Christian Photographers Community

Hey all...
Just curious what lighting tools you guys use.  If it's a flash, what kind.  If you use reflectors, what brand, softboxes or homemade diffusers, how did you make them.

I'm looking at upgrading with an external flash and maybe a few optionals such as a reflector or a diffuser and was wondering what you experts use?

Far from being an "expert", I have several flashguns.  For my Oly hotshoe flash: dedicated Vivitar DF383.  For my Fuji hotshoe:  undedicated Vivitar 2800D. For off-camera flash I have 2 Vivitar 285HV's.  You've probably picked up on my preference for Vivitar.  They are relatively inexpensive and perform PRECISELY the way I expect them to perform and recycle quickly.  I've used a flashgun specifically made by and for my Oly but sold it because the recycle time was DOG slow and it just didn't perform as advertised.  I also use the Cactus wireless remote for the off-camera flash triggers.  I use wired and wireless remote shutter releases.  I have a myriad of store-bought and homemade diffusers which include shoot-through and reflector umbrellas, Lambency diffuser with 3 colored domes (this is a knock-off of the Fong LightSphere), and a 5-way, hand-held reflector.  I use gels and colored diffusers when I feel they would provide the effect I desire.  And, I have 2 store-bought 7' light stands.  A great place to get informed on the what, why, how of flash photography is The Strobist's website.  You can also learn about almost anything photography-related at http://www.adorama.com/alc/category/AdoramaTV

Hope this helps.

Whew, Gary!  Are you sure that's all?   

Quote from: Jeanne Lee on December 23, 2010, 10:39:03 AM
Whew, Gary!  Are you sure that's all?   

While that may SEEM like a lot, Jeanne, it's really quite minimal.  I don't use softboxes, grids, snoots, barndoors, flags, studio strobes...  a LOT of stuff I can't afford and, right now, really don't have a use for.  Most of the time, when I find I DO have a need for some like a snoot, I see if I can make one to get the same effect (that's what it's all about - end result).  If I can't make it AND it doesn't have a ludicrous price tag (a lot of photo equipment sure does!), I'll see if I can find a knock-off on eBay.  While it may not provide the same QUALITY (and many times it does), it will provide the same effect and I've saved a LOT of money.

See, that's the difference between a photographer and a picture-taker.  I find I'm perfectly content with daylight or attached flash.  Or occasionally the setting for night photos.   

WOW Gary, you gave me a lot of options to research which was exactly what I was hoping for. 

I was thinking for indoor portraits of the girls a softbox and maybe a reflector would be great to give some soft light.  I came across this while I was on Rick Sammon's blog which seemed a good deal: clicky (a couple lights, 6 ft stands, diffusers, and reflector). 

I'd like a diffuser I can walk around with as many shots I've taken outdoors of a subject at close range, like when I'm shooting wildflowers, I often have too harsh a light and I think a quick diffuser would eliminate that problem and soften the subject.  Looks gorgeous on the LCD but on my 30" cinema display I can pick out all sorts of issues.    That and I'm convinced it autocorrects for the LCD and doesn't on the RAW but that's just my conspiracy theory.

As for the flash itself I'm looking to upgrade so I can swivel the flash and bounce the light around the subject instead of head-on every time.    Right now this flash has caught my eye: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/605932-REG/Bower_SFD680C_SFD680C_Digital_TTL_Power.html  -  seems a good deal and a good start. 

Keep in mind I'm still very new to this game, I've had my DSLR for about a year and I'm using the camera's built-in flash which, while great, is harsh and I'm having trouble compensating the harsh light even when I play with the white balance and exposure in Camera Raw and Photoshop. 

Any and all other opinions please, I'm a sponge!  =)

I would choose the Vivitar DF-383 over the Bower.  They are also rebranded under the names of Sakar and Digital Concepts.  They are identical.  My experience with Bower stuff has not been very good.  Others say the same and yet others claim they've had "decent" luck with them.  The lighting set up you point out looks to be an OK deal.  There are other package deals that will allow more versatility.  You could pick up something like this http://goo.gl/Z0Qgz  A friend of mine did this and saved a bundle.  She seems pretty content with it.  Reflectors and the like are relatively inexpensive and can be added as required.  A diffuser for your onboard flash can be readily made from a plastic milk container and works every bit as good as the ones selling for $20+  Here's one I made.



You can roll it and use it like this:



Or, fold it and use it like this (I use it this way)

Gary great teaching.

Hmmmmm.

I received my Lambency diffuser today.  It's a very well-made knock-off of a Fong LightSphere.  I think it's going to be VERY useful.  The results are actually MUCH better than I expected.  To demonstrate what a HUGE difference different flash diffusion makes, check these out.  Taken with the E-620, 14-54mm, and Vivitar DF383.

No diffuser


Onboard diffuser


Lambency

Like that last one, amazing the difference the type of lighting has on an object.

Amazing progression of lighting.  (I have a troll exactly like that!    )