Interview with Wedding Photographer Bill Peary

Today on the blog we’re excited to be featuring Bill Peary, a wedding photographer from Austin, Texas. He runs Peary Photography with his wife and daughter, and together they capture weddings, engagements, bridal sessions, maternity, newborns, families and events. The Pearys even have an in-home studio where they create wine bottle product shots for more than 30 wineries.

Bill has been a full-time photographer for over 10 years. He shot his first wedding relying on only an Olympus 300 and a 2G CF card. “The ceremony was in direct light, and it was 105 degrees that day. I made $200. The couple still talks to me, so I guess I did ok.”

Photo by Peary Photography

One of Bill’s favorite things about taking photos is when he gets into his zone at weddings – where he is able to run the show and make things happen for the couple. He says the flip side of that high is when the wedding timeline is thrown off track. “We have to work hard to get things caught up. Happens all the time.”

Bill’s photography business isn’t just a business – it’s a family affair. Bill’s wife, Karen, keeps the business’ books, writes timelines and photo lists, and spends her weekends shooting with Bill. Their daughter, Allie, handles the business side of things and assists Bill on bridal and engagement sessions. Bill says that the various family members’ strengths are what make their business successful. “We, as a family, are always trying to figure out how to be better at what we do. I could not do this without Karen & Allie!” And having shot over 800 weddings together, the family is definitely doing something right!

Photo by Peary Photography

It doesn’t hurt that Peary Photography is based in “The Wedding Capital of Texas,” with 36 wedding venues within 20 miles of their home. “From the small venue where we shoot more than 60 weddings a year, to our top six venues near our house, we know where all the good spots are for photos and have built strong relationships with the owners and staff,” Bill shares.

Another factor that has benefited Peary Photography is the relationships they have built with other wedding vendors. Bill asserts that networking with venues and other vendors is vital in the photography business. “All of those relationships are so important, but it takes a long time to prove yourself. Getting on a preferred list is not easy, so these are connections we never take for granted.”

Photo by Peary Photography

Lighting is another essential part of Bill’s wedding photography success story. “We are totally reliant on lighting – mainly off-camera flash. If we didn’t have off-camera flash capabilities, we wouldn’t be doing this for a living.” Bill first found LumoPro six or seven years ago through a demo at the WPPI Expo. “Lighting is everything for our workflow, and LumoPro flashes changed our photography life.”

After starting with the venerable LP160, Bill upgraded to the LP180R and has not looked back. Bill says he generally uses two LumoPro flashes at a ceremony, four at a reception, and one LumoPro flash on a monopod for portraits at sunset or twilight.

Photo by Peary Photography

Two of Bill’s favorite images have been shot with LumoPro flashes. This image of a couple on their wedding day was captured just as the rain had stopped and the sun broke through the clouds. Bill used one LumoPro flash on camera and one off camera, to properly expose the couple without losing the beautiful sunbeams in the background.

Photo by Peary Photography

Bill’s other favorite image was captured at an outdoor wedding reception. The bride’s family was from Kenya, and Bill captured an image of the bride’s aunt performing an incredible African-style dance. “In the long cropped image, you can see and feel her expression and see the reactions of everyone in the frame,” says Bill. The shot was captured with 3 or 4 LP180Rs, including the one you can see firing overhead in the upper left of the frame.

Bill advises photographers who are just getting started to work with another photographer who can show you how things work. He thinks that there are loads of resources available for photographers, but that practice is still the most important thing. “Just get out there and shoot, and if you can’t figure it out, ask another photographer or look it up on YouTube!”

Photo by Peary Photography

Lightning Round: Getting to Know You with Bill Peary!

LumoPro: If you could spend one day with any photographer (living or dead), who would it be and why?

Bill Peary: My mom. One day with her and her twin lens Rolleiflex and a couple hours in her dark room – lit by the red light bulb, watching paper turn into photographs and hanging them on clothespins. I can still smell the chemical fixer. This would be wonderful. She was a great journalist and photographer.

LP: If you had to choose one piece of lighting gear to have during a zombie apocalypse, what would it be and why?

BP: We just bought a Stella Pro continuous light that would blind the zombies to allow more time to get away. We could also start a fire with that thing because it gets oven hot.

LP: If given the chance, would you rather photograph the Olympics (Winter or Summer), the X-Games, a polo match with the entire royal family or a professional beer pong tournament?

BP: Just give me the All Access photographer wristbands for the Austin City Limits Festival and a sweet VIP parking pass!

LP: If you had a career other than photography, what would it be?

BP: Winemaker. Hands down.

Photo by Peary Photography

We so appreciate Bill’s time in speaking with us. You can find more of the Peary family’s work at https://www.pearyphotography.com/. You can also like them on Facebook or follow them on Instagram @pearyphotography.

All images by Peary Photography and used with permission.

Interview with Portrait Photographer Ashly Deskins

Next in our series spotlighting LumoPro Ambassadors and their work, is Ashly Deskins, a portrait and lifestyle photographer from Northern California.

Ashly began taking photos in 2009, as a shared hobby with her husband (then boyfriend). Ashly started off on the opposite side of the camera – standing in as a model while her husband learned about off camera flash.

Photo by Ashly Deskins

After her initial exposure (see what we did there?) to photography, Ashly decided to add some photography classes to her college courseload as she pursued a Bachelor’s degree at the The Ohio State University. Ashly says “That’s when I fell in love with photography and really felt like it was something I wanted to pursue long term.”

Photo by Ashly Deskins

Ashly has now shot everything from families and weddings to burlesque and boudoir, and even some wildlife. She refuses to settle on one area of photography, saying “I was once told that I should pick one genre and focus on that, but I could never stick to that rule. I shoot what I love, and I love what I shoot.”

Ashly thrives on the challenge of always shooting something new and different. She feels that constantly adjusting to new subjects and shooting scenarios is the only way for her to continue to grow as a photographer.

Photo by Ashly Deskins

Ashly’s work centers mostly on portraiture. “I love shooting portraits that make you feel something when you look at it. It’s not just about the lighting or composition, but about the emotion the image gives.”

She says that the opportunity to meet new people is both one of her favorite aspect and the most challenging part of shooting portraits. “I meet many of my clients for the first time on the day of their session. Without meeting face-to-face before their shoot, I don’t know how our different personalities will work together. Luckily so far, I’ve had nothing, but amazing experiences.”

Photo by Ashly Deskins

Though human portraits make up the bulk of Ashly’s work, she has also had the opportunity to create images of some furrier subjects. In 2014, Ashly began documenting the wildlife around her apartment complex – specifically the squirrels. This simple photo exercise, turned into a much more involved project with full-blown sets that Ashly designs herself.

Photo by Ashly Deskins

Ashly’s workflow is very different when working with her fuzzy friends, versus a regular portrait session. “With wildlife, I don’t use flash, as I don’t want to scare the animals. Using off camera flash also requires a subject that can take direction, and I only have so much control over where the squirrels move and how they ‘pose’.” Ashly points out that that the squirrels are in control of how the shoot will go.

Photo by Ashly Deskins

Because of the wide variety of subjects Ashly shoots, it’s important for her to have equipment that is flexible and holds up well. For her lighting, Ashly uses the LP180R flash and the Phottix Odin trigger. Of the LP180R, Ashly says “It was the first piece of equipment I used from LumoPro, and I know that it’s just going to perform. It’s a workhorse. My camera can miss focus, my memory cards can corrupt (and have), but my LP180R? None of that – It. Just. Works.”

For photographers just getting started, Ashly recommends getting out every day and shooting and not to worry so much about social media. “It doesn’t have to be shared. It doesn’t have to be perfect. Take the pressure out of getting that flawless shot and remind yourself that not everything has to be posted for the world to see.” She says that shooting every day allows you to familiarize yourself with your camera and work on the basics, like composition and exposure, while adjusting to different environments, different lighting conditions, different subject matter.

Photo by Ashly Deskins

When asked about her favorite image that she has taken, Ashly says she prefers to focus on her next shot. “I truly feel like my favorite image is always my next image. I’m always trying to challenge and push myself every time I pick up my camera.”

Ashly credits her love for travel and adventure with influencing her work. “I am always seeking new places to photograph and experimenting with new ways to add fun to the shoot.” She hopes to take her photography show on the road and photograph a wedding or couple in Iceland or even Ireland.

Photo by Ashly Deskins

She adds that her obsession for home makeover shows and decorating translates into her passion for creating styled shoots with props. “I really love doing styled shoots and planning a shoot down to the last detail. Renting furniture, getting flowers, getting the subject’s attire just right – really creating a whole other world and scene within a beautiful setting. It’s like creating my own fairytale.”

Photo by Ashly Deskins

Lightning Round: Getting to Know You with Ashly Deskins!

LumoPro: If you could spend one day with any photographer (living or dead), who would it be and why?

Ashly Deskins: This is really difficult, because there are so many that I would love to pick. However, if I had to choose, it would be Gregory Crewdson. I have admired his work since college. I love the lighting and storytelling of his work. The detail in each image is incredible. I feel like I pull some of my inspiration from his process of planning, even if it’s for a single image.

LP: If you had a career other than photography, what would it be?

AD: It would be working with animals in some capacity. I would love to have a sanctuary or animal rescue.

LP: If you had to choose one piece of lighting gear to have during a zombie apocalypse, what would it be and why?

AD: Either a flash or a light stand. I feel like the flash may temporarily startle them, slowing them down. However, a light stand could probably come in handy as a weapon.

LP: If given the chance, would you rather photograph the Olympics (Winter or Summer), the X-Games, a polo match with the entire royal family or a professional beer pong tournament?

AD: A polo match with the entire royal family, for sure! They are already so well photographed, I feel like it would be a fun challenge to photograph them in my own style. They all seem to have such unique personalities, so it could definitely be a challenge to show their personalities through my eyes. Plus, Prince Harry is a very talented photographer himself! I feel like we’d be BFFs.

Photo by Ashly Deskins

A big thanks to Ashly for her time. You can find more of Ashly’s work on her website – http://www.thegreenelephantlifestyle.com. You can also follow her on Instagram – @greenelephantphoto

All images by Ashly Deskins and used with permission.

Interview with Lifestyle Photographer Kim Hildebrand

Today, we continue our new series of LumoPro ambassador interviews with Kim Hildebrand, a lifestyle newborn and family photographer in Seattle, Washington. Kim shoots her images on film, often using a LumoPro speedlight. Stay tuned at the end of the post, for information Kim’s new Lighting for Lifestyle online course!

How long have you been taking photos and how did you get started?

I’ve been taking photos for about 20 years now – wow. That just aged me a bit. My dad was the visual storyteller in our family, so he took photos of our family vacations and kept up yearly albums. I have lots of memories of looking over the photos and reliving moments together. I took snapshots all the time with a point and shoot camera in high school and college, but I really got into photography well after graduation, when my spouse and I lived in Atlanta.

Photo by Kim Hildebrand

You have a unique workflow in that most of your work is done on film. Did you start out shooting film?

I had a Canon EOS-3 (still do) and took a black-and-white film developing class at an art center on a recurring basis for a couple years in Atlanta. I got so into it that I made one of our spare rooms into a darkroom. I loved the entire process – developing the film, reviewing the images on a light table, projecting and exposing the negative onto Ilford photo paper with my Beseler enlarger, and then watching the images appear out of nowhere when bathed in the chemicals. I could spend hours in the darkroom! From learning what a good negative looked like, I learned a lot about how to make a good negative using the Zone System. Our teacher always said, “Expose for the shadows; develop for the highlights.” I still think about that when shooting.

 What made you decide to switch back to film from digital?

I switched to digital when everyone else did, but ended up switching back to film about four years ago. I realized that I really hated editing because I could never get the color, skin tones, and contrast the way I wanted it to look. I also dreaded spending late hours in front of the computer, and I loathed culling down images. I tried outsourcing the editing, but still wasn’t happy with the results. It just wasn’t a workflow and process I was happy with. So I picked up my film camera again and haven’t set it down.

What genres of photography do you shoot most?

Now being in business for 8 years, I have established myself as an in-home lifestyle newborn and family photographer. I shoot client sessions on film because I just love the look and feel of it. Film also forces me to slow down and be more intentional, and it saves me loads of time on the computer.

Photo by Kim Hildebrand

What do you enjoy most about taking photos of families? What is the most challenging part?

I love the unpredictability of working with families, and I love capturing that! Parents can have the best intentions, but something always goes sideways, and that is life raising kids, right? I love showing that in my work. We’re all doing the best we can. We aren’t perfect, and neither are our kids – and that’s okay! It’s interesting!

I’d say the most challenging part is managing the expectation with parents that it’s totally fine (and honestly, a little expected) if Timmy cries and Emma won’t smile. I’ll show a gallery of genuine emotions and expressions any day over one forced, fake smile. Those crazy unpredictable things that happen are just as precious as when the family is smiling and laughing and enjoying each other’s company. Because that is life.

I’ve learned that reassuring Mom throughout the shoot that what I’m capturing is amazing really helps keep both parents (and kids) at ease to get the genuine shots I’m looking for.

 

Photo by Kim Hildebrand

Do you feel like using film cameras limits you in your work or serves as a differentiator?

Thatʼs a great question. Film definitely has a different look to it, and I first thought it would differentiate my product and services from others, but I now don’t think that’s the case. First, there are more and more photographers switching back to film, and I know of quite a few where I live in Seattle. Second, most customers don’t know that I shoot with film until I show up for the session. I don’t think most people recognize the subtle differences in sharpness (or lack thereof), skin tones, grain and contrast. They just know that they like something – whether it is my style or the characteristics of using film, that they just can’t pinpoint. I have been hired more and more because I’m a film shooter, but that is with a specific target client who can see the difference.

Using film greatly limited me in my in-home work at first, without using flash, because it requires much more light than digital. Compare shooting Fuji 400h, a 400 speed film that actually needs a ton of light, with cranking up the ISO on a digital camera to 3200 or even 12800! But, problems are there to be solved, and I figured out a way to make it work.

Photo by Kim Hildebrand

How does lighting fit into your workflow?

I’ve used artificial lighting for years. I learned flash with film while in Atlanta, but didn’t really have a good grasp of it. I bought an entry-level strobe kit – Interfit – upon starting my business and really learned artificial light with that. I had a studio space for a while, which consisted of a very dark space with no windows, so I used strobe exclusively for years and really learned the light. But something was missing, and for me it was the thrill of shooting in-home lifestyle vs. studio work. Photographing in-home sessions was just really fun and challenging, and made me more creative. But shooting in-home sessions on film, in Seattle of all places, was next to impossible. I remember taking a meter reading one winter at noon, and the meter literally read 1s @ f2.0!

So I knew I wanted to shoot film inside. I had a lot of experience shooting with one strobe, so I started taking a strobe kit with me to in-home sessions. And it worked great. Until I wanted to move around to different rooms and take photographs in tight spaces. So I had been reading up on small flash again and decided to take it with me to the next session. I realized a speedlight in Manual mode is exactly the same as a strobe, just without the modeling light! So I set up the flash in each room as we moved around the house for the session and pretended it was like a strobe. It was a game changer!

I basically use one LP180 speedlight on the little stand it comes with, bouncing the light off ceilings or windows, and just move the unit around with me, based on which room Iʼm working with my families in. Easy peasy.

Photo by Kim Hildebrand

What is your favorite piece of LumoPro gear and why?

Hands down, the Lumopro LP180 flash. It’s durable and well-made; the controls are really intuitive; it’s relatively inexpensive compared to many flashes that are on the market today; and it’s dependable. The flash paired with my triggers work with all my film cameras – Contax, Pentax, and Canon – and I love that I donʼt have to switch systems! I was also shocked that this little flash unit could give me enough light to shoot a family inside on film. It is much more compact and portable than a strobe too, and I can use it in the smallest of spaces, as long as I have a surface to bounce off of.

Photo by Kim Hildebrand

What is your favorite image you have shot and why?

That is a tough question! I feel like my work is continually evolving, but my current fave is a recent one of my kids. They sat for me when I was playing with my flash to use it as backlight. It’s a simple photograph. They are laying together opposite ways, relaxed looking right at me. Their expressions are simple, open and honest, and I love that.

What influences your work, outside of other photographers?

Art, cinematography, influential writers like Brené Brown and Simon Sinek, anything on TED Talks and CreativeLive, interesting light, color. And the things I see in every client’s home, like artwork, architecture, interior design, pretty windows and drapes, the color of the walls and texture, like blankets and quilts, etc.

What advice would you give to photographers who are just getting started?

Besides learning your craft, learn what it is that you are passionate about and really love to do. What do you get a thrill taking a photo of, no matter how many times you have done it? Because being in business is hard, and it’s going to have its ups and downs. Learn what you love to do and become an expert in every aspect of it. And pay yourself.

Photo by Kim Hildebrand

If time and budget constraints were no object, what personal project would you want to complete this year?

I’ve had an idea in the back of my head for a long time about how wonderful it would be to show how the bond between a mother and child is universal regardless of where you live, what you believe in, what color your skin is, how much money you have and what language you speak.

Photo by Kim Hildebrand

Lightining Round: Getting to Know You with Kim Hildebrand!

LumoPro: If you could spend one day with any photographer (living or dead), who would it be and why?

Kim Hildebrand: I’ve always been fascinated with Vivian Maier. She’d haul those kids out and traipse all over the city with her Rolleiflex and take street photos…..then store the film away in a locker for a complete stranger to find years later. Did she not have money to develop the film, or did she not care about the result, only the journey? She was the ultimate observer who loved capturing moments that interested her without a care in the world about money, recognition, honors, or any of the other messy things that come with photography.

LP: If given the chance, would you rather photograph the Olympics (Winter or Summer?), the X-Games, a polo match with the entire royal family or a professional beer pong tournament?

KH: My initial response is a beer pong tournament because it would be funny as hell and takes me back to college.

LP: If you had to choose one piece of lighting gear to have during a zombie apocalypse, what would it be and why?

KH: Light stand. It’s a multi-purpose item that is more durable than an umbrella. 😉

LP: If you had a career other than photography, what would it be?

KH: I’ve had many careers before photography, but would I go back to them? Hmmmm. I’ve been dreaming that one day I’ll be a world traveler/blogger, and people would pay me.

Photo by Kim Hildebrand

Kim is launching an online course teaching Lighting for Lifestyle, which covers all things flash and lighting for lifestyle and portrait (film or digital!) shooters. If you are interested in learning about how to use your flash indoors, get more information here.

A huge thank you to Kim for her time. You can find more of Kim’s work on her website – https://www.kimhildebrand.com/. You can also follow her on Instagram – @kimhildebrandphoto

All images by Kim Hildebrand and used with permission.

Interview with Portrait Photographer Josh King

We’re going to be starting a new feature on the LumoPro blog that features our ambassadors and gives some insight into their photographic lives. First up, is Josh King! (Warning: one image may be slightly NSFW.)

Josh got started in photography when he was 5 or 6 with a 110 film camera. He remembers going through a roll in about an hour shooting photos around his neighborhood. Josh says, “This was when I first fell in love with photography. I still have a lot of those prints laying around somewhere.” Josh’s passion for photography grew when he started working for his high school newspaper and yearbook, covering sports with a Nikon D70 that he borrowed from the school.

In high school, one of Josh’s biggest struggles was the thing that often faces aspiring photographers:  the limitations of the equipment available to him. Josh remembers, “The D70 was a good camera, but anything above 400 ISO had major noise, which made for a hard time getting clear football photos after the sun went down.”

After high school, Josh began shooting adventure sports, primarily rock climbing, which was when Josh says he realized he was not as good of a photographer as he thought he was. “Most of my photos were mediocre at best. I had to relearn everything, more or less.”

Photo by Josh King

Josh says the challenges of shooting climbers helped him to hone his craft. “The thing I really love about climbing photography is the challenge of being in the right place to get a decent photo. It’s a lot of work once you’re up on a rope – you can’t easily move if you’re on the wrong side of the climber for the shot you want.”

Photo by Josh King

Despite his love for photographing rock climbing, a major training injury left Josh unable to climb for over a year. This accident is one of the reasons Josh switched to shooting portraits.

Today, Josh shoots mostly portraits with some action sports thrown in. Now that Josh is focusing on portraiture, his gear choices have changed. “Probably the most obvious change is the introduction of flash. I tried to use flash a couple of times when doing climbing work, but it just never really worked out. Now I do most of my shots indoors, and the majority of the time all of my lighting comes from flash.”

Josh says the LumoPro LP180R has become an important part of adding flash to his workflow. He favors the LP180R for its sturdy build quality and the convenience of manual and TTL control from his camera with the Phottix Odin transmitter. “I don’t have to walk over to my light, pull the softbox down and dig inside just to change the power output. I also like how the LP180R works seamlessly with my studio setup.”

Josh’s favorite photo he has shot comes from his very first shoot using off camera flash (the venerable LumoPro LP180!). “It’s probably not my best photo, but I am still just blown away at how good it is for my first attempt at flash photography.”

Josh’s Favorite Photo | Photo by Josh King

As Josh made the transition to shooting portraits, his passion for making connections became a large influence is his work. “Through a powerful photograph, I can bring together two people from opposite sides of the world. The viewer can share in the subject’s pain or happiness and sympathize with the situation. Or I can draw the viewer in with a simple portrait with no environment and use the subject’s face to encourage some sort of emotional connection and form a story of who the subject is.”

Photo by Josh King

Now that Josh has some experience under his belt, I asked him what advice he would give to photographers who are just getting started. Josh’s advice is pretty simple: just get out and shoot and shoot and shoot. “If you’re not shooting, you’re not growing. You can watch online videos to learn all kinds of things. However, you are never going to learn by sitting at your desk all day. Get out, practice, master in-the-moment troubleshooting and learn from your mistakes.” Josh cites climber/adventurer Mike Libecki: “Death and/or old age is coming. The time is now. Why ration passion?”

Josh also advises new photographers not to undervalue their work. He points out that if you don’t put value in yourself first, no one else will value what you are doing.

Photo by Josh King

Josh is currently translating his own passion into a new personal project. He is working on a portrait book of professional climbers to hopefully be completed later this year. When I asked Josh what project he would attempt if time and budget were no object, he said “That’s easy. It’s the photo book project I just started. I would do it on a much bigger scale. Travel around the world to work with more people.”

Photo by Josh King

Lightning Round: Getting to Know You with Josh King!

LumoPro: If you could spend one day with any photographer (living or dead), who would it be and why?

Josh King: I think a good choice for any photographer would be Ansel Adams – just to be able to watch his process from beginning to end. I would have to choose Cory Richards though. His work as an adventure photographer is amazing. As I would love to step into that realm myself, I would welcome anything I could learn from him.

LP: If you had a career other than photography, what would it be?

JK: I’ve been constantly trying and failing to turn outdoor guide work into a career. It just doesn’t pay well enough.

LP: If you had to choose one piece of lighting gear to have during a zombie apocalypse, what would it be and why?

JK: Probably a good, sturdy light stand. It could make a good blunt weapon or extend out to keep zombies at a safe distance while you grab your primary weapon.

LP: If given the chance, would you rather photograph the Olympics (specify Winter or Summer), the X-Games, a polo match with the entire royal family or a professional beer pong tournament?

JK: Given that my sport of choice is rock climbing, and climbing will be included in the Olympics starting with the 2020 Summer Games, I would have to choose the Summer Olympics. Shooting the X-Games would be an amazing experience as well though.

Photo by Josh King

A big thanks to Josh for his time. You can find more of Josh’s work on his website – www.jtking.photos. You can also follow him on Instagram – @jtkingphotography

All images by Josh King and used with permission.

New from LumoPro – LP BLACK Collection

We are thrilled to announce our newest release of the line of game-changing products from LumoPro. Coming soon is the LP BLACK Collection.

This limited edition collection consists of a range of all black lighting products with a revolutionary sable finish – for the photographer who wants to stand out. LP BLACK products feature sleek design with an onyx surface that will set your kit apart.

Each product is specifically designed for extreme low visibility, with the noir patina keeping others on set focused on you, and not your gear. The LP BLACK Collection’s innovative formula is made with 100% pure dark matter, sourced from supermassive black hole 3C75.

Current product selection in the LP BLACK Collection

We studied thousands of variations of black to find something powerful, but not ominous. Toned down, but not gloomy. Shadowy, but not somber. We think we’ve gotten it just right with the LP BLACK Collection.

LumoPro product designers were fully committed to making this collection a radical edition to the LumoPro line. They spent dozens of hours cloistered in closets, buried in basements and engrossed by Earth’s ether to find that pitch-perfect black.

Grip gear from the LP BLACK Collection

Each piece of the LP BLACK Collection features an Auto-Sensing Stealth Mode, which will automatically activate the ink-like coating to allow your gear to blend into even the darkest abyss.

“We constantly hear from photographers who are tired of flashy lighting equipment that distracts their assistants and their clients,” says LumoPro Brand Manager, Janae Miller. “The LP BLACK Collection solves that problem with a range of top-quality, pitch-black lighting products that fade right into the background. Unless it’s white.”

LP BLACK Collection products in a studio setup

The LP BLACK Collection currently consists of six products, but there will be more pieces added to the line later this year. So add a sense of mystery and sophistication to your next photo shoot with the LP BLACK Collection from LumoPro.

***WARNING: LP BLACK is so black that it may cause a complete absorption of visible light. You may be required to increase your flash’s power level when using LP BLACK products.

The LP BLACK Collection will be available starting on April 1. Find more information at http://lumopro.com/lp-black

The Wide World of Light Modifiers

We at LumoPro get a lot of questions about lighting. “How much weight can I put on my light stand?” “Why won’t the zoom on my flash change?” “When will a firmware upgrade be available to make my flash compatible with my drone?”

But one of the most common (and subjective) questions we get is “What modifier should I use?”. This one’s a toughie, as it’s dependent on quite a few variables. So today I’m going to talk about a few different types of modifiers, and the benefits and drawbacks of each one.

Small Modifiers

First up are small modifiers, like the LightSwitch. These modifiers usually mount directly on the flash itself and provide reflection or diffusion for the light your flash is putting out.

The biggest benefit of small modifiers is their size. They can be used on- or off-camera, squeezed into tight spaces on location and don’t take up much space or weight in your bag. Generally, small mods are very easy to set up, as it pretty much just involves attaching the modifier directly to the flash head. They are also a low cost option, with products like the Rogue FlashBender, starting at just $19.

Shot at ISO 400, 1/200, f/8
Flash power: 1/8
Flash zoom: 70mm
Flash-to-subject distance: 24″

The downside of small modifiers is that you are getting less surface area reflecting the light. For shooting smaller subjects, this is not a concern as the relative size of the light will still be big enough to provide soft, even light. But the lack of size will not work well for full body shots or multiple subjects.

Bigger light (relative to the size of your subject) equals softer light!

Umbrellas

Moving on to umbrellas! These are most people’s de facto first modifier, and for good reason. Several reasons actually. Umbrellas are inexpensive and don’t take up much space. They create a larger relative light size, which means you’re getting softer (some would say more pleasing) light. Plus, umbrellas are a cinch to setup. If you’ve ever used a rain umbrella, you’ve already got it down.

Umbrellas are also incredibly versatile. There are a wide range of sizes available, and some models, like our 3-in-1 Umbrella, come with a variety of diffusion options in one compact package. Challenge yourself to only shooting with one light and one umbrella for a month – you’ll be amazed at the diversity of the images you can create.

White Shoot Through Umbrella
Shot at ISO 400, 1/200, f/8
Flash power: 1/8
Flash zoom: 70mm
Flash-to-subject distance: 24″

White Bounce Off Umbrella
Shot at ISO 400, 1/200, f/8
Flash power: 1/8
Flash zoom: 70mm
Flash-to-subject distance: 24″

Downside? An umbrella is basically a light grenade. You don’t have much control over light spill, and you are going to have light going all over the place.

There are certainly ways to mitigate this, like by feathering your umbrella or using flags, but it’s important to understand all the same.

Softboxes

Next up are softboxes. These are the workhorses for many studio photographers. Softboxes are commonly found in four shapes: rectangle, strip*, octa and square**. Within those shapes there is a wide range of sizes available. You’ll want to choose the shape and size that work best for the subjects you shoot most often.

*Yes, we know it’s still technically a rectangle.  **YES, we know all squares are technically rectangles. Enough with the geometrical semantics already!

Octaboxes, rectangles, stripboxes – oh my!

Softboxes offer lots of control over the direction of your light. Provided you know how to properly position your softbox, you’ll have few issues with light spill. Even fewer, if you use a grid with your softbox. Not only will a grid cut down even further on spill, but it will also give a more contrasty look to your light.

24×36″ Softbox with 2 Flashes
Shot at ISO 400, 1/200, f/8
Flash power: 1/8
Flash zoom: 70mm
Flash-to-subject distance: 24″

24×36″ Softbox + Grid with 2 Flashes
Shot at ISO 400, 1/200, f/8
Flash power: 1/8
Flash zoom: 70mm
Flash-to-subject distance: 24″

12×36″ Stripbox with 2 Flashes
Shot at ISO 400, 1/200, f/8
Flash power: 1/8
Flash zoom: 70mm
Flash-to-subject distance: 24″

12×36″ Stripbox + Grid with 2 Flashes
Shot at ISO 400, 1/200, f/8
Flash power: 1/8
Flash zoom: 70mm
Flash-to-subject distance: 24″

36″ Octabox with 2 Flashes
Shot at ISO 400, 1/200, f/8
Flash power: 1/8
Flash zoom: 70mm
Flash-to-subject distance: 24″

36″ Octabox + Grid with 2 Flashes
Shot at ISO 400, 1/200, f/8
Flash power: 1/8
Flash zoom: 70mm
Flash-to-subject distance: 24″

There are two main drawbacks to using softboxes. The first is longer setup time. Putting together a softbox, especially on location, is definitely more involved than popping open an umbrella. Some models, like LumoPro’s full range of softboxes, include features to make setup a much smoother process.

Softboxes are also a larger investment than small modifiers or umbrellas. Not only is the cost of the softbox itself higher, but you will also need to think about how you will mount the box to your stand, whether you are using speedlights or monolights. Many photographers find the added cost worth it for what they find to be a “better” quality of light and more control.

Beauty Dish

Finally, we have the beauty dish. The beauty dish (some people just call it a reflector, but we think that’s confusing) is commonly used for, you guessed it, beauty shots. This modifier is very popular with portrait photographers for the distinctive, contrasty light it produces, which highlights detail in a pleasing way.

The light from a beauty dish is direct, but softer than a bare flash. This is because the beauty dish is a reflective modifier, not a diffusion modifier. Meaning the light bounces around the dish before hitting the subject, but does not go through any type of diffusion material. Unless you put a diffusion sock on the dish, then it’s both reflective AND diffusion! You can also add a grid to most beauty dishes to add even more contrast to your light.

Beauty Dish with 2 Flashes
Shot at ISO 400, 1/200, f/8
Flash power: 1/8
Flash zoom: 70mm
Flash-to-subject distance: 24″

Beauty Dish + Diffusion Sock with 2 Flashes
Shot at ISO 400, 1/200, f/8
Flash power: 1/8
Flash zoom: 70mm
Flash-to-subject distance: 24″

Beauty Dish + Grid with 2 Flashes
Shot at ISO 400, 1/200, f/8
Flash power: 1/8
Flash zoom: 70mm
Flash-to-subject distance: 24″

There are two tradeoffs when working with a beauty dish. First, is price. While the LumoPro beauty dish model is extremely reasonable, it is still more of an investment than an umbrella and even many softboxes. However, if you’re after that beauty dish look, it’s well worth the cost.

The other challenge of a beauty dish is transportation. Both the size and fragility of a beauty dish can make it difficult to get your beauty dish from place to place – especially if you’re flying. Your best bet is to get a case for your beauty dish and do your best to protect the dish from bumps and bruises.

Conclusion

There are plenty of modifier options that haven’t been covered here, and new ones pop up every day! The best way to choose the right modifier for you is to consider what factors are important to you (size, cost, ease of use) and what kind of subjects you shoot most often. And if you still have questions, our support team is always happy to help evaluate your needs and make a recommendation.

New Accessories from LumoPro!

We’ve recently launched three new accessories to make your gear bag even more handy. First up is the LP681 Male 1/4”-20 to Male 1/4”-20 Adapter, which connects accessories with female 1/4”-20 threads together.

This simple brass adapter is perfect for rigging video equipment and features a hex nut center for easy tightening. Attach the adapter to your camera, radio trigger, microphone or even the side 1/4”-20 mount on your LP180!

Next, we are introducing our own line of gaffer tape! If you’ve been photographing for long, you’ve probably run into a problem that can be solved with gaff tape. This matte black tape is easy to tear by hand and won’t leave residue on whatever surface you adhere it to.

We’re kicking things off with two sizes – LP729 1″ x 8 yd and LP730 2″ x 50 yd. Both sizes are currently available in black and can serve a wide variety of purposes.

The 1” roll’s small size and weight gives you all the handy benefits of having gaff tape on hand, without the extra bulk in your bag. This tiny tape is even small enough to carry around in your pocket.

Keep those cords organized!

No worries if your light stand gets bumped

The 2” roll is ideal for heavy duty or high volume use, such as hanging backdrops or taping down cables. Keep a roll in your gear bag, or wrap a long piece around the leg of your light stand or tripod and tear off shorter lengths as you need it.

No more tripping hazard!

Turn any wall into your own studio!

Whether you need to attach gels to a flash, tape down cables or just create an impromptu adhesive bandage, this gaffer tape has you covered.

All three new LumoPro products can be purchased from our authorized dealers worldwide!

Quick Fill Solution for Empty Sandbags

The age-old struggle: you have modifiers; the wind has force. And that’s how you end up with an unintentional (and unwanted) sail when shooting outdoors. What can you do about it, you ask? Well, sandbags are a good start. While a sandbag won’t reverse the sail effect, it will help to prevent your light stand from falling over in the first puff of wind.

Behold, a sandbag. Holder-down of wind-blown light stands.

Empty sandbags, like the LumoPro LP515, are simple to use, help to secure your setup and are pretty inexpensive. This kind of sandbag has zippers on either side that allow you to fill the sandbag with whatever you fancy.

Check out that double zip action!

But once filled, those suckers are heavy (kind of the point, I know). So now you have a new problem – you have a way to stabilize your stands, but you’re hauling around extra weight equivalent to the average 2 year old.

Just a sandbag hanging out.

One solution is simple, but brilliant at the same time – fill your sandbags with bottled water. Think about it. You already have water bottles on location anyway for your subject, crew or assistant (because YOU are a kind and thoughtful photographer). You can use those bottles for ballast in your sandbags and keep your shoot participants happy with refreshing beverages.

The best part? You don’t have to pack heavy sand bags back to the car! (Just don’t forget to gather up the empties. No one likes a litterbug!)

Plus, you get to avoid the hassle and mess of filling the sandbags with sand or gravel. Easy. Clean. Thoughtful. It’s a win-win-win.

Now obviously, this isn’t the perfect solution for every situation. If you’re working in a hot environment, your subject will probably appreciate water from a cooler more than one that’s been baking in the sun. In those cases, extra grip equipment, like clamps or gripheads, also work great.

So there you go. An easy tip to make your sandbag slinging easier. Do you have a creative solution for filling sandbags or dealing with flyaway light stands? Let us know in the comments, or post a shot to Instagram and give us a tag!

Now Playing at Pixel Connection!

We are so excited to announce our newest dealer: Pixel Connection!

The Pixel Connection, located just outside of Cleveland in Avon, Ohio, and has an outstanding staff and diverse selection of photo and video gear. They are the newest authorized dealer of LumoPro products, so you can now find a range of LumoPro flashes, modifiers, grip gear, light stands and more in their store.

We made our way to Pixel Connection yesterday and had the opportunity to meet their team and talk to them about the in’s and out’s of LumoPro gear.

(And of course, bring doughnuts!)

If you’re in the market for some new lighting gear, head on in to Pixel Connection and speak with their knowledgeable sales staff, or check out their website!

Garrett Martin Shoots High-Flying Ballerinas

This is a guest blog by Garrett Martin. All images and media used with permission.

I remember a day… One when we had to carry a million pounds of lights and batteries to beat the sun on location. You’d get stuck shooting 1/200 at f16 with your 70-200mm just to keep that “narrow” DOF look, but still control the light no matter where you go. Oh, those were the… what am I saying?! I don’t miss that at all. I’m sure my assistants don’t miss lugging around all that gear either!

Early on I had made the switch to LumoPro when they introduced the LP180 flash. Let’s face it, sometimes I’m a little rough with my equipment [ed. note: sometimes, Garrett? Two words for you: ceiling fan… 🙂 ]. After a few repair bills from my old *BIG-BRAND* speedlights, it was an easy choice to invest in flashes that were a fraction of the cost and that packed in all the same functionality – even more in some cases. I rationalized it to be cheaper to just buy a new speedlight when I smash them to smithereens!

Photo by Garrett Martin http://www.martindigital.co

Photo by Garrett Martin http://www.martindigital.co

When LumoPro dropped the LP180R flash with the high speed sync, this was a game changer. Being able to shoot f1.8 in direct sunlight is a dream. I ditched pounds of equipment for speedlights that will beat the sun and keep my assistant from sweating all over my model when I want some beautiful clam shell lighting in the middle of a field on a cloudless day at noon… why not?! I can!

I cut my teeth in the wedding industry, but find myself doing much more commercial work lately. One of my main clients, Explore Licking County, definitely keeps me on my toes. We’re always cooking up something new and exciting to shoot. Recently, we’ve been pulling together ideas to better promote The Arts in Licking County. “Art Lives Here” was the brainchild of Dan and Carol from Explore Licking County, and it was my job to bring it to life, visually.

Bendy ballerina in beautiful Licking County Photo by Garrett Martin

Advertisement promoting Explore Licking County Photo by Garrett Martin

The idea grew from the need to fill ad space in a local theater flyer that would run this year. We wanted to take performing art off the stage and into the county. After a good round of brainstorming and a model search post on social media, we had our locations and ballerinas.

Advertisement for Explore Licking County Photo by Garrett Martin

As you can see in the video, my assistant never breaks a sweat! During the shoot we were in bright direct sunlight, in the shadows of the alley and in the light of sunset on a river bed. Logistically, a lighting nightmare, but with my LP180R’s it was a breeze. Add in the ability to control everything with my Phottix Odin transmitter – I never have to leave my camera, and I can completely change my lighting in 2 seconds.

To say I love my LP’s is an understatement. Mixed with the right modifier, I have a studio anywhere, and it doesn’t take carrying crates of equipment onto location to get the job done.

Garrett Martin is a wedding, commercial and portrait photographer based out of Central Ohio. As a self taught photographer, he’s had a camera in his hand as long as he can remember. Garrett has been the owner and lead photographer at Martin Digital since 2004. To see more of Garrett’s work, visit http://martindigital.co/.