HiLite or not

  • Thread starter Thread starter DSP
  • Start date Start date
D

DSP

Suspended / Banned
Messages
2
Name
Daniel
Edit My Images
No
Hi all,

I am thinking about purchasing a HiLite background for event photography which seems to be taking off for me at the moment. Whats everyone's thoughts on the HiLite in comparison with a white background and also is there an alternative to the Hilight, they seem a lot of money for a white box:)

Thanks for your thoughts!
 
Yes not cheap but gives you an easy way to guarantee a blown backround every time with no PP required on it.

Yes you can do it with a plain backdrop and lights but with the Hilite the lights/stands are more out of the way of stumbling punters.
 
Great for working in smaller spaces, and as has been said blows the background without PP being required most of the time, except on the floor that is :)
 
Yep, lots of advantages and simpler/less for people to trip over than a traditional backgound.

As for the cost, they may be expensive for what they are but how long will it take you to recoup the cost? Not long I think...
 
Ozei said:
Does the HiLite need two flash heads (one each side) to illuminate it evenly - or can one head do the trick? Most of the pics I've found only show one - e.g. http://www.photoanswers.co.uk/upload/6677/images/LastoliteHi Lite.jpg.
Click to expand...
It needs two really.
Some good photographers can manage with one, but it involves PP work that you simply won't have time for, event photography is all about getting the images printed and sold straight away, not faffing around with PP.

Some people get away with using one by turning the power up far too much, this causes serious problems with flare, wrap and edge degradation - which some photographers don't seem to see:'(
 
Another thumbs up for the HiLite. We sometimes use 6 lights for full length, 2 into the HiLite, 2 into the floor on the join for the train and 2 for the subjects. Use 4 lights for 3/4 length.

We have used 1 light into the HiLite for head shots with good results.

Always used a light meter as well.

Steve
 
My two Hilites are my Get out of jail cards.. I always carry them in the van just in case.

You can light the smaller Hilite quite easily with one light if you don't need 100% blown white in every corner. Sometimes, if you're shooting singles or couples you won't need to be that tight to the edges, but if you need full coverage then two lights are needed.

As Garry says, whilst their not cheap, the do last, are made for the job and work well.

Don't skimp on equipment that will be earning you a living.
 
Boich said:
I think its worth the money though for event work you might want to consider 6 lights. Check out this video if you haven't already. Shows a good way to save on the pp of the floor.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mw7ZcQ9bAVE
Click to expand...

HiLite :thumbs:

I've seen that vid on the link before - really good. It's not easy to turn out full-length white backgrounds straight out of the box. That guy knows how to turn a few quid ;)
 
Thanks for the replies everyone.

I think that is probably decision made then. Currently I am just using a white background which does do the job but is a pain in the neck to wash, dry and iron a 6m x 3m sheets for each event, every time I spend 2 hours at the ironing board I think I should be doing something else!

I am surprised there are not alternative suppliers though!
 
There are cheaper chinese knock offs available on Ebay.
I preferred to use the original.

Very please with customer service from Lastolite earlier this year when the zip broke on the Hilite carry bag. I emailed Customer services asking how much for a new one. Had a reply next morning "What is your address so we can send you one free".
 
I love mine. Took me ages to fold back up as im only 5ft 5 and found it a bit big to do it as Lastolite were suggesting :bang:. Had to watch 4 you tube videos before i got the hang of it :)

But all in all well worth the money and saves me standing at the iroining board for 2 hours :thumbs:
 
Jellycat said:
I love mine. Took me ages to fold back up as im only 5ft 5 and found it a bit big to do it as Lastolite were suggesting :bang:. Had to watch 4 you tube videos before i got the hang of it :)

But all in all well worth the money and saves me standing at the iroining board for 2 hours :thumbs:
Click to expand...

:plusone:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top