From Batteries to Banter to Buddies
The dilemma…..a reliable power source for the variety of off camera flash units I use on a daily basis.
The result…..a friendship, and a few batteries….
Shooting events such as weddings can take a toll on flash batteries very quickly. Running AA’s in the battery compartment simply don’t have the capacity to withstand long events, let alone those that require high power bursts. So, it was off to market to find a suitable solution. The market was the internet and reading the various photography forums I found quite a few references to an elusive product called the “Black Box”. After more research, I finally found its maker, Mr. Al Jacobson, and his website www.aljacobs.com. Al is the epitomy of a Mom and Pop shop , minus the Mom. I guess that would make his company a Pop Shop. Well, maybe that is a fitting term as his device, The Black Box, pops my flashes over, and over, and over, and over. As a matter of fact, I have not reached its limit in any event I have shot yet! I currently own two of them and Ang has one of his smaller units called a “Tuxedo”. The batteries utilize lead acid technology in lieu of NiCad, NiMh or Li-Ion or Li-Polymer. They are seemingly endless in their supply of power and they are supposed to be plugged into the charger when not in use. No worries about overcharging here. Set them and forget them. That is also Al’s philosophy, KISS. You all know what that means. I use them for my off camera flashes. They just work. And that my dear friends is very, very important in this game.
So, after purchasing these batteries, I just had to go back to his site. Why? Well, its all about the comedy. The banter. The insightful world viewpoint. At 65+ year old, I have to believe Mr. Jacobson has seen a fair share of things in this world and his satirical take on them is second to none. In the flavor of the ubiquitous bathroom stall inscriptions “For a good read, go to www.aljacobs.com!”
Although not yet meeting face to face, I have exchanged philosophical banter with Mr. J countless times. He always has me rolling on the floor!
Recently, during one of our conversations, I directed him to my website. He was so enthralled, he offered to place a link on his site in a special “Featured Photographers” area. Al tells it like it is and his endorsement of my work means a lot and I am very appreciative of that. He had this to say……….
Kenneth P. Volpe
PPA Certified Professional Photographer
T R A N S P O S U R E
F i n e A r t P h o t o g r a p h y S t u d i o
9 0 8 . 9 3 0 . 5 9 9 8
“Words like “over the top” come close to the work that Kenneth Volpe does. Just when you think you have seen artistry, he can and does take it to a new level.
Working both studio and on location he brings new insight into this art form. He too sees “gear” as tools just as a brush is in the hands of the painter. But it’s the Renoir’s that hang on the walls that Sam the painter, painted. Go to his website and explore.”
I have but two words…..
Thanks Al!