Which lighting setup would you go with?

[subferno]

I currently have a Glow EZ Lock Beauty Dish 34" for doing single 3/4 to full body portraits. If I were to have two subjects in the frame, which of the following choices would still allow me to keep the punchy contrast of a beauty dish look?

- Beauty Dish 34" as key with an umbrella as fill. The umbrella would help the beauty dish with the coverage lighting, but I am afraid the fill would result in less contrasty lighting. Cheaper option.

- Beauty Dish 42" by itself. More expensive than the first choice but my lighting setup would be more simplified.

 

[Don89]

I’d go with an even more expensive setup. A focusable parabolic umbrella from Broncolor. The Para 133.

also, 2 gridded strip boxes in back.







--
I am the copyright owner of my work. Please don’t take or alter my images.

 

[subferno]

Yeah, the thing I did not mention is that I am flying. The length of the modifier has to be under 30 inches.

 

[Don89]

Yeah, the thing I did not mention is that I am flying. The length of the modifier has to be under 30 inches.

How are you flying? I’ve never heard of this restriction. Packed up, The Para 133 is 40” long. No problems here. You aren’t allowed golf clubs either?

--
I am the copyright owner of my work. Please don’t take or alter my images.

 

[subferno]

I guess I am trying to stuff it in a standard luggage with my clothes, lol. I will see what kind of specialized luggage will let me pack everything in.

That para 133 is out of my price range for this shoot I am doing. Scratch that off.

 

[Don89]

I guess I am trying to stuff it in a standard luggage with my clothes, lol. I will see what kind of specialized luggage will let me pack everything in.

That para 133 is out of my price range for this shoot I am doing. Scratch that off.

Price… In the absence of value, cost matters. Mine paid for themselves faster than anticipated. Invested in two of them. Para 222 and Para 133. Extremely happy I got them. They are the most amazing modifiers I’ve used. Each provides tons of looks.

but yeah. None of that makes them any less expensive. Since they’ve paid for themselves already, the rest is cake.

 

[JohnSil]

Yeah, the thing I did not mention is that I am flying. The length of the modifier has to be under 30 inches.

How are you flying? I’ve never heard of this restriction. Packed up, The Para 133 is 40” long. No problems here. You aren’t allowed golf clubs either?

The std restriction is 62 linear inches(L+W+D added up), plus 50-60v lbs depending on the airline. Bigger just pays more,

Golf clubs, bicycles and surfboards are exceptions and have a flat fee even though they are oversized where otherwise would not be allowed.

So it could be 40x11x11=62" or whatever combination.

John

 

[ronscuba]

The Glow 42" with grid costs $100 and the op specifically asked about it.

A Broncolor Para costs over $5,000.

To answers the OPs question, the 42" Glow will not be that much different than the 34". I would look into the 51" Glow Deep Silver umbrella at $60. The silver will give you the crisp contrasty light and the 51" size will give you noticeably more coverage than the 34".

Fishing rod travel tubes go for about $60, blue print tubes might also work if you need to travel with an umbrella.

--
https://www.ronchauphoto.com/
https://www.instagram.com/rchau.photo

 

[jlafferty]

The Glow 42" with grid costs $100 and the op specifically asked about it.

A Broncolor Para costs over $5,000.

And even costs aside the logistics of traveling with a large Para are absurd: the cage isn’t designed to mount smaller lights so you’re stuck bringing something heavier or modifying it; the offset weight requires a bigger stand; to be truly effective you need a large space to shoot it in. Each of these can be resolved with sufficient luck and planning, but why encumber yourself that way?

Best idea, as others have suggested, would be a large umbrella and sock. I like the PLM silver, but even something from Glow or Impact will do, in the 60-72” range. And I’d pair it with a humble 7” reflector and grid set. You’ll get to 90% of the look and feel of a para if you so choose, but can do loads more than a para can, and at a fraction of the cost/size/weight. It’s a far more travel friendly and flexible setup.
--

JIM LAFFERTY

Jim Lafferty is a New York based commercial photographer shooting beauty, fashion & movement.

jimlafferty.com

Evocative beats academic.

 

[jlafferty]

And just to echo what Ron said, too: the difference between 34 and 42” isn’t much. Get a truly larger umbrella, figure out how to pack it properly, and eat the luggage fee.

I didn’t see any mention of stands? You can get an umbrella plus one or two stands into a hard shell shipping tube of some sort and be good to go.

 

[Don89]

The Glow 42" with grid costs $100 and the op specifically asked about it.

A Broncolor Para costs over $5,000.

And even costs aside the logistics of traveling with a large Para are absurd: the cage isn’t designed to mount smaller lights so you’re stuck bringing something heavier or modifying it; the offset weight requires a bigger stand; to be truly effective you need a large space to shoot it in. Each of these can be resolved with sufficient luck and planning, but why encumber yourself that way?

Best idea, as others have suggested, would be a large umbrella and sock. I like the PLM silver, but even something from Glow or Impact will do, in the 60-72” range. And I’d pair it with a humble 7” reflector and grid set. You’ll get to 90% of the look and feel of a para if you so choose, but can do loads more than a para can, and at a fraction of the cost/size/weight. It’s a far more travel friendly and flexible setup.
--
http://jimlafferty.com
Evocative beats academic.

Do you speak from experience or opinion? I own and heavily use Broncolor’s Para 222 and Para 133. I’ve not experienced the drama referred to. The Para 133 packs up into a nice convenient package for transport. The Para 222 and Para 133 both use soft sided cases. Both have wheels too. I do recommended a hard case for shipping.

The superb results achieved from pro gear makes them very much worth while to schlep around.

Broncolor Paras achieve hundreds of looks based on focusing and feathering. Simply a joy to use. I own PLMs and a number of other modifiers in my search to achieve what Broncolor Paras do with simple ease.

None of those solutions match up to the performance of a Para. I tried. That’s why I predominately use Broncolor Paras. My other fake para modifiers are either tossed out or collecting dust unused in the back of some cupboard.

Broncolor Paras have paid for themselves twice as fast as I had planned.

Broncolor Paras are not for everyone for any number of reasons. Not because of performance, though.

Broncolor Paras are not hobby level GAS gear. They’re serious tools with excellent capabilities. If you’re a serious hobby photographer with Pro interests, this can be a ticket to success. You’ll likely find yourself getting busier as word spreads around and folks see the results of your work.

Within 6 months use, Broncolor asked for and used one of my photos in their new Broncolor Para Brochure.

--
I am the copyright owner of my work. Please don’t take or alter my images.

 

[Don89]

Yeah, the thing I did not mention is that I am flying. The length of the modifier has to be under 30 inches.

How are you flying? I’ve never heard of this restriction. Packed up, The Para 133 is 40” long. No problems here. You aren’t allowed golf clubs either?

The std restriction is 62 linear inches(L+W+D added up), plus 50-60v lbs depending on the airline. Bigger just pays more,

Golf clubs, bicycles and surfboards are exceptions and have a flat fee even though they are oversized where otherwise would not be allowed.

So it could be 40x11x11=62" or whatever combination.

John

40x8x12

 

[ronscuba]

Do you speak from experience or opinion? I own and heavily use Broncolor’s Para 222 and Para 133. I’ve not experienced the drama referred to. The Para 133 packs up into a nice convenient package for transport. The Para 222 and Para 133 both use soft sided cases. Both have wheels too. I do recommended a hard case for shipping.

The superb results achieved from pro gear makes them very much worth while to schlep around.

Broncolor Paras achieve hundreds of looks based on focusing and feathering. Simply a joy to use. I own PLMs and a number of other modifiers in my search to achieve what Broncolor Paras do with simple ease.

None of those solutions match up to the performance of a Para. I tried. That’s why I predominately use Broncolor Paras. My other fake para modifiers are either tossed out or collecting dust unused in the back of some cupboard.

Broncolor Paras have paid for themselves twice as fast as I had planned.

Broncolor Paras are not for everyone for any number of reasons. Not because of performance, though.

Broncolor Paras are not hobby level GAS gear. They’re serious tools with excellent capabilities. If you’re a serious hobby photographer with Pro interests, this can be a ticket to success. You’ll likely find yourself getting busier as word spreads around and folks see the results of your work.

Within 6 months use, Broncolor asked for and used one of my photos in their new Broncolor Para Brochure.

You sound like an infomercial advertisement.

 

[A-Marc]

The Glow 42" with grid costs $100 and the op specifically asked about it.

A Broncolor Para costs over $5,000.

And even costs aside the logistics of traveling with a large Para are absurd: the cage isn’t designed to mount smaller lights so you’re stuck bringing something heavier or modifying it; the offset weight requires a bigger stand; to be truly effective you need a large space to shoot it in. Each of these can be resolved with sufficient luck and planning, but why encumber yourself that way?

Best idea, as others have suggested, would be a large umbrella and sock. I like the PLM silver, but even something from Glow or Impact will do, in the 60-72” range. And I’d pair it with a humble 7” reflector and grid set. You’ll get to 90% of the look and feel of a para if you so choose, but can do loads more than a para can, and at a fraction of the cost/size/weight. It’s a far more travel friendly and flexible setup.
--
http://jimlafferty.com
Evocative beats academic.

Do you speak from experience or opinion? I own and heavily use Broncolor’s Para 222 and Para 133. I’ve not experienced the drama referred to. The Para 133 packs up into a nice convenient package for transport. The Para 222 and Para 133 both use soft sided cases. Both have wheels too. I do recommended a hard case for shipping.

The superb results achieved from pro gear makes them very much worth while to schlep around.

Broncolor Paras achieve hundreds of looks based on focusing and feathering. Simply a joy to use. I own PLMs and a number of other modifiers in my search to achieve what Broncolor Paras do with simple ease.

None of those solutions match up to the performance of a Para. I tried. That’s why I predominately use Broncolor Paras. My other fake para modifiers are either tossed out or collecting dust unused in the back of some cupboard.

Broncolor Paras have paid for themselves twice as fast as I had planned.

Broncolor Paras are not for everyone for any number of reasons. Not because of performance, though.

Broncolor Paras are not hobby level GAS gear. They’re serious tools with excellent capabilities. If you’re a serious hobby photographer with Pro interests, this can be a ticket to success. You’ll likely find yourself getting busier as word spreads around and folks see the results of your work.

Within 6 months use, Broncolor asked for and used one of my photos in their new Broncolor Para Brochure.

i followed the thread,

no doubt the paras produce good light, no one argues against it don.

on the other hand the OP asked for help about beauty dishes and a solution for him to decide what would be the best, travel friendly and cost effective solution.

its like some one asking if he better buy a hyundai or a madza, and some one jumps in and says, buy a Bentley, thats a real car, sure its expensive, but its a joy to ride.

your answer just dont stand in relation with the question what was asked.

 

[Don89]

Do you speak from experience or opinion? I own and heavily use Broncolor’s Para 222 and Para 133. I’ve not experienced the drama referred to. The Para 133 packs up into a nice convenient package for transport. The Para 222 and Para 133 both use soft sided cases. Both have wheels too. I do recommended a hard case for shipping.

The superb results achieved from pro gear makes them very much worth while to schlep around.

Broncolor Paras achieve hundreds of looks based on focusing and feathering. Simply a joy to use. I own PLMs and a number of other modifiers in my search to achieve what Broncolor Paras do with simple ease.

None of those solutions match up to the performance of a Para. I tried. That’s why I predominately use Broncolor Paras. My other fake para modifiers are either tossed out or collecting dust unused in the back of some cupboard.

Broncolor Paras have paid for themselves twice as fast as I had planned.

Broncolor Paras are not for everyone for any number of reasons. Not because of performance, though.

Broncolor Paras are not hobby level GAS gear. They’re serious tools with excellent capabilities. If you’re a serious hobby photographer with Pro interests, this can be a ticket to success. You’ll likely find yourself getting busier as word spreads around and folks see the results of your work.

Within 6 months use, Broncolor asked for and used one of my photos in their new Broncolor Para Brochure.

You sound like an infomercial advertisement.

 

[Don89]

The Glow 42" with grid costs $100 and the op specifically asked about it.

A Broncolor Para costs over $5,000.

And even costs aside the logistics of traveling with a large Para are absurd: the cage isn’t designed to mount smaller lights so you’re stuck bringing something heavier or modifying it; the offset weight requires a bigger stand; to be truly effective you need a large space to shoot it in. Each of these can be resolved with sufficient luck and planning, but why encumber yourself that way?

Best idea, as others have suggested, would be a large umbrella and sock. I like the PLM silver, but even something from Glow or Impact will do, in the 60-72” range. And I’d pair it with a humble 7” reflector and grid set. You’ll get to 90% of the look and feel of a para if you so choose, but can do loads more than a para can, and at a fraction of the cost/size/weight. It’s a far more travel friendly and flexible setup.
--
http://jimlafferty.com
Evocative beats academic.

Do you speak from experience or opinion? I own and heavily use Broncolor’s Para 222 and Para 133. I’ve not experienced the drama referred to. The Para 133 packs up into a nice convenient package for transport. The Para 222 and Para 133 both use soft sided cases. Both have wheels too. I do recommended a hard case for shipping.

The superb results achieved from pro gear makes them very much worth while to schlep around.

Broncolor Paras achieve hundreds of looks based on focusing and feathering. Simply a joy to use. I own PLMs and a number of other modifiers in my search to achieve what Broncolor Paras do with simple ease.

None of those solutions match up to the performance of a Para. I tried. That’s why I predominately use Broncolor Paras. My other fake para modifiers are either tossed out or collecting dust unused in the back of some cupboard.

Broncolor Paras have paid for themselves twice as fast as I had planned.

Broncolor Paras are not for everyone for any number of reasons. Not because of performance, though.

Broncolor Paras are not hobby level GAS gear. They’re serious tools with excellent capabilities. If you’re a serious hobby photographer with Pro interests, this can be a ticket to success. You’ll likely find yourself getting busier as word spreads around and folks see the results of your work.

Within 6 months use, Broncolor asked for and used one of my photos in their new Broncolor Para Brochure.

i followed the thread,

no doubt the paras produce good light, no one argues against it don.

on the other hand the OP asked for help about beauty dishes and a solution for him to decide what would be the best, travel friendly and cost effective solution.

its like some one asking if he better buy a hyundai or a madza, and some one jumps in and says, buy a Bentley, thats a real car, sure its expensive, but its a joy to ride.

your answer just dont stand in relation with the question what was asked.

DA, as described, mentioned a more expensive solution. You may have missed that. It is not required, merely an excellent option. Depending on L/T goals and objectives. The Para 133 has replaced my beauty dish

I recall the topic was “Which lighting setup would you go with?” Perfectly answered alternative.

 

[ronscuba]

Do you speak from experience or opinion? I own and heavily use Broncolor’s Para 222 and Para 133. I’ve not experienced the drama referred to. The Para 133 packs up into a nice convenient package for transport. The Para 222 and Para 133 both use soft sided cases. Both have wheels too. I do recommended a hard case for shipping.

The superb results achieved from pro gear makes them very much worth while to schlep around.

Broncolor Paras achieve hundreds of looks based on focusing and feathering. Simply a joy to use. I own PLMs and a number of other modifiers in my search to achieve what Broncolor Paras do with simple ease.

None of those solutions match up to the performance of a Para. I tried. That’s why I predominately use Broncolor Paras. My other fake para modifiers are either tossed out or collecting dust unused in the back of some cupboard.

Broncolor Paras have paid for themselves twice as fast as I had planned.

Broncolor Paras are not for everyone for any number of reasons. Not because of performance, though.

Broncolor Paras are not hobby level GAS gear. They’re serious tools with excellent capabilities. If you’re a serious hobby photographer with Pro interests, this can be a ticket to success. You’ll likely find yourself getting busier as word spreads around and folks see the results of your work.

Within 6 months use, Broncolor asked for and used one of my photos in their new Broncolor Para Brochure.

You sound like an infomercial advertisement.

You sound jealous

 

[Teila Day]

The Glow 42" with grid costs $100 and the op specifically asked about it.

A Broncolor Para costs over $5,000.

And even costs aside the logistics of traveling with a large Para are absurd:

Hardly.

Traveling with the PARA 133 has been pretty benign for me, though most of that travel has been private conveyance (ground & air). In the Bay Area it's simple to travel with the PARA 133 on the train, the BART, trolley, etc.

the cage isn’t designed to mount smaller lights so you’re stuck bringing something heavier or modifying it;

The cage is well suited (understatement) for smaller lights because that's what should be used with the PARA in the first place. I'm surprised that Broncolor even entertains putting larger lights on it as "can" doesn't often equate to "should". How much smaller of a light are you wanting to use compared to a Broncolor MobiLED which is even smaller with the reflector off. It's already about the size of a grown man's hand, the housing is small enough to fit in the palm of a man's hand while offering 1600ws, what more do you want? In a 222, the MobiLED looks like a gnat on a pole. (pic link below). Mounted to the 133 the MobiLED offers an exceptionally light weight + powerful option.

The Broncolor Litos (looks like the MobiLED) is a 2400ws light.

https://www.711rent.com/en/rent/produchttps://fstoppers.com/reviews/20000-broncolor-lighting-really-worth-it-55070t/broncolor-mobiled-max-1600j?setLang=0

the offset weight requires a bigger stand; to be truly effective you need a large space to shoot it in.

I use the PARA 133 even in standard size hotel rooms. One absolutely does not need a large space for it to be effective. Not even remotely so. The difference between flooded and spot in a small space is like comparing night and day.

Each of these can be resolved with sufficient luck and planning, but why encumber yourself that way?

..You’ll get to 90% of the look and feel of a para if you so choose, but can do loads more than a para can, and at a fraction of the cost/size/weight.

No.

From the practical tests that I've seen, you don't get close to 90% of the total performance of a PARA which is probably why people still buy them. You're essentially comparing a parabolic reflector to a softbox.

You don't go for the birth control pill that's 60% effective compared to the leading brand. You buy the leading brand because of the 39.9995% performance gain over the options that are more likely to leave you in a lurch.

--
Teila K. Day
http://teiladay.com

 

[Teila Day]

I currently have a Glow EZ Lock Beauty Dish 34" for doing single 3/4 to full body portraits. If I were to have two subjects in the frame, which of the following choices would still allow me to keep the punchy contrast of a beauty dish look?

Using software to make a composite whereby allowing you to use the gear you have or using a really large softbox, pulled back from the subject(s) and the power turned up, but depending on the camera and lens, things can look a bit "muddy", especially if you're shooting subjects wearing cheap makeup (reddish/greenish faces..)

How many studio strobes do you have available? I don't know the look that you're going for exactly, but don't forget that if you have multiple strobes, strobe + bare reflectors too may be a viable option (e.g. 45 degree, deep reflector) if it's a harder light you're wanting.

Whatever you decide - If your goal is to shoot for years to come, then I implore you to take your time and think out your purchases, so you save thousands of dollars in the long run. If you can't use it 15 years from now - forget it! That goes for a $7k USD modifier or a $50 reflector that's well-made, nicely coated on the inside and won't get dented up with typical use.

Don brought up a modifier costing thousands of dollars and you're probably not even thinking about spending that kind of money. Most wouldn't. Let me be clear though... what you described is 100% in the territory of using a PARA 133, 177 and or 222 Broncolor parabolic and I'm guessing that's why Don brought it up. It's not just about the light these modifiers produce, but also the ease of getting the job done with an intended result when compared to other modifiers. Set it up, put the focus tube where you want it, angle the PARA/modifier how you like it, and shoot your session - moving the modifier at the drop of a hat to alter the light to your liking. It's a time saver. That said if a $500 modifier does what you need it to do, then don't spend more than that if it meets your needs with room-to-grow.

Map out your wants/needs and make a purchase plan based on what, where, why (shooting for pay or just relaxing hobby) you shoot and how you want to shoot it.

Wishing you the best with your purchase decision.

--
Teila K. Day
http://teiladay.com