Flood light/video light?

[ImagesByInku]

Just curious - what do people use for a source of "constant" lighting? Flood light? Video lights? LED lights? Do you normally drag lights/umbrellas to the reception?

[picturecrazy]

We should not be bringing constant lighting to a reception. That would interfere with the mood and ambiance of the venue that the bride might have worked so hard to achieve. The only lighting I bring to a reception is my flashes. Sometimes I use a light stand. Just don't bring constant lighting unless you want to piss people off.

[TheGreatDivorce]

We should not be bringing constant lighting to a reception. That would interfere with the mood and ambiance of the venue that the bride might have worked so hard to achieve. The only lighting I bring to a reception is my flashes. Sometimes I use a light stand. Just don't bring constant lighting unless you want to piss people off.

Do you tell that to the videographers, too?

[ImagesByInku]

Do you tell that to the videographers, too?

That's actually where I got the idea. I used the videographer's light to capture this:
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1237/1356442768_b41f4d4acf.jpg

So, I was wondering if any wedding photographers used a constant lighting source at all. Obviously, it wouldn't be on the whole time, but occasionally, when you wanted to do something different.

Or, does everyone just use a remote flash? I guess that would have been a better question. Thanks.

[picturecrazy]

Do you tell that to the videographers, too?

if they need to do it, fine... but we don't, so we shouldn't. Most videographers I've worked with don't bring lights for the same reason. Just like many of us don't even use flashes, even when it's dark.

[jjmucker]

After just watching masters of wedding photography 2 it seems alot of photographers are now using constant lights. Maybe not at receptions but a few of the photographers on the dvd (cant remember which ones sorry, Might have been Yervant) were using them for bride portraits and they do look amazing. one had barndoors on them and controlled the light and some of the images looked fantastic.

Anyone else tried/use these video lights?

[ImagesByInku]

After just watching masters of wedding photography 2 it seems alot of photographers are now using constant lights. Maybe not at receptions but a few of the photographers on the dvd (cant remember which ones sorry, Might have been Yervant) were using them for bride portraits and they do look amazing. one had barndoors on them and controlled the light and some of the images looked fantastic.

Anyone else tried/use these video lights?

I'm thinking about doing it. The video lights aren't that expensive.

[jjmucker]

what is it you actually buy. is it just a basic video light on a monopod controlled by a battery power source. that seems to be the one they were using on the dvd.
Like i said, the images looked fantastic with it

[picturecrazy]

I have a friend who has a very successful commercial video company. He's got enough lights to fill a small house. He let me try out all his stuff.

These are the things I learned from trying all his gear out.

-The first thing I realized is that most need to be plugged in. Not so great for dynamic photos, or when you're crunched for time.
-The ones that take batteries are pretty darn heavy. Maybe not heavy to hold one for two minutes in a shoot, but quite heavy to add to your overall kit. Even a set of small handheld lights came in a large case that would be awkward to carry in addition to all your photo gear.
-Those buggers are HOT. Not only hot to touch, but whoever is being hit by the light can feel like they are being baked in an oven! holy smokes i was sweating after 30 seconds. This was a large powerful light, but in the heat of summer, if I were in a hot non-breathable wedding dress, the LAST thing I would want is more heat, no matter how little.
-It can really change the ambiance of a room. This is what I really didn't like.

After trying it all out (any of it is free for me to use) I chose to use none. ALL photographic lighting can be achieved with flashes and are less obtrusive, smaller, and lighter. I decided if I could do all the creative lighting I need with my existing EX flashes, why add a bunch of stuff into the kit to make me less mobile and flexible?

[jjmucker]

Valid point Lloyd. i'd imagine they things to be very warm. when i was referring to the masters of wedding dvd, they have like 2 assistants at least helping them so it does take a load off the photographer.

So your saying you could get the same desired results from your flashes than these constant video lights? that'd be neat.
If i can find some examples of the photos im referring too i will post them up.
right now im away for my dinner. Yum Yum :D

[mmahoney]

After my last reception I said I'd get one as the light it creates is fantastic .. I'm borrowing a stage light that the band used during the last wedding I shot and my assistant will be following the couple around with it during their first dance, they think it's a great idea.
Mike

[picturecrazy]

So your saying you could get the same desired results from your flashes than these constant video lights? that'd be neat.

absolutely. A light is a light. The only difference in the light aside from colour temperature is that one is constant and one isn't. Flash can be just as soft, just as flattering, just as smooth, just as pleasing as any constant lighting. Not to mention, it balances a lot better with daylight. Which is why I don't understand why people want to use constant lighting... unless they are unwilling to learn how to use their flashes effectively, or scared of it.

The only thing a constant light can do that a flash cannot is motion blur.

[picturecrazy]

After my last reception I said I'd get one as the light it creates is fantastic .. I'm borrowing a stage light that the band used during the last wedding I shot and my assistant will be following the couple around with it during their first dance, they think it's a great idea.
Mike

mike, what I'm trying to say is that you can create the same lighting in your photographs with a flash instead of a video light. You already have a flash, so why not use it?

[stathunter]

I typically use a few home depot shop or work lights and plug them in ----pick up about 4-6 of the double lights. They work great! They light the entire room up. Perfect for keeping everyone awake.













OK--I am only joking. But back in my video production days we did have on camera lights and a 3 light system set up----but I cringe at thinking about photogs using such a setup and making such a scene on the big day.

[mmahoney]

mike, what I'm trying to say is that you can create the same lighting in your photographs with a flash instead of a video light. You already have a flash, so why not use it?

I wish I could get the same control with my flash as I can see getting with a constant source .. you do have flash techniques that I simply have not mastered yet.

I tried flash at my first reception (assistant with a triggered 580 across the room) and most were hit & miss, we tried a few tests before the first dance and settled on a exposure which subsequently was not ideal as the couple moved around.
Mike

[jamiewexler]

I agree with Lloyd - for reception coverage I find a video light to be very obtrusive. Even when a videographer is using it. Flashes blend in with the event much better (everyone is setting off flashes during the first dance, mine blend right in).

I do like a little video light, however, for adding a little fill from a small light source during indoor portraits under tungsten lighting (like happens this time of year when it's too dark to shoot outside). Flashes don't do too well as a smaller light source (unless you snoot them), and they are a cool color temp (unless you gel them). A $20 handheld video light is a nice, small, warm source of light for portraits - and it's easy as pie to use.

Like these three from Saturday's wedding (all lit with my small Sunpak video light held by my SS):

http://www.jamisonwexler.com/images/KellyJohn20070922220628a.jpg

http://www.jamisonwexler.com/images/KellyJohn20070922221508a.jpg

http://www.jamisonwexler.com/images/KellyJohn20070922221350a.jpg

[jjmucker]

Jamie that is exactly what im talking about. i didnt realise they were that cheap though. are these battery operated? I wouldnt use one at receptions but for indoor portraits it would be ideal.

Is it a specific one i need?
Thanks

[ImagesByInku]

Jamie that is exactly what im talking about. i didnt realise they were that cheap though. are these battery operated? I wouldnt use one at receptions but for indoor portraits it would be ideal.

Is it a specific one i need?
Thanks

I'm thinking about getting this one, but maybe Jamie can tell us which one he uses.

http://www.amazon.com/SunPak-55-RL-Sunpak-Video-Light/dp/B000816CH6/ref=pd_bbs_2/105-5269858-1929245?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1190758222&sr=1-2

[figmented]

There are SO many differnt ways to get cool lighting effects, and video lights are one of them.. Like tricoastphoto's pictures, he uses them a lot.. but he also does the whole strobist thing which i highly recommend!

[jamiewexler]

Actually, I use this one: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00006JQBU/

The battery only lasts about 15 minutes of continuous use, but I don't use it for that long at a time. 30 seconds here, 30 seconds there...

[Padreous]

The lowel ID light is a god small studio option which dimming adjsutment, barndoors and filters

next up, id say sachler reporter 75 which is focusable, (not dimmable) and also has filter and barndoor options.

[Padreous]

I agree with Lloyd.. to a point..

"The first thing I realized is that most need to be plugged in. Not so great for dynamic photos, or when you're crunched for time."

((This is a given. Cosnidering most good lights needa 12v 6 cell sealed battery, they do need a good power hit. These batteries are cheap however and adjustable lights(dimmable or clean globe swaps) can work around the issue of continuous power
I souldnt however run a video light non stop at a reception, unless its set up to act as a spotlight with proper focus and barndoor control. In any case, there is a time and place for continuous light.. slow shutter night shots is a perfect example.. light "painting" is another, subject isolation etc etc))

"-The ones that take batteries are pretty darn heavy. Maybe not heavy to hold one for two minutes in a shoot, but quite heavy to add to your overall kit. Even a set of small handheld lights came in a large case that would be awkward to carry in addition to all your photo gear."

The batteris ARE heavy.. the lights are not.. im refering to lowel ID light and Sachler reporter lights here.. Probably the best 2 options forthis kind of thing. Either way a case is an overstatement. These kits really only require a battery which can be warn on the shoulder or strapped to your belt (if u were a belt)

"-Those buggers are HOT. Not only hot to touch, but whoever is being hit by the light can feel like they are being baked in an oven! holy smokes i was sweating after 30 seconds. This was a large powerful light, but in the heat of summer, if I were in a hot non-breathable wedding dress, the LAST thing I would want is more heat, no matter how little."

((Depends on how powerful wattage you have your light set to. I have no need for anything more than 75w (actually, ive never gone over 50w and used 75 to offset hideooous backlight ) and thats REALLY pushing it. Yes they do get hot, but u dont have to be in someones face when using it. Find a focusable unit and youll be fine. Consider it a "powered reflector", as this is pretty much how video lights should be used in a stills environemnt.. offset shaodws or create shadows.. whatever takes ur fancy.. but they dont have to be used as a replacement for flash... I wouldnt recomend it in any case.. ))

-It can really change the ambiance of a room. This is what I really didn't like.
((I agree.. which is why i mentioned focused spotlight. I cant count how many venues ive shot at which have inadequate ambient light.. not as in ambience for the venue itself, but to create an actual vibe.. spotlighting a couple during their first dance segregates the event from the rest of it, and creates an atmosphere of its own.
COntinuous lighting is like any lighting. Once the technique in when and how to use that type of lighting is perfect, it can be used to enhance the environment.
As for flooding the room, ive only done that with an no window church and the photographer kissed me after the shoot as the lowel tota 800w with brella not only allowed the guests to view the actual event (yes it was THAT dark), but the light itself allowed the photog to focus properly, and have consistant WB through the shots themselves. ))

Im not saying youre wrong, im sayin gthere are differnt ways to do things to enhance an environment. the difference is how its done.. ))

After trying it all out (any of it is free for me to use) I chose to use none. ALL photographic lighting can be achieved with flashes and are less obtrusive,
Im sorry but i have to disagree with this statement. Sure alot can be achieved with flash, no doubt. hell its why i bought an extra 2 580's to use in ceremonies, but the meticulous control of ight, especialy if you have an assistant who knows what youre trying to achieve can make a huge difference to how the shot itself is attained.
Im not saying its the only way, im saying that there is alot more control on the fly without having a blanket flash saturate the composition. In addition video lights can make for an exceptional compromise for studio lighting rigs which require huge power boxes, softboxs etc etc such as an elinchrom or AB set up. An of camera flash and 2x 100w diffused lights running off 12v batteries will give you very comparable results in half the time it takes to set up))

Dont get me wrong, i agree with what youve written in regard to your opinion on lighting, but theres more to lighting than one experience with a set of lights which may not have been designed for mobility. Studio most probably, but quick and dirty guerilla warfare, no...
My entire studio is designed for mobility and ive set it up that i can pretty much do anything as required and prepare for that in under 5 minutes.
I still rely on my 580's but video lights have always played a part with using light to create an ambience.

A perfect example is when i shoot boudior or lingrie in a bedroom. flash jsut cant give me teh control i need to CREATE shadow where i want it. Yes i can create shadows with flash, but theres alot of testing to be done beforehand. With constant light, i can see what im going to shoot immediately. I dont have to worry about light falloff as i control it before it even happens.
There are uses for any light and for some purposes one overides the other

there is no right or wrong, its whatever works for you

[AMeyer]

Actually, I use this one: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00006JQBU/

The battery only lasts about 15 minutes of continuous use, but I don't use it for that long at a time. 30 seconds here, 30 seconds there...

Jamie -
Do you diffuse the light at all or just use it bare? Also, how close is it to the subjects? I'm dying to get into off camera lighting, but I absolutely hate my flash - so I'm definitely going to try it.
Thanks!

[jamiewexler]

No diffusion, I use it bare. And I get is as close as I can and still keep is out of the frame. It's not a very powerful light...

[Tragerman]

I have the RCA Video Light VDC88, which is the spitting image of the Sunpak model Jamie linked. The RCA is probably an earlier vintage as I've had it 12 years or more. Handy little light, though I've never tried it with still photography. Thanks for the idea, Jamie!

Mickey

[Tragerman]

BTW- you can preview the shadows with ETTL flashes, both on camera and IR linked with Canon's master/slave system. Just press the DOF check button on the camera body and the flash will provide a low power flash burst for several seconds as you hold the button. It's also useful for finding stuff you dropped in the dark....
-Mickey

[Padreous]

tragerman, prob with that is that you cant run an exposure check at the same time, unless uve got a light metre which reads incident light

[Tragerman]

tragerman, prob with that is that you cant run an exposure check at the same time, unless uve got a light metre which reads incident light

Ummmm manually set the exposure of ambient light you want and let ETTL do the rest...

-Mickey

[clengster_77]

i've seen a video of yervant and he was using a medal i light with battery pack for his outdoor photoshoots :)