Light Creatively On The Go

There a lots of of options for lighting and there are even more for light shaping. If you're like me, then it becomes hard to make a decision when faced with so many choices. I want them all! But do I really need them all? Yes....No. I really don't. What about all this gear on the go? Packing and lugging around studio gear can be such a pain that it's usually enough to leave it all at home.

As time marches on, I've discovered that I really need less and less for my work. Sure, I'd love to have a studio packed full of Profoto strobes and an array of soft boxes, umbrellas, gels, and everything else the I can get my hands on. When I honestly think about it, I'm not sure I would use it all. I'm sure I would find myself only using a handful of tools, and those tools would probably be the same ones I use when going mobil.

Fortunately there are plenty of small flash options that allow you to capture the same kind of quality lighting you'd get in the studio. To be honest, that is what I'm leaning more towards more and more. Rogue Photographic Designs, MagMod, Westcott Rapid Box, and many others offer compact, easy to travel options for speed lights. Less hassle? Sign me up! To top it all off, these are affordable. You're not breaking the piggy bank and looking for extra pennies.

Here's a prime example. I shot the below image in studio with a single strobe and grid spot.

Emma

Here's a shot I snapped on location of a performer. Again, using a single light. This time a speed light and the Westcott Rapid Box on a light stick being held by my assistant.

Donal Ross

Both are very similar in quality. Less gear and smaller gear used to capture the second. No brainer.

Now, if you've got some extra dough to spend, there's a couple of nice options from Profoto, Elinchrom, and Phottix to name a few. You're getting more muscle from these while still getting a lighting system that travels really well.

Take it as you will. It's just my two cents.

Cheers!