The Complete Photographer

WARNING: This can be a scary email for some of you. DO NOT HAVE PANIC ATTACK, HPERVENTILATE, OR RUN AWAY. Take a deep breath and hang on.

Greetings,

This is an important email about gear for this class. If you already have what you need, don't buy anything else.

We will have gear in class that you can share.

This is for those of you who are interested in purchasing a light meter or a flash for on-camera or off-camera use.

Arlington Camera will deliver orders first thing on Sunday, so you will have it for class.

You are under no obligation to buy anything. This is just a public service for you guys.

You may already know that Texas School offers you a great buying opportunity for equipment and supplies. There are great prices by the vendors who will give you the best prices of the year at the school. 

I also want you to know that I am a "minimalist" - I don't buy a lot of gadgets and toys. I am cheap! I buy only what I need to do the job. Please don't go crazy at school buying everything in sight. 

I will help you make great buying decisions based on what you really need to do the job you want done. So many people buy blindly - I want to keep you from under-buying and over-buying.

As I mentioned, I am a "minimalist" - I will also tell you that I have learned there are no shortcuts on the road to success. It is important to me that you understand that I am not going to put you through a week of trying to get you to buy the "latest and greatest". As a matter of fact, I will spend more time trying to talk y'all out of buying stuff rather than telling you to go buy this or that. 

Some of you are salivating over buying a new camera right now - and to you I say, "Wait! Please do first things first." 

This is going to be a complicated discussion, so please read through this note carefully and e-mail me at steve@stevekozak.com if you have any questions.

Anyway, I am going to suggest that if you are serious about becoming a professional photographer, especially a portrait photographer, you will want to have two things in your hands when you come to Texas School: a light meter and a suitable system to use off-camera flash. 

The Light Meter

It is my opinion that every photographer needs a rock-solid and reliable hand-held light meter - one that measures both flash and ambient light. The meter in your camera is not a substitute. In my opinion, the light meter is not an optional piece of professional photographic equipment.

I am going to be teaching how to use a light meter on Monday morning, so it only makes since that you would have one in your hands while I am teaching it.  

The Sekonic L308X-U. This meter measures ambient as well as flash and is simply a basic light meter and it does not offer ANY options for using it in conjunction with a remote firing system. The cost on it is $229 from Arlington Camera. 

The Sekonic L478D-U. This meter is a step up from the L308X-U.

It features touch screen operation with a deeper set of menu options. It also provides a reading for the percentage of flash measured with the ambient light in a scene, which many find helpful. It costs $389 from Arlington Camera.

If you don’t feel like you can buy a meter, then try to borrow one for class. Brand and model probably won't matter. Otherwise, you can look on with someone else.

If you already own a hand-held, dual meter (ambient light and flash), I would not buy another one. The one you have is just fine. You can probably learn everything I am going to teach on your meter. 

Westcott FJ80 II

For an on-camera flash, I like the Westcott FJ80 II. It is a great flash for use at events, weddings and other situations where the flash needs to be mounted on the camera's hot shoe.

It can be outfitted as an off-camera flash with some additional purchases. It also works with the Westcott FJ-X3 Universal Wireless Trigger.

This is a great option if you do not have an on-camera flash. There are two versions of this flash: Touchscreen and no touchscreen. Either is fine, but the touchscreen may be easier to navigate. The Touchscreen version is $333 and the non-touchscreen is $207.

Westcott FJ250 Backpack Kit

One of the key things we will learn is off-camera flash. 

This flash system is perfect for off-camera flash use. It is battery operated (Optional AC adapter available at an additional cost) and frankly, it is super-easy to use. You should have no problems getting up and running with it in a matter of moments.

This is a great solution for off-camera flash outdoors.

The one light kit comes with the flash, a flash trigger, a softbox, charger and more...and it all fits in this handy backpack for $663.

There is also a two-light kit for $935.

You can also by the flash by itself for $340, but you will need to buy a $99 trigger as well, plus, it will not include the softbox.

You will need is a stand to mount it on. If you already have a stand, great! If not, I suggest the Westcott 8' Air-Cushioned Light Stand. It is heavy enough to support the gear and the air-cushioned feature will keep it from crashing down when you go to adjust the height. It is $76.

Westcott FJ400 Backpack Kit

If you feel like studio lighting is in your future (and you should) then you will want the additional power and the ability to plug the unit into the wall that the FJ400 provides.

This flash system can be used for in-home portraits, headshots and off-camera flash use. It's extra power and battery operation makes it an awesome choice for outdoor and on location use. It's AC power provides endless use without the need to recharge.

The kit comes with the flash, a flash trigger, a softbox, charger and more...and it all fits in a backpack.

It will cost $899 from Arlington Camera. All you will need is a stand to mount it on. If you already have a stand, great! If not, I suggest the Westcott 8' Air-Cushioned Light Stand.

Westcott FJ400 Two Light Backpack Kit

For some of you, this two light kit might be the better option. This would be the case for those of you who want to do more extensive studio work, in home family portraits, commercial headshots and proms. The two-light kit is $1440.

PLEASE NOTE: This kit does not come with softboxes. The thing I like about that is, you can get exactly what you want. You could get this kit and then check out different softboxes and umbrellas from the trade show and try them out in class. That way, you really get the perfect set up.

If you already have a portable flash, or some other off-camera system, great! You do not have to buy anything else.

Again, it would be helpful if you could at least borrow the gear if you don't have it, or you can look on with someone else.

If I can be perfectly honest, you are going to want this system. It is so easy, compact and perfect for our purposes. I understand, you have already spent a good amount to get to Texas School, but this gear is your ticket to being able to implement everything you learn as soon as you get home.

Steve’s Thoughts

Why am I pushing these so hard? The meter and flash are essential tools - so it would be helpful to have them in your hands while you are learning how to navigate around them. You will be able to put these tools to work for you right away, and they will be with you as your career grows. 

Pre-order From Arlington Camera

Some of you already know that Texas School presents a great buying opportunity with Arlington Camera which is the major sponsor of the school. Their discounts combined with manufacturer incentives make this week one of the best weeks to buy professional equipment. Arlington Camera is the official equipment supplier to the school, and they have agreed to let me pre-order these meters and flashes for people in my class. They will deliver them to class in time for Sunday's start. 

Pre-ordering saves you and me a ton of time and you will not have to miss class time to stand in line!!! Plus, you don't have to worry about them selling out at the Trade Show!

You do not have to buy from them - you can support your own local camera store if you prefer...but please bring the meter to class on the Sunday. That is when I am going to be teaching you how to use it. 

There is no sales tax on professional photography equipment if you have your state sales tax permit. Those of you outside Texas may be able to order from Arlington Camera tax free (across state lines).

Please note, I do not receive any commissions or compensation from the sale of any of the equipment you purchase at Arlington Camera or at Texas School. I am simply trying to make things easy for you!

If you have any questions about a flash or a meter that you already own, e-mail me at steve@stevekozak.com.

To pre-order, simply CLICK HERE and print out the page and place your order by phone by calling the store directly. Ask for Hermilo. He can be reached during business hours at 817-261-8131.



E-mail me if I have scared you!

Steve