I didn't take a complete break from photography this last month. About three weeks ago, I received my new wireless flash triggers from Hong Kong. They're no Pocket Wizards, but for $50 you can't ask for much. I got two receivers and one transmitter from Yongnuo Digital. They were friendly and had excellent customer service for a store so far, far away.
The remote triggers I purchased run off a standard CR2 battery. Unlike other reviews I read online, which said the batteries that came with the units had no charge, my batteries were fresh and still encased in plastic. Those two lithium CR2s are still powering my triggers after three hour-long photo shoots. Not bad I'd say. My results with the triggers were consistent. One out of every five or six shots might misfire and not sync correctly with the camera's shutter. This isn't a problem for me, since I'm still in the early stages of experimentation with studio photography.
One of the things I didn't like about the units is the Nikon-specific receivers only work with Nikon. Since these triggers don't support TTL and only have a basic flash firing pin, I thought any flash would work. However, I found my Pentax AF540FGZ would fire with the Nikon flash, but not in time to appear on the actual picture. It must fire just slightly after or before my shutter, because my subjects are consistently missing illumination from the side of the Pentax flash. I've tried using the flash's various sync modes to no avail. I've also tried changing my camera's shutter speed. No dice. Now, swap the Pentax flash out for an SB-800 and the triggers work like a charm!
However, I'm very satisfied with my initial results with wireless flash photography. I just ordered and umbrella and mounting bracket from Adorama to help me diffuse the hard light I got with the picture on the left. Can't wait until they arrive!
At this time I'd like to give a shoutout to my girlfriend Ileana. Twice she's been my patient model while I snap pictures of her, tell her to wait, adjust my flashes and take more pictures. You're a trooper babe, gracias! Here are the rest of the pictures I took at two shoots I did with her.
