Reflections Class

 Reflections Gear Recommendations

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For long exposure photography you need a good set of ND Filters which work well and do not break the bank. I've tried many different sets over the years and this set is a great balance between quality and price. Instead of buying several sets to cover all of your lenses, I suggest you get this size and the step up rings below, which allow you to fit these filters on just about any lens. I highly recommend the ICE 77mm Slim ND Filter Set ND1000 ND64 ND8 Neutral Density 77 10, 6, 3 Stop Optical Glass. Click here to purchase  If the ICE set is sold out, check out the set by Neewer. It's a bit more money, but just as good use this Link to purchase.

 

These are best set of step of rings I have used. I have tried other sets and they are cheaply made, the threading is off, or worse, they are plastic. I highly recommend the Fotodiox 7 Step Up Ring Filter Adapter Set. Made of Anodized Aluminum, they come in the following sizes and should cover most lens sizes (49-52mm, 52-55mm, 55-58mm, 58-62mm, 62-67mm, 67-72mm, and 72-77mm).  Click here to purchase 

Have you ever been outside taking photos and had a tough time reviewing your images in the bright sun on the back of the camera? I recommend the Hoodman H32MB HoodLoupe Camera Viewfinder Loupe 3.2 inch LCD Sun Shade. It is a bit pricey, but it is the best solution I have found. Several of my student's own this device and they are very happy with it. As one student said "I put this off for years, but my gosh, it really works!" Click here to purchase

Speedlite Gear Recommendations

Speedlite Gear Recommendations

Affiliate disclosure: This page contains affiliate links, meaning I may get a commission if you decide to make purchases through my links, at no additional cost to you.

One of the best investments you can make to help your speedlite perform its best is to use rechargeable batteries. I highly recommend the Powerex MH-C980 Turbo Charger Analyzer for AA/AAA Batteries. It is                                              reasonably priced, very versatile, dependable, and a great                                   buy. I have used this charger for years and I am very                                          happy with it. Click here to purchase  

 

The best batteries I have found are those made by Powerex.  I highly recommend the Powerex PRO High Capacity Rechargeable AA NiMH Batteries (1.2V, 2700mAh) - 8-Pack. You need two sets of batteries for your speedlite and this is a reasonably priced buy. Click here to purchase 

There is also an offering on Amazon which has the charger and 8 batteries. It is the Powerex MH-C980 8-Cell Charger Analyzer with 8 Pro AA 2700mAh Batteries. It is reasonably priced, very versatile, dependable, and a great buy. I have used this charger for years and I am very happy with it. Click here to purchase  

It is important to be able to modify or direct the light from your speedlite. 

A simple way it to modify your speedlites output is to use the 2 Pack Flash Diffuser Reflector - 2-Sided White/Silver Bend Bounce Flash Reflector Kit with Elastic Strap from TOAZOE. Click here to purchase  

One of the best speedlite softboxes I have used is a set made by Altura Photo. I have tried other brands, but I really like the way these work. They are collapsible and work on any speedlite. I highly recommend the Flash Diffuser Light Softbox by Altura Photo. They come in 3 different sizes 6”x5”, 9"x7", and 11"x8". They also come in a money saving 3-pack which has all 3 sizes. I have used this speedlite softboxes for years and I am very happy with them. Click here to purchase  

A unique light shaping tool is the FlashBender v3 Reflector. It fits a wide variety of speedlites, has ‘shapeability’ or 'bendability', attaches firmly to your flash, and packs flat. It is a great light shaping tool. It comes in two different sizes, small and large. Click here to purchase the V3 Small -or- Click here to purchase the V3 Large. While larger and more costly than the basic 2 pack above, it is a more versatile tool.

 

One of the best tools to control your flash is a large, closed softbox. I highly recommend the Westcott Rapid Box Switch Octa-S Portable Octabox Softbox Kit. It is a bit pricy, but it the best one I have used. Other styles are bulky and heavy, the Westcott is neither.  Click here to purchase the softbox. Consider adding a light stand to hold your softbox. Click here to purchase an 8' Light stand. 

 Beginner Gear Recommendations

Welcome!

I've been teaching photography classes through Reiman Gardens at Iowa State for the past 8 years. And during that time, I've been looking for a studio to call my own. In May of this year, I stumbled upon an amazing opportunity to have my own home with a photography studio / classroom in the basement. 

So, beginning in August of 2019, I will begin teaching classes from my new location in Maxwell, Iowa. It is an easy 25 minute drive SE of Reiman Gardens.

Please click on the following link to access my classes registration system.  https://squareup.com/store/mark-stoltenberg-photography