Speedlight
Apr 3, 2024 11:03:31 #
Do any of you guys use a speedlight for portraits in studio or on location? If so, how do you like it?
Apr 3, 2024 14:08:28 #
I use two speed lights with umbrellas on stands for portraits both on manual power. I generally start at 1/4 power at base ISO and f/5.6 or f/8 and adjust as needed, either changing the power for large changes or the light position (distance) to make small changes. I have one transmitter on the camera, and two receivers (one for each light). It's pretty basic but gives reasonable results, though not really professional quality.
Apr 3, 2024 14:33:27 #
bhapke wrote:
I use two speed lights with umbrellas on stands for portraits both on manual power. I generally start at 1/4 power at base ISO and f/5.6 or f/8 and adjust as needed, either changing the power for large changes or the light position (distance) to make small changes. I have one transmitter on the camera, and two receivers (one for each light). It's pretty basic but gives reasonable results, though not really professional quality.
I have a very small space to setup a home studio. I find that speedlights work fine in a small space. I have some bigger lights (couple AD360’s and an AD600) that I usually use outdoors. But I am getting older and the big lights, big softboxes, light-stands and other gear is getting heavy. I’m trying to put together a smaller, lighter kit using things I already have. I have some small softboxes and a gang of speedlights. 1 want to go to a SMTV 70cm softbox and a Godox V850 speedlight.
Apr 3, 2024 15:28:35 #
I have used speed lights in the past, but I have a set of 3 elinchromes which I use now. Faster setup, more powerful and much more versatile. YMMV. Best of luck.
Apr 4, 2024 12:56:07 #
Light is Light what device it comes from is much less important than where it comes from and the apparent angular size of the source of the light. A couple of modern speed lights have more than enough power for nearly any portrait situation. I often suggest to people that they start with one speed light bounced off a cheap bed sheet, and a foam core reflector. You can duplicate beautiful window light 'on demand'
There are of course LOTS of different ways to do lighting, you can use multiple lights and hard lights , soft lights hair lights , rim lights etc, But if you are new to this, starting with one large light source and a reflector, is the best and fastest way to get one tried and true setup that gives beautiful results under your belt.
Look at Irving Penn's "Small Trades" portraits.
When you do that, you can easily move on to more complex lighting.
For lighting on the fly, there is no better advice than that given by Neil Van Niekirk in his event lighting videos for one flash on camera.
Between the two approaches you will be able to get beautifully lit portraits in any situation, quickly and reliably.
There are LOTS of other ways to do lighting, and I am a fan of anything that produces good results, but I am also a fan of results oriented teaching, getting quick good results, builds confidence and provides a foundation for more complexity
Good luck
There are of course LOTS of different ways to do lighting, you can use multiple lights and hard lights , soft lights hair lights , rim lights etc, But if you are new to this, starting with one large light source and a reflector, is the best and fastest way to get one tried and true setup that gives beautiful results under your belt.
Look at Irving Penn's "Small Trades" portraits.
When you do that, you can easily move on to more complex lighting.
For lighting on the fly, there is no better advice than that given by Neil Van Niekirk in his event lighting videos for one flash on camera.
Between the two approaches you will be able to get beautifully lit portraits in any situation, quickly and reliably.
There are LOTS of other ways to do lighting, and I am a fan of anything that produces good results, but I am also a fan of results oriented teaching, getting quick good results, builds confidence and provides a foundation for more complexity
Good luck
Apr 6, 2024 08:49:28 #
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