Well.. the old thread had some but then everyone started just supplying either a written explanation or one of Kevin Kertz sketches. And since this was a continuation of the old post I think everyone kept the same MO... Sorry I forget to do set up shots half the time because I start talking to the client. I'll try to remember having "one light camera left and a reflector" isn't sufficient.
I think with a one light setup it is usually very very easy to tell where the light source is coming from. You really shouldn't need a diagram or written explanation for it. If anything, it is good for you to train your eye and determine the lighting setup for yourself. The only real thing that should be explained is if a modifier is being used, and if so, what it is, because that has a great affect on the quality of the light.
I made some grids for my 550 out of black Coroplast. Works really well. Just follow the directions on the Strobist site. Coroplast is about 11 bucks for a 4' by 8' sheet at a sign supply place. Comes in many different colours. I even made a cage out of it for my Rabbit with the addition of some cube organizers from Target.
Hello, here's my contribution. Single 1'x4' gridded (30°) softbox to camera right and reflector in close to the model camera left. Oh and yes, the colors are supposed to be muted.
This thread is so frickin awesome. Keep em coming. I find it's a great way for us new to lighting to learn. I would actually LIKE to see the diagrams because it helps and I am not trained enough to KNOW where everything is. The photo of where everything is setup really helps me.
I picked up the Photoflex mini softbox (12"x16" version) a couple of years ago. I loved working with it using my SB800s and the ability to get directional light outdoors. But because of it's size it didn't quite offer the normal soft wrap that I appreciate from larger softboxes.
Then I attended a lighting workshop one of the participants had the Photoflex small box (the 16"x22"). Well I just had to have one and pulled the trigger last week. Bought the kit with the box, speed ring, stand and all the adapters to use a speedlight. Best thing is I can use it with the Bees in the studio as well.
Here is a test image with the SB just a fraction of an inch out of frame at camera left about 90° to camera angle. I think this will do just fine when working in close for individuals outdoors and as an accent light in the studio. I used my D200 with CLS and my onboard flash set as commander and not contributing to exposure. I believe I set the SB to +0.7 exposure compensation. Think I'm going to like this bigger box better.
Here are two shots of the rig. First shows the side view and how the flash is attached.
I also like how you can recess the front diffuser for better control of spill.
The last two shots are really two light setups to show more detail of the rig: AB800 med sb camera left and AB800 Large SB camera right.
I totally agree, Butch...the XS box is a cool tool, but it's a little small for portraits that you don't want to be lit in a dramatic way. I've actually used the same bracket and speedring to mount an SB-800 to the Med LiteDome (24x36") and had pretty good results. The bracket doesn't take the weight quite as well, and makes me think about swapping it for the Chimera model, but it definitely works.
shatterkiss wrote:
I totally agree, Butch...the XS box is a cool tool, but it's a little small for portraits that you don't want to be lit in a dramatic way. I've actually used the same bracket and speedring to mount an SB-800 to the Med LiteDome (24x36") and had pretty good results. The bracket doesn't take the weight quite as well, and makes me think about swapping it for the Chimera model, but it definitely works.
You are correct Simon, I use it mainly outdoors for senior portraits mostly for fill, sometimes the main depending on the situation. I am looking forward to using it in the studio for accent lighting as well. I have both the medium and large LiteDomes and this is just a sweet addition to the set.
Jun 16, 2008 at 06:04 PM
