Strobe Flash Umbrella
Flash Diffuser (Gary Fong) vs Strobe Flash?
I am planning on purchasing Gary Fong’s Whale Tail Flash Diffuser (Reference: http://store.garyfonginc.com/wtcompletes.html ) for portrait photoshoot in studio. The ad indicates that result will be as good as when the strobe lights + umbrella or other bouncing objects are used. If you have used or know both results, could you give me any comment on this ? I am attracted by this diffuser in terms of the cost compared to strobe lights and other usages. Thanks in advance!
I will basically agree with what others have said. I have not used the Whale Tail, but I have used the Fong Lightspheres for years for wedding photography. His diffusers can do a great job, but again, you do need to experiment with camera and flash settings for the best results.
However, NO on camera flash diffuser is EVER going to equal true studio strobes and large softboxes / umbrellas. With the diffuser, you are still dealing with ONE small light source with a head on direction. The diffuser mimics a larger light source to an extent, but it cannot duplicate a large umbrella and a FAR more powerful strobe light.
Light DIRECTION is as important as power or diffusion. With studio strobes you can use broad or narrow directional lighting to bring out definition of a face. You can never create a true professional look to your portraits with a single on camera light blasting your subject straight on. Your subject will always look “flat” and uninteresting.
The Fong style diffusers are great for events when studio style lighting is impractical, but if you are desiring a true studio lighting look,… then there is NO substitute for PROPER studio lighting.
Steve
http://www.pbase.com/s_parrott
Martha Maria discusses Flash Umbrella Swivels and Camera Bags
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LimoStudio Double Layer White/Black Umbrella Brolly Box Flash Strobe Reflective Umbrella, AGG132 $26.80 This uses professional quality materials and provides excellent results. It will also integrate perfectly with any additional studio lighting or gels that you may want to use for portrait or product shooting…. |
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The Nikon Creative Lighting System: Using the SB-600, SB-800, SB-900, and R1C1 Flashes $20.95 Flash photography, especially advanced light modeling with modern iTTL flash systems, has become an art by itself, which should be mastered by every aspiring amateur photographer – and even professionals are often helpless when it comes to using the full potential of these systems. Many photographers are already well versed in photography but don’t have a clue about flash photography. It is a bran… |
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Nikon Creative Lighting System Digital Field Guide $10.69 Nikon Creative Lighting System Photography Techniques Amazon-exclusive content from author J. Dennis Thomas One-Speedlight Portraits One of the things I like the best of the Nikon CLS is how fast and easy it is to get great portraits with just one Speedlight. For this portrait of Kristin I used an SB-900 off camera and triggered it with an SU-800. I used a shoot-th… |
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CowboyStudio NPT-04, 4 Channel Wireless Hot Shoe Flash Trigger Receiver $22.45 This set is designed for photographic studio and on-location work to trigger various flash lights. The transmitter is attached on the hot shoe of the camera while the receiver is plugged into the studio flash. Each receiver works with one studio flash. Additional receivers are available to purchase . 4 channels to avoid interference The receiver has an on/off switch, and an LED to indicate trigge… |
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Yongnuo RF-603 N3 2.4GHz Wireless Flash Trigger/Wireless Shutter Release Transceiver Kit for Nikon D90/D3100/D5000/D7000 $27.92 The brand new RF-603 is a remote shutter release as well as a multi-functional radio flash trigger which can synchronously trigger flashes and studio strobes. Through the transceiver based system each item can be used flexibly as trigger or receiver. Only 2 AAA batteries are required as power source for each item. The 2.4GHz wireless frequency is suitable in most countries and guarantees high spee… |
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CowboyStudio Photography and Video Continuous Triple Lighting Kit, Backdrop Support System, Black & White Muslin Backdrops, and Carry Case for Support System $121.99 Daylight balanced bulbs: Do Not Be Fooled By the cheap bulbs, our bulbs have been serving U.S for almost 7 years. It is UL, CE listed and Energy Star. These high-output daylight balanced compact fluorescent bulbs are ideally suited for digital photography. They also have very low heat so they don’t get hot like the more common photo bulb choices. Light stands: Versatile, Hardworking & Lightweight,… |
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(2) Strobe Softbox + Umbrellas $349.99 Strobelite kits provide everything needed to obtain professional high quality images. Complete with education, each kit comes standard with an instructional DVD that will walk you through how to operate and understand your digital camera, step-by-step set up of your kit, lighting and posing, along with many tips and techniques to enhance your images. Adjust the light output from ¼ power to full power (or anywhere in between) to control the amount of light onto the subject. Fast recycle times and built-in slave trippers offer flexibility for both studio and location work. The 100-watt modeling lamp allows you to see exactly where the light and shadow will fall on the subject before setting off the Strobelite’s flash, and is controlled by its own power switch. This allows you to conveniently set your strobes exactly where you want them, quickly and easily, before you make the exposure! Housed in high-impact polycarbonate, the unit is lightweight, durable and ready for travel. With a quick-release faceplate, a built-in umbrella mount and a standard reflector mount, you can easily mount a wide range of accessories. Unit comes standard with user changeable flash tube, modeling lamp, reflector, removable power cord, sync cord and protective travel cap. Strobelite Kits provide everything needed to obtain professional high quality images. The included 24” soft box and 38” white umbrella allow for natural light modification.View or Download The Westcott Sales Brochure Adobe Reader Required |
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Recreational Strobe and Flashlight Combo $27.94 Product No. 19161915 with amber strobe Recreational strobe and flashlight comboIdeal for boaters, hunters, campers, skiers or diver’s BC pocket; includes wrist lanyard and velcro strap Omni-directional strobe visible up to 2 miles (3.2 km) Waterproof to 328 ft (100 m); for diving, use non-petroleum based lubricant on O Ring seal to ensure maximum waterproof integrity Floats if dropped overboard Operates on 2 AA alkaline or 2 AA lithium batteriesOperating life – Strobe – 10 hours; flashlight – 2 hours continuous Size: 5.3 x 1.5 in (13.5 x 3.8 cm)Weight:5.0oz (142 g)Material:High impact ABS caseColor:International orangeOperation:Hold light body constant, turn ring to left or right to activate strobe or flashlightWaterproof:Up to 328 ft (100 m)Beam:6 ft (1.8 m) wide at a distance of 3 ft (.9 m)Strobe:Omni-directional 360oVisibility:High intensity strobe light is visible up to 2 miles (3.2 km)Flash Rate:40-60 flashes per minuteLamp:Xenon flash tube with Krypton bulbBattery Type:2 AA alkaline or lithium batteriesLimited Warranty:1 yearOperational Life:Strobe-10 hours; flashlight-2 hours continuous |
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Micro Apollo Flash Diffuser 2200 $39.99 Fits easily over your on-camera flash for eliminating red-eye and softening harsh light. Requires no brackets and works with manual or auto flash; fits any battery powered strobe regardless of manufacturer or design.No adapter ring necessaryUmbrella base opens and closes quickly- used with standard umbrella receptacleRecessed front gives directional control and allows for easy feathering of the lightSilver interior provides maximum light output |
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UM-4 Umbrella Holder $28.94 Lightweight but sturdy polycarbonate light and umbrella mount adjusts to any angle. Includes 5/8 in. stud for light mounting. Fits onto 3/8 in. to 5/8 in. light stands. |
