"Chase Jarvis: The Portrait Sessions Vol. 1" ($21.95) are the second set of cards released by Trade Secret Cards, the first set was "Strobist Favorites" ($19.95) and you can read our review here.
All the things we liked about the first set of cards remains unchanged:
1. You'll get 22 cards with a phenomenal image on one side and a lighting diagram, tips, and insight on the other.
2. The cards are printed on UV protected thick stock so they are durable and will stand up well to being carried in your pocket or your camera bag from one shoot to another.
3. Shipping is inexpensive, only 99 cents flat shipping fee (regardless of how many sets you buy).
4. Shipping is fast.
5. Customer service is outstanding.
The only difference between this set and the first is the content that is covered.
The first set of cards leaned towards portraiture and product shots, the latest set is more about fine art and commercial photography.
What I like best about these cards is that they are a great learning tool, as you recreate a scenario from one of the cards it really makes you think "I wonder if I..." or "If I moved this light here and..." your creative juices start to flow and you end up with a vision that is all your own.
You really can't go wrong buying either set of these cards, they are well thought out, well made learning tools.
Their name may be "Trade Secret" but they are not dong a very good job keeping that secret, and we as photographers are better off because of it.
