1/200sec 135mm f/2.8 ISO 100
This is the last post for this project 365, and I figured the best way to sum everything up was to photograph myself. I have a couple posts in the past where I did a self portrait. Some were set up well, others were just playing around. This time around I actually thought things through and really wanted to make something nice. With my 70-200 set at 135mm and my two flash set up, I went to work in my awesome studio (my bedroom). All the images I took were fun, but not all were worthy of this final post. You can check through the rest of the images at the end of this post.
I had one small technical problem with these photos; I had to keep the shutter speed at 1/200. I know there is something with flashes firing at a certain speed, because when I set it to 1/250 there was a black strip along the right side of the image. When I bumped it up to 1/300sec the strip got larger. I guess the mirror wasn’t moving fast enough to work with the flash. I am hoping it is just that and not something else that is actually wrong with my camera. If anyone has any input on this, please let me know. Unfortunately, I didn’t keep any of those so I can’t show you what I’m talking about. You can kind of see how the right edge is slightly darker (I took an adjustment brush to it to bring down some of the vignette), but what I am talking about was a perfect vertical line.
Let’s see, what have I taken from this project. Well it was definitely something worthy of being called a challenge. I don’t think posting something each day was a challenge, and even if I took an actual picture each day, that could have been done. The hard part for me was posting a picture that fit my current level and quality, and making that consistent. It felt like I was cheating myself every time I posted a sub-par photo. I give props to anyone who actually completes these projects, taking an photo every single day and having that photo be of quality. That is what I take from this. I’m glad to lose the day constraint. I believe I will be remodeling this webpage in the next week or so and changing it to more of a portfolio.
Thanks to all who followed along since day one, or caught up from day one. I enjoyed your input and your help over the year. For those who are doing their own project 365, keep it up and keep practicing!
Cheers!
Thanks for passing!
Same to you!
Congratulations! too bad I just discovered this blog! I am glad you finished it
Thanks a bunch, I’ll still be around, just not as often.
what can i say? congratulations! well done! and hope you won’t stop here.
regarding the flash, nothing to worry about. yes, the flashes used in ttl mode are not going faster than 1/200. it all depends on the flash that you use but the best is to use the same company as the camera. there’s something else: the new models of flashes have the option to be sync with your camera speed so if you use this option you can take photos at a faster shutter speed. i suggest to have a look in the flash’s manual. if you still have problems after, drop me an email.
Thanks, and thank you for the response. Yeah I figured it was something with that. I have 2 canon 580 ex II, so I’m sure I can do that with them. I probably don’t have the manuals with me right now, but I will look into how to do that. It will definitely help because it was just so bright. I had to bring down the exposure in Lightroom for all of the images pretty much.
probably you’ll find a manual to download at canon.com as the explanations there are very helpful especially if you understand how the whole thing is working. all the best!
Saving the best until last
I have enjoyed watching you throughout this process. I like the final picture. A little DeNiro to end things. Very nice.
Ha ha, thanks man.
I’ve enjoyed a lot your project Dan; cool shots for the last post of the 365.
Keep up the good work.
Thank you, Pablo. It was a fun time.
Congrats on completing the project!
And some nice shots to finish off with too – proof that every now and again the photographer should come out from behind the camera! 
Thanks, CK. Yeah, and who needs mirror shots when you have a tripod and some lighting!
Haha!
Congratulations on completing 365, Dan! It’s been a pleasure following you through it and look forward to seeing more of your work in the future. Love your final post, I had already pondered on doing something similar in 10 days time, but might have to change that now!
Ps… know what you mean re quality, think that’s the hardest part to keep up through a project like this.
Roo, don’t worry, it’s not an original idea. Thanks for the cheers!