Let’s reply a number of the questions I get probably the most about my distinctive lighting setup.
Each photographer understands the search for the right lighting setup, particularly when engaged on location. It is a delicate stability of energy, portability, and flexibility. For years, I’ve refined my method, and what I’ve landed on is a considerably unconventional “Frankenstein” meeting of substances that, regardless of its piecemeal origins, persistently delivers when the necessity arises. This setup has been the key behind numerous of my favourite photos and the supply of quite a lot of questions, significantly after its current look in a BTS video my buddy Taylor Jackson shared of me.
On this article, we’ll dive deep into why this particular lighting rig has change into my go-to for location work after which present an in depth information on how one can assemble your personal.
Why This Setup Reigns Supreme
There are two major the explanation why this lighting configuration has change into indispensable for my workflow. Whereas one may be extremely particular to my gear, the opposite affords common advantages that any photographer can recognize.
The International Shutter Benefit (and Problem)
My journey to this dual-flash system started with the adoption of the Sony a9 III, a digital camera that includes a worldwide shutter. For these unfamiliar, a worldwide shutter captures a complete picture concurrently, not like conventional rolling shutters that scan the sensor line by line. This know-how revolutionizes flash images, particularly at excessive shutter speeds (try this video for extra particulars).
In a digital camera with a worldwide shutter, whenever you shoot at very excessive shutter speeds, you are basically taking a tiny “slice” of the sunshine from the flash curve. Because of this in case your flash is firing at full energy, you may solely be capturing a fraction of that mild as a result of the shutter is so quick it successfully “cuts off” the ends of the flash length. You may be taking pictures at full energy and getting the identical efficient mild output as in the event you have been taking pictures at 1/8 energy, just because the shutter is not open lengthy sufficient to seize the complete flash burst.
This phenomenon creates a singular problem: in the event you want extra mild, you’ll be able to’t merely improve the flash energy past a sure level since you’re already successfully “maxed out” by way of what the shutter can seize at that pace. To treatment this, my “Frankenstein” setup leverages a double flash system. By combining two Godox AD200Pro models, I achieve an additional cease of flexibility. If I am in a scenario the place I want extra mild and rising the facility of a single flash is now not efficient as a result of world shutter and excessive sync pace, I can merely activate the second mild. This successfully doubles my mild output with out combating the constraints of flash length, flash timing, and shutter sync. It’s a workaround that gives essential flexibility in fast-paced, high-shutter-speed environments. (For a deeper dive into flash timing intricacies with excessive shutter speeds, this video goes a bit deeper)
Dimension, Weight, and Versatility: The Location Benefit
Past the technicalities of world shutters, the second, and arguably extra universally relevant, motive for this setup is its superior measurement, weight, and flexibility for location work. Carrying a single 400 Ws flash on a light-weight stand, particularly with modifiers connected, may be fairly heavy and cumbersome. As somebody who regularly travels and shoots on location, minimizing weight and bulk is essential for me.
This setup ingeniously breaks down the normal monobloc idea into separate elements: the light-weight flash heads (Godox AD200Pro extension heads) are up on the sunshine stand, whereas the heavier battery packs stay on the base. This affords a number of vital benefits:
Lighter Load on the Mild Stand: By maintaining nearly all of the load (the battery packs) on the base, the sunshine stand itself would not have to be as heavy-duty. This enables me to make use of lighter, extra transportable stands with out sacrificing stability.
Enhanced Stability: Counterintuitively, inserting the heavier battery packs on the base of the sunshine stand acts nearly like built-in sandbags. This decrease middle of gravity considerably will increase the steadiness of even light-weight stands, stopping them from toppling over in breezy circumstances or crowded environments.
Most popular Mild Stand Decisions: This weight distribution permits me to persistently use my two favourite mild stands, each optimized for various elements of location images:
Cheetah Stand Mini: That is my go-to for touring. Its compact measurement permits it to suit comfortably inside a carry-on bag or an ordinary curler bag, eliminating the necessity for a separate, outsized baggage merchandise only for a light-weight stand. This protects each house and trouble throughout air journey.
Cheetah Stand C8 (Auto Stand): For native location work the place flying is not a priority, the C8 is invaluable. Whereas barely bigger than the Mini, its standout function is the automated leg deployment and retraction. This “auto stand” performance is a game-changer when navigating crowded areas like wedding ceremony receptions or cocktail hours. No extra fumbling with needing to shut and reopen the stand as you progress round or the fear of tripping friends; the legs open and shut robotically as you choose up the stand, making it simple to maneuver from location to location.
This strategic distribution of weight and the power to make use of compact, environment friendly mild stands make this setup extremely maneuverable, steady, and sensible for any on-location shoot.
Tips on how to Assemble This Frankenstein Lighting Setup
Now that we perceive the “why,” let’s break down the “how.” Assembling this method entails a number of key elements that work collectively to create a strong but transportable lighting resolution.
Core Parts
You will want the next important objects:
Two Godox AD200Pro (or AD200) Flashes: These are the guts of the system, offering the required energy. The Professional variations supply barely quicker recycle instances and extra steady colour temperature.
Two Godox AD200 Extension Heads: These are essential. They permit you to separate the flash tube from the heavy battery pack, enabling the light-weight setup on the sunshine stand. The flash head detaches from the AD200 physique and connects to this cable, which then plugs into the battery unit.
MagMod MagRing: Whereas historically designed to carry two full AD200 models, I am merely utilizing it for the lighter extension heads.
MagMod MagGrip: As a substitute of slotting the complete AD200s into the MagRing, I connect the small, rubber magnetic piece from MagMod (the one which usually goes on a speedlight or naked bulb AD200 head) to every of the AD200 extension heads. These items then magnetize securely into the MagRing.
MagMod Modifiers: A big good thing about utilizing the MagRing is its compatibility with your entire MagMod ecosystem. You’ll be able to simply connect MagMod gels, grids, spheres, and different modifiers on to the mixed flash heads. This affords unbelievable inventive flexibility, permitting for exact mild shaping and even multi-color gel results.
Magmod MagShoe: That is the merchandise that may permit you to connect the MagRing to the sunshine stand.
HoldFast D-Ring: That is what I exploit to connect a strap in order that I can hold the battery models on the stand. That is what I had available, however any 1/4-20 D-ring accent would work.
Kondor Blue Fast Launch: This little merchandise is vital for letting you mount the 2 battery packs to one another, whereas additionally letting you rapidly and simply separate them when wanted.
Necessary Notice on Double Shadows: When utilizing two separate mild sources shut collectively, particularly for front-lighting topics, there is a potential for seen double shadows. To mitigate this, take into account pulling the sunshine again a bit additional out of your topic so the 2 mild sources can mix, or use a light-weight modifier like a softbox, umbrella, or MagSphere to additional diffuse and mix the a number of mild sources.
Separating the Lights for Twin Sources
One of many setup’s hidden gems is its means to interrupt down into two totally separate mild sources without having to lug round further gear. The AD200 extension heads include their very own small mounting factors the place I’ve added a MagMod MagShoe adaptor to every extension head. This enables for fast and straightforward attachment to a different stand, or as a rule, I merely have another person maintain the sunshine for me. Additionally, with the extension head being so small, I can simply match the sunshine into places most different lights would by no means match—all whereas nonetheless acquiring the facility of a 200 Ws mild.
Addressing Energy Loss and Ultimate Ideas
A typical concern with extension cables is energy loss. Whereas there’s a minimal loss—round 0.2 to 0.3 of a cease with the AD200 extension cable (which is roughly 6 toes lengthy)—this can be a negligible trade-off for the immense advantages. Longer cables or pack-and-head techniques (just like the Godox AD600Pro) may expertise barely extra loss (round 1 cease), however for this setup, it is simply mitigated by the power to mix two flashes for elevated output and flexibility (a minimum of in my guide).
This “Frankenstein” lighting setup, born out of necessity and a little bit of ingenuity, addresses the distinctive challenges of world shutter cameras whereas concurrently offering unparalleled portability, stability, and flexibility for location photographers. It permits for high-power output in a compact kind issue, making it a great selection for anybody trying to optimize their cell lighting package.
Hopefully, this detailed breakdown is helpful, and as at all times, if in case you have any questions on particular elements or meeting, be happy to ask within the feedback.
