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UER Mobile > UE Photography > Location Lighting (Viewed 3176 times)

post by MrKiltYou

Location Lighting
< on 4/19/2015 2:39 AM >

For those that bring portable lighting with them what do you bring? I would imagine in most cases strobes and such with a portable pack would be a bit too much.

I recently ordered and waiting to get a portable softbox that can be used with my external flash.

http://www.amazon....=1429410871&sr=1-3

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post by Speed

Re: Location Lighting
<Reply # 1 on 4/19/2015 3:20 AM >

the only off camera lighting I've ever carried in years of exploring is a flashlight.

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post by NotQuiteHuman

Re: Location Lighting
<Reply # 2 on 4/19/2015 7:59 AM >

I love the yongnuo speedlights. They are manual only, but that is all you really need for lighting building/tunnels. They are stupid cheap compared to canon and nikon speedlights. The rf triggers/remotes they make open up a bunch of lighting possibilities too. I have the 560-III, but I they just came out with the 560-IV, so hopefully the III will be even cheaper now.

I usually carry around colored gels, a small diffuser, and a few flashlights also.

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post by bRokEnCHaRacTer

Re: Location Lighting
<Reply # 3 on 4/19/2015 10:05 AM >

Depends where I go. Usually I just have a small Fenix flashlight with me, since I don't like artificial lightning, unless it's completely dark. In bunkers, mines, etc. I sometimes use a Coleman fuel lantern, or strong LED lights (i.e. Olight SR90, SkyRay King and LED work lamps).

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post by siper

Re: Location Lighting
<Reply # 4 on 4/19/2015 4:38 PM >

I find that off-camera flash setups require too much gear to carry around in most locations. Not only will they slow you down, they increase your chances of getting caught because the strobes are very noticeable (even during the day) but that also depends on the type of location you're going to. I recommend a Fenix and a long exposure, but I wrote about a few different options HERE.

[last edit 4/19/2015 4:39 PM by siper - edited 1 times]

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post by General Zod

Re: Location Lighting
<Reply # 5 on 4/19/2015 8:29 PM >

Just about any super high output flashlight will work, as long as it has your preferred color temperature and runtime. Every flaslight I own is neutral tint. My best one has a floody beam, and is not a "thrower", which is important to consider if you are using a flashlight for photography.

Diffusers are a good option, though, as mentioned before. If you want more control of what you are shooting, bring multiple lights and attatch them to tripods.

[last edit 4/19/2015 8:52 PM by General Zod - edited 2 times]

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post by 1ajs

Re: Location Lighting
<Reply # 6 on 4/19/2015 8:54 PM >

i just use flashlights

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post by Rinzler

Re: Location Lighting
<Reply # 7 on 4/19/2015 8:59 PM >

Most places i shoot almost have zero light in them. I usually carry one of these around and the other person i explore with carries 3 of them. We can light giant theaters in the middle of the night to where it looks almost like the regular lights are on. If you buy a small portable flash, that also works. I dont know how an off camera flash would be too much to carry but ok. Flashlights work but you have to move them side to side. If you set up a few of those around you, no need to be waiving a flashlight around. Just be sure to close any doors before you use it. I wouldnt suggest using a flash if the place has windows, but those lights i posted would do the trick with an exposure.

http://www.amazon...._s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

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post by NotQuiteHuman

Re: Location Lighting
<Reply # 8 on 4/19/2015 10:02 PM >

Posted by siper
I find that off-camera flash setups require too much gear to carry around in most locations. Not only will they slow you down, they increase your chances of getting caught because the strobes are very noticeable (even during the day) but that also depends on the type of location you're going to. I recommend a Fenix and a long exposure, but I wrote about a few different options HERE.

I don't know. I have plenty of room in my bag (lowepro 102) for a flash and triggers and you really don't need those for most shots. It does mean less beer though

I'd argue that waving around a flashlight for 30 sec or so is just as noticeable as one quick flash burst.

I also really like the sharp shadows you get from quick flash burst. It's possible, but much harder to achieve from a constant light. This is more of a stylistic thing though.

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post by siper

Re: Location Lighting
<Reply # 9 on 4/20/2015 2:07 AM >

Posted by NotQuiteHuman

I don't know. I have plenty of room in my bag (lowepro 102) for a flash and triggers and you really don't need those for most shots. It does mean less beer though

I hear you on the beer predicament. I'm thinking in terms of overall weight. I like to bring a few lenses, intervalometer, water, extra batteries, and tripod. It adds up to the point where I can't fit extra flashes and triggers without really stuffing my bag. We all have different priorities though.

In terms of the waving flashlight technique, I typically like to point the flashlight to the wall behind the scene I'm shooting (without waving it). I find that it preserves the shadows better than waving it in front of you and better than shooting a flash straight ahead of you. Again, to each their own. I just find that this method looks a little more natural. I really like your shots though! Really well executed. I'll have to sacrifice some lenses and bring some flashes next time to experiment.

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post by NotQuiteHuman

Re: Location Lighting
<Reply # 10 on 4/20/2015 3:04 AM >

Posted by siper

I hear you on the beer predicament. I'm thinking in terms of overall weight. I like to bring a few lenses, intervalometer, water, extra batteries, and tripod. It adds up to the point where I can't fit extra flashes and triggers without really stuffing my bag. We all have different priorities though.

In terms of the waving flashlight technique, I typically like to point the flashlight to the wall behind the scene I'm shooting (without waving it). I find that it preserves the shadows better than waving it in front of you and better than shooting a flash straight ahead of you. Again, to each their own. I just find that this method looks a little more natural. I really like your shots though! Really well executed. I'll have to sacrifice some lenses and bring some flashes next time to experiment.

Yeah, every extra ounce really does make exploring that much less enjoyable. I really only bring the flash if I know there's a good chance I'll use it, but there is always room in the bag for it if I can convince a friend to carry a couple beers for me

I also have my kit down to 2-3 lenses, depending on if I think I'll need the fisheye or not. My camera has a built in intervalometer, but the flash triggers still always come with since they are small and double as a long range wireless shutter release and can be handy for long exposures in bulb mode without touching the camera. I ALWAYS manage to forget the water in the car though...

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post by randomesquephoto

Re: Location Lighting
<Reply # 11 on 4/20/2015 4:09 AM >

I always reserve extra space. Which is minimal. For beer in the bag. I've never had a shot that I use extra light for exploring. Just natural light and long expos. But maybe I've missed out on shots because of it.

I've been satisfied with sticking the camera on a tripod. Setting the shutter speed for who cares how long. Sipping a beer and talking to friends between shots. I think artificial lighting is too much of a pain for me. And I'd rather take the experience with comrades over a photo with man made light any day. Hence. Bring the beer. And a flask. Skip the flash. And have a blast.

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post by Axle

Re: Location Lighting
<Reply # 12 on 4/20/2015 1:10 PM >

It really depends for me. If I'm shooting just the location, I'm a natural light kinda guy, I feel it captures the look and style I go for when shooting.

But for portraits, I keep it simple, usually just one flash (either an SB-600 or SB-910), a stand, umbrella and grid snoot. Radio triggers.

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post by sirpsychosexy

Re: Location Lighting
<Reply # 13 on 4/20/2015 1:55 PM >

Canon Speedlite is always in my bag, just in case. When I'm out during the day, in a non-boarded-up building, I have a small LED flashlight in my pocket with a little DIY removable diffuser. The few times that I forgot to bring it I ended up having to use my smartphone LED so I learned that I really need to have that little flashlight with me all the time. Almost every building has a cellar, you can't just skip it

When I know I'm going to end up in a really dark place (bunker/tunnel/cave) I bring two decent LED flashlights with DIY removable diffusers (which also warm up the cool LED color temp.). They are a bitch to carry around in terms of weight, often to the point of making me a bit grumpy, but you gotta work for good photos in dark places. I've bought a portable fluorescent light once but only used it during one week of exploring. It's a great way of lighting huge dark spaces but it's too unpractical to carry around.

Btw, awesome photos Axle!

[last edit 4/20/2015 1:55 PM by sirpsychosexy - edited 1 times]

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post by inviolate_light

Re: Location Lighting
<Reply # 14 on 4/22/2015 1:37 AM >

Unless you're doing headshot portraits on an exploration, I can't see where a 24" softbox would come in handy...

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post by SouthPaw

Re: Location Lighting
<Reply # 15 on 4/23/2015 12:14 AM >

Been looking at some video lights to use for general shooting, as well as UE stuff. http://www.amazon....words=video+lights

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post by sirpsychosexy

Re: Location Lighting
<Reply # 16 on 4/23/2015 4:40 PM >

If you put such a lamp on your camera, wouldn't it kill the shadows just like an on-camera flash? I guess they're fine for interviewing people.

Maybe they're cool to set up off-camera around corners and such, but you could achieve the same with cheap(er) flashlights.

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post by General Zod

Re: Location Lighting
<Reply # 17 on 4/25/2015 2:18 AM >

Posted by sirpsychosexy
If you put such a lamp on your camera, wouldn't it kill the shadows just like an on-camera flash? I guess they're fine for interviewing people.

Maybe they're cool to set up off-camera around corners and such, but you could achieve the same with cheap(er) flashlights.

Agreed. Makes no sense at all to beef up lighting directly behind the camera. Unless you want mugshots.

If you want studio looking results, then you study how to shoot like a studio photographer shoots.

Expensive gear, or Walmart gear, it does not matter.

[last edit 4/25/2015 2:18 AM by General Zod - edited 1 times]

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post by macgruder

Re: Location Lighting
<Reply # 18 on 5/1/2015 12:28 AM >

natural light or bust.

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post by terapr0

Re: Location Lighting
<Reply # 19 on 5/1/2015 4:06 AM >

I love to play around with lighting and experiment with all sorts of different devices - everything from flashlights to speedlights to EL wire, steel wool, cold-cathodes and all else in between. Besides its utility in drain exploring, I really think that experimenting with light sources is just fun and helps me stay interested in getting out to shoot. These day's I'm back to using gelled flashlights more than speedlights, although that's mostly due to their bulk and my unreliable RadioPoppers. Even when I carried flashes all the time I've never really used any softboxes and wouldnt want anything that large. I'm not saying there's no use for big 24" softboxes, but I wouldnt bring one exploring, as they're just too bulky and generally not required. Depends on the type of photography you want to do though, your style and interests could be totally different - use and experiment with whatever you think will work. Be sure to post up some of yours pics!

Here are a few random of mine that I've always liked...I think every single one of them benefited from some off-camera lighting. Sure you could shoot (some of) them with natural light and get a nice photo (especially macgruder), but I love how creative potential there is when you start to play with light.

If you're interested in seeing some more of the tools used here's a short presentation I made for a light-painting workshop years ago...looking back now it's perhaps a little cheesy, but it shows some of the different tools I've used and some examples of how they work. You can check it at: http://www.tohella...IGHT_PAINTING.pdf

enjoy!

[last edit 5/1/2015 4:07 AM by terapr0 - edited 1 times]

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