diffusers/scrims

[blinkerz]

Anyone know of any decent lightweight diffusers/scrim systems that can be setup for lone photographers.. Most behind the scenes, i notice a huge team of people involved..

 

[JonathanRyan]

No. A scrim is effectively a large piece of material attached to a lightweight frame. Which also nicely describes a kite or a sail.

There are various commercial and home made ways of weighting one down but nothing really works as well as having somebody hold it.

 

[onform]

If you have time and the location allows it you could always try tying one between two structures maybe two small trees? I have not seen it done mind! But it should work..

 

[specialman]

have a look at the latest post on Strobist about the motorcycle shoot - DH set up a stand system with a white sheet. Some useful info in there....

 

[JonathanRyan]

you still have to allow for the fact that your light mod is essentially a sail

Somebody clever could calculate the weight required to hold that down. I'm guessing a lot.

Option 4 on his list (guy ropes) seems the most effective from my limited understanding of physics.

 

[Garry Edwards]

If you're going to work without assistants it's as much down to luck (lack of wind) as anything else, it's pretty obvious from the photo in the link that there was no wind when the shot was taken.

Guy ropes offer the best chance of success - after all, they hold tents down and keep sails in place on sailing boats - but by far the best bet is to have some assistants who can hold the 'sail' exactly where it's needed.

Silks (or diffusers) are going to be the biggest problem because they catch the wind (so do umbrellas, softboxes and beauty dishes) but scrims are less of a problem.
Silks are solid pieces of material that diffuse the light, scrims are sheets of material with thousands of tiny holes in it, used to break up the sharp edges of the light, and they let the wind through - up to a point