A photographic flash is a small, high intensity source of light which produces generally harsh, unattractive shadows. The quality of this light has been a concern to photographers since the introduction of the flash. Over the last two decades, LumiQuest has developed the most effective and comprehensive line of photographic flash accessories in the world.
Selecting A Small Light Modifier
The most important criteria for evaluating and selecting small light modifiers is LOGIC
Hype and hope do not modify light...light is predictable, it's behavior is consistent with the laws of physics. It is relatively easy to determine where the light is going and how it has been modified when it reaches the subject.
The overwhelming factor determining the "softness" of a shadow is the SIZE of the light source. All things being equal, the larger the light source, the softer the shadows.
If you refract the light through a translucent material, creating a larger light source, the SIZE of that light source will determine the "softness" of the shadows. (i.e. softboxes and shoot-through umbrellas).
If you bounce the light off a nearby surface, that surface becomes the new light source. Select bounce surfaces and flash direction remembering that the angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection. Once again, it is the SIZE of that new light source that determines the "softness" of the shadows (i.e. bounce cards, walls, ceilings and umbrellas).
Small light modifiers represent an improvement over direct flash, they bridge the gap between direct flash and studio set-ups and are often the best alternative on location, but they are not intended to replace larger studio equipment. However, when used in conjunction with "found" surfaces on location such as nearby walls and ceilings...the possibilities are endless
Which LumiQuest Model is Right for Me?
I need a simple, general puprpose modifier
Consider the Pocket Bouncer, it's a good place to start and, if you like, you can add Gold and Silver inserts and a diffusion screen later.
I shoot in a variety of situations . . . indoors, outdoors, high ceilings, low ceilings, I never know.
Consider the ProMax System; this six piece kit can help you deal with a variety of situations on location.
I want the softest light I can get, but never have ceilings to bounce the light.
Consider the Big Bounce or the more compact UltraSoft.
I frequently shoot in offices with relatively close walls and ceilings.
Consider the 80-20 and UltraBounce, they both require nearby surfaces to operate properly but under these circumstances are very effective.
I shoot party pics so I've got to move fast and can't rely on bounce surfaces.
Consider the SoftBox or Mini SoftBox, they are low profile and don't rely on bounce surfaces found on location.
We also have a number of specialty items with limited, but interesting applications:
FX & FXtra - colorizes the light
Snoot - Restricts the light
In addition, a couple of items for specific flashes:
MidiBouncer - for larger Metz and Sunpak flashes
SoftBox II - for Quantum, Lumedyne
Soft Screen - for cameras equipped with pop-up flashes
It is important to keep in mind this obvious, but often overlooked, fact: Any light from your flash that is not either directed at your subject or redirected toward your subject has no impact on the photograph you are making and is therefore wasted. This wasted power represents both minor and major immediate and downstream problems:
Increased recycle time
Reduced battery Life
Negatively impacting operating distances, ISO settings and aperture alternatives
Additional stress on the flash itself by repetitive high power outputs
Despite popular myths, small diffusion domes such as the LumiQuest UltraBounce and the Stofen Omni Bounce are not softboxes. Since they are not materially larger than the flash head itself, by themselves they only have a small effect on shadow softness. These devices spread the light over 360 degrees making them very effective in small areas where there are nearby walls and ceilings to bounce the light. In the ABSENCE of these nearby bounce surfaces, illuminating 360 degrees while photographing 50 degrees results in a loss of light.
Do I have to stick Velcro on my flash?
No you don't . . .
Over the years it has become apparent to us that some photographers are concerned about/reluctant to use self adhesive Velcro on their flash units. As a result we added the Cinch Strap, a non adhesive Velcro loop, to our product line. While it works fine, it IS easily removable It can be made more secure by simply applying a couple of drops of super glue at the point where it connects to itself, so when you are ready to remove the Cinch Strap, it leaves no adhesive residue on the flash.
While the Cinch Strap is a very reasonable option, we'd like to offer the following regarding attachment alternatives:
Self adhesive Velcro is unquestionably the least expensive and most secure attachment option.
It can be removed (with some effort) and the residue cleans off with Goo Gone adhesive remover (it can slightly dull the finish).
The negative effect on used flash resale value is negligible since, as mentioned, the residue can be removed and, in reality, the value of a functioning 1-2 year old flash is a fraction of its purchase price, especially if the model has been superseded (check out eBay).
And lastly, we have recently converted to Ultra Mate, a sleek, low profile, more attractive Velcro Product.
We offer this information not to imply that there are bad decisions, only options...an informed decision is a better decision.
