Bee – I would have been happy with a frosted tupperware except I want something compact and durable (and discreet) to carry around when I’m too lazy to bring the flash. But yes – anything will do!

Mrs E – you’re welcome!

Rosa – de nada ;)

Mimi – exactly. I think it’s all about flexibility.

Lan – i’m sure your shots are improving though, because you are working at it. practice is really important.

Maggie – i know what you mean. people make you think that, but it’s so not true. there are a lot of solutions that are nearly free like the diy stuff.

Margie – try emailing them to see if it works or not.

ThistleDew Farm – yeah, I didn’t like using flash either (still don’t – it’s more work!) but people shouldn’t be afraid.

Louise – I use flash on occasion (more and more with winter). I’m still learning too :)

Manisha – I’m sure a makeshift will work. Perhaps when my crazy schedule calms down, we can meet up for lunch or something and I can look at your camera and try to engineer a fix?

Lisa – well, here’s a bit of advice. If you want a better flash, the 800 is not only better, but it can command the 400 as a slave (I think – double check that). I wonder if your camera will also command the two externals? My D200 does, but not sure what model you have. Anyway, consider the 800 in that regard. I do have the lightsphere. In fact, I have two of them (the photojournalist and the cloud). I like the cloud better – more flattering on the subjects. It’s great, but then every twerp you run into at a wedding or event asks why you have a tupperware on your camera… ;) Thanks for the offer. Special K doesn’t fly anymore (although she’s so good in cargo and the dudes who load her always play with her). It’s just easier and less stressful if we send her to Camp Crazy when we travel. Let me know if you’re ever in the Boulder area!

Gwendolyn – good luck, I hope it works.

Susy – yeah, I hope you find something that helps.

Laura – fingers crossed!

Nate – um, I barely have time to reply to comments right now. Things are very busy here at the moment. Maybe next week I’ll try a test shoot.

Tartelette – I may have to come see you some time!

Kathy – I’ve found that while the puffer helps, it isn’t perfect. But in good circumstances, it can really beat out the plain old flash. Best of luck.

Beatrice – yeah, all of mine are black!