Hope somebody can help me with a few studio lights questions!

[Eighth Avenue]

Hi guys,

got a bundle of questions that I'm hoping the lovely people on TP can answer:

1) I have 2 Bowens gemini 200 lights that I haven't used in ages (favouring speedlites) and was wondering if I could use them in anyway with my cactus v4 wireless system. The Bowens have a 6.3mm port on them and the cactus have a 3.5mm port - any way to combine the two or some other concoction using 5D Mkii?

2) I used speedlites as they are easier to move round and there are no mains wires for kids to knock over. But, after playing with them and being reminded of the great consistency and recycle times My question is to those who use lights in a studio (assuming you've not got them hanging from the ceiling) how do you tidy your wires? We regularly have 2-5 year old kids tearing around the studio while we shoot other members of the family and would prefer if my lights could stay upright

3) i'm trying to get away from 'grey' backgrounds when using white seamless paper and can use a light to make the bg bright white but this only works for the upright paper and bit on the floor remains a dull grey, how do I go about lighting it so that there is no spill on to my model - I'm eager to reduce the amount of PP I do

Cheers, Iain

 

[Flash In The Pan]

The Bowens have a 6.3mm port on them and the cactus have a 3.5mm port - any way to combine the two or some other concoction using 5D Mkii?

Yes, all you need is a 3.5->6.35mm adapter, drop me a note of your name and address again and I'll pop a couple in the post

 

[Eighth Avenue]

Yes, all you need is a 3.5->6.35mm adapter, drop me a note of your name and address again and I'll pop a couple in the post

Is that it? just using a 3.5mm>3.5mm lead with an adapter? no idea it was that simple! thanks graham, pm'ing you now

 

[Flashman]

2) I used speedlites as they are easier to move round and there are no mains wires for kids to knock over. But, after playing with them and being reminded of the great consistency and recycle times My question is to those who use lights in a studio (assuming you've not got them hanging from the ceiling) how do you tidy your wires? We regularly have 2-5 year old kids tearing around the studio while we shoot other members of the family and would prefer if my lights could stay upright

One solution is to put the stands on wheels/castors and weights on the bases. If the little darlings catch the cable, the lights will (theoretically and with a fair wind!) just move around rather than fall over.

Alternatively a bit of gaffer tape fixing the cables to the ground might do the trick...

Hi guys,

got a bundle of questions that I'm hoping the lovely people on TP can answer:


3) i'm trying to get away from 'grey' backgrounds when using white seamless paper and can use a light to make the bg bright white but this only works for the upright paper and bit on the floor remains a dull grey, how do I go about lighting it so that there is no spill on to my model - I'm eager to reduce the amount of PP I do

Special background reflectors (like THIS) are the ideal solution, they shape the light in pretty much the optimum way to light backgrounds without much forward spill... pricey but you may be able to find a cheaper alternative/copy.

 

[Eighth Avenue]

Thanks Flashman, casters are a great idea How does the background reflector work?!

 

[Garry Edwards]

Thanks Flashman, casters are a great idea How does the background reflector work?!

See this
And this
Although you can manage perfectly well without background reflectors if you have enough space
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Ah, youtube imbedding not working, click here and here

 

[Adeyb]

I use bowens lights exclusively, I have two backlight reflectors, one bowens, one lencarta, although they are very similar, I have to say I use the lencarta one more, its better! and cheaper! and of course will fit your heads fine.

The Lencarta reflector: http://www.lencarta.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage_images.tpl&product_id=46&category_id=8&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=53