modeling light

fotobrad

I am trying to lighten my load for on location business headshots, and am facing the difficulty of not having modeling lights on my speedlights. The real issue for me is the larger pupil size without the modeling light. Is there a workaround that anyone has found, or is it not really an issue. I'm using a GodoxAD 200 with a white shoot through umbrella at the moment. Prior, I used an octabox with a 750WS Bowens and modeling light. Final results are similar, but the iris is much smaller without the modeling light.

Thanks.

CanonJay

Hi fotobrad,

It is really a personal choice. Some prefer the larger pupil and some don't. I wouldn't worry about it so much, but if yo do, you can grab yourself a cheap led flashlight thingy with the handle that wraps around something and attach it to the lightstand of the key light. Or you can purchase a cheap led panel and do the same thing. All of a few ounces to add to the kit and you have the best of both worlds:) I hope that helps.

-Jay

fotobrad

Thanks Jay. I hadn't thought of the led panel, but I did try a dealy that I had for my outdoor deck umbrella.       https://www.amazon.com/OYOCO-Umbrella-Brightness-Cordless-Umbrellas/dp/B01N9HR1SX/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1539188379&sr=8-3&keywords=umbrella+light

  I'm sure the light color isn't quite right, but I overpower it with my speedlight. It fits right over the base of my light, tucked inside the modifier. I used it yesterday on a job and it really fits the bill. I'm 68, bad shoulders, and want to reduce the load!

Thanks for your suggestion.

Brad

Neil vN

I’m curious why the larger pupil size (without the modeling light) would be a problem?

CanonJay

I wouldn't necessarily say its a problem at all but more of a personal choice. I noticed that when I would use my  1 x 1 led panels for any portraits, the pupils would be really tiny vs. regular modeling lights on my studio flash or no modeling lights. Some people have great eye color and the smaller pupil could show it off. Would love just to hear any preference or feedback from anyone regarding this. Never really give it much thought but after fotobrads question, I got thinking a little myself:) 

-Jay