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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> Using videographer's light for your own shots?
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 05/21/2009 11:38:46 PM · #1
When I shoot weddings, the light borrowed from the videographer's on-camera continuous lamp is very good. I was thinking of getting one of those lights to light subjects for my own shots (held by an assistant). Does anyone employ this technique? And if so, what equipment is good for this purpose?
 05/22/2009 11:05:43 AM · #2
I've considered this and done some research and asked questions...i've not any kind of definitive answer on what to use, spend, etc.

One guy use a smith victor 100w incandescent with some barn doors on it, but these things are power hungry sp be ready to lug a battery or several around. I guess if it's your assistant carrying it who cares, right? LOL

I've seen LED vid lights but their either very low power or very expensive.

I want to spend as little as possible- $50-100 for light battery and and all, and when i try to find that at B&H, even with a catalog, I just get more confused than ever.

This light is what I think he was using, or an older version perhaps, but $185?

And then if you give it to an assistant to carry about you either need a good plan or radio headsets to direct them where to stand/point the light.

Since I got a 5D2 and it can do video the light might come in handy for that too...so it's moving up the wanted list, but not at $185.
 05/22/2009 02:59:43 PM · #3
Originally posted by Prof_Fate:
so it's moving up the wanted list, but not at $185.


It says "Add to cart for lower price", so I did, and it came up $159.95, for whatever that's worth... About $25.00, I figure :-)

R.
 05/22/2009 03:49:55 PM · #4
I think this is great idea. I was recently looking at the web site of AlexSaberi and some of his recent photo's from Vietnam.

I have been meaning to ask Alex about his lighting, it's incredible !! it looked like a videographer's on-camera lighting to me but I could be wrong.
 05/22/2009 04:04:59 PM · #5
I just read a recommendation for the Sunpak Readylite 20. I'm guessing it doesn't quite stack up against the higher level models (and it doesn't run for very long) but at $25-35 a pop, I'd be more willing to give it a shot. More for portraits than lighting an entire reception, though. I know David Beckstead uses a video light frequently but I can't recall offhand what type.
 05/22/2009 05:02:06 PM · #6
Originally posted by mk:
I just read a recommendation for the Sunpak Readylite 20. I'm guessing it doesn't quite stack up against the higher level models (and it doesn't run for very long) but at $25-35 a pop, I'd be more willing to give it a shot. More for portraits than lighting an entire reception, though. I know David Beckstead uses a video light frequently but I can't recall offhand what type.


I was at a wedding recently and that was exactly what the pro-photogs used to light the first dance. I found it on Adorama for $25 (//www.adorama.com/SURL20.html )

peterish, the Sunpak Readylite is so lightweight and can be mounted on the hot shoe of the camera for easy storage...you could probably use it without the help of an assistant. Note though, that this light has a very short battery life (12-15minutes).
05/23/2009 04:57:56 PM · #7
Just have one of these guys at the event,
Videographer

Are you shooting video? If so, then the video lights would be a good answer. If it's just for stills a flash would be more useful and powerful.
 05/23/2009 08:39:29 PM · #8
Originally posted by keegbow:
I think this is great idea. I was recently looking at the web site of AlexSaberi and some of his recent photo's from Vietnam.

I have been meaning to ask Alex about his lighting, it's incredible !! it looked like a videographer's on-camera lighting to me but I could be wrong.


Nope, as far as I am aware Alex likes to use off-camera flash - not a video lamp - just a couple of 580s.
 05/23/2009 09:56:53 PM · #9
Planet Neil has a couple of relevant posts that might interest you:

Wedding use of video light

Lowel ID-Light
 05/23/2009 11:20:38 PM · #10
Originally posted by JCDean:


Are you shooting video? If so, then the video lights would be a good answer. If it's just for stills a flash would be more useful and powerful.


depends...ISO 3200 and a 1.8 lens and a video light make for some nicely lit dance pics. Live view and a macro lens and a vid light work magic too.
 05/23/2009 11:25:56 PM · #11
Originally posted by pineapple:
Planet Neil has a couple of relevant posts that might interest you:

Lowel ID-Light


looks great, but it adds to nearly $500!
 05/24/2009 08:18:55 AM · #12
Originally posted by Prof_Fate:
Originally posted by JCDean:


Are you shooting video? If so, then the video lights would be a good answer. If it's just for stills a flash would be more useful and powerful.


depends...ISO 3200 and a 1.8 lens and a video light make for some nicely lit dance pics. Live view and a macro lens and a vid light work magic too.


Any examples?
 05/24/2009 08:50:05 AM · #13
Originally posted by Prof_Fate:
Originally posted by JCDean:


Are you shooting video? If so, then the video lights would be a good answer. If it's just for stills a flash would be more useful and powerful.


depends...ISO 3200 and a 1.8 lens and a video light make for some nicely lit dance pics. Live view and a macro lens and a vid light work magic too.


I agree there are many good uses for the video light. I didn't know if the OP was looking for a portable hot light to avoid learning off camera flash or just experimenting with a new look.
05/24/2009 11:33:03 AM · #14
Thanks for the replies everyone; the discussion and links are very helpful. I'm mainly looking to develop a new look with the video light. There's some great work out there with this technique, so I want to try it for 3 reasons:

1) Great light quality & directionality.
2) Beautiful color temperature separation between subject & background.
3) It's fairly easy for an assistant to use.

Message edited by author 2009-05-24 11:33:28.
 05/24/2009 12:21:38 PM · #15
Originally posted by Simms:

Any examples?



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