Comments for Simon Keitch Photography Blog

Comment on Lowepro Pro Roller X200 Case by Simon Keitch

Simon Keitch — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 10:27:33 +0000

Hi Jason,
My two SB900s are in the normal firing position (so the head is at a right-angle to the flash body) and upside down in the case. This is the downside of the 900 model; they are huge compared to the 800 and take up a lot of room. I have never once used the backpack option but as you say it is nice to know that you have that option if needs be.

Comment on Lowepro Pro Roller X200 Case by jason

jason — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 10:15:19 +0000

Hi Simon,
Thank you for the great review. I was wondering how you choose to place your sb900s in this bag now. Not being able to store them vertically seems to be a lot of wasted space. For this reason alone, I have also been considering the thinktank airport international.
My next question, have you ever found yourself in a position where you found the backpack function useful? Or do you think it just boosts a photographers confidence at the airport checkin counter; aving that ace in the hole?
regards

Comment on Tools Of The Trade by Simon Keitch

Simon Keitch — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 10:55:25 +0000

Hi Fernando,
Thankyou. I use the Elinchrom range of light modifiers; my favourites are the Rotalux 100cm soft boxes (both square and octa).

Comment on Tools Of The Trade by Fernando

Fernando — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 18:03:27 +0000

Hello Simon,

Great post! I really enjoy your blog and your work! Congratulations buddy!

What kind of light modifiers you use for your portraits shots?

Regards,

Fernando Zecchinon.

Comment on Elinchrom Ranger Quadra First Thoughts by Brian Farrell

Brian Farrell — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 13:12:22 +0000

I have been using this equipment for portraiture and weddings also since 2009 and personally I think they are amazing. My Bowens gear has literally not left it’s case since I got the Quadras. I used to cart around the Bowens battery packs with 750 Pros for outdoor work but now with modern cameras and higher ISO’s I can do the same work with these much lighter units. For weddings I usually use them for the group shots as fill and for the couple shots where I have my assistant hold one on an extendable 3m boom (this is the boom for the california sun bounce sun swatter). I use the 1m octa for this as the combined head and soft box weight is manageable. The only negative I have is having to use that ridiculous adapter in order to use the soft box. I do recommend getting the 18cm reflector and a grid. The LED modelling lamps are fine for positioning your lights etc but if you plan on using them to light your scene you can’t really shoot with them unless you plan on long exposures or bump the ISO. Personally they come into their own for me when clearing up after an outdoor shoot in the evenings. I put the heads on 3m light stands pointing down so I can light the shoot area to assist clearing up. Like other commentators here I recommend getting a peli case or such for transporting them safely as the system case is not strong enough. I haven’t found the heads weak but they do look like they will break admittedly. I recommend you get the clip on diffuser covers if you are worried about damaging the tubes. My Skyport has also fallen to bits and has to be re-gaffered for each shoot Overall – very lightweight, the quality of light is outstanding. A no brainer purchase.

Comment on Westmoor Vets Brochure Photographs by skeitch

skeitch — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 08:03:17 +0000

Hi Chris,
All of these were lit with Nikon speedlights. The first image has one flash in a small softbox to camera right, and two in a large umbrella back behind the camera pumping fill light into the whole room. The second photo was at least two lights bounced into the walls/ceiling I think, and the third was one flash on the camera hotshoe but fired upwards and bounced off the ceiling/walls. The reaction of the animals to the flash pops was of course a concern but in practice was not an issue.

Comment on Westmoor Vets Brochure Photographs by Chris

Chris — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 00:38:27 +0000

Hello Simon. Very interesting blog post! Did you take these photos using natural light or something like Nikon Speedlights? How did the animals react to the camera? Thank you Chris

Comment on Elinchrom Ranger Quadra First Thoughts by James Cheadle

James Cheadle — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 16:32:29 +0000

Hi, I’ve been using this kit since it’s release in 2009. I own three A heads and two packs and when it’s all working it really is a great system. However, I do feel that the build quality is poor and if you intend to use them outdoors then I would advise against purchasing this system. In total my kit has been returned to The Flash Centre, in London, five times to be repaired. Both packs have died on me, all three heads have blown, all my cables have arced and the airport transmitter has basically just fallen to pieces over time. It’s good to hear some positive stories from over posters but unfortunately my experience has been mostly negative and I seriously regret purchasing them. I’ll also add that if you do buy this kit you’ll need to buy a strong travel case for them, the Stock Elinchrom case is very flimsy and definitely not tough enough to be put in the hold a plane. Good Luck.

Comment on Elinchrom Ranger Quadra First Thoughts by Joe Plimmer

Joe Plimmer — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 21:23:39 +0000

I have owned the a quadra pack with 2 heads for about 6 months, used regularly with my older elinchrom softboxes. It’s always been ultra reliable….. The main problem I have is the lack of light modifying tools. I really wish Elinchrom would provide a beauty dish or softbox with grids and eggcrates, so that light doesn’t spill everywhere. if I am doing a real serious shoot I will always hire profoto equipment because Elinchrom just doesn’t have the right tools for the job.

Great Blog by the way

Comment on Geoff Sayers – Well Hung Meat Co by wedding photographer Bahamas

wedding photographer Bahamas — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 03:25:21 +0000

Really find original for this portrait session to use meat as a background.