Comments on: Studio in your hands: portable lighting setup for event photography http://www.akelstudio.com/blog/studio-in-your-hands-portable-lighting-setup-for-event-photography/ Technical secrets of studio photography: we hold nothing behind Mon, 06 Feb 2012 14:15:13 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Sean Franco http://www.akelstudio.com/blog/studio-in-your-hands-portable-lighting-setup-for-event-photography/comment-page-1/#comment-64606 Sean Franco Thu, 26 May 2011 03:16:49 +0000 http://www.akelstudio.com/blog/?p=548#comment-64606 Fantastic idea for DIY photography. The pictures look awesome too. I am not an expert in photography either so I think this trick should do for me. Fantastic idea for DIY photography. The pictures look awesome too. I am not an expert in photography either so I think this trick should do for me.

]]> By: Alex Koloskov http://www.akelstudio.com/blog/studio-in-your-hands-portable-lighting-setup-for-event-photography/comment-page-1/#comment-39545 Alex Koloskov Wed, 23 Feb 2011 14:25:39 +0000 http://www.akelstudio.com/blog/?p=548#comment-39545 Yeah, bounce card should work well too. And it won't be so heavy:-) Yeah, bounce card should work well too. And it won’t be so heavy:-)

]]> By: rockjano http://www.akelstudio.com/blog/studio-in-your-hands-portable-lighting-setup-for-event-photography/comment-page-1/#comment-39348 rockjano Tue, 22 Feb 2011 23:36:48 +0000 http://www.akelstudio.com/blog/?p=548#comment-39348 Well this is nice I might try it. I use Nikon and have an SB800 and an SB600. But true it would be quite heavy. In iTT it makes communication preflashes which might be irritating for some. I use a BounceIt card I can turn it's angel so I can put more or less of the flash power in front or up to the ceiling. It is like having two flashes. Well this is nice I might try it. I use Nikon and have an SB800 and an SB600. But true it would be quite heavy. In iTT it makes communication preflashes which might be irritating for some.

I use a BounceIt card I can turn it’s angel so I can put more or less of the flash power in front or up to the ceiling.

It is like having two flashes.

]]> By: Alex Koloskov http://www.akelstudio.com/blog/studio-in-your-hands-portable-lighting-setup-for-event-photography/comment-page-1/#comment-35042 Alex Koloskov Fri, 04 Feb 2011 15:19:33 +0000 http://www.akelstudio.com/blog/?p=548#comment-35042 I think you are wrong: Canon use IR to communicate between flashes, series of pre-flash is for exposure metering (ETTL). If you have other info, please post here. thank you I think you are wrong: Canon use IR to communicate between flashes, series of pre-flash is for exposure metering (ETTL).
If you have other info, please post here.
thank you

]]> By: Zarli http://www.akelstudio.com/blog/studio-in-your-hands-portable-lighting-setup-for-event-photography/comment-page-1/#comment-35037 Zarli Fri, 04 Feb 2011 14:47:27 +0000 http://www.akelstudio.com/blog/?p=548#comment-35037 @Alex Koloskov, Actually the canon system doesn't use OR, bit rather a series of fast pulses from the main flash to signal the slaves @Alex Koloskov, Actually the canon system doesn’t use OR, bit rather a series of fast pulses from the main flash to signal the slaves

]]> By: Arthur http://www.akelstudio.com/blog/studio-in-your-hands-portable-lighting-setup-for-event-photography/comment-page-1/#comment-2599 Arthur Sat, 05 Jun 2010 22:17:18 +0000 http://www.akelstudio.com/blog/?p=548#comment-2599 I shoot weddings, amongst other things. In most cases there is nothing to bounce the light off of, so the only possibility is to use the flash with its head pointed forward. However, I have recently started to use two flashes, as well - one is the camera's built-in small pop-up flash, and the other is an external flash, hand-held off camera. I use Nikon so the pop-up flash activates the external flash in a wireless way through an optical signal. In this setup the powerful external flash, which I usually hold with my left hand as far away from the camera as possible, acts as the key light, while the camera's built-in flash acts as a fill light. It works beautifully! I shoot weddings, amongst other things. In most cases there is nothing to bounce the light off of, so the only possibility is to use the flash with its head pointed forward. However, I have recently started to use two flashes, as well – one is the camera’s built-in small pop-up flash, and the other is an external flash, hand-held off camera. I use Nikon so the pop-up flash activates the external flash in a wireless way through an optical signal. In this setup the powerful external flash, which I usually hold with my left hand as far away from the camera as possible, acts as the key light, while the camera’s built-in flash acts as a fill light. It works beautifully!

]]> By: Alex Koloskov http://www.akelstudio.com/blog/studio-in-your-hands-portable-lighting-setup-for-event-photography/comment-page-1/#comment-1682 Alex Koloskov Thu, 13 May 2010 19:09:51 +0000 http://www.akelstudio.com/blog/?p=548#comment-1682 @Dana, Canon use IR beams to communicate between flashes, which requires to "see" each flash by another. However, when we use setup like mine in a room, they do not need to be aimed to each other: reflected beam is strong enough to deliver the signal to each strobe. So, This is ok to have them both to aim at the model. Outside, when shooting open air, is where we need to be sure both flashes are on a line of sight. See how I made it work this way: <a href="http://www.akelstudio.com/blog/visit-to-maharaj-small-piece-of-india-in-atalnta-ga" target="_blank">Each flash was seeing another (second was hold by other person)</a> @Dana,
Canon use IR beams to communicate between flashes, which requires to “see” each flash by another. However, when we use setup like mine in a room, they do not need to be aimed to each other: reflected beam is strong enough to deliver the signal to each strobe. So, This is ok to have them both to aim at the model.

Outside, when shooting open air, is where we need to be sure both flashes are on a line of sight.
See how I made it work this way: Each flash was seeing another (second was hold by other person)

]]> By: Dana http://www.akelstudio.com/blog/studio-in-your-hands-portable-lighting-setup-for-event-photography/comment-page-1/#comment-1485 Dana Fri, 07 May 2010 22:33:36 +0000 http://www.akelstudio.com/blog/?p=548#comment-1485 I think your setup would work for a number of difference scenarios. I was curious how the two flashes communicate? I use wireless flash from time to time; however, I wouldn't think with both flashes oriented in the same general direction, they would be able to communicate. Any secrets? I think your setup would work for a number of difference scenarios. I was curious how the two flashes communicate? I use wireless flash from time to time; however, I wouldn’t think with both flashes oriented in the same general direction, they would be able to communicate. Any secrets?

]]> By: admin http://www.akelstudio.com/blog/studio-in-your-hands-portable-lighting-setup-for-event-photography/comment-page-1/#comment-320 admin Mon, 25 Jan 2010 00:58:51 +0000 http://www.akelstudio.com/blog/?p=548#comment-320 Kate, Yes, it is quite heavy, especially for such nice woman like you:-) Kate,
Yes, it is quite heavy, especially for such nice woman like you:-)

]]> By: admin http://www.akelstudio.com/blog/studio-in-your-hands-portable-lighting-setup-for-event-photography/comment-page-1/#comment-319 admin Mon, 25 Jan 2010 00:55:42 +0000 http://www.akelstudio.com/blog/?p=548#comment-319 Thank you, Stan Thank you, Stan

]]> By: admin http://www.akelstudio.com/blog/studio-in-your-hands-portable-lighting-setup-for-event-photography/comment-page-1/#comment-296 admin Sun, 17 Jan 2010 21:43:54 +0000 http://www.akelstudio.com/blog/?p=548#comment-296 Well, like I said, I do not shoot events, and people I shot never had any problem with the light from a flash. And honestly, I do not like photos taken without flash, even outside. I like these little sparks in people's eyes, bright faces on noise-free photos (in opposite to what I see on Jeff Ascough blog, for example). Grainy, film-like noise, is not my style of photography. As for a wedding photography, this is what I really like: http://vera-klokova.livejournal.com/68548.html , http://vera-klokova.livejournal.com/29816.html#cutid1 Bright, colorful and clean images. Well, like I said, I do not shoot events, and people I shot never had any problem with the light from a flash. And honestly, I do not like photos taken without flash, even outside. I like these little sparks in people’s
eyes, bright faces on noise-free photos (in opposite to what I see on Jeff Ascough blog, for example). Grainy, film-like noise, is not my style of photography. As for a wedding photography, this is what I really like:
http://vera-klokova.livejournal.com/68548.html , http://vera-klokova.livejournal.com/29816.html#cutid1
Bright, colorful and clean images.

]]> By: stan http://www.akelstudio.com/blog/studio-in-your-hands-portable-lighting-setup-for-event-photography/comment-page-1/#comment-292 stan Fri, 15 Jan 2010 18:20:38 +0000 http://www.akelstudio.com/blog/?p=548#comment-292 Great idea and nice job. Great idea and nice job.

]]> By: hlinton http://www.akelstudio.com/blog/studio-in-your-hands-portable-lighting-setup-for-event-photography/comment-page-1/#comment-273 hlinton Mon, 11 Jan 2010 05:57:29 +0000 http://www.akelstudio.com/blog/?p=548#comment-273 I shoot events as a large part of my current workload and I have to say that this whole idea of adding more lights is just absurd. First of all its too heavy for an all day shoot. Secondly, it draws way too much attention to the photographer [you're not the star of the event - your client is]. Thirdly, with today's low-light capabilities its really not necessary. On top of that in most/many cases flash convolutes the ambiance of the environment by giving it an artificial look. That's not to say that I don't use flash - sparingly. I just wouldn't hammer my subjects with not one but two lights thereby running the risk of creating the hallmark of amateur lighting - the dreaded cross-shadow. As for your reply: "I guess even in concert hall, 2 flashes mounted this way will produce better results than one. Just need to aim both to the subject, not a wall. Do you agree?" I'd say, "No, I don't agree". If anything, I would only bounce the light off a wall or at least use a diffuser and point it away from the subject[s]. As for concert photography: no one wants your flash going off while they're playing or enjoying the music. Here again you're not the star. I suggest loosing the strobes all together. Check out Jeff Ascough's blog or at least look into how Planet Neil operates using his strobes. In a word - less is more. I shoot events as a large part of my current workload and I have to say that this whole idea of adding more lights is just absurd. First of all its too heavy for an all day shoot. Secondly, it draws way too much attention to the photographer [you're not the star of the event - your client is]. Thirdly, with today’s low-light capabilities its really not necessary. On top of that in most/many cases flash convolutes the ambiance of the environment by giving it an artificial look.

That’s not to say that I don’t use flash – sparingly. I just wouldn’t hammer my subjects with not one but two lights thereby running the risk of creating the hallmark of amateur lighting – the dreaded cross-shadow.

As for your reply: “I guess even in concert hall, 2 flashes mounted this way will produce better results than one. Just need to aim both to the subject, not a wall. Do you agree?” I’d say, “No, I don’t agree”. If anything, I would only bounce the light off a wall or at least use a diffuser and point it away from the subject[s]. As for concert photography: no one wants your flash going off while they’re playing or enjoying the music. Here again you’re not the star.

I suggest loosing the strobes all together. Check out Jeff Ascough’s blog or at least look into how Planet Neil operates using his strobes. In a word – less is more.

]]> By: Duncan http://www.akelstudio.com/blog/studio-in-your-hands-portable-lighting-setup-for-event-photography/comment-page-1/#comment-272 Duncan Mon, 11 Jan 2010 05:40:04 +0000 http://www.akelstudio.com/blog/?p=548#comment-272 Actually I think it is hard to judge how well this set-up is working because of the background. Generally on-camera flash looks ugly because of the shadows. The tree here is hiding things. Show me it done on a white background ! Actually I think it is hard to judge how well this set-up is working because of the background. Generally on-camera flash looks ugly because of the shadows. The tree here is hiding things. Show me it done on a white background !

]]> By: admin http://www.akelstudio.com/blog/studio-in-your-hands-portable-lighting-setup-for-event-photography/comment-page-1/#comment-262 admin Thu, 07 Jan 2010 14:48:16 +0000 http://www.akelstudio.com/blog/?p=548#comment-262 Bill, True, I see what you are saying. I guess even in concert hall, 2 flashes mounted this way will produce better results than one.. Just need to aim both to the subject, not a wall. Do you agree? Bill,
True, I see what you are saying. I guess even in concert hall, 2 flashes mounted this way will produce better results than one.. Just need to aim both to the subject, not a wall. Do you agree?

]]> By: bill http://www.akelstudio.com/blog/studio-in-your-hands-portable-lighting-setup-for-event-photography/comment-page-1/#comment-261 bill Thu, 07 Jan 2010 13:27:12 +0000 http://www.akelstudio.com/blog/?p=548#comment-261 Nice photos and idea but you say "event photos" and what you show are family photos in a controlled white walled room. I would love to have events in a white living room but that won't happen. Nice photos and idea but you say “event photos” and what you show are family photos in a controlled white walled room.
I would love to have events in a white living room but that won’t happen.

]]> By: Lindsey http://www.akelstudio.com/blog/studio-in-your-hands-portable-lighting-setup-for-event-photography/comment-page-1/#comment-252 Lindsey Tue, 05 Jan 2010 15:22:52 +0000 http://www.akelstudio.com/blog/?p=548#comment-252 Very nice lighting and so portable! I'm going to have to see if I can find my old bracket too. Very nice lighting and so portable! I’m going to have to see if I can find my old bracket too.

]]> By: Kate Miller http://www.akelstudio.com/blog/studio-in-your-hands-portable-lighting-setup-for-event-photography/comment-page-1/#comment-250 Kate Miller Tue, 05 Jan 2010 12:54:09 +0000 http://www.akelstudio.com/blog/?p=548#comment-250 That's a great way to avoid shadows. What we really need is a bracket that will hold both lights off camera. I guess that could be really awkward and heavy, though. I photograph weddings and I like to use off-camera flash as much as possible, but never considered adding a second flash via bracket. That’s a great way to avoid shadows. What we really need is a bracket that will hold both lights off camera. I guess that could be really awkward and heavy, though. I photograph weddings and I like to use off-camera flash as much as possible, but never considered adding a second flash via bracket.

]]> By: Libby http://www.akelstudio.com/blog/studio-in-your-hands-portable-lighting-setup-for-event-photography/comment-page-1/#comment-246 Libby Sun, 03 Jan 2010 23:00:47 +0000 http://www.akelstudio.com/blog/?p=548#comment-246 Wow never thought of pulling out the old bracket for using a quick 2 light option. Thanks for the great tip! Wow never thought of pulling out the old bracket for using a quick 2 light option. Thanks for the great tip!

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