Mastering Light with Phottix
My camera and I have journeyed together for the past decade, chasing the elusive 'perfect' light. As a professional photographer, I've come to understand that light is not just a component of a photograph but the very essence of it. While a vast array of equipment plays a role in my photography, today, I want to focus on a particularly important element: lighting modifiers.
My camera and I have journeyed together for the past decade, chasing the elusive 'perfect' light. As a professional photographer, I've come to understand that light is not just a component of a photograph but the very essence of it. While a vast array of equipment plays a role in my photography, today, I want to focus on a particularly important element: lighting modifiers.
Navigating the world of photography equipment can be a complex task. More expensive doesn't always mean better, and cheaper options may not provide the longevity you need. There's a sweet spot in the middle where cost, durability, and functionality meet, and finding it is key.
In my quest for this balance, one brand consistently comes out on top: Phottix. Their lighting modifiers have stood the test of time, offering a blend of affordability, durability, and performance that truly enhances my craft.
I first started using Phottix's lighting modifiers ten years ago. The quality and versatility of their products drew me in, and their resilience has made them a steadfast companion on my shoots, whether in a controlled studio environment or out in unpredictable natural settings.
Recently, Phottix unveiled their new G-capsule series, an innovative line of lighting modifiers that have been nothing short of game-changing for my work. The G-capsule series is designed for ease and versatility, boasting revolutionary features in the field of photography lighting.
One standout feature is the interior gel holder, which is magnetic. This design makes it incredibly easy to switch out color gels, a tool I frequently employ to add depth and drama to my photographs. The holder eliminates the time-consuming process of fiddling with clips or adhesives, making color changes swift and seamless.
Another ingenious upgrade in the G-capsule series is the dual-purpose interior baffle. The baffle has a silver insert that transforms the softbox into a beauty dish, creating a more focused, contrasty light. This ability to switch between different lighting effects without changing the modifier has made my workflow smoother and more efficient.
Here are a few shots where I've leveraged the power of the G-capsule series.
These innovative features of the Phottix G-capsule series have allowed me to push the boundaries of my creativity. Whether it's the vibrant hues from the easily interchangeable gels or the enhanced contrast achieved with the beauty dish effect, Phottix's innovation has opened new avenues for me to explore and create as a photographer.
In conclusion, my journey with Phottix over the last decade has been one of growth and exploration. Their consistent innovation and expansion of their product line keep me excited about the endless possibilities that lie ahead. I realize that this post may sound like an advertisement for Phottix, but it's only because I truly believe in their products and stand by them. It's the brand I put my reputation behind because it has consistently delivered the balance of affordability, durability, and functionality that I need. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a budding photographer, I highly recommend exploring Phottix's range of lighting modifiers. Here's to another decade of capturing the perfect light with Phottix!
Afternoon At The Preston Castle
We had another wonderful outing at the Preston Castle last Sunday. This session was from 12 noon to 4 in the afternoon. During other sessions I found that the light streams through the windows, and is constantly changing. With midday light most of the windows act like large soft boxes. With the age and deterioration of the windows it makes for some beautiful light.
We had another wonderful outing at the Preston Castle last Sunday. This session was from 12 noon to 4 in the afternoon. During other sessions I found that the light streams through the windows, and is constantly changing. With midday light most of the windows act like large soft boxes. With the age and deterioration of the windows it makes for some beautiful light.
Window light: I used the Nikon D4 with a Sigma 35mm
For this session there were a few goals I set for myself. One was to work with existing light from the windows in different locations. Another was to use a strobe light in different areas in a way that I haven’t done before. And then the last goal was to use a strobe outside to balance the sun with high-speed sync.
I was very pleased with how the images came out. The light that I chose to use was is the Phottix Indra 500. I added the wide angle reflector with grid and diffusion attached.
I have been working with this light for about a month now and I am very impressed with its versatility as well as its ease of use. I’ve worked with extremely high end systems in the past, and these definitely are on par with those.
The last 2 images take full advantage of the Indra's High Speed Sync ability. It has been such a huge add to my kit!
Thunder Valley Casino Ad
Last month we had another photo shoot with Thunder Valley Casino. Working with them is always enjoyable. For this year's shoot, they wanted to focus on the slots and gaming area.
Last month we had another photo shoot with Thunder Valley Casino. Working with them is always enjoyable. For this year's shoot, they wanted to focus on the slots and gaming area. Last year we featured Illusions Ultra Lounge. I tried to keep the lighting similar for each shoot, so the images from each year could be used together if desired. We were very fortunate to be able to use Dwight Droze and Amy Jane as our models. This was their first time working together, but you would never know it. They hit it off right away and gave us the energetic fun feel we were going for. As always I couldn't do it with out my great crew!
Production manager: Christine Alward
1st Assistant: Chris Wright
Makeup: Jasmine Cardenas
Art Director: John Facundo Jr.
Model Christine Alward for Illusions Ultra Lounge located inside Thunder Valley Casino
I try to always make the environment and light look natural, as if its coming from the casino. For this shoot I used mostly LED panels with some gel's to warm them up. Ad appearing in Sacramento Magazine
XL Pro’s (Part 2) Outside
Once again I am very impressed with how the XL Pro’s worked. They’re so easy to deal with! They now have a permanent place in my lighting kit.
I’m continuing to explore the possibilities of the The Rogue FlashBender 2 XL Pro’s. This week we decided to take them outside.
Firstly, it’s so nice to not have to carry big bulky gear! For this shoot I had:
Nikon SB-800
Nikon SB-700
Phottix - Odin Transmitter with Two Receivers
2 Rogue FlashBender 2 XL Pro’s
Nikon D-810
85mm 1.8
It took me about 5 minutes to get set up for the first shot.
The flash in the back was set to manual at full power. The front flash was set to TTL.
Camera settings
ISO 100
f2.2
1/200 sec
Once again I am very impressed with how the XL Pro’s worked. They’re so easy to deal with! They now have a permanent place in my lighting kit.
The Rogue FlashBender 2 XL Pro
So I've had my Rogue FlashBender 2 XL Pro’s for a few weeks now
So I've had my Rogue FlashBender 2 XL Pro’s for a few weeks now and I have to say that I love them! Working in a commercial environment means that I can't haul a bunch of equipment with me on shoots. I have to keep it simple.
2 light setup ISO 160, 85mm, f2.8, 1/60sec
These little boxes produce light that's equivalent to some of my larger boxes on my AlienBees. The speed and efficiency that I can set these up and tear them down is a huge benefit. They're simple!
One FlashBender 2 XL Pro and one 3-in-1 Flash Grid