K1W1
12-07-2008, 03:12 AM
My copy of the DVD arrived late last week and I have now had a chance to sit through the entire 2 1/2 hours.
So what, if anything did I see and learn?
The DVD is basically divided into two sections, the first is a studio session with Bob Krist and the second consists of three location shoots with Joe McNally (and probably the highest paid light reflector holder in the world, Bob Krist).
During the first session Bob Krist explains the fundamentals of the Nikon CLS and using a single model shows the various methods of using Speedlights from a single camera attached unit through multiple units and the use of reflectors and diffusers. Bob briefly covers macro shooting with a product shot for an "on line auction" site. There is also an overview of the entire CLS range including the new SB-900 and very clear instructions on how to set units up as either commanders or slaves and how groups work.
The second section of the DVD consists of Joe McNally being on site at three locations, a Ballet school and wedding photography assignment and a boatyard.
Joe McNally puts the Nikon CLS to practical use explaining what he is trying to achieve and how he goes about doing it by positioning various (up to 12 and I'm not kidding) Speedlights to get the results he is after.
Whilst the DVD is long it is very well paced and easy to sit and watch and there are chapters so you can go to the various sub sections directly if you want.
The information presented is clear and very easy to follow and understand and the photographic results achieved are in a word inspiring.
So is the US$40 Nikon want for the DVD a worthwhile spend?
Well, I'm going to cop out and say that I can't answer that on your behalf.
If you are confident about CLS and multiple flash use then the technical side of things may not teach you a lot but I'm sure that you will be interested in some of the tricks Joe McNally uses. Wait till you see how he got the ballerina shot on the cover of the DVD.
If you shoot weddings or paid portraits some of Joe McNally's tricks may make you a very good return on the investment.
If you are like me and you have struggled through the SB-xxx user manual, read Strobist without really understanding much, looked in awe at Rooz's macro lighting and produced very little other than very ordinary flash shots then absolutely this DVD is worthwhile.
Good luck.
So what, if anything did I see and learn?
The DVD is basically divided into two sections, the first is a studio session with Bob Krist and the second consists of three location shoots with Joe McNally (and probably the highest paid light reflector holder in the world, Bob Krist).
During the first session Bob Krist explains the fundamentals of the Nikon CLS and using a single model shows the various methods of using Speedlights from a single camera attached unit through multiple units and the use of reflectors and diffusers. Bob briefly covers macro shooting with a product shot for an "on line auction" site. There is also an overview of the entire CLS range including the new SB-900 and very clear instructions on how to set units up as either commanders or slaves and how groups work.
The second section of the DVD consists of Joe McNally being on site at three locations, a Ballet school and wedding photography assignment and a boatyard.
Joe McNally puts the Nikon CLS to practical use explaining what he is trying to achieve and how he goes about doing it by positioning various (up to 12 and I'm not kidding) Speedlights to get the results he is after.
Whilst the DVD is long it is very well paced and easy to sit and watch and there are chapters so you can go to the various sub sections directly if you want.
The information presented is clear and very easy to follow and understand and the photographic results achieved are in a word inspiring.
So is the US$40 Nikon want for the DVD a worthwhile spend?
Well, I'm going to cop out and say that I can't answer that on your behalf.
If you are confident about CLS and multiple flash use then the technical side of things may not teach you a lot but I'm sure that you will be interested in some of the tricks Joe McNally uses. Wait till you see how he got the ballerina shot on the cover of the DVD.
If you shoot weddings or paid portraits some of Joe McNally's tricks may make you a very good return on the investment.
If you are like me and you have struggled through the SB-xxx user manual, read Strobist without really understanding much, looked in awe at Rooz's macro lighting and produced very little other than very ordinary flash shots then absolutely this DVD is worthwhile.
Good luck.