Bristol Strobist

Discussion 390 posts |  Only members can post. Join?

About Bristol Strobist

Welcome!
The Bristol Strobist Flickr Group (BSFG) is for Strobists whether newbie or veteran who live or meet-up near Bristol, UK. Anyone is welcome to join to discuss Strobist related stuff and submit Strobist related images. We're passionate about learning how to light using flash. We are all all about sharing ideas and gear, having fun and learning together.

Here's a simple breakdown of the goal Administrators and Moderators (Ad/Mods) are aiming to achieve;

1. We want an inclusive group.
2. We want a group with members who lend advice and support to each other.
3. We want a group where everyone feels free to share ideas and equipment... and where they can contribute.
4. We want a group where members can enjoy themselves.

5. We don't want an "elite" who think the rules are for everyone else.
6. We don't want shoots just for mates advertised on here.
7. We don't want personal grievances aired in our group.
8. We don't want to have to get involved everyday!

If you encounter any issues within the BSFG and can't find an answer in any of our supporting threads then please don't hesitate to contact one of the Ad/Mods, we are here to help you and ensure the group is a success.

When is it likely the Ad/Mods will begin flexing their authority? Never, we hope. Everyone here (mostly) is an adult and as such should be able to handle most issues themselves. Usually all it takes is a little talk and voila!! Problem solved. However, in a situation where a member ignores the rules of this group or when one or more of the following things occurs, we will likely step in. Even if the issue occurs outside the BSFG forum (eg: Facebook, Twitter, real life, etc), if we are mentioned or linked to the issue in any way then the Ad/Mods consider it fair for us to intervene.

1. If an issue could damage the group's reputation.
2. If an issue has or may become *more* than just a disagreement between members.
3. If a non-involved third party is the subject of maliciousness.
4. When a member (or other participant) asks an Ad/Mod to intervene or makes a complaint.


Pool Limits
We are happy for members to submit images to the pool. However, we do have some group rules (also see below) and limit the number of images you are able to post to 3 per day. We feel that flooding the pool with identikit versions of your photos does not fulfil the goals of the group. The idea is that you should choose your *very best* images to show off or the ones you want help with.


Creative Lighting
Images submitted must involve the creative use of off-camera flash (we have defined "flash" as the application of any light which begins and ends within a single shutter actuation), we do stretch as far as allowing continuous lighting or other really creative stuff though. Remembering of course that we also allow behind the scenes shots, setup shots and so on if the image was taken at a BSFG event. Such images don't actually need to have been taken with flash.

If you really want to share a cool lighting setup or result that uses lighting that doesn't fit this definition then post it in the threads instead of the pool. We will welcome the contribution as a learning tool for the rest of the group, learning being high on the list of things we're about. You may even be invited to add it to the pool by an Ad/Mod.


Strobist Information
You must add Strobist info to the image description. We don't guard our lighting secrets here!

This level of detail in your Strobist info is not actually necessary, but if you can do it then please do. It will help others to understand how you made your photograph. Simply adding the type of modifier/s, lights used and where your light/s are located can be the difference between understanding and not for a newbie trying to reverse engineer your lighting.

If you shoot a non-Strobist image at a BSFG event, then you can still add some info to help others understand what was going on. Is your shot a set-up or general shot of a BSFG event? Then it is welcome in the pool, with some Strobist info.

We understand that newbies sometimes forget to pay attention to their settings (too busy just trying to get a decent shot) and may not always remember to record them (hence the group is "Newbie-Friendly" on the requirement to add Strobist info). You will have some leeway for posting images to the pool before you will be required to follow the same rules as everyone else.

However, more experienced group members know that the best way for us all to learn is to see what others have done. If you're not a newbie and you're not including your info then you're not really trying to fit with the Bristol Strobist Flickr Group's ethos. Remember, we're all here to learn so adding your Strobist info is important.

If you continually fail to provide Strobist information and the Ad/Mods consider you to be abusing the group and it's pool then your image/s will be removed and you may be banned. You will get plenty of notice before this happens though so don't worry that you'll suddenly get jumped by an Ad/Mod.


Family Friendly
As this group is for a general audience images must not contain nudity or adult content. We are really trying to keep this group family friendly. As the BSFG is a family friendly one we have a sister group called Bristol Strobist - AfterDark 18+ which caters to Strobist photography for mature audiences.


Useful Threads
There are a number of useful threads buried within the groups forum. Feel free to peruse them and resurrect them if you feel like it.

** FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions **
Got a question? Someone may have already asked it.

** Collaborator Index **
Been to a shoot and forgot to get someones contact details? Maybe you want to share yours so people can contact you? This is the thread for you.

** Event Terms and Conditions **
Want to hold or attend an event? Then this is the place to go to see what is expected.

** Events Diary **
As there are often loads of events running at once our forum can become a bit difficult to navigate. So there is an event diary within which you can usually find an up to date list of all our upcoming events. Also, remember to post a link in the diary if you're hosting an event.

** Location Watch **
Are you looking for a good location to shoot or have you found a place you want to share, this is the place.

** Strobist Index **
We have a thread where members can look for and list all the gear you can imagine. It's like Christmas for your credit card. It doesn't stop at gear though, there are loads of other useful links for everyone in that thread.

** Best / Best For Less **
Members have their own ideas about what's best and what is a bargain, we started this thread to make it easy to find the recommendations.




*