Tax returns and off camera lighting

[Sean Setters]

I think Mark hit most of the nails on the head. I'll also add that I chose a different way to control depth of field, and that's by upping the power level (with monolights) and using ND filters. With the monos, I have all the power I need to do anything from 1 person to a fairly large group of people, the freedom to choose any aperture I want using ND filters, and the ability to underexpose the ambient while doing so.

Using monos and an ND filter, I captured this at f/2.2 on a bright, sunlit day:

Samara & the Willow Tree by budrowilson, on Flickr

Of course, monolights aren't for everyone; they're generally more time consuming to set up, they require pure sine wave inverters and a large battery source, and they are indeed bulkier to haul around. However, they provide me with the freedom to be as creative as I wish without being incumbered with the limitations of a speedlight's power. There are also more modifiers specifically made for monolights than for speedlights (although a plethera have emerged within the last few years).

Honestly, I'd suggest getting a couple of used Nikon SB-24s from KEH and shooting only manual for the next three months. This will allow you to [fairly cheaply] figure out whether or not you want to invest solely in shoe-mount flahses while also nailing down your manual control skills. After that, you can decide if the benefits of monolights (more power/more choice in modifiers) offset the drawbacks of increased setup time, bulkier transportation, and external battery requirements.

As far as the Westcott products go, they all look fine. That said, I just purchased an off-brand Orb the other day. I'm sure the build quality won't be as good as Westcott's, but for as many times as I think I'll use it, I'm sure it'll be fine--especially considering the price. Now I just have to wait about a month for it to arrive from China...

Also, you may want to look at smaller light modifiers too. When you start down the strobist journey, there's a tendency to go as big as you can with your light modifiers (here's proof of that). However, when it comes to small flashes, I often grab my 15" collapsible softbox. It can be fairly soft depending on how close it is to the subject, but it's more often just a bit punchier--and it's a nice change from the creamy soft gradients afforded us by larger modifiers. There are also plenty of other sizes and cheaper versions on Ebay.

[HDNitehawk]

Also, you may want to look at smaller light modifiers too. When you start down the strobist journey, there's a tendency to go as big as you can with your light modifiers (here's proof of that). However, when it comes to small flashes, I often grab my 15" collapsible softbox. It can be fairly soft depending on how close it is to the subject, but it's more often just a bit punchier--and it's a nice change from the creamy soft gradients afforded us by larger modifiers. There are also plenty of other sizes and cheaper versions on Ebay.

Sean

I got a good laugh out of your hat set up. Being a novice myself I knew not to make that mistake. I bought a 16 x 22 and it has been a christmas decoration in the the dining room and hasn't been taken down yet. The wife hasn't said anything about it yet, as a married man I can attest that you should start small. It is easier to get the big stuff moved in later. Of course you can see my reasoning was based on what I knew I could get away with, not what would work best.

Rick

[Sean Setters]

Sean

Of course you can see my reasoning was based on what I knew I could get away with, not what would work best.

Rick

I didn't know what I could get away with; hence the ex-fiancée. :-)

[Rocco]

Of course, monolights aren't for everyone; they're generally more time consuming to set up, they require pure sine wave inverters and a large battery source, and they are indeed bulkier to haul around. However, they provide me with the freedom to be as creative as I wish without being incumbered with the limitations of a speedlight's power. There are also more modifiers specifically made for monolights than for speedlights (although a plethera have emerged within the last few years).

For now, that's a big part of the appeal of going speedlites, for me. Mobility. I haven't talked anyone into being my very own "voice activated lightstands", so for me light in a small package is very useful.

Also, you may want to look at smaller light modifiers too. When you start down the strobist journey, there's a tendency to go as big as you can with your light modifiers (here's proof of that). However, when it comes to small flashes, I often grab my 15" collapsible softbox. It can be fairly soft depending on how close it is to the subject, but it's more often just a bit punchier--and it's a nice change from the creamy soft gradients afforded us by larger modifiers. There are also plenty of other sizes and cheaper versions on Ebay.

HAHA! That thing is INSANE Sean. Any example photos taken with it? Also, any recommendations as far as smaller modifiers go? Was looking at possibly a strip light or beauty dish? I saw Wescott also makes a 28" Apollo softbox, but like their other stuff you have to buy the kit and that includes a stand, making it more expensive.

www.robgalbraith.com says there's about <= 0.5 stops difference between the 430EX II and 580EX II

Read this blog post by "Strobist" Q&A: Controlling the Sun When Using Flash - A Comparative Guide. It may change how you think about shallow DoF in bright sunlight.

For me, the ability to change power settings from the camera via the AC3 controller is worth the total ($$$$$) expense of the PocketWizard Flex system. If setting the power at the flash is not as big of a deal then I would highly recommend CyberSyncs from Paul C. Buff. They are moderately priced and highly reliable.

Mark, Thanks for the reply. So are you using speedlites still, then? Any reason why you haven't gone to mono lights or studio strobes?

The PW Flex system seems like it's totally worth it to me, that purchase I'm completely set on. Also, based on that link, I think I'm set on the 430's now. Maybe some eneloop batteries (any other cheaper/better suggestions there?)

[Mark Elberson]

Mark, Thanks for the reply. So are you using speedlites still, then? Any reason why you haven't gone to mono lights or studio strobes?

I use both. I have a studio in my home where I use Paul C. Buff Einstein E640 Flash Units. On location I use either or depending on the situation. I tend to shoot groups of people more often so lately I've been lugging around my Einsteins. I have one Vagabond Mini which makes for a relatively light weight kit for location shooting. As location work justifies it, I will add another Vagabond Mini and relegate my Speedlites to quick indoor setups.

The PW Flex system seems like it's totally worth it to me, that purchase I'm completely set on. Also, based on that link, I think I'm set on the 430's now. Maybe some eneloop batteries (any other cheaper/better suggestions there?)

The only time I miss my 580s is when the flash is on camera. The 580s rotate in more directions. Other than that I actually prefer the 430s. They are small, light weight, compact and pack a pretty good punch. They are very versatile and you can almost buy two of them for the price of one 580!

And yes, I would definitely pick up some eneloop or similar batteries. I think you should have at least 8 batteries per flash so that you can always reload on the fly.

[Sean Setters]

HAHA! That thing is INSANE Sean. Any example photos taken with it? Also, any recommendations as far as smaller modifiers go? Was looking at possibly a strip light or beauty dish? I saw Wescott also makes a 28" Apollo softbox, but like their other stuff you have to buy the kit and that includes a stand, making it more expensive.

Examples of pics taken with the large softbox:
Image 1
Image 2
Image 3
Image 4

The way Westcott assembles and labels their packages is confusing. If you wanted the 28" Westcott Apollo, you'd get this set (it's the same price as buying the Apollo alone, but you get an umbrella swivel as well).

As far as smaller modifiers go, I already suggested something along the lines of the 15" collapsible softbox I have. However, other things to consider might be:

16" Beauty Dish
Lumiquest Softbox LTP
Small umbrella (sometimes I use a 25" in crowded places)

When it comes to stripboxes, I use them quite regularly now that I have them; for the longest time, however, I did without them just fine. I have no experience with ones designed specifically for speedlights. You probably couldn't go wrong with the new Westcott versions, but I'd suggest waiting until you find yourself missing the advantages of a stripbox before investing in them. Until then, you can use bare, umbrella, or softboxed rim.