articles/Lighting/thelightsphere-page2

The Lightsphere - part 2 of 1 2

by Mike McNamee Published 01/01/2006

Where to put it?

While there are many answers to this question, the two correct ones are - directly above the camera or high to one side or the other. Using the Lightsphere directly on top of the camera and facing forward is the least desirable, as the catch light is centred on the pupil. Also, locating the flash on the hot shoe does not present it in the correct place for portrait format shooting. There are a number of devices for holding flash gun(s) away from the camera and a quick Google for the topic rapidly scored tens of devices. The trick seems to be finding the middle ground between getting the flash away from the lens axis and leaving the photographer looking like a mobile telephone mast! However, a good flash bracket seeks out the ground between red-eye at one end and the need for an everpresent, tall assistant at the other.

There is also the matter of camera balance. The top-heavy setup is always likely to fall forward if the photographer bends down (say, to adjust the bride's train). For this reason the thing to look for in a bracket is stiffness, light weight and the quality of the bracketing to interface with your tripod. A good, padded grip for the left hand is also vital.

The Stroboframe PressT as illustrated is one of the better offerings and even has a retracting arm so that the assembly may be placed on the ground without toppling over. The unit shown is attached to a Manfroto compatible plate, which has to be tightened with a coin so that it does not protrude and interfere with the tripod slot.

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1st Published 01/01/2006
last update 09/12/2022 14:59:43

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