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Syl Arena High-Speed Sync Workshop - Phoenix Jan 15, 2011

Saturday, January 15, 2011 from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (MT)

Phoenix, AZ

Syl Arena High-Speed Sync Workshop - Phoenix Jan 15, 2011

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Ticket Type Sales End Price Fee Quantity
Syl Arena High-Speed Sync Workshop, Phoenix, Jan 15, 2011 Ended $275.00 $0.00
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Event Details


HIGH-SPEED SYNC – Why Speedlites shine when other strobes can't.

If you shoot Canon, you know it as high-speed sync. If you shoot Nikon, you know it as auto-FP sync. By either name, it's a Speedlite-only function that literally changes the way your flash fires. Rather than throwing out a big blast, your Speedlite turns into a continuous light source for an instant. Instead of being limited to 1/250", you can shoot at any shutter speed (provided your flash is close enough to your subject or you have multiple Speedlites -- both approaches will be discussed during the day).

HSS enables you to turn the noon sun into moonlight. It enables you to freeze high-speed motion. It enables you to dim the ambient a little or a lot so that you can saturate the sky or make distracting elements in the background go away.

There is a lot of misinformation circling about how you can get studio packs to fire in HSS. I call these techniques "faux-speed sync". The acid test is this: can you shoot under noon sun at 1/8000" and have the flash sync completely with the camera? We will be doing exactly this.

 

THIS IS A SHOOTING WORKSHOP - Wear comfy shoes. You'll be on your feet most of the day.

  • This workshop is open to both Canonistas and Nikonians.*
  • Enrollment is limited to 12 students. 
  • Everyone will shoot every set-up.*
  • We will be shooting everything from one- and two-flash portraits to extreme, multilight set-ups.
  • We'll shoot indoors for a bit. We'll shoot outdoors a lot (weather permitting).
  • We'll change up the models a few times to keep it visually interesting.

* All my gear is Canon. For the set-ups with lots of Speedlites, if there are not a lot of Nikon Speedlights on hand, I will loan my camera to the Nikonians (so bring an extra CF card).

 

WHAT WE'LL COVER - Your head will be numb at 5pm.

  • The mechanics of syncing flash
  • How to activate HSS on your camera (both Canon and Nikon)
  • Using HSS to dim ambient light
  • Using HSS to freeze high-speed motion
  • Faux Speed Sync: why studio strobes won't sync outdoors at 1/8000"
  • Why neutral density filters are not a substitute for HSS 
  • Firing multiple speedlites in HSS via Canon / Nikon's built-in wireless triggers
  • Gang Light: the how and why of using a large number of Speedlites together
  • Light modifiers: when and when not to use them with HSS
  • Random & spontaneous topics: like my approach to Speedliting, my favorite mods, etc.

 

OTHER DETAILS - As important as the above

  • Correct Gear:  HSS requires that the camera and Speedlite communicate with each other. So, HSS is typically not possible with third-party gear. If you shoot Canon, bring a 580EX, 550EX, and/or 430EX -- or EX II versions. If you shoot Nikon, bring an SB900, SB800, and/or SB600. Bringing several Speedlites and stands is great (if you have them); but it's not required. If your flash is a third-party brand, like a Metz or one of the Asian brands, that claims it is compatible, you must know how to operate it on your own. For triggering, I'll loan you a Canon/Nikon Speedlite to use as a trigger.
  • Time: We will start at 9:00am and end around 5:00pm. Doors will open at 8:45am.
  • Workbook: You will be given a workbook that covers the mechanics and uses of HSS.
  • Lunch: Lunch is included. If you have dietary restrictions, please let us know.
  • Workshop Pix: The models always appreciate the contribution of pix for their portfolios. At the end of the day, it would be great if you could leave a few of your pix for the models. Also, you will be able to use the pix in your portfolio and on your blog, but not for commercial purposes.

 

ABOUT THESE PHOTOS - Examples of HSS in action.

  • Above:  Personal work -- 1/4000", f/8, ISO 400. At left: lit with two 580EX II Speedlites that were triggered by a third 580EX on an extra-long E-TTL cord that was 10' behind me. This is proof that built-in wireless systems are happy to work in full sun... if you position the slaves so that they are not blinded by the sun.
  • First below: Assignment for San Louie magazine -- 1/4000", f/11, ISO 800. At left: Buster the Pitbull for a story on stray animals that adopt wineries and vice versa. Lit with two 580EX IIs. At right: the shot without Speedlites. As you can see, the Speedlites add shape and tone to Buster.
  • Second below: Cover shot for Speedliter's Handbook -- 1/4000", f/5.6, ISO 400. An extreme use of HSS in which a dozen Speedlites were ganged up on an 8' rail and fired together via RadioPoppers. The soft quality of the light is created by the synergy of the Speedlites -- with each flash acting as both a key and fill light. 

 

 

 

Smashing Pumpkins

 

When & Where



Don Giannatti Studio
224 N 5 Ave
Phoenix, AZ 85003

Saturday, January 15, 2011 from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (MT)


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Hosted By

Syl Arena / Speedliting.com



Syl Arena is author of the bestselling Speedliter's Handbook -- which has done more to demystify the inner-workings of Canon flash photography than any other publication. As a testament to the Handbook's success, it ihas been translated into six languages. 

Syl's blog, PixSylated.com, is ground-zero for his insights on light and the world of imagemaking.

In addition to the workshops that Syl teaches in Paso Robles, Syl teaches lighting for Maine Media Workshops, Santa Fe Workshops, and Gulf Photo Plus in Dubai.