Comments on: More Proof That Expensive Gear Does Not Equal Good Pictures

By: Donnie Bell Design

Donnie Bell Design — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 19:17:28 +0000

Equipment can cover up a lot of cracks, but essentially, it’s your eye and creativity.

By: Remy Musser

Remy Musser — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 10:09:58 +0000

I am not saying that it’s not possible to use hot lights.
But with that particular lighning setup that Bert used he might have shot at ISO800 F/2.8…

I am in general shooting model @ISO100 F/11 , and I don’t see how my models or myself would feel comfortable with 10k or more power in studio.
I had in January a TV crew making a documentary about my work and after 1 hour of filming (using 4k power of hot light) I had to turn all heaters off.
I have been invited to 4 TV shows in February and the temperature on the sets was for sure over 35 degrees Celsius.

Of course HMIs would do the job but then it’s a matter of choice… So I’ll stick to my strobes

By: Benjamin Kanarek

Benjamin Kanarek — Sun, 27 Mar 2011 20:05:23 +0000

All of the lights were rented. The strobes and tungsten were part of the studio rental fee and we had to rent the 2 1200 watt HMI’s for the day. When I see, I mean the client.

By: c.d.embrey

c.d.embrey — Sun, 27 Mar 2011 16:47:51 +0000

@ Patrick Hall said:” … but how much are those lights? I think the point is HMI are extremely expensive lights. …”
NO, everybody’s point seems to be “ooh, ooh they are so hot that the model will MELT – and I will burn my hands because I don’t know enough to wear gloves.
MY POINT is that PROs have been using Hot Lights (both HMI and Tungsten) for a very loang time. The Model doesn’t MELT, they don’t start FIRES.
In the video, Bert Stephni shows what can be done with inexpensive hot lights. Here’s a quote from his blog “In time, I might replace the work lights with some really nice photo/video lights. But apart from being safer, easier to handle and better looking, light is just light.”
That’s right ” … light is just light” A Better Solution is the $130.00 Lowel Tota-light. I’ve been using them since the 1970s. I also use HMIs when they are the right light for the job!
To Answer Your Question about the cost of a Profoto ProDaylight Air, you can buy two of them for the price of one Profoto 8a 2400 pack.

By: 3rdstringjedi

3rdstringjedi — Sun, 27 Mar 2011 13:52:59 +0000

Very cool. It’s easy to get caught up in new, high-dollar (or Euro) gear. Thanks for bringing it all back to Earth with simple, creative solutions.

By: Lee

Lee — Sun, 27 Mar 2011 06:22:31 +0000

You’ve said what I was holding back :)

By: Isaace

Isaace — Sun, 27 Mar 2011 02:59:29 +0000

You know what?, everybody shut the heck up. All you do is complain.
And I think the only thing you need to shoot good photos is to be a good photographer. If you have a shitty eye and you never practice and experiment, of course you’re going to be mediocre.

By: Carlo Parducho

Carlo Parducho — Sun, 27 Mar 2011 02:50:38 +0000

BTW I like his voice.

I liked the 1st photo too.

By: Carlo Parducho

Carlo Parducho — Sun, 27 Mar 2011 02:49:17 +0000

Can anyone enlighten me on the slower shutter speed = more organic look thing at 1:42?

What’s the “organic” look anyway? Someone told me that before – that I always want my work to look organic. I’m like…. um????

By: Oliver

Oliver — Sun, 27 Mar 2011 01:26:05 +0000

Thanks Lee, I just love fstoppers, you guys are a real inspiration, especially when i feel i bit low in photographic inspiration. Keep up the awesome work!