21 September 2025

I CAN ALREADY TELL...

Guess what, chicken butt? Five months ago I started using flash outside for macro and close-up photography. Now, I'm learning flash indoors. Check out my new setup. The flash is inside that soft box and the subject, Scully is sitting on a baker's rack.

It's easier for me to move the bench on wheels rather than move Big Bertha (the flash and soft box). I still haven't found a home for all the needed gear or hung the pegboards yet.

But ......





50 comments:

  1. I don't understand a lot of camera speak but it looks interesting!
    Cathy

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    1. Even if you don't know the words, Cathy. You have the eye. That sky photo was stunning.

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  2. Sounds like you are having fun, Ivy! And I am very happy about this! I don't understand much camera speak, either, but I am enjoying your post about this.

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    1. Hi Linda and Happy Monday! It is fun to shoot, for sure. And write and bake and really all of those things. LOOOVED the doggy bus you posted. That was so cute. I love that the pups have somewhere to go for the day and play!

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  3. I need to learn more about using a flash inside and out. I tend not to use one, and then digitally adjust my light. It sounds like you are having lots of fun though, and you're inspiring me Ivy.

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    1. Hi Erika! I have two flashes, the one I use outside for my camera is a Godox V350 and if you get it with a trigger, you'll be able to use the flash off-camera as well. It's a fun little speedlight. Really fun to play with light and shadow. As for the flash that comes on the camera, that one I keep shut off. Also, if you get a little speed light, there are mini modifiers that can go with. I'll share a post about it down the line and please feel free to reach out if I can be of any help.

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  4. You are doing good and putting me to shame!

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    1. Noooooooo.... I love your photos that you took of the home-built shed and when it's got flowers I know your photos are gonna rock for sure.

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  5. I don't use flash much at all, Love your Scully, I have several myself in different sizes.

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    1. Hi River! What kinds of Scully skulls do you have? I'd love to see them. We have a few here too. Will add them to a post. As for flash, this is not the camera flash, that comes with the camera. This is it's own speedlight little flash that is used off-camera with a trigger or on camera with a modifier. Very, very fun to create moody vibes with skeleton heads. Muwhahahahaa....

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    2. do you have an email address? I can send you photos.

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    3. or my email is on my "about me" page, so you can contact me and I can send a reply with photos.

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    4. Hey River. My email has been down for awhile now. Been using Hubby's. Once I get mine fixed, I'll drop you a note. Thanks!

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    5. I'll put the skulls on a Sunday post for you in a couple of weeks time.

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    6. Ohhhhh, that sounds so fun! Thank you.

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    7. PS: I will gather mine as well for a post. FUN!

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  6. You really are professional! I would not have a clue how to do any of this.

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    1. Hey Ginny! I'm working toward there and once I get paid for a gig, I'll get to call myself a professional. Thanks for your kind words.

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  7. A fantastic setup! Lucky you.
    Amalia
    xo

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    1. It's small and workable and also a challenge since it's a shared space. That said, I am super duper thankful to have an indoor place to play.

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  8. Good setup you have there, and good luck and most of all, have fun.

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  9. love that header shot, I am so happy you are so happy with your new boxes and all the new things you are learning. that cart looks great and oh so organized. have fun and I know you will.... now that you mention the flash,, I remember trying that back in 2006 when I got my first DSLR.. had totally forgotten it. sounds easy and is not, it takes SKILLS

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    1. Thank you! I got her at Five Below for $5 really good deal. The baker's rack/cart is helpful. Love that it's on wheels. Speedlights and strobes are fun to play with for sure! Sending you lots of love and huggs your way for everything that you're going through. If we lived closer, I'd sneak over and help out.

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  10. You sure have learned a lot about photography and you're pictures have been amazing

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    1. The last 5 months have been alllll about light, light and MORE light. Really fun.

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  11. I am ignorant about all of this. Except Scully. This I understand!

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  12. I don't know much about flash, rarely use it. But sometimes it seems essential!

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    1. Hey Jeanie. So this isn't the flash that is on the camera. That one kinda blows wet monkey chunks. This flash in the image is a BIG off-camera flash the other one I use for outdoor macro is a baby speedlight that fits on top of the camera. Or, I can use it off camera.

      Flash is crazy fun. We can do so much with it.

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  13. Your setup puts my iPhone to shame.

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    1. I think, and I don't know much about iPhones but they should have a pro mode were you have some control over settings. Pretty neat.

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  14. Good for you perfecting your skills with the camera! Glad you are having fun with it and your characters. lol

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    1. I'm all about learning light and shadow for the last 5 months and for ahead of me as well. It's a game changer! Thanks for stopping in and I hope you're having a yummy day!

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  15. I'm glad your enjoying perfecting your camera skills. The photo's are really good.

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    1. Thanks, Lori! I'm not into perfect but I am HUGELY into learning more about light, light, and MORE light. It's a game changer. Hope you're having a yummy day! Thanks for stopping in today!

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  16. Dear Ivy ... you are clearly having fun with your equipment and really enjoying it, I am so pleased for you.
    Thanks for your recent comments on the low carb diabetic ... you've been busy baking too.
    Keep-on having fun and enjoying your September days.
    My good wishes.

    All the best Jan

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    1. Oh yeah, Jan. I'm ALWAYS writing the science of bakes and experimenting. Great fun. Sounds like you're enjoying yourself too. Yes, that birch is deadly for dogs. Like the smallest amount. Thankfully, more companies are adding the warning on their packages.

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  17. Hello Ivy! Thanks for coming by my blog and leaving a comment! I love photography too but I am no where near as professional as you are! I did win a few ribbons at the county fair a few years ago but haven't entered any pics in a while. Boy, that makes me sound like a country bumpkin! I do believe I have a few of Skully's relatives here at the Pines! I will probably be showing them when I finish my decorating for Halloween. Have a good week!

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    1. HiYa yaya! I'm a bumpkin' too. Excited to see your Sullys. They are fun! I have a few more here too. Just fun, fun, fun. Congrats on winning awards for photography. That is very, very cool and FUN! One of my good friends entered this year and won. She was over the moon. Thanks for stopping by. I found you at Cathy's page (If memory serves). Excited to see more of your ooogie boogie bumpkin' fun. 🎃

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  18. I am so not a fan of shooting inside, esp people. I like shooting outdoors the best. I love to use rocks, trees and other elements that are there to work into the photo. What type of camera are you using?

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    1. Both my cameras are discontinued, plus, camera bodies come and go. Glass is where it's at. For the banner I used a LAOWA 2x macro lens. Which can go on many old and new bodies/brands.

      Was there something particular you wanted to do with your current lens that you can't do now? Anything that you're looking for? Something your current setup is shy of doing?

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  19. My Canon has a built-in flash, but it seems to not be working, so if I ever need light, I just add some when I download the pictures and edit them. Looks like you have a fun set up right there in your house. Have fun taking your pictures. I used to be a Photographer many years ago, and they called the camera "the beast." It was huge, and could turn this way and that way. ; )

    ~Sheri

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    1. The pop up built in flashes are crap. IMO. When taking the camera outside on a macro walk, speedlights work great. They attach to the top AND can also be shot off-camera. If you're in the market there are a few good ones. Mine is nice and small and light V350. Really love that thing. If you're in the market, they go on sale at B&H Photo from time to time.

      Cheers and Happy Shooting!

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