Soft Light, China Balls, etc.

I've been so distracted by keeping my camera up to date that I've lost site of lighting. I figure it's about time for me to get back into making the most out of what I have.

GH2, AF100, Scarlet... all fine and dandy, but that can wait. With that being said, what are some techniques you guys use for getting CONTROLLABLE light?

My first specific question is what are some affordable and effective solutions for rigging a china ball? I want ot hang it over the head of my talent. I'm thinking C-Stands or microphone stands with articulating arms, but where to buy and what brand, price model and make I have no idea. I realize china balls are not the most controllable light, but I still like them for certain applications.

My second question is what are some affordable and effective solutions for using soft light that is more controllable. I have some lowell pros, omnis and a tota. I also have some frost gels, reflectors and plenty of white walls to bounce off of. I'm not getting that movie quality softness that I want though. Yes I am aware that soft light is not the only reason films look the way they do. However, in this instance I'm referring specifically to the way light looks when it hits the actor's face - awesome!

Merry Christmas!!!

Trey

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TV

Mic stands are a waste of money for use as light stands. C- stands are awesome if you can find reasonably priced ones. For hanging a china ball a boom light stand is excellent. Avenger makes nice ones, but pricey. I have found a couple of nice prices on eBay, at 2dreammaker (?) eBay store or just do a search for light boom stands.

Fluorescents can give you a very nice soft look, but aren't very controllable. I've been using some 600 watt LED fixtures I found on eBay, they aren't as soft as flos but have longer throws, and you can soften them with diffusion or frost. Especially nice if you have limited power available!

Can you give an example of the kind of softness you are looking for? It might help give us some more ideas.

Since I'm stuck in the Northeast for a couple of extra days, it will give me something to do....

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Jamie
www.crashandannie.com

this is just an idea as i have never tried it, but you might be able to use drum boom stands also
ride cymbals and chinas are always put on booms, others not always, but if you have a buddy who has a drumset you can see if it works.
they usually cost about 40 bucks used, no reason to ever buy new.

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AIM me!

White nylon/polyester lining ( used for clothing, available at Walmart fabric dept ) or air filter pad makes a nice diffuser:

http://www.diyphotography.net/homestudio/blz/soft-light-panel-frame

http://www.homedepot.com/Building-Materials-Heating-Venting-Cooling-Air-Filters-Fiber/h_d1/N-5yc1vZ1xg1Zaqfw/R-202446748/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

Some hospitals throw away IV stands, we used a few to clamp on some lights recently and they were free.

http://www.southpointesurgical.com/images/standheavyjr.jpg

Also, check local pawn shops. A lot of DJs and KJs are selling off gear. I got three c-stands for $75 this way. Also, the market for them is so slim that you can probably negotiate pretty steeply if you can find them.

I'm looking at some C stands now. Do you guys know if my Lowel Pro, Omni and Tota lights will fit on a standard C stand? I hope so.

*EDIT* Thinking here... If I already have 4 lowel light stands, what do you all think about just getting some clamps and lobo arms instead of an entire C stand. I can weigh the the stands down before rigging them.

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TV

$5000 multi-ipad softlight

http://jesserosten.com/2010/ipad-photoshoot

I am sure those ideas are more than enough to get him started on improving his lighting options!! I totally agree that lighting is one of the most important basics that you have to keep in mind in photography and those were some cool suggestions to get cheap but great equipments for your lighting requirements!!

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