Larry's Cheap Shots

Speedlight Softbox

Fred Maya — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 19:18:03 +0000

Okay, I know it sounds crazy but here's the deal. I did a softbox DIY here on the blog a while back. People around the office saw my little gadget and thought it was pretty cool. Since all the people who watch D-Town TV don't necessarily come to my blog, we recorded a segment for the Cheap Shots segment of D-Town TV about the DIY from the blog. Even though you're seeing it here, it hasn't yet aired as a part of a D-Town TV episode. It may, but I'm not sure when. I said all that so you understand why it's a preview and a rewind and an update.

Affordable Posing Table

Larry Becker — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 14:18:45 +0000

Recently I found an affordable solution to the more expensive posing tables photographers use and I had a little fun filming my Cheap Shots take on the whole thing.

Flash Diffuser

Larry Becker — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 12:46:05 +0000

Relax, sit back, and enjoy this recent Cheap Shots episode straight from the world famous DTown TV. Your speedlights will thank you for it.

Video of Coroplast V-Flats

Larry Becker — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 14:51:25 +0000

My take on V-Flats is a little different. They're not quite as versatile as a full-sized V-Flats with two, four foot by eight foot panels, but these are much more affordable, portable, and just as effective for most uses. If I had a full-sized studio and a full-sized wallet, I'd probably go ahead and get the materials for the giant ones so I could occasionally use them as a complete backdrop. But since I don't have a warehouse sized studio, these are perfect for me.

Quality of (Flash)Lights

Larry Becker — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 14:36:15 +0000

The downside to "regular" flashlights is the color and quality of light, along with the relatively short life of normal AA or AAA batteries. Here's an alternate approach and it has yet to let me down...

Light Socket Multiplication

Tommy Maloney — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 15:58:06 +0000

A few seasons ago I mentioned a budget cool-light adapter that helped make a "fake Spiderlite." Well, this is an alternative and it's even cheaper. I taped this but I don't think it ever aired so this may not really be a rewind. If you DID see this one before, let me know which episode in the comments section.

Optical Slave Flash for ANY Camera

Tommy Maloney — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 15:50:31 +0000

From episode 58 of D-Town TV, this clip covers inexpensive external optically triggered strobes.NOTE: A few updates since I recorded this. — The unit I own/use was $20 at my local camera store and is surprisingly good quality for the money. Problem is, that unit and the company aren't around any more. There are other options in that same price range that get mixed reviews, including this one from Adorama; or this one from B&H.

Printer Transparency Gels

Tommy Maloney — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 20:24:21 +0000

From episode 42 of D-Town TV, this clip covers making your own gels with a color laser printer. And if you want to have a Photoshop file to use as a starting point (remember you'll need to tweak them for size and color based on your speedlight model and your printer's output) here's a link to mine: Speedlight_Gels

Ball Bungee Cords Are Cheap and Handy

Tommy Maloney — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 20:19:21 +0000

From Episode 46 of d-Town TV, this episode covers a cool little gadget for keeping things together.

Rechargable Batteries

Tommy Maloney — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 15:58:41 +0000

From episode 53 of D-Town TV, this clip covers my favorite AA rechargeable battery solution.