FAQS

The Official Flash Bus FAQ
the David and Joe version

Q:Seriously, are you two really traveling over 13,000 miles, on a bus, visiting 29 cities in 6 weeks? Why?

A:Yes. And because it is entirely possible that we are insane.

Q:So you will teach during the day, and then crash on the bus overnight?

A:We prefer the term "sleep" but, yes.

Q:Why a bus and all those road miles? Why not just take planes?

A:Have you ever tried to get all McNally's gear past the TSA?

Q: My city is sold out! Are there any last-chance tickets?

A: Well, we did tell you to act quickly, so... (Kidding.) Check back on your city's order page, if there are spaces available, you'll be able to register, or call 888-209-5776 the day before the event to see if any return tickets have become available.

Q:How much does it cost?

A:Event only: $99.95
Stay tuned for a very special announcement

Q:What if something happens beyond my control and I am unable to attend?

A:Life happens, and we understand that. If circumstances beyond your control will prevent you from attending, please contact us by email at: and please remember to include your full name, contact info and the event city, or by phone at: 888-209-5776 with your information, at least 48 hours before your event date to arrange a refund.

Q:What do you get when you register?

A:Knowledge!

Q:What is being taught?

A:You'll spend the day studying light as you watch over the shoulders of two experienced professionals — duh. You will learn how to create interesting light that is appropriate to the subject and to do it in an intuitive way.

Q:What will the day be like?

A:Doors open at 9:30 a.m. We'll start at 10 a.m., with a morning session on pre-visualizing and creating light using manual-based flash. Then we'll break for lunch. In the afternoon, we'll switch modes to TTL and also do some live shooting. At the end of the day, we'll kick back with a living room style Q&A / discussion session.

Q:David and Joe are Nikon shooters. Should Canon shooters not bother coming? What's in it for them?

A:Plenty. The day is about managing light, and speaking with light. It is not system specific. Light is light, no matter if it comes from a Canon, a Nikon, or Vivitar. Remember those?

Q:Is this day suitable for rank beginners?

A:We'll spend a little time on the basics during the first part of the morning session, then hit the ground running for the rest of the day. If you are familiar with Lighting 101 on www.Strobist.com, you'll be more than fine. If not, maybe give it a quick run-through before the day.

Q:And the live shooting in the afternoon will feature models?

A:We will have carefully hidden models in the audience, disguised as photographers, i.e., you may in fact be photographed by McNally in front of a live studio audience.

Q:What kind of things do you envision on the live shooting portion?

A:Anything can happen. Flashes not syncing, photographers walking right off of the stage and falling into the front row. Stands falling over and flashes bursting into flames. But we expect one or two things could actually go well, too. Who knows? Should be interesting, though. Just like any location shoot, anything can happen.

Q:What about lunch?

A:Everyone is on their own for lunch. We are choosing venues that have food options nearby, and of course you are free to brown bag it if you wish.

Q:Should I bring a camera?

A:If you are a photographer, you should always have a camera. And really, if you do not have a camera with you, are you really a photographer at that moment? You never know what you are going to see, right? And besides, sometimes having a camera is also the best defense against terminal boredom at, say, one of Aunt Millie's never-ending dinner parties. Always bring a camera, even if it is just your cell phone. 

Q:No, idiot, I mean will WE be shooting?

A:Live shooting will be in demo mode, but you are free to make photographs -- including setups and the resulting images that pop up on screen.

Q:Can I video the whole thing and post it to YouTube?

A:No, you may not.

Q:But what if I really, really want video from the day?

A:We're working on that. More to come.

Q:What if I do it myself, secretly?

A:Did we mention Drew will be wandering around the room with a baseball bat?

Q:What about the Q&A/Discussion session at the end? What are the topics?

A:That's up to you. No holds barred, and everything is on the table. Lighting / photo / biz / blogging / Zen and the Art of Speedlight Maintenance -- whatever. We expect they'll be pretty free-form.

Q:What is the secret behind your apparent eternal youth and rakish good looks, and who writes these FAQs?

A:We're not saying, and it is entirely possible that we write these ourselves.