video: episode 10 , digital photography studio lighting equipment guide, part 2 of 2
We saw a flood of new faces (do we have faces on the internet?) at prophotolife yesterday, thanks to Scott Kelby giving us a shout from Photoshop Insider . I have a ton of respect for Scott’s many accomplishments and the great work he and his team do at Kelby Training (the definitive resource for Photoshop and Lightroom instruction). Their seminars and training materials really set the standard for the industry.
There was also great response to part one of the studio equipment guide , so here’s part 2 of 2:
(subscribers view video here )
Understanding light is the key to better photography, whether you’re shooting available light or creating your own…
Hi
Great video.
What’s the main difference between octagon shaped soft boxes and the regular squarish ones in terms of the diffusion of light?
Also, I have an SB800 speedlight and was thinking of buying a softbox but I’m unsure which size to buy. What do you recommend for something like the SB800 which obviously isn’t as powerful as studio strobe?
Cheers!
I’m excited to see the “applications” videos!
I learn something new everyday. An interchangeable softbox with gold reflection inside!
Jim,
I thought you’d let us wait for a whole week for the second part. What a nice surprise.
The sum of both parts really makes a great studio lighting equipment introduction.
Looking forward to next Monday.
- udi
I was surprised that the liners in the softbox could be convertable. However, I suppose I shouldn’t have been that surprised as most photoshops have 5-in-1 reflectors/diffusers that are similar. Velco makes everything a convertable, eh?
I hadn’t seen any studio booms before either. The controls at the counterweight end makes sense.
It was good to see these, but I’ve yet to get a Stobist set for my flash.
What’s the model of the boom? I’ve checked around and found Manfrotto mega boom and other super booms.
The boom is the Manfrotto Super Boom with Stand (in Black I see the Manfrotto part number is 3090). This handles up to our 6′ Octabox really well. I’ve never actually used the Mega Boom but, for us, it’s probably overkill.
I love the ankle weight idea. Very clever!!!! A lot better than messing with sandbags.
What is the model on the “floor stand” referred to in this video.
I believe the “little baby stand” is a white lightning backlight stand, it is nice, but I’m really looking for a “floor stand” like you have. I have been searching for one for years!!
Thanks so much for the high quality very informative videos.
Thanks, Albert, I’m glad you like the videos. I love the little floor stand, it’s actually a Calumet Photo Backlight Stand
. Hope this helps!
What speedring are you using in the demo?
It looks like you attaching it to a White Lightning Strobe am I correct?
Clayton, yep, that’s a White Lightning x1600 in this video. We have a couple of speedrings for them: one made of plastic / resin (maybe a Photoflex brand?) that split after a time, it didn’t hold up to the heat. We also have a couple of fully metal ones that are great. To be honest, I don’t remember the brands for sure but would definitely make sure it’s all metal, if possible.
I can’t believe you let that bucket stick sneak into the video. Ha ha.
Yep, I actually was supplied a sand bag for a boom system, but have simply used some ankle weights instead. I also have some light wrist weights which also serve the purpose. I prefer this b/c bringing sand on the set just doesnt seem very tidey.
I actually finally realized what that flat floor stand was, it was included in an ebay purchase some time ago, and I just didn’t figure out it was the legs of a stand. Yea, I know.
I like that boom, its a dedicated boom, vs the boom that clamps to the side of a straight light stand. I like the adjustable head levers at the end too. Good to see it in a working studio.
Where can I purchase that softbox? By the way.. love your videos!!
Hi Nina, thanks for the compliment! I’m glad you enjoy the videos and are finding them helpful. The softbox with all of the adjustability shown in the video is a Photoflex brand unit. Calumet Photo helps support this site and they stock the Photoflex brand boxes in addition to their own units. You’ll find their link in the right sidebar, give a search to turn up the different size options.
Let me know if you have any other questions…
Hi there,
I am new to Photography and I am finding your website very informative! I have recently purchased a portable studio lighting kit, the MT-120. I am having a bit of trouble setting it all up, I have a Canon 350D and have a wireless trigger. The lighting set up has 2 lights and I also have a 430ex flash as well. I have figured out how to set it up so I can get one light to flash! so how to I get the other to flash, and can I sync it will my 430ex? AND…what should I set the output power setting to. Can somebody PLEASE help? I am so eager to start using this set up!!! It has been a very frustrating process so far!
Hah love the stick-in-a-can reminder at the beginning. Great videos Jim. I’ve been all over this site the past 3 days and I can’t stop watching/ reading.
Jim,
I recently found your series of videos after searching youtube and dpreview.com. Excellent job on the entire set! Very straight-forward, easy-to-follow, and informative. Thanks for making these available.
Bob
Found you on the web and i have watched the entire set of videos in one night and have learnt more in one night then in the past year keep it up
PS love black and white pictures any tips
Cheers John (from Raining London)
now you know why i like black and white its the only thing we get to see here.