I posted this and the next one in another thread and was asked to post them here, too.

If you have an adjustment layer (or any layer) with a mask that you spent some time masking and wish to copy that mask to another layer, there is a simple way.

Hold down CTRL/CMD and grab the mask you want to copy to another layer. Drop the mask onto that layer. If there was already a mask there, a dialog will pop up asking if you want to replace. Click Yes.

Basically, here is how I set up my camera:

RAW capture

Aperture priority

Matrix metering

Auto ISO and set my minimum shutter speed in accordance with the focal length of the lens I'm using

Rarely I use the exposure compensation to + 1/3 EV

Then I just point and shoot.

No muss, no fuss, no screwing around with metering and all that stuff.

Members post your new tips here....

PKM IMAGES wrote:

I'm brining this over to this thread too.  Thanks , Photons 2 Pixels

Re: DIY Lighting: Why? How?
Today 07:00:23

Another way to make a softbox follows. This method is a bit more involved.

What you will need:
1. Sturdy tripod
2. 2 strobes as mentioned in my OP
3. Plastic storage bin. I went with a 56 QT size.
4. The following available at most hardware stores:
One of these in white: http://www.homedepot.com/Electrical-Ele … ogId=10053
One of these in white: http://www.homedepot.com/Electrical-Ele … ogId=10053
Three of these in white: http://www.homedepot.com/Lighting-Fans- … ogId=10053
Two of these in white: http://www.homedepot.com/Lighting-Fans- … ogId=10053
One of these: http://www.homedepot.com/Electrical-Lig … ogId=10053
5. Metallic silver or chrome spraypaint.
6. Drill, drillbits, 1/4-20 tap.
7. Electrical cord with plug and associated appropriate box clamp.

What to do:
1. Spraypaint your storage bin with a couple coats of metallic silver/chrome paint. Allow to dry.
2. Center your electrical box lid on one side of your storage bin so the short ends of this box are facing toward your storage bin bottom and opening. Move this closer to the storage bin opening to provide enough room for fixture and lights. Mark on the storage bin the 4 screw holes from the electrical box lid.
3. Drill these 4 holes slightly larger than the holes in the lid. Drill another 1/2 in hole in the center of these for your wires.
4. Drill and tap a 1/4-20 hole in the bottom of your electrical box.
5. Run your electrical cord into the side of the box and use your clamp to hold it in place. Plug all remaining holes in box.
6. Assemble the light sockets onto the electrical box lid.
7. Place the lid into your softbox and push the socket wires through your center hole.
8. Wire nut your socket wires to your cord wires...matching black with black and white with white. 
9. Fasten your lid to your box through the storage bin side using screws provided with lid.
10. Screw your tripod shoe into the 1/4-20 hole in the bottom of your box and mount to tripod.
11. Screw one of each socket extenders into side sockets and screw strobes into those. Screw modeling lamp into center socket.
12. Plug in and enjoy.

Finished product......

http://www.nunuvyer.biz/Photoshoots/Tes … 2_0031.jpg
I not only play an idiot on the interwebz, I R 1

Pssst.....the link to the finished product image is broken.

Here is the link: http://www.nunuvyer.biz/Photoshoots/Tes … 2_0031.jpg

And here is a link to the strobes I was referring to in the OP in that post: http://www.adorama.com/LTACMS.html

And thank you!

I just found this setup shot while cleaning out a folder on my server, so I thought I'd throw it up here... The model was on her knees on the blue pad (don't ask). Although there is a metal sheet on the ground, is doesn't have anything to do with the light, really... It was just there from the previous setup.


Here's the final:

Who else would like to share their favorite tip in Photoshop, light room, lighting setups...

Just wanted to share this for anyone that wanted to their own DIY matte box for their camera.

here's the link.    http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.ph … side-wings

John Rayner wrote:

Nice barndoors...

That's what she said.     

Here's a info on lighting on a movie set for those that are interested.  http://www.hurlbutvisuals.com/blog/2012 … he-ticket/

Come and give your tips here to help other photographers that are just learning their craft. 

Outstanding DIY beauty dish info. MI is the open book site for improving skillsets hands down.
Great link, thanx eric

Some old lighting notes I use to write down when I was shooting film back in the day.

This looks interesting anybody out there try this?
http://www.shop.tethertools.com/CamRang … CR1001.htm