QuiKeys . Smart Solutions for Creative Photographers » Geek Speak

Free DIY iPhone dock

Dave — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 12:12:10 +0000

I’ve been on a quest to find a simple iPhone dock that:

1. can hold my iPhone vertically (for reading) or horizontally (for movies)
2. allows connection of the charging cable while docked
3. lets me keep my Griffin Clarifi (macro lens) iPhone case on while docked
4. has a small footprint so it doesn’t clutter up my desk

Most purchased solutions are slick but don’t play nice with iPhone cases and/or don’t support vertical AND horizontal docking. There’s some cool and novel origami versions which look awesome, but I don’t have the time/desire ratio to want to modify and build them to suit my needs.

What to do?

Thankfully, the solution is cheap and ubiquitous.

Enter – the mighty toilet paper roll.

(YouTube link for the flash-challenged)

Need more sexy? Let your 4-year old get at it with paints and markers and I dare you to share the results with a link in the comments.

Best part: you can make several and leave them around the house so you always have a handy iPhone dock when and where you need it

Worst part: people mistake it for garbage and throw it away. Don’t worry: the next one’s only a couple flushes away

Proving once again that it’s the simple things ….

Quantum Lighting: totally ahead of its time

Dave — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 21:12:48 +0000

Full disclosure: DQ is now proudly sponsored by Quantum!! What does this mean to DQ? We get free toys … er … tools to test, use and (hopefully) get a say on cool future projects too. For a flash-geek like me: heaven

WOOHOO!!

Above is pretty much the Noah’s Ark of Quantum flash goods: two of everything appeared at our door a few days ago including the cool new Quantum Pilot and TRIO ’s.

From 100WS to 800WS, there’s a LOT of power in that picture. When I say I travel light, I mean it

We’ve only had a couple of days with the systems, but have already poured over the manuals, tested them out and shot an e-session with it. So far, I’m LOVING the control from shoot position of all my remote lights …. with a choice of manual or TTL.

Oh my ….

For fast-paced shooting, and keeping our clients engaged, it’s the BOMB! No more yelling at each other to help change the power settings. No more having to lower the stand/monopod to reach for controls at flash position and re-positioning and messing up the lighting angle. No more worrying about encasing the flash head in a modifier and having to rip it apart to get to the controls.

Oh my …

This may just be a game-changer which allows us to work faster and better without sacrificing client interaction. More light. More options. Less time and energy. Priceless

Oh my …

I’ll be posting my usability findings and what works in our “real-world” of event photography in the hopes of helping you to invest in the right tools for the right job.

And for the record: we’ve been very happy users of Quantum T5D for many years. For those of you who know us, you know we’d never be affiliated with a product or company which we couldn’t wholeheartedly endorse for the quality of product, service and for having great people behind it too (yeah: even you Lorry)

Time to go pack for this weekends shoot!

More to come …

DQ’s Nikon D700 Setup

Dave — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 02:56:40 +0000

Better late than never

Thanks to everyone who attended my FWF Nikon Geek-Out Webinar last month.

As promised, above is a video sharing our Nikon D700 settings. There’s soooo much under the hood of the D700 that it’s a daunting task to harness all its power. Customizable buttons, sets and menu options out the gazoo make for a reeeeaaaaally steep learning curve.

It’s the Geek in me that desires to maximize everything from shoot to finished product If you want our D700 settings file, just email me and I’ll send it your way.

Enjoy!

Signs of a Chronic Multi-Tasking H.U.I. Junky

Dave — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 18:53:23 +0000

Hmmmm … what does this pic of my workspace tell you about me?

From left to right:
Macbook Pro
Thinkpad X60S
Kensington Expert Mouse
1080p Benq second monitor (for MacPro Workstation)
Eizo CE240W 24″ monitor (for MacPro Workstation)
Plantronics wireless headset
Contour ShuttlePro v2
Wacom 4×6 Intuos Tablet
QuiKeys!! (of course )
Cirque Smart Cat Touchpad (not shown)
Bonus Geek Points for those who know what HUI stands for

Dave’s Nikon/Canon Geek-out Online Session Tomorrow @11am (Central Time) on FWForum

Dave — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 01:14:12 +0000

Just back from a GREAT ImagingUSA QuiKeys show and pushing orders out the door.
Just wanted to make a quick post letting you know I’ll be doing a live webinar on gear and light hosted by the Foundation Workshop Forum.
Why did we switch? Pros and cons of each system? How do we light? I’ll try to make up believable answers to all these and any other questions you can throw at me.
It won’t be recorded, and is scheduled for FRI Jan. 16 at 11 AM – Central time, so find out how to sign in here.
Not a FWForum member? Email Huy for a trial membership into one of my favorite forums.
Hope to see you there!

DQ’s Nikon Chrismas Loot …

Dave — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 00:12:02 +0000

Quick Quiz: What does $25,000 worth of Nikon gear look like?

Answer:

Picked the above up at The Camera Store today and looking forward to reading the many manuals (yes I know: I’m a Geek ).

Why switch? More to come …

Ho ho ho!

Merry Christmas