Location lighting

[Jeff Wilson]

What are you folks using? I'm looking at various lighting products and I keep going back and forth on battery powered or generator powered, and if battery then monolight or pack and head. I've even considered generators with Arri continuous.

The more I look, the more indecisive I get. I need suggestions so I can get off this fence. :o

[Michael Chu]

I've used some Profoto equipment hooked up to a power pack...and wow...I fell in love with them! But with their high price tag, I'll never get those soon...haha..

I know some people have used Alien Bees with the Vagabond power pack and say they like it. That's what I am wanting to get at this point....

...but in the meantime, I have 2 550EXs off-camera triggerd by Pocket Wizards to do the job. Not as powerful as Profoto or Alien Bees, but it serves their purpose and I'm happy with the results :)

This shot only had 1 550EX off-camera
http://mc-photography.net/gallery/Acura/Picture0010.jpg

[Jeff Wilson]

Michael, do you use any lighting controls for the 550's?

I've considered using my 580's with PW's (just need to buy the PW's) but the light is a bit harsh. I've seen softbox adapters, but that might diminish light output to the point of not usable.

[Michael Chu]

Right now, I'm using Lumiquest SoftBox that attaches to the head of the flash by velcro. It doesn't eat up that much light. According to the directions, it says about 1 stop of light. I haven't had any problems with it so far. It goes for about $30. Very convenient to take on/off the flash for when you don't need it.

However, I'm eventually going to be using the 550's on lightstand/umbrellas. I've seen many samples of such combo and the light comes out VERY nice!

[John Thawley]

I've used the SoftBox and the origianl PocketBounce. Talk about keep it simple.... VERY effective. These are some none automotive shots done with the softbox... 550EX on camera.

http://www.fredmiranda.com/hosting-data//3872/18921IMG_1043_sm.jpg

http://www.fredmiranda.com/hosting-data//3872/18921cutie.jpg

http://www.fredmiranda.com/hosting-data//3872/18921IMG_1048_sm.jpg

[Steve Demmitt]

michael, you stole my location!!!! hahah
nah but seriously I think I shot the apr evo on jtuned at that exact same spot
could be wrong though

[Todd Corzett]

Not really for on location right now, but I have a pair of White Lightning x1600 strobes. Someday I'll get a vagabond system, but I haven't the need right now. A simple pair of light stands and umbrellas does the trick... I'd like to get a large softbox, but again no real need. And a sample (just a single light with an umbrella, but I got quite a bit of bounce off the wall to the right)... the subject really wasn't working with the camera though:

http://www.unitonestudios.com/_Other/me/LG4Y0025.jpg

Even had a hand-made muslin backdrop! (Yes, that's the reason I have a pair of blue socks)

-Todd...

Edit - oh, yeah, the reason that I posted this was because I chose to get the x1600 incase I needed to power to really light-up a big scene like a car.

[John Thawley]

Wait a minute... I post this:

http://www.fredmiranda.com/hosting-data//3872/18921IMG_1043_sm.jpg

Amd you post this?

http://www.unitonestudios.com/_Other/me/LG4Y0025.jpg

Oh my.

[John Jovic]

I use 2 x Metz 60's and 2 x Metz 54 with pocket wizards which works great for exterior stuff. Not powerfull enough for interior pics, but then I rarely call on them for that.

Except for interiors, engine bays, there's no real point in using sofboxes/umbrellas as they just make a larger reflection in the car.

JJ

[Jacob Leveton]

Mike - remind me to invite you out on my next shoot.

I use 2 speedotron strobes, 300W non adjustable. It works pretty well. I wouldn't mind a 3rd strobe, but the 3rd outlet on my powerpack is blown, so I'm stuck with 2 for now.

I haven't played with them much with cars, but what little I have played with them, they work well. I wouldn't mind a bit more power though

[Todd Corzett]

Wait a minute... I post this... And you post this? Oh my.
What, not cute enough for you? Ok, you made me do it!

http://www.unitonestudios.com/_Other/me/LG4Y0024.jpg

-Todd...

[Michael Chu]

LOL!!!! I think Todd wins Post of the Day!! Nice shot!!

Jacob - Yes sir!

[John Thawley]

That must be the shot you use on Match.com - LOL

[Jeff Wilson]

well this sure took a left turn. ;)

[Todd Corzett]

well this sure took a left turn. ;)

I wonder who did that :rolleyes: Oh yeah, it was me... my bad. Back to the lighting talk!

-Todd...

[Steve Alvine]

I'm going to wet my pants, no really guys

[Erik Anderson]

Priceless!

I have a trio of SB-800s, umbrellas/softboxes, and stands that I use on locations when necessary. Although not as powerful as studio strobes (such as the Alien Bees/Novatron ilk) , they are more portable and effect when I need some fill light here and there. With the Nikon wireless communication, I can control the slaves from the master on the camera, making the shoot a bit easier.

[Todd Spoth]

Priceless!

I have a trio of SB-800s, umbrellas/softboxes, and stands that I use on locations when necessary. Although not as powerful as strobes, they are more portable and effect when I need some fill light here and there. With the Nikon wireless communication, I can control the slaves from the master on the camera, making the shoot a bit easier.

the SB-800 IS a strobe.

[Erik Anderson]

the SB-800 IS a strobe.

TomAto, Tomahto. I call Speedlights (and the Canon equivalents) 'flashes' and the Alien Bee/White Lightning/Novatron etc studio lights 'strobes'. :D

[Jeremy Alan Glover]

Id like to get a good set of studio style strobes but Ill stick with two sb-800's one sb-22's and a reflector cause its very portable.

[Todd Spoth]

TomAto, Tomahto. I call Speedlights (and the Canon equivalents) 'flashes' and the Alien Bee/White Lightning/Novatron etc studio lights 'strobes'. :D


haha me too, i was just playing devil's advocate.

[Mark Scheuern]

Check out Strobist (http://www.strobist.blogspot.com/) for loads of info on working with portable strobes.

Mark