Light Modifiers
When you start getting extremely close to your subject, you may run into some difficulty with lighting. This could be because your large lights can't get into position easily, you can't get the type of lighting you want, or you are so close that you are casting a shadow. There are solutions to these problems, and each has its own unique capabilities and look that will help you bring your macro photography up a notch.
Let's start things off with something you probably already have in your bag, an
You know what’s handy? The newest 22" Circular Collapsible Reflectors from Impact, and not just because they have handles. This size allows for much easier placement in tight spaces or when working with small objects. They also collapse to a much more manageable size for storage, especially if you reside in a cramped New York City apartment. Making them a breeze to handle are the two handles on each side which, as a bonus,
Sometimes photographers get too bogged down in gear. In this B&H Photo Event Space video, portrait photographer Joel Grimes demonstrates how to take dynamic portraits—formal and informal—using a single light source. Topics discussed include types of light sources; subject-to-light distances, and how this affects the softness and spread of the light; the importance of ambient light; and the shape of the light source or light modifier. Grimes also discusses the types and uses of various Westcott light modifiers.
The new line of Impact Circular Reflectors offers a quick and easy way to fill in shadows or reduce contrast to give a refined look to your photo or video work. Available in 32, 42, and 52" diameters, the reflectors fold down to about 1/3 their open size to fit in their included case. Among the built-in convenience features are two grip-like handles that make it simple to handhold the reflector or bow it into a U-shape to suit your subject or light source. There are
In this B&H Photo Event Space video, photographer and Nikon tech guru Alex Podstawski demonstrates how to use Nikon Speedlights in several lighting situations. Topics Podstawski discusses are color-balance issues when mixing flash and ambient light, controlling light direction, and the importance of proper positioning of lights, using fill flash with backlit sunlight, hard light versus soft light, light-to-subject distances, and how to improve your lighting technique through the use of Speedlight modifiers.
If social media has taught us anything, it is that common political ground may be hard to find in this country, but common visual ground is as close as the nearest kitten. The release of Sigma’s much-anticipated 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens presented the perfect opportunity to test its portrait-making capabilities while sharing a few tips on how to up your cat-photography game.
In this video, Doug Guerra, of B&H, demonstrates a variety of methods for taming light in the great outdoors. He shares some simple tricks, tips, and gear that can turn a harsh sunny day into a perfect, soft scene for your subjects. This includes where and when to shoot, as well as how to use tools such as diffusion and bounce cards to take control over the light. Additionally, Guerra discusses how to add light to the scene for balance, as well as how to use ND filters for greater control over your camera’s settings. We hope you enjoy the
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Shooting in the sun offers the brightest, most easily available source of light possible, but shooting outside brings its own set of challenges. In this video, learn some tricks that will help you make the most of natural light.
Flatter your subjects and create beautiful lighting with the SpinLight 360 PORTRAIT Modular System for most shoe-mounted flashes. Based on an exceptionally versatile Ring Module, the SpinLight 360 system is able to use a wide range of different modifiers to take complete control of your lighting. This module
A softbox is an enclosure designed to fit around an artificial light source, such as a flash tube or halogen lamp. Its reflective interior intensifies the light output and projects it through its only means of escape—the front diffusion screen. This creates a quality of light long appreciated by photographers and videographers, which resembles the softer light one might find streaming through a window. It also creates square or rectangular highlights in the reflective surfaces of your subjects. The "soft" name stuck because of the quality of
Available in small, medium, large, ultra-wide, and octagonal, these portable modifiers maximize the potential of your shoe mount flash while catalyzing your creativity. Setup is a snap via touch-fasteners and a loop strap, while the softboxes collapse flat just as quickly. At 6 x 6.75", the small softbox can easily find a
Flash accessories are popular add-ons, coming in right behind the camera and flash themselves in popularity, and with everyone from Kickstarters to major manufacturers releasing new items, it might be enlightening to look at a few. So, once you've mastered the on-camera flash and taken all the family pictures everyone has requested, it's time for some fun. Here are a few items to help you do just that.
Manfrotto SpeedBox Compact
Everyone is familiar with the less-than-flattering effects of harsh, direct light from your on-camera flash. Instead
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In the following video, Allan Weitz, from B&H, discusses how you can turn standard photos into outstanding shots using the Rogue FlashBender Large Soft Box Kit with your speed light. Weitz explains the interaction of the kit's components, ease of assembly, and wide compatibility of this modifier. He goes on to detail the key features of the kit, such as the large flexible reflector that forms the back of the softbox, and the