dance studio portraits, an Umbrella than an octagonal softbox

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squarepeas

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I will be doing a number of on location portrait -visiting a number of dance studios in coming months.
I am thinking to use one single light source with a big (over 1m diameter) modifier.

The light source: I have got an Elinchorm Ranger style strobe - similar to Jinbei Discovery (my discovery is not going to be here in time)

Modifier, IIRC 150cm Silver/Black Parabolic Type Umbrella by "Cotswold Photo Flash and Studio" ebay 160588741625 has been framed. My concern is the light could be too harsh since the diffuser version is not out yet.

I am also been thinking three lights - with two long stripe boxes one each side behind the subject, but that is kind of messy.
And backdrop - I would rather not carry them for this sort of quick in quick out location service.

What do you think? could this one light setting work?
 
And backdrop - I would rather not carry them for this sort of quick in quick out location service.
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Are you being paid to do the job or are you trying to sell the images after to the dancers ?

If, as I suspect it's the latter, then don't you want to produce the most fantastic images that the dancers have ever seen, so that they can't but buy them..??? You're making the effort to go along already, how much more effort would it be to put up a backdrop ?

backdrops aren't the beginning and end of every photo shoot, but they may well help to get the images that others cant with their own cameras.
 
Jeremy, you are right. It is not really that messy - I can use a high-lite background.
:)
 
White backgrounds are great for colourful dance costumes.

My two words of warning would be if you get groups uoi may struggle to get them on the Hilite, and how will you handle full length shots in terms of the floor ?
 
it will be mainly single dancer shoots and small groups.
The high-lite comes with a vinyl train, it won't a 100% stemless at the joining line though.
 
I have a job like this coming up and I'll be using one large soft key and a harder rim light all shot on unlit grey paper. Simple and classy.
 
Dean what light modifier will you take, I am looking at a big enough yet portable one - what do you think of this? 150cm Silver/Black Parabolic Type Umbrella by "Cotswold Photo Flash and Studio" eBay 160588741625
 
Stevie, the CALUMET one seem has got only black and silver sides (i have got a similar one) - it has a diffuser panel too?
 
Its likely I'll use a 60" Calumet brolly or a big octa. My Calumet brolly is white inside so as a bounce its lovely and soft. I may use as shoot through though for more spread if I'm shooting more than one dancer. Ill probably have an on axis fill as well with another shoot through.
 
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