Not really testing new flashes, but testing old flashes in new configurations.
I normally use large Hensel studio flashes, but wanted to see what I could get using the sb900, sb600 and my Nikon D700 on camera remote commander.

For these shots I placed the 900 behind the model, and the sb600 in front, off to the side. My tests were not scientific, but I was happy with the results.

CS5 – I wanted to test the new smarter selection tools that I’ve been hearing so much about. So I got my small wind machine out and blew her hair around. I also used a background that was not chroma key or even a solid color for that matter. I really wanted to see how it did under stress. Again, I was happy with the results. Still needed quite a bit of hands on tweaking, but not nearly as much as I used to.

I’m looking forward to framing and matting these for my studio.

you can see the original photos in the gallery:

Things I’ll do differently next time:
Chroma key background. I have a green screen I use quite a bit for head shots.
hood on my lens – because of the more interesting lighting angels I ended up with a cast on the right side of many of my photos.
Drinks and dinner for my wife. She is a trooper. Her patience is admirable.