Portrait with Lightsphere

[Matt. K]

I am still testing this ponderous bubble of a gadget but my first impressions are very positive. Firstly, a couple of things I don't like about it. Fitting it to the SB800 is a hassel and it can't just be whacked on and ripped off as you need it. A better system required here. The other niggle is that it makes the camera/flash combo feel off balance and clummsy. Oh, and it looks ridiculous.

Now for the good news. This damn thing seems to work magic provided you work within a resonable distance of your subject. It gives excellent wraparound and near studio-like modelling. It is worth the 60 odd bucks because I now know I can produce better portraits...with a hotshoe mounted, on camera flash! The picture is one of a series I am working on and is only posted here to illustrate the modelling that the diffuser has added to the image. The flash head was raised up to about 45 degrees. Note that there are no hot spots on the specs...always a difficult thing to avoid.
http://www.pbase.com/matt_k/image/44059551

[PiroStitch]

Nice one Matt. Keep up the great work with the research and kudos for sharing your findings. I must say I'm really tempted to get on these bubbles Agreed it looks silly, but I guess we must suffer one way or another for our art.

[Alex]

Excellent portrait, Matt. The lighting looks very even.

Alex

[robw25]

matt
just got mine today and yes i agree... it doesnt "fit" properly on the sb800..and it looks ridiculous... but took a few pics of gf and i think it has potential.... more so in a studio environment.... your photo looked good btw

cheers rob

[birddog114]

I got mine two weeks now and like it, apart from its odd shape and style, I don't have problem to fit onto the SB-800, fun in doing it. Once you get used to it and then forget the hassle and enjoying the "studio like" lighting works. It also changed alot of my way to use flash in doing portrait shoot.

[Oneputt]

Matt I always thought that you were younger

[dooda]

I cut out some white cardboard into a sort of light bulb shape and strapped it to the SB 800. Straps on easy and is comfy, but it looks completely retarded and everyone asks me what in the hell it is. I just tell them that it is a snack in case I get hungry later on.

[leek]

Has anyone done a straight comparison shot between the LSII and the standard SB-800 diffuser yet???
I'd be really keen to see the difference...

[gstark]

Has anyone done a straight comparison shot between the LSII and the standard SB-800 diffuser yet???
I'd be really keen to see the difference...

John,

I think that Steve in So Cal did one about two weeks ago. Look at the other LSII threads and see if you can find it.

[Greg B]

Nice work Matt.

And the sight of the lightsphere on your flash makes the need to ask your portrait subject to smile redundant.

[MHD]

any news on the second batch of LS?

[JordanP]

any news on the second batch of LS?

They arrived last week - contact Birdy if you want it sent down.

[MHD]

Thanks, done...

[BBJ]

Nice work Matt, i played with mine last nite for a bit and well i did do a test with the diffuser and then with LSII, my conclusion is that with the LSII looks more like natural ligting than with the diffuser, dont take it for gospel as i did a few close ups of she who hates me taking pics of her and well that what i have found so far. I did it in different positions as well straight on and bounced then compared them, but yes will take some time to play more.
Cheers
John

[joolz]

I think the technique of putting it on is to squeeze the tip and roll it downwards....

Errr, actually I think that's some other phallic looking device.

I really like the LSII, despite the size & bulkiness. It gives better end results from what little chance I've had to play with it.

[Matt. K]

I'm guessing that this thing would be awesome mounted off the camera and fired remotely...with a second one mounted on the camera. The ability to dial compensation in would give you masterful control and the lighting would be seductive to the ninth degree. Hmmm. I have an idea.

[birddog114]

I'm guessing that this thing would be awesome mounted off the camera and fired remotely...with a second one mounted on the camera. The ability to dial compensation in would give you masterful control and the lighting would be seductive to the ninth degree. Hmmm. I have an idea.

Matt.K
Exactly what I want to try, to "substitute" the studio lighting. You gotta luv it!