Gary Fong Lightsource
Nov 9, 2011 13:10:56 #
Nov 9, 2011 14:14:45 #
i need to make a correction...i said it was the light source, when it is the light sphere.
i took photos at a wedding in virginia a few weeks ago and used the lightspere for the rehearsal dinner and wedding...all the pics came out awesome. anytime i can spend $50 and get results like i have been getting..i will jump on it.
and the main thing is that i didn't have to use an assistant to carry a softbox.
i am not saying it's the best thing in the world..but if you want to take your photos up a notch for a few bucks..this will do it.
i took photos at a wedding in virginia a few weeks ago and used the lightspere for the rehearsal dinner and wedding...all the pics came out awesome. anytime i can spend $50 and get results like i have been getting..i will jump on it.
and the main thing is that i didn't have to use an assistant to carry a softbox.
i am not saying it's the best thing in the world..but if you want to take your photos up a notch for a few bucks..this will do it.
Nov 9, 2011 15:40:56 #
small_cents
Loc: Ashland Ma. 01721
Yes i have one its awsome,,best used if on portrat ,,and then use white balance when you edit if needed its the best
Nov 9, 2011 17:31:17 #
hlmichel wrote:
Never used a Gary Fong...anything. A friend was using one a couple of weeks ago; finally saw his pics on Flickr and was pretty impressed.
Being on a very tight budget, I either either bounce or use homemade modifiers.
Being on a very tight budget, I either either bounce or use homemade modifiers.
Before he came out with the collapsible one, Gary Fong had one that was not collapsible. There is a clone of that one available on eBay and it even comes with white, orange, and chrome domes - less than $20. It is called a "Lambency Flash Diffuser" You can either order from a Chinese supplier for even less (I think I paid $14) and get free shipping, or if you don't trust that method, you can order from a U.S. supplier but still stay below $20. The Fong models are 6X as much - he claims his are U.S. made.
Instead of "shoving" onto the flash with little plastic prickly things to hold it on, these have 4 loose plastic flaps at the bottom and they tightened with a velcro strap around the outside of them. They come in cloud or translucent just like the Fong units. They work exactly the same.
Nov 9, 2011 18:29:50 #
I have been using the lightsphere for a while and have shot numerous weddings and the pictures turn out great. Of course nothing beats off camera flash, but when you are trying to get pictures from all sorts of angles during a wedding it works great. I also have a puffer for my pop up flash that I take with me when I'm just out shooting and don't want to lug my shoe mount flash.
Nov 9, 2011 21:27:46 #
hayuya
Loc: Glendale, Arizona
BigD wrote:
Gary makes some really nice units but if you want to take it up one notch here is another option. I have Gary's as well as a Stofen and prefer the Graslon 4100D over all others.
http://graslon.com/88/compare-the-graslon-flash-diffuser/
http://graslon.com/88/compare-the-graslon-flash-diffuser/
As presented by BigD, there are different units out there and each has its characteristics. So, you have to study what kind of photographs you create and look for the one or the ones that will help you get the results you're looking for. There's always the opportunity to adjust in with your software of preference.
I have the Lightsphere (the rigid one) wich helps me to get the light I want. Normally, I use two flash units (one off camera). But, there are moments when you have to react quickly and forget the second unit. That's the case of this photograph. Yet, the Lightsphere does its work in a beautiful manner. Well! You have to be prepared for those moments. :)
Mama Celia
Nov 9, 2011 21:36:39 #
great shot!! i also agree that you cannot beat off camera flash...but in certain circumstances..it sure is great to carry a camera with flash attached and not carry all that extra equipment. i am really happy with my lightsphere..but i know it doesn't replace off camera flash.
Nov 10, 2011 17:14:55 #
jbreault wrote:
I have been using the lightsphere for a while and have shot numerous weddings and the pictures turn out great. Of course nothing beats off camera flash, but when you are trying to get pictures from all sorts of angles during a wedding it works great. I also have a puffer for my pop up flash that I take with me when I'm just out shooting and don't want to lug my shoe mount flash.
I also got a puffer clone on eBay with white, blue, and gold plates for $6.00 from China.
Nov 12, 2011 16:20:08 #
[quote=jimberton]Has anybody tried the "lightsource" from Gary Fong? I bought one last month and haven't taken it off on of my flash units. It's an "under $50" piece that fits on top of your flash unit. this photo of keely..she is about 8" from that white wall and there's no shadow, the soft light wraps around her. I have been amazed with this unit because before i found this unit, i never used a flash unit on the camera.
anybody else tried one?
Basically what you have is the Bare Bulb effect that I use to use on my Lumedine Flash unit. I would remove the reflector and shhot just with the bulb. They are kind of querky looking, but it looks like it gets the job done.
Nowadays I use a 3 remote flash system .
anybody else tried one?
Basically what you have is the Bare Bulb effect that I use to use on my Lumedine Flash unit. I would remove the reflector and shhot just with the bulb. They are kind of querky looking, but it looks like it gets the job done.
Nowadays I use a 3 remote flash system .
Nov 12, 2011 17:42:03 #
hayuya
Loc: Glendale, Arizona
[quote=seaside7]
Yes! The same effect. Just with the difference of a softer light.
jimberton wrote:
Has anybody tried the "lightsource" from... (show quote)
Yes! The same effect. Just with the difference of a softer light.
Nov 13, 2011 04:32:37 #
Dun1
Loc: Atlanta, GA
I have and have used Gary Fong Lightsphere domes, they work great you need to watch his vids to get his pointers on how to use the product. The key is the settings he uses to get the domes to work.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wfshQuBLdw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wfshQuBLdw
Dec 4, 2011 08:14:23 #
small_cents
Loc: Ashland Ma. 01721
I bought the garyfong cloud from B&H camera for 35.00
For the most part for shots inside its a great ,
its worth every cent . It will do everything that gary claims
For the most part for shots inside its a great ,
its worth every cent . It will do everything that gary claims
Dec 5, 2011 10:47:21 #
[quote=seaside7]
Are you aware that the Fong diffuser is meant to be used with your flash pointed straight up in the air and the reflector is to keep the light from leaving the top of the diffuser and focuses the lumens down and out the rounded sides to create a light "ball" that is diffused? Taking the reflector off complete voids the whole function of the diffuser. At that point there's no reason even having it.
jimberton wrote:
Has anybody tried the "lightsource" from... (show quote)
Are you aware that the Fong diffuser is meant to be used with your flash pointed straight up in the air and the reflector is to keep the light from leaving the top of the diffuser and focuses the lumens down and out the rounded sides to create a light "ball" that is diffused? Taking the reflector off complete voids the whole function of the diffuser. At that point there's no reason even having it.
Dec 5, 2011 10:54:39 #
[quoteAre you aware that the Fong diffuser is meant to be used with your flash pointed straight up in the air and the reflector is to keep the light from leaving the top of the diffuser and focuses the lumens down and out the rounded sides to create a light "ball" that is diffused? Taking the reflector off complete voids the whole function of the diffuser. At that point there's no reason even having it.[/quote]
At least one of Gary's video clips shows him using his device with the top removed. http://tinyurl.com/yc32f7o
At least one of Gary's video clips shows him using his device with the top removed. http://tinyurl.com/yc32f7o
Dec 5, 2011 11:26:07 #
jackinkc wrote:
quoteAre you aware that the Fong diffuser is mean... (show quote)
I didn't see that one and thought I watched them all. So what's the point then? If the light just shoots out the top to the ceiling and does not get reflected back down and through the diffuser, why do it at all? My flash is tall enough that the light end is almost up to the reflector so the diffuser would serve no purpose.
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