How many times have we heard this question, “do I get a CD of all the photos?”

The answer is not an easy one for many photographers. First off, there’s the simple peer pressure that “all photographers are doing that now” and, leading to the inevitable fear that we could lose business if we don’t follow the rest of the pack.

Secondly, it’s hard to come up with an answer that we think will satisfy the potential client and then we feel that we’re being forced into having to justify ourselves, or our business policies (who’s running your business? You, or your clients?).

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Continuing on with my review of this DVD from Nikon School, I’m going to take a look at the second part of the DVD, which shows specific examples in the field and the different ways of using the Nikon CLS to produce great results.

Section 2 – In The Field:

This section of the DVD is hosted by Bob Krist and Joe McNally and is divided into the following 5 sections:

• The Boston Ballet School – Lighting Dancers
• Indoors At The Inn – Lighting a Bride
• Outdoor Opportunities – Lighting a Bride
• Historic Gloucester – A Fisherman, a Boat and a Dozen Speedlights
• Review of Images – Bob & Joe

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When Nikon sent me their usual marketing email message with news of their new DVD from the Nikon School – “A Hands-on Guide To Creative Lighting”, I thought to myself, “At last! Some real material to help get the most out of my SB-800 flash units.” I checked out the promo video online and was suitably impressed, so I ordered the DVD and also a companion book to go along with it.

The DVD can be previewed and ordered here. The blurb on the back of the DVD reads as follows:

Subject matter and light are the heart of every photograph and discerning attention to both separates exceptional from everyday pictures. Learning how to make light work for you with the power and versatility of the Nikon Creative Lighting System, featuring the SB-900, SB-800, SB-600 and SB-R200 Speedlights, delivers the ability to turn an ordinary subject into something special or elevate a striking subject to a stunning work of art.

It goes on to say:

Bob [Krist] will lead you on a tour of lighting fundamentals and techniques in the studio, joined later by Joe [McNally] in the field. Watch and learn as the amazing potential of Nikon’s Creative Lighting System is unleashed in a variety of real-world scenarios – from the Boston Ballet School, to the charm of Gloucester, Massachusetts.

Does the DVD live up to its promises and deliver what it says? After viewing the DVD, I thought I would post a review to give my thoughts on it and whether I felt it was worth the investment.

General:

The DVD came in a nicely packaged DVD box, with an insert about the different Creative Lighting System (CLS) speedlights – SB-900, SB-800, SB-600 & SB-R200. The insert describes how to set each one to use advanced wireless flash, both as master and remote units. It also describes the commander modes found on the D700, D300, D200, D90 & D80 digital SLRs. On the back is a nice glossary of terms related to flash lighting and the CLS.

The DVD runs for 2 hrs 34 min and is divided into two main segments:

• Lighting Basics
• In The Field

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A common frustration amongst professional photographers is the subject of image CDs and DVDs. Oftentimes, during a sales presentation, the prospective client might say something like, “I love your work, and would like to hire you, but do I get a CD of the photographs?” If you’re a struggling photographer, someone new to the business or just want to book this particular client, the temptation is to reply with, “Sure – if you book me, I’ll throw in a CD of the images for you.”

Big mistake… don’t do it! Giving away a CD or DVD of your work is a really bad idea!

But, I hear you say, “Everyone else does – my competition are including CDs in all their packages, and most my prospective clients are asking for them!” I understand where the frustration part comes in; I’ve been there myself many times.

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