articles/Lighting/bigdog13-page3

Rolling with the BIG Dog Part 13 - part 3 of 1 2 3

by Damian McGillicuddy Published 01/02/2012

What's interesting in the image is the way that by using the adjustability in the snoot I can control the size of the 'pool' of light I want to 'push' into Nic's face, here lighting head and upper torso...it's always about the control, and this gives it me in spades. It's slightly unusual to use it as the 'key', as I have here in this image, but as a 'hair' or 'accent' light it's equally triumphant.

Ok so what about the final third of the Portaflex kit? It can be used in a similar fashion to the 'Bare bulb' but with a much greater spread of light, and therefore less contrast or as a subtractive light modifier!

Subtractive light modifier, in other words you can use it to stop light, so light doesn't strike areas you don't want it to. In the sample image of our beautiful bride the 'barn boor' has been attached to the speedlight providing the accent lighting in the image. It's been set and positioned to stop stray light bleeding into the lens and striking surfaces the light is not intended to 'carve'. You can see it in the behind the scenes image just, courtesy of the red ring! A simple tool that sadly is often most noticeable by its absence.

Once more it just proves that quality lighting really is all about placement, precision and control. Would I be without mine?

Not on your life! For just £49.99 plus VAT or FREE as a new members' gift I can see no reason why any creative and diligent image maker would deny themselves, it really is a no brainer.

At the back end of last year I had what could have been a disaster professionally, in that some of my kit wasn't where I and the client where...oooops! Now sod's law says that the client had to be a very well known musician...eeeek! Now if it wasn't for my trusty Portaflex kit which I keep with my cameras and not in my light modifier bag the egg I had on my face, metaphorically speaking, may not have so easily been wiped off! Thankfully, my subject was as pleased as I was with the finished result... phew ;0)

So hopefully you've enjoyed the little peek into one of my kit bags and I've been able to hint at the vital creativity that can be unleashed from such a small package....I hope you feel inspired to give this lighting malarky a go...hopefully I've just proven it doesn't need to be complex or expensive to control light, the raw material we create with.

What you need is the passion and the desire to keep moving forward and the right knowledge to help you select and use the right tools to realise your creative vision. Love what you do and all of a sudden it's not a chore or a job but potentially the greatest love in your life.

until next time

• Rolling with the BIG Dog Part 13 page 1
  
• Rolling with the BIG Dog Part 13 page 2
  
• Rolling with the BIG Dog Part 13 page 3
  

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