I've had several trusty point and shoot digicams over the years that I snapped off some pics with while on trips. I kept finding that I wish that I kept better track of my exploits (girl wise)-- specially as I grow older and the girls of years past fade into my distant mongering memory. Therefore, I sold of my old Nikon SLR gear from my college photography days and bought a D70, SB800, and some misc gear for this (and future) trips. The only lense I brought along was the 18-70 nikon lense, which I found to be a perfect blend of convenience/performance.


I didn't really have much time to play with the D70 and didn't "dial it in" prior to leaving-- figured I would learn as I go. The layout and menu system wasn't all that different from my old nikon layout. Pretty intuitive.

My "model prepping" routine needs some work (water and plants are a much easier subject matter!)-- perhaps a little thai whisky next trip? But overall, I was pleased as I got most of the shots I wanted. The times I didn't was some ST and/or sessions at massage places.


I had set my D70 for NEF+JPG for the file type and most of the shots I posted here were the jpgs dumbed down to 800*xxx, shot usually in aperture priority mode, default custom settings, and with the SB800 bounced using i-TTL. Some of the shots were taken with my old Canon SD300 as well.

When I processed the raw images, as AV8 mentioned, the exposure comp was a bit off and I've done some trial and error testing of custom settings. My current settings are as follows:

Sharpening +1
Color mode ia
Saturation enhanced
white balance to auto -3
exposure comp to + 0.3


Those settings are working quite well for me and I would be very interested to see other Nikon owners post what they are shooting...

I've since fixed the exposure of my NEF images now that I have the basics of CS2 down and I mist say-- they really bring a SMILE to my face each and every time! BTW, CS2 is a SWEET piece of software!

The SB800 is a whale of a flash and one can dive pretty deep if they choose. This trip I set it to i-TTL, bounced it where possible, and fired away. I've got some work to do as far as flash technique, and would love to hear what you guys are doing as well.


My view from the JW suite. Not the sharpest pic as it's shot thru the window at an angle, but pleasing for me as it transports me back nicely !





(Message edited by donmarco on December 09, 2005)

DM,

Those are close to the same settings I use, except I keep the White Balance neutral.

I only shoot raw, and I print directly from it.

I like the SB800 also, and always use the bounce with the card out. The card directs a little light into the eyes to help them sparkle. It also helps prevent shadows under the neck and eyes. If I'm in a dark hotel room (Dynasty)I will use some flash compensation on the SB800.

There is a lot that can be accomplished in post processing. I use CS2 sometimes, but often it's easier just to use Nikon's Capture.

Lenses are of course the most important thing. A very hi quality and inexpensive lens is the classic Nikon 35-70 f2.8. It can be found used on Ebay for under $300. I am also looking forward to the new 18-200, but I won't be using it for model shooting. It will be more of an outdoor lens.

Hope that helps a little.

With the Canon Rebel 300D and the 20D I would use flash compensation depending on what/where I was shooting. When using bounce I adjust anywhere from 2/3ds to 1.2/3ds. This varies depending on the rooms (Dynasty is a black hole) and what I was bouncing off of (back wall, ceiling, etc). Because I shoot in so many different areas it's a good thing it's easy to change!!

I also have used that card on my 580EX as a catchlight. My umbrellas also make nice catchlights in a subject's eyes.

E