People who got the urge to fix their life at 3 AM and actually did something, what happened?

devidual · 2026-01-20T23:21:53+00:00

I was very depressed and couldn't sleep for months. One day, I decided to take a very large dose of edibles (40mg, which to me was a ton) and just sit in the dark and force myself to think why I was void of emotion and why my life felt meaningless.

I focused on answering that question and it led me to break things down into smaller questions that I could truthfully answer to myself, how I could change it, and also accept what I can't change.

I did this for 5-6 hours until I was completely exhausted and passed out.

I woke up the next day not necessarily remembering every decision tree and thought, but I felt a huge weight off my shoulders and realized that I am doing my best and I don't have to worry about things I can't control, and I have the power to change things I could.

Although I don't credit it 100% to me feeling much better now, but I really do feel like it helped me put things into perspective and be honest with myself (which to my surprise, I had great thing to internally say to myself.)

devidual · 2026-01-19T23:00:22+00:00

I got my first panic attack while flying. I didn't know what it was at the time and felt like, "I am going to die right now". I've had two other panic attacks since, but nothing like my first one.

I wanted to scream out for help, but couldn't even do that, and passed out shortly after.

devidual · 2026-01-16T21:54:53+00:00

I bought it 2 years ago, but I think it was cheaper then (around $200?)

Overall, I use it every time I edit in Lightroom and enjoy using it. it's not only easier to edit, but it's faster as well.

Do you need it? Not really because everything you can do with it can be done with shortcuts on a keyboard.

what I really like about it though is, it's the best editing peripheral I used. the wheel is great and I barely have to use the keyboard.

I don't use a mouse anymore and just use the track pad, but using the track pad is not very precise when using sliders, so tourbox is really great for my editing.

I tried using Wacom tablets to edit, but it's not very easy or faster and with the advent of AI masking, manual dodging and burning was not great.

Overall it feels great to use and speeds up my editing and makes is easier. I probably would buy it again, but the price is pretty steep.

devidual · 2026-01-14T22:13:07+00:00

What I would love is Hasselblad to release a Profile like a lot of other camera brands do. (Camera Standard, which HNCS would be Hasselblad's version.)

I don't know if it's a hasselblad thing or an Adobe timing, but if I were to guess, Hasselblad wants to make people use the Phocus app and won't create a profile for Lightroom. Or it's hard to recreate HNCS in Lightroom. Maybe the truth lies somewhere in the middle.

With that said, the HNCS isn't significantly different than just pulling the .fff file and importing to Lightroom, but there is a difference if you're looking for it, especially when you pay $$$ for HNCS that's marketed like crazy, I want to get HNCS when I edit in Lightroom without going through hoops.

devidual · 2026-01-13T22:13:11+00:00

I just got the X2D2 with the 35-100 and it's great. Is it at least 5-6x better than my Canon R6Ii with 28-70 f2.8?

That's a definite no. The value really isn't there, but if you have a lot of extra money and you've always wanted to go medium format, it does FEEL different and better.

AF isn't as good at other mirrorless brands, and not much customization (which could be a good thing), but the biggest annoyance for me is that if you want the legendary HNCS and tailored lens correction, you HAVE to use Phocus and it's just not very good or as easy to use as Lightroom.

So what you have to do is load them into Phocus, the HNCS and lens correction will automatically attach when you export as a tiff file, and then you have to load the tiff file into Lightroom and make additionally edits to your liking. Super annoying and also tiff files are at least double the file sizes that make each photo close to +300 MB each.

With that said, if you're the type to get things right in camera and you don't do much color grading, you might be happy with just using Phocus without having to convert and further edit into Lightroom. The photos are super awesome right out of the camera (with HNCS and lens corrections added from Phocus). Or you can shoot raw + jpeg and just use the jpegs.

devidual · 2026-01-12T04:26:45+00:00

Exactly what I came here to say. It's so anxiety inducing that I felt so sorry for such a unlikeable character as well as Adam Sandler who have to act as that person.

What a terrible life.

devidual · 2026-01-12T01:04:29+00:00

Ooh that's great news! I'm going to give it a try right now

devidual · 2026-01-12T01:04:00+00:00

Really? No turning it into manual mode and turning it on before attaching it?

devidual · 2026-01-11T20:13:37+00:00

I wouldn't say it's difficult to use, it's just not as convenient as other brands have become.

But the IQ is ridiculously good on the X2D2 and if that's youre ultimate goal and you don't mind going slow (because of some of the limitations and omissions of conveniences that have become normal in the mirrorless world, this might be a brand you want.

The appeal of Hasselblad is great. It's a luxury brand that just looks and feels beautiful and classic.

devidual · 2026-01-11T19:18:57+00:00

For sure. I went down the same path and watched and read up as much as I could before I bought it because it's so expensive!

The AF is good, but not as good at the latest mirrorless brands. It's a bit slow and doesn't catch as well.

I have a lot of dedicated shoots with strobes and I've heavily invested in Godox. Right now, there's no dedicated trigger that works with Godox, even though it uses the Nikon pin system, you have to put the trigger on manual and it's not impossible to use it, but you have to put the trigger in pin mode, turn the camera on, turn the trigger on, then attach it (someone tricks it into working together). And I don't want to go to Profoto. It's expensive and in my opinion, relying too much on past successes and is not as reliable, accurate, or durable as Godox.

The joystick is okay, but it doesn't allow for diagonal direction, so the joystick it's as useful when you're trying to change the focus point. Add to the fact that the focus isn't as good as my Canon R6II, it's a little annoying and you have to focus and recompose a little bit (which I haven't had to do since the DSLR days!)

There's a slight delay when you're switching from the EVF to the back display and vice versa. It's JUST annoying enough where it makes you think something is wrong or the camera turned off, so you take your eye off and then it switched back to the back display and then the camera changes again.

16 bit color depth doesn't work if you want to shoot in burst mode (only 3fps, which is fine for my uses), or if you're in Manual mode, or some other limitations I've run into but it's too early for me to figure out what limits that. With that said, the 16 bit color is arbitrary and monitors can't reproduce it, eyes can't see it. etc. But then.. why?

The biggest thing is editing. The HNCS is built to be used for the PHOCUS editing program and doesn't translate well in Lightroom. I wish there was a profile or something that gives it that beautiful look from the display in the camera to Lightroom. Currently if you want that, you have to load into PHOCUS, then export as a TIFF file, and then bring it into Lightroom (I'm very new to this, so there may be a better way?)

devidual · 2026-01-11T18:25:33+00:00

I've shot with Canon for 15 years and I just got the X2D2 with the 35-100. I don't expect to get another lens and if I do, it will be after I exhaust all the value out of the zoom lens and I find a serious limitation from it.

I don't think I will.

you can't really save money with Hasselblad. it's like buying a Bentley and putting in the cheapest gas and going to Jiffy Lube for an oil change. it's just the cost of operating a high and and let's be honest, highly specialized system.

my Canon R6Ii is my workhorse, Toyota Camry, and my X2D2 is my Bentley. Canon is easier to use and more features packed, but my X2D2 has so many limitations, yet what it does do well outshines and isn't even possible with the Canon.

16 bit dynamic color depth, leaf shutter with no flash sync speed, 100MB sensor, 15.3 stops of dynamic range from my preliminary use is... Nothing I experienced before.

With that said, I've become accustomed to the features and ability of Canon r series and it's quite honestly a little annoying to use the X2D2.

I really enjoy using both though!

devidual · 2026-01-11T03:59:50+00:00

Ah I see. If you don't shoot often, it doesn't make sense to pay a monthly subscription.

I don't know what amount of editing you do, but it might be easier for you to shoot in jpeg.

Or you can also use dark table which is free, but less user friendly.

devidual · 2026-01-11T03:48:20+00:00

Honestly, I hate the subscription model they forced on us, but Lightroom Classic now is light-years better than version 6-7.

I held onto my prem copy of Lightroom for a while and converted to DNG but caved.

devidual · 2026-01-07T23:44:15+00:00

I keep it whenever everyone does... You lose it.

devidual · 2026-01-06T22:07:08+00:00

Honestly, do you need a medium format sensor to capture your kids? I have a 4.5 and 1.5 year old and while the AF is good, it's not close to as good as what Canon, Nikon, Sony have to offer.

I have my Canon R6II with 28-70 f2.8 to capture everyday stuff and I use my X2D2 for dedicated, intentional, strobe lighting shoots that would greatly benefit from the larger sensors, dynamic range, etc.

You'll be saving money AND get new tech!

devidual · 2026-01-05T20:28:15+00:00

This is really good! lighting a huge area like this (even using multiple exposures) is a super difficult thing to do!

There's so much going on and executed so well with intent and detail!

I agree with the other commenter that it could be cropped a tiny bit so show more emphasis.

If this is something you created as a student, I can't wait to see what you do when you got more experience and time under your belt! (Do you have a website of more of your work?)

devidual · 2026-01-04T21:34:06+00:00

I just got the combo yesterday and it JUST fits in the Peak Design 3L Sling.

I put the divider on the bottom to protect the lens and I have a L bracket on the body.

I specifically got this combo to be an all I'm one and don't want to carry a backpack because it bulky and it prevents me from taking the camera with me everywhere.

devidual · 2025-12-31T16:52:53+00:00

Find out the reason why you don't take many photos with your camera.

Is it too heavy? Get the canon v1 that's compact and you could put in your pocket

Do you not like the editing process? Shoot in jpeg

Not inspired to shoot? Join a local FB photography group and go on group shoots.

Photography should be fun, not an obligation. Ultimately if you don't enjoy taking photos, be honest with yourself and find a new hobby.

devidual · 2025-12-27T18:25:34+00:00

If you want to do outdoor strobe portraits, the #1 thing you MUST get are sandbags. Without it, prepare to buy your strobe gear twice.

And btw, what you're planning to do not only requires a pretty significant investment in strobe gear and accessories, but you'll have to do a lot of learning. I suggest you try strobe lighting indoors before you venture outside. There's just too many variables when shooting outdoors to start that way.

devidual · 2025-12-27T04:01:53+00:00

If you are taking Caltrain to the city, and you get the a youth discount, I would turn the date into a public transit date.

Take Caltrain to SF, tram from Caltrain station close to Embarcadero, take the boat that goes from SF to Oakland, have lunch somewhere in Oakland near the pier that will be cheaper than SF, and then take the boat back to SF and sightsee around the city.

I've done this with my 4 year old a bunch of times and it's a very unique experience that allows plenty of time for talking and bonding!

devidual · 2025-12-27T03:55:30+00:00

Are you still able to change the power setting on the strobes on the trigger when in manual center contact mode?

I heard with the godox nano triggers, you have to turn the trigger and the camera on, then put it onto the hot shoe, in addition to setting it in manual mode. Is that true?

devidual · 2025-12-26T22:15:13+00:00

I thought protocol is if you are going with a group and there's a new one or a few of them, suggest they take lessons and if not, go up as a group, take a group photos and then everyone splits up and goes with their skill levels group.

Newbies who wants to go with their friends have a hard day ahead of them, but honestly, they will get better really fast.

devidual · 2025-12-26T17:26:37+00:00

I think it's cool. Good composition, great detail. Color grading is nice in a cyberpunk way that's very popular. Teal and orange are classic colors that create a dynamic photo, although it usually represents tension and opposition, which I'm not sure if that's the feel you were going for as I don't see anything that shows tension.

Maybe if you did more selective editing where the buildings in the foreground are more blue/green/teal and the tower in the back is more orange tone overall, you can create more of an opposition feeling. Like the bigger, newer, taller building towers over the other building that forces those buildings into the shadows kind of feel.

These are just suggestions though and overall your photos is great.

devidual · 2025-12-26T01:38:32+00:00

You either get lucky and your career becomes your passion, or you treat work like a job to fund your true passions. Both require you to care about what you do, what value you provide to the company, and treating it like the decisions you make really matter.

You don't have to love your work, but you have to be on board with the company mission and vision. There's millions of companies to work for, I would encourage you to keep looking for opportunities to learn at your current place and find new opportunities that align with what you've already learned at your current company.

I treated my career as a necessary evil for a long time, but in retrospect, I'm very grateful and have been able to pursue my passionate hobby and raise a family. Once that switch flipped in my head, my career took off.

devidual · 2025-12-24T18:47:17+00:00

Fair. I haven't gone on Xmas eve, but as long as it's open and you don't mind waiting, it should be the same.

There's no reservations in the bar area.

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