go

although none can tell me why...it seems they think "because it is digital ...and digital is

always better". I told them I suspect there would be no noticable difference between digital

lights and my current set up.

Hello Bill,

 

I purchased mine from United Maufacturing. They sell the shrink wrap film as well. (Acid Free and Regular in a couple of different weights.)If you are still in the market for one in August, I'll be up in your neck of the woods...I was planning on selling mine at years end...but could certainly do it in August. I can wrap up to 28x38 with mine. I haven't had any problems with it and have been using it for about 10 years. (I did have to replace the heat gun last year.) The heat gun does not cause condensation. The process is very economical compared to the bags/envelopes.

Look for "Pro Panels" manufactured by M.D. Enterprises in Dallas. They are quite nice looking...light weight easy for 1 person to handle...and they really help the presentation of your work. I have some that I will be selling at the end of the year...not sure where you are located...if you are interested and can wait till December feel free to get in touch.

Thanks for your responses...You are the two I was hoping to hear from. I am happy with my

Speedotrons...they have never left me wishing for something "better". Once again...Thanks!

 

Scott

Can anyone explain to me what a the difference is between "Digital Lights" and traditional

studio strobes? I have been using Speedotron Black line equipment for about 15 years

now...and more than once people have inquired if I am going to switch to "digital" lights. I

shoot both film and digital with the same Speedotron lights.

 

Is it simply a marketing ploy or is there some inherent difference that would make a

"Digital" light better suited to shooting with a digital camera. In my mind light is light and

all lights do what they are supposed to do...light the subject. (of course there are other

considerations that need to be taken into account like color temperature, power and flash

duration.) What is it that would make a digital light more suited to shooting with a digital

camera?....and would

the results be inferior in some way if you shot film when using "digital" lights. If anyone is

able to offer some explainations rather than just speculations I'd be grateful for your

insight. Thanks in advance for your comments.

 

Scott

John Winn and Leroy go way back and work(ed) together often. I did not meet Leroy when I

was there, but John spoke very highly of him. It's a great location...Enjoy!

The closest town is Uncertain, Texas. It is a bayou with Cypress trees and Spanish Moss.

Gators, Beavers, all kinds of birds... There is a local guide by the name of John Winn.

 

http://www.caddooutback.com

 

He is extremely knowledgeable and knows that lake like the back of his hand. Tell him

what you want to photograph and he will more than likely be able to make it happen. He's

extremely accomodating and a interesting guy to hang out with. Make sure to ask him to

see the photo he has hanging up in his office of an Alligator Gar that was caught in Caddo

Lake. A small snapshot-type picture...but a pretty impressive animal as I recall.

 

There isn't much as far as hotel/motel accomadations. I stayed at Moonbeam ...one of the

properties connected with Moonglow Lodge. It is right on the lake. (It is three private

cabins.) Ernest and Beverly Knott own the cabins. I dealt with Beverly and she was very

gracious and accomodating as my schedule continued to change she continued to work

with me on the reservation dates. The cabin was very clean and comfortable and it had its'

own private spa/hot tub. A very pleasant place run by very pleasant couple.

 

http://www.moonglowlodge.com/

 

Mid-June would be a great time to go there. Make your reservations soon! Apparently it

gets booked up solid in June/July. Most of your photo opportunities will be from a boat.

John Winn has a Go Devil Boat. It can pretty much go anywhere as long as there are about

6 inches of water. (Definitely the boat to have on Caddo Lake.) I have some notes on

places on the lake where I'd like to go back to shoot. One is called "The Cathedral"

another is "Hog Waller" or something along those lines. I'll try to dig up those notes and

pass on a few more locations to you.

 

Have Fun!

 

Scott

Modern Postcard...as previously mentioned you will need to do a advertising campaign.

Your results will be dissappointing if you just send one postcard. They need to see your

name and a new image OFTEN. Develop your campaign based on 12 months and stick to

it. (At least one new card every month.) It won't be cheap...but that is the way that it is

done successfully.

There is no reason not to believe that the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) has their hand

in mapping. When I found out recently that a baseball team (the Cardinals) is responsible

for selecting the next Pope...well, ...I guess anything is possible nowadays.

 

It is good news indeed! (the fact that the Ivory Billed Woodpecker is alive ...not that a

bunch of overpaid drug addicts are responsible for picking the next Pope.)

 

An interesting aside...in November of 2003 I made a trip to Caddo lake which

straddles the Texas-Louisianna border near Uncertain, TX. I went out onto the lake with a

very knowledgeable guide who had lived in the area all his life. He said that he didn't want

me to think he was crazy but he swears that he had seen an (extinct) Ivory Billed

Woodpecker in this one particular area of the lake. He said he had seen it on at least 5

different occassions. Most recently about two weeks before my arrival. I really never

thought anything of it until I heard the news last week. I suspect there is more than just

this one that has been confirmed.

The New Lab (San Fransisco, CA)

Thanks John!

I have finally upgraded to Adobe Photoshop CS . My Photoshop 7 had a filter

called Bevel and Emboss. I found an emboss filter in CS...but there doesn't

seem to be a bevel filter... Does anyone know how to either aquire one....or

achieve the beveled effect. Thanks

Does anyone know if Dan Smith has his images posted

anywhere on line? I'd love to get a look at some of his work from

the winter he spent in that ghost town. If not, does anyone know

how to get in touch with him? (My searches have come up

empty.)

 

Thanks,

 

Scott