Thanks for those last comments, and I really hope the thread has encouraged you to look for opportunities out and about for some HSS light balancing and control!

I think the mono tones and contrasts project the character and nuances of the subjects well, and there's an appropriate "arty" feeling, a sophistication, that the photos convey.

I'm not so convinced by the compositions which seem to, in some cases, present the subjects at a tangent, or even cut off, and in some there is a lack of focal point, meaning it's hard to latch on visually.

A strong collection! Lots of variety, colour and depth. The best for me are 3, 6 & 7. You've caught lots of lovely angled light

. I'd just look to tidy up some of the halos around the edges on the HDR ones. This is a hazard we all face....I find a little work with the dodge too set to "Highlight" works to bring the halo down.

I really hope you can keep hold of some gear, and get a camera to keep you going . Best of luck for this tough time for your family. I hope your sales go smoothly.

Thanks Vejj, Derek and Phillip. You're right Phillip the D FA28-105 is an excellent match for aps-c. With the 18-55 also in the bag that's most things covered!

Thanks Chris, I missed this before ..... I would love to have such an opportunity, but travel and free time for the hobby is not possible for me at present .... I'm struggling to even get to the local gardens and forests nearby.

I think probably fast jet photography should wait for my long overdue camera and lens upgrades! I'll let you know when things are looking up ....

I agree with the others about the Star Wars look!

I think it's hard to make recommendations, as "super cheapo" equipment just shouldn't really be part of things where you are investing in the results and needing a good experience. Super cheapo is for when you don't really care too much.....

That said, most basic single pin type triggers are compatible with our cameras, and there are plenty of listings on Amazon that include Pentax in the names. What type of connection to the lights is available? Is it sync cable from the receiving trigger?

It sounds like a recipe for disaster then. If I was you I would be pushing for a visit to the studio in advance of the shoot to have a test run, at least just to ensure you can fire the flashes successfully, and figure out any special steps to take to get it reliable. These basics ate the last things you want to be struggling with while your models wait around.

F8 with 1/2000th ..... Was it very bright? If not then the ISO would have to ramp up rather high, and as Chris said the pre-set limit could have been exceeded.

There is also a setting for auto-exposure adjustment, which if activated world override the user set parameters if these caused oor exposure. This may have happened, causing your pre-set aperture and ISO to be overridden....?

It's the same as aircraft autopilot .... The user still has to have a full in depth knowledge of exactly what's going on and the limits of the automation to remain fully in control of things.

Sorry Steve, no obvious solution .... Might have to be a repair.