Review Digital Camera World 08-06-2013

Digital Camera World

Best wireless flash trigger: 6 top models tested and rated Aug 5th 2013, 23:01, by jmeyer Bring wireless connectivity to your camera and flash. We put six the leading remote trigger systems to the test to see which is the best wireless flash trigger. You can't beat the simplicity of fixing a flashgun directly to your camera's hotshoe, but this seldom gives the best results. Use the flashgun off-camera and you'll generally get a much more natural lighting effect, especially in portraiture. The easiest way to do this is to buy a remote flash cable. This doesn't come cheap, however. Another drawback is that because there's a cable connection between the camera and flashgun, your mobility is limited and there's a risk of inadvertently toppling the camera or flashgun if either is mounted on a tripod. Some DSLRs, for example, like the Nikon D7100, enable you to use the pop-up flash in Commander mode, triggering Nikon Speedlights that have a wireless slave function. Even so, this is less than ideal and the wireless flash trigger systems tested here work with third-party flashguns and without requiring an unobstructed line of sight. Best Wireless Flash Trigger: 01 Yongnuo RF-603N Price: £32, $30 Buy it:  www.premier-ink.co.uk Unlike most systems that rely on a transmitter and a receiver, the Yongnuo trigger set contains two identical 'transceivers'. Each unit automatically switches between transmitter and receiver mode as required. A bonus feature on this trigger is that if you use the supplied cable to connect whichever unit is attached to the camera's hotshoe to the camera's remote control port as well, you can remotely fire the camera from the two-stage shutter button on the unit attached to the flashgun. There are various editions to suit whichever remote connector your DSLR uses, and additional cables are available to buy separately. Our verdict Pros… Enables remote triggering of the camera, good build quality, bargain price. Cons…  No built-in mount for a tripod or lighting head. WE say… With its 100m range and easy operation, it's a steal at the price. Score: 4/5 PAGE 1 – Best Wireless Flash Trigger: 01 Yongnuo RF-603N PAGE 2 – Best Wireless Flash Trigger: 02 Interfit Strobies iSync 4 Trigger Receiver Set PAGE 3 – Best Wireless Flash Trigger: 03 Hähnel Combi TF PAGE 4 – Best Wireless Flash Trigger: 04 Phottix Strato II Multi 5-in-1 Trigger Set PAGE 5 – Best Wireless Flash Trigger: 05 SMDV Flash Wave III Trigger/Receiver Kit PAGE 6 – Best Wireless Flash Trigger: 06 PocketWizard MiniTT1 + FlexTT5 PAGE 7 – Five things to look for in a wireless flash trigger READ MORE Best camera flash for portrait photography: 6 top models tested and rated How camera flash works: free photography cheat sheet Flash photography made easy: master everything from pop-up flash to multiple flashguns Flash photography tips: external flash techniques anyone can understand Summer portrait Ideas: how to use natural light for atmospheric people pictures Aug 5th 2013, 11:30, by jmeyer Summer is one of the most exciting times of the year to take pictures. One of our favourite summer portrait ideas is to head to the beach and make use of the sunshine to create atmospheric outdoor portrait photography. In this quick guide we’ll show you step-by-step how to set up your camera and direct your subject to make the most of the natural light. We’ll then show you a few simple edits you can make on the computer to give you atmospheric summer portrait a professional finish! Setting up your summer portrait: working with your model Head to the beach The beach is an ideal spot for a summer portrait shoot, but if you're not close to the coast then consider other locations such as fields with long grasses or flowers, or even your back garden. Aim to shoot later on in the day, when the light is warm and soft. It's worth scouting the location in advance so that you know the best spots to head for; look for uncluttered backgrounds, and for interesting landmarks that will complement your subject but not distract from them.   Clothes and accessories Ask your model to bring along a few outfit changes so that you can get a variety of shots; bold-coloured clothing, such as a red dress, will look striking against a blue sky. If there's a breeze, you can also bring along a scarf, and get your model to drape it over her so that it moves with the wind. Wind does make it harder to use a reflector, so face your model into the sun but watch out for harsh shadows on the face.   Let there be light Turn your model away from the sun, so her face is shaded and the sunlight creates a halo effect around the hair, then bounce the light back onto her face using a reflector. Your model may find the reflected light a little bright, so get her to keep her eyes closed, then open them when you're ready to take a shot. If possible, bring an assistant along to hold the reflector; it'll make the shoot a lot easier. PAGE 1: Setting up your summer portrait: working with your model PAGE 2: Shooting your summer portrait: best camera settings and what you need PAGE 3: How to enhance and retouch your summer portraits: steps 1-3 PAGE 4: How to enhance and retouch your summer portraits: steps 4-6 PAGE 5: How to enhance and retouch your summer portraits: steps 7-9 PAGE 6: How to enhance and retouch your summer portraits: steps 10-12 READ MORE 9 creative photo ideas to try in August 10 portrait photography mistakes every photographer makes (and how to fix them) 14 portrait photography tips you’ll never want to forget Studio Lighting: 4 seriously simple lighting techniques to try at home Free family portrait photography cheat sheet

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