Studio flags are similar to a 5-in-one round reflector with the except they are easier to mount to a c-stand. Here’s how to use the Flag’s built-in pin to attach to the knuckle of an extension arm which is attached to a c-stand. Why use studio flags? Studio flags--such as the Digital Juice Pro Flag Kit--are great for modifying light. You can use them to diffuse light, bounce light and even block light. Studio flags differ from a 5-in-one round reflector simply by how they attach to a c-stand. They come with a pin that slips into a knuckle … [Read more...] about Studio Tip: Attaching a Flag to an Extension Arm
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Studio Tip: How to Adjust a Light on a C-Stand
Adjusting a heavy light attached to a c-stand doesn’t have to acquire a lot of strength. Here’s a simple tip to help you move the light up or down without much effort. Stand on the Longest Leg This is a very short and simple tip. When lowering or raising a light on a c-stand, place one foot on the longest leg of the c-stand. This will give you leverage to raise the light and prevent it from falling over. This will also work with conventional lights stands by lightly standing on the bar of the front leg. (Editor's Note: C-Stands made by … [Read more...] about Studio Tip: How to Adjust a Light on a C-Stand
Studio Tip: The Benefits of an Extension Arm
An extension arm is a versatile piece of studio gear. You can use it to hold a studio strobe, clip a flag or hang a background. Connecting the Pieces The extension arm comes with a knuckle or grip head attached to one end. Slide the extension arm rod through a grip head that’s attached to a light or C-Stand.Tighten the grip head. Using a pin, attach the studio strobe to the extension arm. Make sure you mount the light on the right side of the knuckle, then if the knuckle becomes loose, the weight of the strobe should … [Read more...] about Studio Tip: The Benefits of an Extension Arm
Light Stand Basics Part 2
In my previous post, Light Stand Basics Part 1, I gave you some safety tips and jargon to get you started working with light stands. A light stand is one of the only things you can buy that will actually make your photography better. Getting consistent results from your light requires keeping it the same distance from your subject from shot to shot, and even my best assistants can't keep the light in place for more than a few minutes without tiring. Use a light stand to make better pictures. There are many stands to choose from and they vary … [Read more...] about Light Stand Basics Part 2
Light Stand Basics Part 1
After a camera and a tripod, a light stand is the one piece of equipment I use more than anything else. For a long time (too long) I used assistants (like my wife) to hold lights and reflectors for portraits and product photography. Once I started using light stands, I had much better results because the light wouldn't change from shot to shot. I was able to work with my subjects to acheive more subtlety because I could trust that there face was the only variable, as in the photograph above. I highly recommend you use light stands, so I'll show … [Read more...] about Light Stand Basics Part 1
Benchmark: DIY Rolling Studio Gear Rack
Lately, I have been researching studio configurations. Jeremy Cowart's Triptik Studio Walkthrough got the juices flowing; especially the rolling backdrop that doubles as storage for bounces, flags and other gear. My space is an open floorplan and I already have plenty of stuff on casters, including my edit desk. I'd never thought of something like Cowart's rolling wall. Genius! I made a mental note to do something similar and moved on. Then, I stumbled across the video below from on Lifehacker. Ramsey's concept is a bit different than … [Read more...] about Benchmark: DIY Rolling Studio Gear Rack
Cheap Gear/Good Gear Mini Reviews: Slinger Big Bag | Flashpoint C+ Light Stand | Lenz-A-Hand
Here are three quickie reviews about some gear you might just enjoy. --- Slinger BigBag Heavy Duty Lightstand Bag There can never be too many gear bags in your closet, and if you work on location with light stands, you want this bag. The Slinger BigBag Heavy Duty Lightstand Bag with Wheels. At under $120 you won't find a bag as sturdy or with this much room and utility. Ive bought plenty of similar bags. They all seem to have one fault or another that Slinger has figured out how to defeat. The ABS wheels are strong and well positioned. The … [Read more...] about Cheap Gear/Good Gear Mini Reviews: Slinger Big Bag | Flashpoint C+ Light Stand | Lenz-A-Hand
