lighting setup question

rickp

I'm trying to educate myself with different lighting techniques and I noticed something that I would like more info on.

I've seen some photographers use 2 or 3 flashes with no diffuser on a stand and placed in different locations/distances from the subject while being controlled by a pocketwizard, so my question is why use a flash only setup as opposed to a regular light system (with diffusers) on the subject? Is it mobility?

I know this might be a loaded question and using a particular lighting system is dependent on what one is trying to accomplish.

Thanks
R.

Qarik

if they are using bare flashes then it may be just a rim light or hair light. Also it might just be that they are going for a harsher light type look or..they don't know what they are doing! =p

rickp

I think your first reasons are it. The guy who's video I saw it in is a big time photographer and I'm sure he knows what he's doing.

time2smile

Have you checked the Stobist site. With the advanced speedlights on the market, it would be price, mobility, and control that some only use them.

As far as using diffusers or not, thats personal taste.

rickp

good site with good info.

Thanks for the info.

R>

rwells

Qarik wrote: »

if they are using bare flashes then it may be just a rim light or hair light. Also it might just be that they are going for a harsher light type look or..they don't know what they are doing! =p

If you can get away with using only the flash, without large diffusers, it's a lot more mobile, and your a lot less apt to be harassed by security on location shoots, than if you were using umbrellas/softboxes. Also, you aren't wasting any of your flash power via the diffusers.


TriCoastPhotography has been VERY successful largely using non-diffused, off-camera-speedlights.

Hmmm, maybe some togs DO know what they are doing with non-diffused flash

Here are some shots I took with 2 speedlights using ETTL, no diffusion other than Sto-Fen's. One on-camera acting as "Master", the "slave" unit on a monopod held by an assistant. Ratios were used, and the "slave" unit was my key light, the on-camera speedlight was just for fill. This is the method Chuck Gardner uses, and I must say that it works well. Give Chuck's site a look, very informative.




Same setup, except using the sun as a back-light/rim-light

JustinThyme

You dont always need modifiers. They may be bounced off the ceiling or wall or just plainly set manually to desired output to ward off harsh full light (which they would have to unless you the new pocket wizards with eTTL. The set up and techniques are endless, well almost endless.
They may stop down flashes and shoot in manual with no Ettl. This is what I do 99% of the time and it might be flashes alone or any combination with studio strobes. The might also set up gobos in the path of the light or.......again pretty much endless as the mind is to create an image painting with light.