Lastolite’s HiLite Background

inthedeck wrote in post #6835774
I hear ya EOS_JD. I shoot models mostly on location, as I don't have a dedicated studio (I Wish), and trying to decide between white/gray/black seemless versus this, seems like a logical choice...but, first I need better lights. Yeah, 2 580's inside the thing would work, but, then I wouldn't have much more to light the models up front, except a 430...and that's not gonna cut it. So, first order up, some lights!

You could probably get away with just one 580 depending on what you are doing? But yes a decent set of lights does help

How do yopu create a white backdrop at the moment? (or do you at all)?

I don't...as I mostly work on location. I find places around the area, and just yesterday I went into a studio with two models. I paid for it out of pocket, but, that's cool. At least now I know what I can achieve in there. Umm...the pics are in the G&N section.

As a result, I'm considering some options for my garage...and that will include lights, and an A/C to run in there. The garage can fit two cars, and it's nice and clean, so, I shouldn't have an issue with some seeamless backgrounds. Just coming up with all the money for it...well, you know how that goes...

m3rdpwr wrote in post #6834453
Hey Matt, nice pic.

A suggestion that I did.

I setup my background stands and support poll along side/over of the HiLite.

You can than hang the light from there with a Bogen Superclamp.

Not sure how the heavier weight of the Monolight will fare versus my Speedlite's.

Anyway, just thought I'd share...

-Mario

Thanks Mario, I had not thought of doing that. It is fairly stable as is, as long as it doesnt take a blow. However, if I were to leave it up for an extended time, your way would be the way to fly.

EOS_JD wrote in post #6835780
You could probably get away with just one 580 depending on what you are doing? But yes a decent set of lights does help

How do yopu create a white backdrop at the moment? (or do you at all)?

I am going to test a single 580 in the top today. I had my AB800 set VERY low -- like 1/64 power. I will try to post some results.

That'll be cool to see Mattograph. I'd like to see some more results with this thing. Since it's so easy to 'change' colors, it's almost better than investing in so many diff. colored backgrounds/seamless paper, etc.

inthedeck wrote in post #6836095
I don't...as I mostly work on location. I find places around the area, and just yesterday I went into a studio with two models. I paid for it out of pocket, but, that's cool. At least now I know what I can achieve in there. Umm...the pics are in the G&N section.

As a result, I'm considering some options for my garage...and that will include lights, and an A/C to run in there. The garage can fit two cars, and it's nice and clean, so, I shouldn't have an issue with some seeamless backgrounds. Just coming up with all the money for it...well, you know how that goes...

i sure do! my garage is rather small (single) so i mostly shoot in my client's homes or in my living room.

to be fair I've not done that many yet.... mostly weddings for me at the moment. Nice to do a few every year. Next year could be my busiest. my web site is close to going live now so hopefully I'll be able to catch some more business that way.

If you get the right clients, it helps pay for all that gear! lights can be a big expense. I got mine second hand in perfect condition with a few modifiers. Now I'm looking to add some more gear too - but I need the financial controller to confirm funds are available

mattograph wrote in post #6836505
I am going to test a single 580 in the top today. I had my AB800 set VERY low -- like 1/64 power. I will try to post some results.

Would be interesting to see. An ST-E2 is on my shopping list. If you get good results i might get one sooner rather than later

EOS_JD wrote in post #6836591
Would be interesting to see. An ST-E2 is on my shopping list. If you get good results i might get one sooner rather than later

It's interesting you mention that. I was going to use my elinchrom triggers, but I will try my ST-E2 instead. I am curious to see if the flash will "see" the signal reliably when placed in the top of the unit.

Cybersyncs are a cheaper alternative, to the ST-E2...but, of course, no control over ETTL type stuff. That's the only drawback, really...and the fact that you can't use the speedlights with HSS. That really kills me. But, it's a better solution for on location, especially here in FL where the sun hardly ever hides, and when it does, it's raining. And I've never had any misfires...so, hoping it stays that way.

wow, some great info here...
thanks guys...

I had promised some photos with a 580 EX II solo, and the results you might expect.

First photo: 580 EX II Half power, 24 mm zoom with FongShere cloud mounted to give me a nice even spread. Flash mounted in top of hilite via boom, centered. I have found this gives me a "hair light" effect. AB800 camera left fired into 60" reflective umbrella at 1/8 power

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Hey Matt,

The images aren't loading. Can you check the links?

Same problem as before, Robert. If I specifically ask for the image to be loaded in a separate tab, they will load. So they're there, it's just SmugMug playing up again...

Just slow in loading it seems. I like the base. I paid for the train which I actually think is pretty poor.

TMR Design wrote in post #6878470
Hey Matt,

The images aren't loading. Can you check the links?

i'm in the same boat.

not even a red X!

Nice images. I viewed the source for your post and got the links as people were having problems viewing them. Hope you don't mind me linking to them.


http://mattograph.smug​mug.com/photos/4365922​62_jisQv-L.jpg
http://mattograph.smug​mug.com/photos/4365918​95_UNZcq-L.jpg