Why this LED flashlight is the perfect tool for photographers
I had the pleasure of doing an interview with Inmybag.net about my gear bag and much of it focused on the use of LED flashlights in photography. LED's have been playing an increased roll in my work for the past 5 years.
Side note: The new P7.2 is such a great upgrade!
I don't see that changing any time soon.
Here is the interview link.
Happy Clicking!
Gear Bag
It has taken me years to build up my arsenal of equipment, but most of the time I use a small fraction of what I own. I am a Nikon shooter. I received a Nikon camera as a middle schooler and just built my gear around that first camera. Throughout the years, I’ve shot 35mm, a medium format Bronica, and finally DSLR. I sometimes miss my 35mm as the digital cameras only have so many clicks in them before they give up.
I get a lot of questions from other photographers asking what kind of gear I use. I always like to point out that it’s not about the equipment you own, but your ability to use what you have that makes a good photographer. The lack of expensive gear should not be the limiting factor in creating your images. My images over the years have been made with minimal gear, sometimes with just a flashlight and an iPhone. Knowing how to use the gear you already own is the most important thing I can emphasize.
It has taken me years to build up my arsenal of equipment, but most of the time I use a small fraction of what I own. I am a Nikon shooter. I received a Nikon camera as a middle schooler and just built my gear around that first camera. Throughout the years, I’ve shot 35mm, a medium format Bronica, and finally DSLR. I sometimes miss my 35mm as the digital cameras only have so many clicks in them before they give up. I've found that I use the Nikon D4 the most, because it seems to keep up with me better than any other camera has. I also prefer AlienBees’ products, as their customer service has been extremely easy and helpful to deal with over the years and I’ve had two of their lights for over 18 years. The rest of my photo equipment is a mishmash of various brands and manufacturers that I’ve collected over the past 20 years.
When prepping for a shoot, I go through in my head or on paper (depending on the size of the shoot) what gear I will need, as well as thinking about any potential problems. This exercise helps me to make sure that I pack all the things I'll need. Some of my most common obstacles are lack of existing light and VERY limited shooting space. My Rogue flash benders are a huge help when this happens. They are very compact and put out really nice light. I also walk into many photo locations not knowing what I will face. I try to be prepared for the unexpected. I do this by having backups for my equipment. If I’m using wall powered strobes, I’ll bring a battery backup and small battery power flashes, just in case I don’t have access to power. I even bring canvas to block out a window in the event that the natural light isn’t right for my images. While my experience allows me to think on my feet pretty quickly during a shoot, I am always relieved when I’ve packed my bag well.
So here goes.
In The Bag
Think Tank
Airport International™ V 2.0 Rolling Camera Bag
Nikon D4
Nikon D810
Nikon 50mm f1.8
Nikon 85mm f1.8
Nikon 180mm f2.8
Nikon 105 micro f2.8
Nikon 24-70 f2.8
2 Nikon SB-800
Nikon SB-700
Metz AA AF-1
Phottix wireless remotes
Macbook Pro 15in
Sekonic light meter
4 Justin clamps
2 LED panels
Hoodman magnifying eyecup
MacBook Pro 13inch
WD My Passport 1TB drive
LED Lenser P7
LED sense P4
CamRanger
Rogue FlashBenders
Rogue Grids
Rogue Gels
JamBox
Vagabond Portable Power BY Paul C. Buff
Thanks Christine Alward for making this image!
Little Light That Could
The LED Lenser P7 is always part of my camera bag. Thanks Christine The Photographer for helping me making this image.
If you've ever been to a Click Monkey Event, Preston Castle Photo Day, or have just come along on a shoot with me, then you know that one of my favorite tools is the LED lenser P7. I first came across it in 2009 at Costco. It was on sale and you who know me, I hate to pass on a good deal! I’m always on the lookout for cool lights. I kept it in my bag for a few weeks before I discovered what it was capable of.
First image made with my P7 2009
I was shooting some portraits in Tahoe with natural light and just grabbed the flashlight to see what it could do. WOW, was I impressed with it! The P7’s quality of light, power, and color temperature was spot on! The way it put light out was smooth with no crazy patterns or hot spots. I had tried a Maglite flashlight in the past and was always disappointed with the result, so I didn’t expect much from this light. The next revelation was that I could focus the beam with one had very easily. This was a huge help in getting just the right light on the subject.
Now, I must say that I warn my models when I’m going to use it on them and also to not look directly into the light. I also try not to keep the P7 shining straight in my subject’s eyes for very long. It is a tactical flashlight and VERY bright!
I have since built up my collection to around 14 different LED flashlights. I was even able to get 3 prototypes of a true red, a true green, and true blue flashlight from LED Lenser. I was very fortunate because only two color flashlights were ever made. Those prototypes gave me an additional option when shooting, as they add a very interesting splash of color to my images.
Working the P7 in one hand and the Nikon D4 in the other.
Most recently my P7 proved handy for one of my larger shoots for HTC. At the time of the shoot, my clients were amazed that a little flashlight could do so much.
Image on the HTC New One E8
I think the moral of the story is to never be afraid to try new and different lighting tools.
Happy Clicking!