Sunday, May 24, 2009

Drop and Give Me Twenty

For the last six months this site has been long on spoon-fed information and short on homework. The result: A bunch of soft, pasty, newcomers who have drifted in since the last time we did any real work around the place. You newbs have been coddled long enough.

So, coming in June ...


Boot Camp II

Are you worthless and weak? Do you cry for your mama every time you need to balance a couple of flashes with the ambient?

Are you still using TTL bounce flash?

We are here to save you from yourself. This summer, you'll have the opportunity to get off your arse (as Zack would say) and do something.


Worldwide Recession Edition

Yeah, we know times are tough all over. Quitcher bellyaching and use this time to build your skills, to make contacts -- maybe even help someone out.

And just to make things more interesting, we gots prizes coming. Each assignment will have a little bonus attached to it for the best butt-buster of the bunch.

But more than that, you'll get a chance to see what photographers from all around the world create while working with your exact assignment.

So, recharge those NiMH's, field strip your LP604's and bore-sight those home-made straw grids. Spread the word: Boot Camp II begins shortly, at oh-dark-thirty.

As you were, maggots.

__________

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133 Comments:

Blogger Rob said...

Now that is what I'm talking about!! I am one of those Newbs that is ready to be whipped into shape. Every last bit of off camera lighting experience that I have is owed to you and your site. Thanks so much David! Can't wait to get started getting more fluent!
-Rob McIver

May 24, 2009 11:47 AM  
OpenID credsystems said...

This is my SB800. There are many like it, but this one is MINE....

If this doesn't get me off my arse nothing will.

May 24, 2009 11:48 AM  
Blogger Jari said...

Wow, this is great! I've been around reading Strobist for a while now, but I just missed the original Boot Camp. I'm definitely gonna participate in this one :)

May 24, 2009 12:03 PM  
Anonymous Private Maggot 24601 said...

As one of the coddled newbie's I can't wait - bring on June!

May 24, 2009 12:03 PM  
Anonymous Shawn Rundblade said...

YES SIR LIGHTING MAJOR SIR!!!


I can't wait, I have been following your site for a while and love it. I teach photog classes at work, and have been waiting to broaden my horizons by doing your boot camp.

I am excited!

May 24, 2009 12:11 PM  
Anonymous James M. said...

This is awesome! I haven't shot anything since the beginning of May and this is the kick in the pants I need to get going again. Can't wait!

May 24, 2009 12:14 PM  
Blogger Alex Minkin Photography said...

about time. sir.

May 24, 2009 12:22 PM  
Blogger tkrajacic said...

Looking forward to bootcamp! Can I bring my Teddybear? It sounds scary... ;)

May 24, 2009 12:25 PM  
Blogger Georgios said...

Sir yes sir!

May 24, 2009 12:26 PM  
Blogger Ben said...

I hope this doesn't mean I have to get up early.

May 24, 2009 12:34 PM  
Blogger Jason said...

Sounds Great Dave! I've been reading for sometime now, but have yet to post. I'm looking forward to putting it all to the test!

... i just made two of those straw grids last night :-)

May 24, 2009 12:38 PM  
Blogger Chris Kocher said...

WAAAHOOOOO...bring it on! Been wanting this for a while! Thanks David!

May 24, 2009 12:45 PM  
Blogger RobinCaddy said...

Excellent news : )

May 24, 2009 12:47 PM  
Blogger Wink of an eye Digital said...

Hallelujah!
He is risin from the masses!

What we need this summer to get us past the cactus posts and all.


Go Dave

May 24, 2009 12:59 PM  
Anonymous Kevin Blackburn said...

I have been enjoying this site for some time now and I have to say I have always been impressed with your acceptance of others way of doing things and the fact that not all problems can be solved with small strobes. I am a huge fan of Mr. Hobie as well as David Tejada and Joe McNally .As for this post as a form Military guy and Firefighter Paramedic I love this rant. I can't wait to see the challenges.

Regards
Kevin Blackburn
Kevin Blackburn Photography

May 24, 2009 1:01 PM  
Anonymous Spence said...

Sounds exciting... can't wait!

May 24, 2009 1:04 PM  
Blogger tony said...

I'm in.

May 24, 2009 1:05 PM  
Blogger Emily said...

bring it!

May 24, 2009 1:10 PM  
Blogger Dan Korkelia said...

Bring it on. :)

May 24, 2009 1:10 PM  
Anonymous Sean Tobin said...

Awesome. I've been waiting for this for a long time. Can't wait.

May 24, 2009 1:18 PM  
Anonymous John Scherer said...

1 drill sergeant, 2 drill sergeant, 3 drill sergeant... Ahhh feel the burn

May 24, 2009 1:19 PM  
Anonymous Kjell said...

SIR YES SIR!

May 24, 2009 1:19 PM  
Blogger Keith Race said...

W00T! I'm stoked. Bring it!

May 24, 2009 1:19 PM  
Anonymous Wing Wong said...

Yes Sir!

I missed the first boot camp, so looking forward to this one!

May 24, 2009 1:23 PM  
Blogger gilly said...

Looking forward to it! I only discovered Strobist a few months ago and while I've certainly had a go at the previous assignments as I read and learnt along the way, it'll be great to get involved in this!

Great site David!

cheers
gilly

May 24, 2009 1:28 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Whoa! Boot Camp! Woo hoo!

Time to kick those tires
And light those fires!

May 24, 2009 1:37 PM  
Blogger David Cole said...

I'm in. Sir, yes Sir.

May 24, 2009 1:40 PM  
Blogger AdamGraham said...

"Soft, pasty, newcomer" just about sums me up perfectly. My manual flash should arrive just in time for these assignments. Bring them on.... I mean.. Sir, Yes, Sir!

May 24, 2009 1:52 PM  
Blogger ahbphotography said...

cant wait!!!

May 24, 2009 2:02 PM  
Blogger T. said...

heehee.
i all blow all you n0obz out of the water with my homework. im good enough, im smart enough, and gosh darnit, people like! - stuart smalley

-tal

May 24, 2009 2:03 PM  
Blogger carl said...

Looking forward to it. :D

Carl

May 24, 2009 2:06 PM  
Anonymous Brnet Nitschke said...

Thanks, David. I was starting to get flabby and out of shape. Looking forward to the challenge

May 24, 2009 2:07 PM  
Blogger Lindy Leigh Photography said...

Sir, yes Sir...I am ready.

May 24, 2009 2:15 PM  
Anonymous Meryl said...

Soft, pasty newcomer seeking workshop in late June/early July (when soft, pasty son is at summer camp.) Any workshops happening then?

May 24, 2009 2:15 PM  
Blogger Debbi_in_California said...

White Lightnings not allowed?
Debbi

May 24, 2009 2:15 PM  
Anonymous Frank said...

I hope everybody has their toothbrushes ready to clean the latrines and lens caps...

May 24, 2009 2:18 PM  
Blogger Frances said...

Woo hoo! Can't wait to get started!

May 24, 2009 2:22 PM  
Blogger e.nigma said...

sir yes sir!!! will be waiting for that!

May 24, 2009 2:24 PM  
Blogger Henrik said...

Reporting for duty sir!
First assignment Sir?

May 24, 2009 3:09 PM  
Blogger diegonyc said...

It's on like donkey kong!

Platoon attention!!!

May 24, 2009 3:23 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

This is my Speedlight, this is my gun...
This is for lighting, this is for fun...

May 24, 2009 3:24 PM  
Blogger Ori W. said...

Definitely on board. I'm a newcomer too, so I missed the first one.

And since I'm lazy, I haven't had the self-motivation to go thru the first ones.

May 24, 2009 3:39 PM  
Anonymous Joe King said...

Was that 20 or 36?

May 24, 2009 4:06 PM  
Anonymous AdeUK said...

Hi David. Should we have made our way through lighting 102 before starting the boot camp II? Or are we all good to go as green newbies?

I'm a late comer so have only just made it to the specular highlight exercise.

I'm scared and excited! It all feels like Christmases of old.

May 24, 2009 4:21 PM  
Blogger David said...

@AdeUK-

You'll definitely want to be familiar with L101 and L102. Those are the tools that will help you do good work on the assignments.

May 24, 2009 4:27 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Are you really my wife posing as someone else???

May 24, 2009 5:10 PM  
Anonymous Travis Lankow said...

Excellent news indeed! As a newbie who has been lurking the past few months I'm greatly looking forward to this.

Off to lock and load my D80.

May 24, 2009 5:22 PM  
Blogger Slide Gurtiza said...

Anonymous: If it poses, shoot it. Preferably with off-camera flash.

May 24, 2009 5:30 PM  
Anonymous Jason Phillips said...

I'm in as long as I can wear my flip flops and pink boxers!

May 24, 2009 6:03 PM  
Blogger Thomas said...

Hell yeah! Even with a single SB-28, I'm definately in.

May 24, 2009 6:03 PM  
Anonymous cjeffs said...

Count me in! I am excited! WoooHooo!

May 24, 2009 6:07 PM  
Anonymous Anthony Beard said...

Semper Fi, light or die!

May 24, 2009 6:18 PM  
Blogger Topher said...

Yes!!!!!!!!!!! I have been waiting on this forever. Batteries are in the charger!!!!! Can't wait!

May 24, 2009 6:30 PM  
Blogger Ruben said...

Boot Camp...Hoo Rah!!

May 24, 2009 6:41 PM  
Anonymous Aaron Pelly said...

David, you crack me up! Looking forward to it!

May 24, 2009 6:48 PM  
Anonymous PI said...

Semper Luminis!

May 24, 2009 7:11 PM  
Blogger tony said...

i so need this boot camp, i am in total noob mode.

May 24, 2009 7:28 PM  
Anonymous ML said...

As a relative newcomer who missed out on all the previous events, I'm looking forward to being part of this next bootcamp. Thanks!

May 24, 2009 7:42 PM  
Blogger lsc said...

Thank you Sargent, may I have another!

May 24, 2009 8:14 PM  
Blogger lsc said...

Thank you Sargent, may I have another!

May 24, 2009 8:16 PM  
Blogger Brad said...

Sir, Yes Sir!

May 24, 2009 8:16 PM  
Blogger MarkIV said...

STOKED!

May 24, 2009 9:29 PM  
Anonymous Quoc Huy said...

Really great news. Wakey wakey Strobists, get ready for some fun!

May 24, 2009 9:30 PM  
Anonymous Jeremy B said...

My 580ex II's name is Cherry.

May 24, 2009 10:12 PM  
Anonymous Rascal said...

Hooah! Let's stick this pig.

May 24, 2009 10:23 PM  
Blogger Ian said...

Awesome. I started reading your site a few months ago when I got my first flash. I'm looking forward to doing these assignments!

May 24, 2009 10:25 PM  
Blogger Bo said...

Don't give up on me, sir!

May 24, 2009 10:35 PM  
Anonymous Dirk Jaegle said...

FABULOUS! I missed the last one and could use a boot camp.

May 24, 2009 10:50 PM  
Anonymous Josh McElwee said...

So stoked on this!

May 24, 2009 10:53 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

BOHICA!

May 25, 2009 12:26 AM  
Anonymous Jay Rodriguez said...

My 50-Cal is cleaned up, cocked and ready to rock!
errrr... I meant my 580ex II sir!!

May 25, 2009 12:55 AM  
Anonymous Rogier Bos said...

Excellent! I'll be here, ready for action.

One thing I keep struggling with is lanacing the flash with the ambient light (tungsten, fluorescent, daylight). It would be great if you could dive into that some! Thanks in advance.

May 25, 2009 2:25 AM  
Blogger Gabriel said...

Okey, that's what I've been waiting for :D Real tests!
Ready to light, sir!

May 25, 2009 3:18 AM  
Blogger Rafa Barberá said...

Sir, yes sir!

Just what we need a yielding sergeant to make we move out arses.

We will bring up the spanish brigade, this bunch didn't know a real boot camp, so the will be glad to go out to the wild... muhaaa!, haaa!!, haaa!!!

May 25, 2009 3:18 AM  
Anonymous James Harrang said...

Better go field-strip, clean, and oil my swivel brackets :)

Can't wait!

May 25, 2009 3:21 AM  
Anonymous Yoram said...

Count me in.

May 25, 2009 3:22 AM  
Blogger Anthony Ket said...

Bring it on!

May 25, 2009 4:08 AM  
Anonymous Rich Klein said...

I got my lighting mojo! Bring it on, Sarge!

May 25, 2009 4:39 AM  
Blogger Manoj said...

I'm just getting into portrait work. The timing could'nt be better.


www.manojmenon.com

May 25, 2009 7:10 AM  
Blogger °g° said...

But my mommy say's I just need an extra big hug !

May 25, 2009 7:39 AM  
Anonymous Toby Rhind-Tutt said...

hooooo-aaaaaaaaa.

Can't wait to get stuck in.

@person-who-asked-about-getting-up-early... you should be OK... I understand Sarn't don't like early mornings (see L102 on sunset portraits) - that said, he's gonna see this and prove me wrong ;)

May 25, 2009 7:46 AM  
Blogger Levi J Webb said...

Looking forward to it

May 25, 2009 8:01 AM  
Blogger Gregoire said...

The batteries are always charged, the flashes are loaded, and we're ready to rock!

OOH-RAH!

May 25, 2009 8:01 AM  
Blogger Tim Averre said...

When in June, I want to do it now, is now June yet?

May 25, 2009 9:32 AM  
Blogger Heipel said...

Something disturbing by my finding good in being called maggot! :)

Look forward to the drills, er, exercises

May 25, 2009 10:33 AM  
Blogger Jerome Love said...

oh this is good... REALLY good. I can't wait!

May 25, 2009 11:25 AM  
Anonymous Kate Mackley said...

Oh, this smacks of "personal work." Lemme see my calendar; June, June... Huh; I might just have some time.

May 25, 2009 11:28 AM  
Anonymous MorneC said...

Charge of the Light Brigade!

Hmm, hiking with heavy equipment, out in all kinds of weather, tackling potentially hazardous situations in order to win one battle at a time, being part of a brotherhood, cleaning equipment regularly, punctuating boredom by re-purposing existing materials to do something completely different.

I wondered what was so familiar about this photo gig when I got out of camo!

May 25, 2009 1:35 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I'm in.

May 25, 2009 2:29 PM  
Blogger Andy M said...

You and me baby, outside.

May 25, 2009 3:29 PM  
Blogger Paul Baarn said...

Bring it!!

May 25, 2009 4:04 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Is there something wrong with TTL bounce flash? I better hang around for boot camp! I am going out today searching for black straws!

May 25, 2009 5:44 PM  
Anonymous Bob Redd said...

I'm so looking forward to Boot Camp II

May 25, 2009 5:53 PM  
Blogger John said...

Sweet! Nothing like a project to get the creative juices stirring. I don't consider myself a strobist newbie anymore, but I'm looking forward to it! w00t

May 25, 2009 7:12 PM  
Blogger Tim said...

I also just finished the specular highlights in 102. I don't mind being the bottom of the curve, though, because I'll be learning stuff regardless!

May 25, 2009 7:38 PM  
Anonymous Todd Norbury said...

http://toddnorburyphotography.com/blog/?p=796

I am a changed man David. :)

See last line of post.

May 25, 2009 8:28 PM  
Anonymous Thomas said...

Bring it on Hobby. . .

Locked and loaded here in Tasmania . . . and ready to rock and roll.

(Thank you)

May 25, 2009 11:13 PM  
Anonymous Mariusz said...

This is my flash. There are many like it, but this one is mine.

My flash is my best friend. It is my life. I must master it as I must master my life.

My flash, without me, is useless. Without my flash, I am useless. I must fire my flash true.

May 25, 2009 11:38 PM  
Blogger N.C.F. said...

Reporting for duty, Sir!

May 26, 2009 3:20 AM  
Blogger John Sargent Barnard said...

You all should be shooting anyway.

May 26, 2009 4:27 AM  
Blogger vanardenne said...

Great news! I'm in.

May 26, 2009 8:01 AM  
Blogger Jose said...

yes. good. waiting for them!

May 26, 2009 9:57 AM  
Anonymous Mark Strevens said...

"I have, myself, full confidence that if all do their duty, if nothing is neglected, and if the best arrangements are made, as they are being made, we shall prove ourselves once again able to light our home, and to outlive the menace of TTL tyranny, if necessary for years, if necessary alone.

We shall go on to the end, we shall Light in France,
we shall light on the seas and oceans,
we shall light with growing confidence and growing strength in the air, whatever the cost may be,
we shall light on the beaches,
we shall light on the landing grounds,
we shall light in the fields and in the streets,
we shall light in the hills;
we shall never surrender to on-camera flash."

May 26, 2009 10:12 AM  
OpenID silvawispa said...

Can I do the bare-foot camp, kind of exactly the same, except with hippies behind the camera?

And more flowers, definitely more flowers..........

May 26, 2009 10:55 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I'm so looking forward to Boot Camp II.

May 26, 2009 2:01 PM  
Anonymous Cathy said...

I'm in and can't wait. Hope I too can figure out what it takes to ask THE QUEEN to remove her crown...ur...well something like that...

Looking forward to earning my stripes sir!

May 26, 2009 2:40 PM  
Blogger samjsimon said...

Bring it!

May 26, 2009 3:24 PM  
Blogger Rod Read said...

SIR!
MY MISSION IS TO DO EXACTLY AS YOU TELL ME!
SIR!

May 26, 2009 3:50 PM  
Anonymous Franz Krachtus said...

Thanks for reminding us that you are not just a great teacher and photographer--but also an excellent, humorous writer.

May 26, 2009 5:53 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Drop down gimme 25 pushups. Now go get me one of those Bo-ritos with guacamole sauce and qwit yoo whinin.

Cant wait!

May 26, 2009 7:12 PM  
Blogger PhotoGuy said...

OMG..I'm excited! I may need new boots and will have to treat my heels for blisters with methylated spirits. Geez, the memories.

Vasbyt, min dae!

May 26, 2009 7:13 PM  
Anonymous Dbeard said...

Sounds exciting.
I just hope this requires a fortune of equipment D:

May 26, 2009 7:47 PM  
Blogger Ari Becker said...

EXCELLENT news, my 2-week old SB-800 is waiting :)

May 26, 2009 8:51 PM  
Blogger David said...

Right on - thanks! Been waiting for a challenge.

May 26, 2009 11:59 PM  
Blogger Daniel Q Nguyen said...

i have been here for a couple months and haven't got started anything in off camera flash. b/c i am still dont know how and still confused of what to buy. will this get me off my "arse" and do something!?

May 27, 2009 4:45 AM  
Blogger JWP said...

Yes Sir Sergeant! Yes! Kick us in the Arse (as Zack would say) so hard that we taste boot polish. I am ready to learn from the best. Thanks.

May 27, 2009 7:27 AM  
Blogger jonathan said...

I've already fallen in.

Been waiting for this for a while!

May 27, 2009 12:20 PM  
Blogger Karl Berlin said...

Aye Aye Skipper.

Ready for duty.

May 27, 2009 2:22 PM  
Blogger Photo.By.Number said...

I wasn't a part of this last time around, but look forward to learning from this experience...

May 27, 2009 10:52 PM  
Blogger Alex said...

All this makes me proud to work in the defence industry, building and selling weapons to arm our troops in the fight against bad lighting.

God save out gracious Queen,
Long live our noble Queen,
God Save our Queen!

Not that I'm suggesting you're the Queen (or a Queen) David, just our noble leader ;-)

Alex
TFC London

May 28, 2009 9:01 AM  
Blogger Hitmans Dezigns said...

Yes drill sargeant !

May 28, 2009 11:20 AM  
Blogger Brian P. said...

I'm a newbie and I'm ready to give it my all!! My only problem is that I am too anxious to start. Can we start now?!! LOL
Thanks, David, for all you do for us.

May 28, 2009 6:07 PM  
Anonymous john ko said...

How exciting! Thanks for pushing us! Can't wait to see everyone's skills and creativity come out!

May 28, 2009 8:08 PM  
Blogger pete25r said...

Hooah!

May 29, 2009 6:38 AM  
Blogger CC said...

Oh man, does this mean I need to know TTL already?

May 29, 2009 7:30 PM  
Blogger Ryan Brenizer said...

Manual bounce flash is where it's at.

June 01, 2009 1:35 AM  
Blogger Rafa Barberá said...

Sir, we have lost our captain!. it's June 1st and nobody have seen him in the camp!

June 01, 2009 12:43 PM  
Blogger Sportymonk said...

Hey do we have to sigh up somewhere or what. I saw that I missed the previous botcamps and other things. How do we get on board for this?

June 03, 2009 8:23 PM  
Blogger brent... said...

bring it.

June 05, 2009 5:20 PM  
Blogger fauxhawkedlex said...

Nice! I wanna try this out... :)

June 09, 2009 12:03 AM  
Blogger Sandip said...

Hi David, I have been following your blog for a few weeks now and want to participate in boot camp II. I was wondering when it is scheduled to start. much thanks, sandip

June 09, 2009 12:07 AM  
Blogger Brillig! said...

I almost forgot to chime in! Count me in!!!!

June 09, 2009 11:12 PM  
Blogger Sportymonk said...

I got an email on Monday saying "... That's all for now. The first assignment drops in tomorrow." So apparently the assignment is out, now the question is how to find it. Anybody know?

Also it said the assignments would be turned in through Flicker. How will Strobist find our Flicker photos?

June 10, 2009 7:15 AM  

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