Stories tagged with lighting

Flash equipment manufacturer Elinchrom has launched a new portable flash system that promises faster recycling times, more bursts per charge and greater flexibility than the company’s current battery-powered kits. The Elinchrom ELB 400 is a 424Ws pack that can manage up to 350 full power flashes per charge and can recycle in 1.6 seconds after a maximum output burst. Read more

Phottix has introduced a new studio flash head that can be powered via the mains in a studio environment or through a portable battery pack when flash is needed in the field. The Phottix Indra 500TTL offers 500 watts of output across eight settings from full power to 1/128th power and, according to Phottix, it can be synchronised with shutter durations as short as 1/8000sec. Read more

It seems ultra-portable LED-based external light sources are the flavor of the season. Last month brought the Lume Cube, and today there is Relio. Relio is a 35mm small aluminum cube that uses a USB connection as power source for its LED light. It can be mounted on tripods and other camera supports using a 1/4-inch standard thread. Read more

German television and photographic equipment maker Metz has filed for insolvency according to German media. Metz is known for producing high-end lighting equipment including flash units, studio flashes, and video lights. Approximately 600 jobs will be affected by the company's financial situation. Read more

High-key lighting is a classic look for portraits or product photography that minimizes shadows and produces a bright, vibrant look. Although typically shot in the studio with lots of high-powered lights, it's possible to produce a similar look at home using some fairly basic kit. In this article we'll talk you through a simple backyard setup and some easy post-processing that will serve as a great introduction to high-key portraiture. Learn more

A flying flash rig that tracks the position of both photographer and subject to maintain consistent lighting angles has been developed by researchers from Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Cornell University. In a project designed to test co-ordination between aerial robots and ground-based targets, researchers programmed a flash-carrying drone to light people in the studio as the subjects and the photographer changed positions. Read more

Nikon's latest in a series of behind the scenes videos features photographer Joe McNally. An off-camera lighting wizard, McNally shares some useful tips from three different flash scenarios. No diffusion panel? No worries, McNally explains you can get the same results by placing a bed sheet between the flash and the subject. And as natural light began flowing through his studio, like any good photographer, McNally moved his model to make some pictures — without flash, this time. See video

The Phottix Mitros competes with the Canon 580EX II flash in our review. Will the half-price Phottix prevail?

Adorama's Flashpoint 180 Monolight kit will appeal to photographers on a budget. How does it fare in our review?

Fotodiox has announced the new DY-200 LED-based Fresnel Light for film work and studio photography. The lamps use very little power, are cool to the touch, and are flicker-free. They can be controlled via a built-in LED display, wireless remote, or with a DMX-compatible lighting control system. The DY-200 is available in daylight or 'W' tungsten versions, and is now available for $1199.95.

In a 'Master Series' video posted by lighting maker Profoto USA, celebrated photographer Greg Heisler shares a behind the scenes tale of how he created a unique on-location portrait of then-NBA star Alonzo Mourning. In explaining a lighting setup that even most other pros would struggle to pull off, Heisler breaks down his lighting diagram for a shot that he conceived, 'just because I think it looks cool'. (via Strobist)