This introduction will help to gain quick understanding of the studio lighting theory and setting within 2.5 – 3 hours. This is an ideal workshop for photographer intend to take a bigger step into control lighting environment.

Photography tutorial - Learn how to use lighting to your advantage in a studio environment

Who should attend?

New users who wish to explore the world of studio photography or Photographer who planning to setup a Studio (commercial and/or home).

Course Requirements

SLR/DSLR user with basic understanding the Shutter Speed, Aperture, ISO, Metering and Flash Light.

Course Outline

(1) Introduction to control lighting & studio environment
(2) Type of studio & its basic requirement
(3) Studio lighting equipment selection and its handling
(4) Metering with The usage of Light Meter
(5) Setting up studio lighting
(6) Soft light & hard light (The Myth of Softbox)
(7) Lighting concepts; Hi Key, Mid Key & Low Key
(8) Practical hands-on
(9) Q&A

Details as follows:
Date : 17th October 2010, Sunday
Time : 1.00pm – 4.00pm (3 hours)
Location : cThree Studio
Level : Beginners to Studio Lighting
Refreshment : Light refreshments will be provided
No. of attendees : 2 (minimum to start) to 6 (maximum)
Price : RM100

Booking Instructions:
1. Kindly sms (012-2832028) or email me with your name and mobile number to register,
2. Payment details will then be sent to you via SMS /email
3. Confirmation & details will be sent to you via SMS and/or Email after payment is made,
4. My email : benjamin@cthree.sg

Anyway, enough stories. Back to the topic.

cThree is now offering photography workshops!

Because there were a good number of requests coming from our members, event participants, friends, families and co-workers for cThree to provide photography workshops, we’ve been working hard for this past month to bring you great teachers from almost each corner of the photography industry right to your doorsteps.

Meaning, starting October 9th, 2010, cThree will be organizing photography workshops for all sorts of camera users – Whether you’re using a DSLR camera, compact/digital camera, cellphone camera or spy-cams (muahaha), we’re going to not only teach you how to use your camera well, but also take good care of it, learn how to angle them right, use advanced photo editing technologies available today and utilise all the hidden functions and combinations in your camera.

Type of camera workshops/training available

No, no, we won’t waste your time. Here are some of our photography & camera training (or more commonly known to the public as photography workshops) objectives:

Before you buy, we’ll guide you through the process of selecting a camera, whether it’s a digital (compact) camera or a DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) baby.

When you know what to select, we’ll then guide you briefly on its functions so that you’re REALLY sure you’re making that correct investment.

After confirming/deciding what to buy, we’ll let you into our juicy secrets on where to get the best service and/or best price for whichever camera you’re purchasing.

Then, when you have a camera, we’ll take you through many photography categories so that you can instantly start photographing what you love most.

From there, our ‘experts’ will help you sharpen your photography skills based on your interest – Whether it’s portrait, nude, still life, nature or spy-cam photography. Heh-heh-heh. Spy.

Our studio assistant will then organize photoshooting events specifically for you to experience photographing objects real life, at the scene; kind of thing. You get the drift.

We’ll then introduce photo editing softwares so that you can ‘beef’ your pictures up and impress your friends.

Our in-house designer cum photographer will then teach you how to use a photo editing software to make the most out of your photographs, pictures & shots taken.

Once you’re familiar with using your camera & a photo editing software, we’ll teach you how to get creative with your camera, environment and more.

Alas, we grow as a group to learn & share from each other – And who knows, you might even consider us as your hobby partners?

Getting started with our photography training sessions

Seriously, it’s so simple. All you got to do is fill the “I’m interested in your workshops!” form below and you can get started on your long, fruitful, fun & exciting photography journey with us, yourself, your friends & your camera.

If you don’t know about this event, head on to the photography event page to find out more and sign-up! It’s only RM60/photographer/day.

Theme: Commercial Photoshoot

With approximately 2.5 hours of shooting, 4 make up artists, 4 models and 4 photographers.

Feel like joining us? Here’s the list of themes for the entire week for you to join:

1. Bridal / Wedding photography concept training; (Happening today on Merdaka’s Day, 2010)
2. Evening wears & fashion photography workshop; (1st of September, 2010)
3. Stage Show Fashion photography training; (2nd of September, 2010)
4. Fantasy, Cosplay & Conceptual photography workshop & training. (3rd of September, 2010)

Credits to:

1. Celebré, for providing make-up and models.
2. Chris, Sin Dee, Ken Low & Ben for providing pictures.
3. All the models who participated and helped.
4. Amy Yong, for arranging & organizing.

And when you talk about EV (exposure values)? Heh. I’ll probably stick to adjustments of shutter speeds and aperture values mounted on a tripod as compared to using a flash. Because to me, flashgun effects are ALL THE SAME! Who needs a damned RM1,000 flashgun anyway? Can’t I just get that cheap flashlight and do light painting or make sure I have enough lights everywhere I go?

Then a few weeks ago, that changed.

What the heck is a flashgun?

Yongnuo 560 Flashgun

Flashguns are external flash units that connects to your camera’s hotshoe. Unlike the traditional pop-up camera flash which you get on your camera and can only be shot frontwards, the external flash unit gives you rotation – Up, down, left right, from 90 degrees to 180 degrees.

Your regular DSLR pop-up flash on a Nikon D3000

This flash is particularly healthy to use – And you can take great shots with them. But to a certain extent, you’re limited to its power, distance, flexibility and control of the exposure you get out of a picture.

Flashgun attached to a G1 Lumix

When you get external flashes, it gives you the ability to twist and rotate your flashgun head so that you can achieve light from the direction you want – Not just straight ahead like what the pop-up flash does.

Nissin flash depicts tilting - Left to right and right to left, up and down from 90° to 180°

Tilting allows a photographer to direct a flasgun to whichever direction he/she needs for light bounce. In order to give a softer, more spread-out effect on your photograph, bouncing your light off your surface also lights up your subject in a nice, diffused manner..

Next in Understanding Camera Flashguns: Flashgun for Beginners »

Of course, seeing your friends running around with a nice Canon EOS 550D, Nikon D90 or Sony A550 would make you think of buying one, since you’ve seen their pretty pictures of Chinese ‘Marilyn Monroe’ posing around and on Malaysian soil. This begs a huge question to noobs/newbies to DSLR photography: “Do I really need *THAT* much power?”

The all-new Canon EOS 60D *pic from DPReview.com

Canon 60D for beginners in photography?

First, let’s look at the specifications. Here are some non-technical information each and every one of you who understands English could appreciate:

• With the Canon EOS 60D, you can take a FULL HD (1080p) camcorder/DSLR with you whereever you go.
  • That’s if you don’t mind an additional 1kg+ weight to your baggage (Yeah, it’s approximately 800g±. But what about your lens, mini tripod and a few more camera accessories that little camera shop twerp conned you into purchasing?
  • The 1080p resolution (pretty picture output) is equivalent to that 42″ Full HD LED TV you just bought for your husband to watch football/wrestling after he finishes dinner without washing the plates.
  • Resolution is 1920 x 1080. The 15.6″ HD (1366 x 768) computer screen you’re looking at now, is 720p.
• Canon 60D has 18 megapixels (MP) compared to:
  • That Canon 50D and Nikon D5000 that gives you 15MP and 12.3MP respectively.
  • Or that Canon 40D and Nikon D3000 that gives you approximately 10MP each.
  • Or that Fujifilm FX300, 12MP compact camera your salesperson is pushing you to buy.
  • ….here’s a tip. Shooting your lover/baby or a scenic scene will only take as much as 10MP to make you a very, very happy person.
• 5.3 fps (frames per second) shoot, taking 5 pictures at one time!
  • Yeah, capturing the 1/2 second moment is essential. I mean, who knows when he’ll look so natural in photos again?
  • Cars can now look cool when you’re shooting it at high speed (clear car and blurred background), like a pro.
• Effective ISO of up to 6400, with the option to set up to 12,800.
  • ISO = How sensitive your camera’s sensor is to light:

ISO calculations, where ISO 6:1993 method of determining speed for black-and-white film is calculated....

Neh… just kidding.

You use a lower ISO setting when an area is brightly lit, higher ISO setting when an area is not so lit up. Suppose you’re out in the evening for family time with clear blue skies, ISO 400 should be enough. If you’re indoors, ISO 640 should be the maximum. Anything more than that, would make your photos look like it’s taken in 1960 during the Vietnam War.

So….?

Yeah, yeah. Canon 60D is a great DSLR camera. Although its predecessor, Canon 50D and the direct competitor, Nikon D300 is technically a better off use for a pro; or the Canon 7D/Canon 5D Mark II and Nikon D300s/Nikon D700 is better suited for those who wants more convenience for a higher price, go ahead.

If you’re a newbie venturing into photography and want a camera somewhat similar to a beginners DSLR with good technology built inside, you may want to take a look at the Canon G11 model (although arguably the G10 is much better in some ways).

Canon 60D deciding factors

Here’s what will help you decide on purchasing this baby:

• You will look good carrying that 60D in front of your friends, with a flashgun attached to it, diffuser and probably your RM400 Denim jeans.
• You will probably be the ‘pro’ photographer whenever you hangout with certain non-DSLR-owners group(s) or the Nikon D5000/Canon 350-450-500-550D kakis. Bite that.
• There are allegedly ‘picture styles’ in this camera just like the Canon 500D, so you can snap ‘Japanese-feel’ pictures or ‘Bright Green Grass and Sky Blue Skies’ pictures without a sweat. Just turn your dial to that option.
• Clear, sharp & nice video feature & functions with basic editing features on the camera at Full HD whenever you want to record… er… clear images of people doing loving things.
• You can get a good, bright picture with its effective ISO of 6400; even at very low light/dim conditions without a flash when you fly down to Uzbekistan to spy on that government for your government.
• You can take 5 pictures in 1 second, allowing you to choose between who looks fat or ugly in the picture without annoying them.
• Accepts SD cards: Now you don’t have to buy another CF card, that’s just bulky, mean and damaging to your pocket…
• Nicer looking LCD preview screen whenever you take photographs and want to look at them ‘nicely’.
• Plastic-made body instead of magnesium alloy (which most cameras use as their material for body for protection), but it’s heavier. It’s a like fat boy slim.
• Lighter than Canon 50D and 7D (body only), but heavier than most of the Nikon & Sony cameras out there.
• You’ll choke on your budget and go hungry for the next 12 months because this fella will cost US$1,099 (RM 3,600) for body only and US$1,399 (RM4,496) for its 18-135mm f3.5-5.6 kit lens. That’s 8,000 bucks, senõr.

Other DSLR cameras to consider

1. Canon 550D*, Canon 500D*, Canon 450D, Canon 40D, Canon 5D Mark I
2. Nikon D90, Nikon D80, Nikon D60, Nikon D5000*, Nikon D3100*, Nikon D3000
3. Sony A550*, Sony A580*, Sony A850, Sony A390, Sony A500

Canon 60D Official Promo Video

Want a technical review? Goto http://www.dpreview.com/previews/canoneos60d/

The Models

Photoshooting event model: Yu-jia

Model for Photography Event #2 - Qiqi

Model #3 for Photoshooting Event: Yi Ping

The Photography Event

The concept is simple – There will be 4 Makeup artists for 4 different model styling each day and 4 new inexperienced models will be presented to photographers for shooting. 4 photographers are limited to each session.

Everyday for 5 days, 4 photographers will take on a photography quest to photograph four (4) fully dressed models in cThree’s photography studio in 2 – 2.5 hours. Each model will dress differently and each make up will be unique on its own.

Who should attend?

Photography enthusiasts, amateur photographers, semi-professional photographers (doing this freelance or as a part time) and professional photographers should attend these sessions.

There is a good reason to why we choose inexperienced models, and 1-on-1, photographer to model concept. This teaches photographers how to:

1. Communicate with the model better; or how to direct the model to pose correctly
2. Gain ideas from cThree’s creative concepts director, Benjamin Koh
3. Learn the best way to capture a model’s angle, without having to try many different angles
4. Properly idealize portrait photography compositions.

Each attending photographer during each session will be personally guided by cThree’s creative director.

Why attend this photoshooting?

With so many different events for photoshoot out there, this event gives you the opportunity to learn from experienced studio photographers on many different types of photoshooting. These photography workshops cover:

1. Commercial photography workshop & training;
2. Bridal / Wedding photography concept training;
3. Evening wears & fashion photography workshop;
4. Stage Show Fashion photography training;
5. Fantasy, Cosplay & Conceptual photography workshop & training.

For 5 different days respectively, 4 carefully dressed models will be presented to each photographer for tryouts and shooting.

What to expect from this 5-day photoshooting?

Expect an expert coach on studio modeling photography to help you out during this event and inexperienced models to give you a sheer example of how to properly direct models for future photography assignments.

Studio lighting equipments provided

XB Prime 7, 700 w/s, superb studio strobe for model photoshooting

• Studio flash light reflectors »
• Studio softboxes »
• Studio light panels »
• Honeycomb Grids »

Items will be provided during the photoshoot.

The Calendar of Events

This photoshooting training event is planned as followed: (5 sessions altogether)

1. Monday, 30th August, 2010 – Commercial Photoshoot Theme
2. Tuesday, 31st August, 2010 – Bridal Theme
3. Wednesday, 1st September, 2010 – Evening Theme
4. Thursday, 2nd September, 2010 – Fashion/Stage Show Theme
5. Friday, 3rd September, 2010 – Fantasy/Concept Theme

Shooting time starts from 7.30pm – 9.30pm each day.

How much does it cost?

An affordable price of RM60/photographer for each session only. There are 5 themes and 5 sessions for the entire event, so pick your session accordingly.

Each session requires a minimum of 4 photographers and maximum of 8, so if you have friends who wants to tag along for the whole day, you can book the entire night event at a discounted price.

What are the payment options?

• Direct deposit into cThree’s company account. Please contact us » so that we can give you the details.
• Walk into our photography lounge and make your payment via cash / credit card. See our address here ».
• Pay us via credit card, online (Paypal system) by providing us your email address. Give us your email here »

Update 18th August 2010: Today is the last day to sign up and pay for the model photoshoot event. Please call us at 03-80636089 or Benjamin Koh at 012-2832028 to confirm your attendance & payment. Alternatively, you can pay us via credit card by providing us with your email address.

Howdy folks! On the 22nd of August, 2010, cThree’s photography studio will be organizing a photography session to introduce today’s technology in studio lighting, best practice of studio flashlights, how to properly maintain, angle, shoot, prepare, arrange and adjust flash strobes in order to attain perfect lighting conditions.

Our model for the event is Nada Elthair; born in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and beautifully raised in Bahrain. She will help all of us visualize the ffects of studio lighting (strobes) and of course, help you get some awesome shots for the day.

Nada at her best

Another good shot of her

Brilliant photograph in composition

Nada in same shot, composition 2

Another good shot with a male model

Nada's current Facebook profile picture

Why Nada?

Firstly because she’s pretty – And not only that, she knows her way around the camera, studio and best of all, her natural facial features and skin tones makes her quite the model to photograph. One of the reasons why we selected her is also to allow photographers to truly master techniques of studio lighting and harness its prowess; especially when the model has darker skin tone.

Four (4) units of XB Prime 7 will be used

Benjamin will first introduce RiME LITE’s XB Prime unit to participants, then other models such as Fame, Union, Elinchrome, Godox and many other brands from European continents, China & Japan. He’ll also explain it’s difference, price outlooks, ability, sustainability and more.

Other topics will include how to set up studio lighting, how to arrange, how to use, how to choose angles, how to shoot and what add-on equipments you need to fully utilize your studio flashlight at home or work.

Definitely a must-go for photography enthusiasts.

Price

• RM 120/pax – If booking is made before 19th August 2010
• RM 135/pax – If booking is made AFTER 19th August 2010
• Date of Event: 22nd August, 2010
• Venue: cThree’s Photography Studio

Click here to book your space now!

You can also showcase your profile to cThree’s Photography Community. Contact us so that we can fill you in the details.

Flashlight for Canon, Nikon, Sony Alpha, Pentax and Olympus Panasonic

Flashlight Features & Characteristics

1. PTTL Flash/Auto Focus
2. 5 levels of power ratios; from 1/1 to 1/16
3. Digital Power Zoom, with manual zoom flash head capabilities
4. Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)
5. Focus Assist Beam (Red in colour) for low light focusing
6. Built-in slave function
7. Reflecting Plate & Diffuser
8. Power Saving Option

Specifications

• Guide No. (ISO 100/DIN 21): 45(m) at 85mm
• Focal Length: 24-28-35-50-70-85mm
• Multi-angle bounce flash head (in degree): 0 / 45 / 60 / 75 / 90
• Recycling Time: 0.5 – 9 secs
• Power Source: 4 AA alkaline batteries
• Number of Flashes: 80 (with fresh batteries)
• Dimensions: 72 x 100 x 125mm
• Weight without batteries: Approximately 270g