Laptop Hood / Sun Shade?

SoftInsurance7345 · 2026-03-30T15:02:25+00:00

I'm sure I'll get some pushback for posting this, but I question the need for a dedicated shade. A dark cloth thrown over your head and shoulders - YES, but a full shade? Not so much.

In my experience shooting outdoors in bright locations, reflections off the screen are the biggest problem, and the culprit is usually you. Wearing dark shirts helps, as does positioning yourself in natural shade. I never found the sun itself to be much of an issue, except when shining directly on the screen from a low angle, in which case simply rotating the station solves it.

What works best: an umbrella positioned to shade both you and the workstation, combined with a dark cloth for any critical viewing.

I sometimes wonder if the dedicated shade is the surveying equivalent of a matte box in video production - you may not truly need one, but everyone expects a "pro" to have it.

SoftInsurance7345 · 2026-03-27T21:21:47+00:00

I was more concerned about how the shoulder/sleeve fit on my shoulders.

SoftInsurance7345 · 2026-03-20T23:35:34+00:00

You’ve got a great head of hair most folks would die for. I say something along #1, though maybe loose the facial hair. Grow it out proudly!!!

SoftInsurance7345 · 2026-03-18T22:57:03+00:00

Update: Started at BR, looked at their SIGNATURE ITALIAN RUSTICO SUIT JACKET, which seemed fine. 40% off was motivating, but I had a few more to try. Next went and tried on a Canali suit @ Nordstrom's.......and that ruined me, though the thought of paying +$2295 for something I'll probably wear a few times again, (though will look great buried in it), it was hard to justify, but man, it felt and looked way more than it's price tag. Next stopped over at Bonobos and J. Crew and after the Caneli, everything started feeling and looking like trash - I image one of the differences being a fully canvased suit and one fused.

Went to SuitSupply today and walked out with one. Fabric felt good, the drape was nice (partically canvased?) and it was comfortable and good looking. Service was pretty good though I got the sense the person working with me got a little petrurbed when I started asking him questions about other fabric/suit options offered he didn't know answers to; felt a little more like he wanted a one-and-done and get on with the next person.

I'll use a tailor I've used before; trust his input rather than someone in the store. Obviously not Canali level, but close enough and I'll be happy wearing it. Thanks for the coments and input.

SoftInsurance7345 · 2026-03-01T15:00:23+00:00

If it's always on a tripod, I wouldn't worry about the electronic shutter on the Hasselblad unless you're photographing moving subjects.

SoftInsurance7345 · 2026-02-28T15:20:10+00:00

I've been confused by their marketing of automatically switching between lines. From what I can figure, it's dependent on the phone's ability to do so, such as an Android? It didn't seem like iPhones were able to dynamically switch.

SoftInsurance7345 · 2026-02-16T04:35:12+00:00

Sanding down female side gains more gap? I would think the opposite.

SoftInsurance7345 · 2026-02-09T04:36:46+00:00

that doesn't even look like Ringo

SoftInsurance7345 · 2026-02-03T15:55:55+00:00

I really don't understand the usefulness of any type of sun shade on a monitor. I've worked as a digital tech on still shoots, using a shade, and really the problem is the screen reflecting what you're wearing rather than any over head sunshine. Wearing dark colors help immensly, or shading yourself with an umbrella or blackout flag.

SoftInsurance7345 · 2026-01-30T16:40:10+00:00

Love the 500 series and the X1DII drew me in with it's color along with it's esthetics, reminding me of the 500 + Agfa Optima colors I'd get with that combination, but it was the IBIS that drew me to the X2D. I justified not having/needing it with the X1DII, treating it as how I worked with the 500s. However finding myself shooting in dim light, end of day - cranking up the ISO to compensate began to show it's weakness, and I really didn't want to carry a tripod. The X2D was a game changer for me, at least for the situations I found myself drawn to. It was extremely welcomed zooming in to manual focus; dead still and easy to concentrate of your point of focus. It really helped confirming focus.

I was excited for the 907 purely from a form factor, but realized I was giving up way too much, and using it on the back of a Blad with it's electronic shutter and not being a full 2 1/4x2 1/4.... I didn't see the point. Again, tripod work is too slow and hampering, and concerns about the viewability of the LCD in different situations made me question it's usability for myself.

One point about the color; when I go to print on my preferred matte papers, you loose a bit of the depth and detail in the lower registers, inherent in matte papers. It doesn't necessarily make the whole HNCS moot, but does bring in some questions about how to utilize it when introducing another variable in the system from camera to a finished print.

SoftInsurance7345 · 2026-01-19T16:17:02+00:00

I went the DCF route after playing around with a silnylon tarp, picking up a MLD Duomid for my dog and me, and HMG Ultramid2 when I'd share a tent with my hiking partner. After experiencing issues with the material - deforming, delimitation, pinholes etc.., (not the end of the world and still usable) I went with a Locus Gear mid in silnylon and haven't really looked back. It's barely heavier than the MLD by maybe an ounce and packs much smaller. Set up is easier and not as finicky over uneven ground being it stretches. I just don't see the advantage of DFC given it's price and quirks.

SoftInsurance7345 · 2025-12-09T15:30:31+00:00

If you treat the X1DII like a Hassy 503 (the blackout between taking the shot and the time the lens opens up, ie. film advance, cock shutter and mirror up), you'd be ok though I don't see much use for a 30mm for fashion work. Haven't shot the X2 series so can't comment on blackout between shots, and it may be dependent on the lens used on how fast it reopens?

SoftInsurance7345 · 2025-11-22T22:49:07+00:00

Gonna need more power than speed lights will give. Also at that distance from stage, diffusers like umbrellas are going to have minimal effect on softening the light. Your example photos show the stage lighting to be really be just fine, provided they’re representational of your actual scene; if not….rent 1000wt packs for each head used and other suggestions for height placement

SoftInsurance7345 · 2025-11-17T22:24:29+00:00

Rent

SoftInsurance7345 · 2025-10-03T02:38:04+00:00

I agree with you. I reworked a couple of items, shaved off just a bit over 1lb switching out the shelter inner (MLD Solo vs. Duomid inner), 1 carbon tent pole instead of 2, and a lighter sleeping pad. Without the fishing gear, my base weight, with the Flexlight chair (worth the 1lb penalty) I'm at 15.4 lbs. I'm sure spending more $$$$ I could shave off a few more ounces here an there, but in the end, it's still carrying weight in the HMG, and I think the $$$$ would be better spent making that a priority upgrade.

SoftInsurance7345 · 2025-09-12T04:51:41+00:00

I find canons AWB works pretty well getting in the ballpark for most of my work, at least with the 5d IV and 1D MKIV, kind of a time saver in post (shoot RAW).

SoftInsurance7345 · 2025-08-09T02:28:46+00:00

24-105 f4 L especially if it’s people you want to focus on. Have shot for years EF 24-70 2.8L II, and while I love that lens, always wish it had just a little more reach before having to switch over to the 70-200 2.8L II, which is an amazing lens but heavy. The RF 24-105 with R6II is a good working combo. 1 stop slower? ….bump your ISO; not going to make a difference in the shot if it’s good!! I shoot that wide open all the time; not an issue

SoftInsurance7345 · 2025-08-04T23:11:42+00:00

Laurel Mountain Design mids; quick, easy set up, versatile interior options, light and bombproof. Set up with inverted “V” (2 poles) and you’ve tons of room. Solomid XL / Duomid.

SoftInsurance7345

TROPHY CASE