Artificial Lighting

[bigorangemd 0]

Today had high thin overcast which plays havoc on filming dark skinned people. Any ideas on lighting sources to help on these days or remove shadows on bright days at certain angles? Looking for something that is practicle weight wise for daily use. Thanks.

[Zlew 0]

for shooting tandems?

depending on the camera, you can use the popup flash. Note, it may lower your battery life and slow down your burst rate.

The next step up would be a flash with a sync cable. Things can get a little more tricky with weight, setup, securing etc. but it's not that uncommon. This could be a "Dumb" flash, or something with ettl capabilities.

I have seen some guys run 430 or 580 speedlights mounted flat with a sync cord. The results are pretty sweet.

With flash, research your sync speed and set it as high as you can. many will max out at 1/250th, and some will default to as slow as 1/50th or 1/60th. For frefall I like the higher. shutter speeds when possible.

[bigorangemd 0]

Both vid and still. Was wondering about something like an LED source or something. I've seen the giant light Norman Kent uses for pro use but wondered if there if a smaller option.

[DSE 5]

LED source works fine, from Lite Panels. I've got a Director on the front of my Flattop Pro.

[bigorangemd 0]

Thanks. What I was looking for. Few other question DSE, if I might, couldn't find director. Closest I found was the MicroPro. Also do you use it on every jump or only when low light or times shadows are likely?

[DSE 5]

MicroPro replaced the Director.
I only use it in less than bright sunlight. They are exceptionally efficient for battery life, so you could also use one for bright sun/hard shadows.

[bigorangemd 0]

Thanks, final questions I swear; is it bright enough that you think it would take away from the customer's experience? Also with your set up can you remove it easily or do you leave it on? Thanks again.

[DSE 5]

Mine is attached via thumbscrew.
I don't believe it detracts from their experience, but it annoys the hell out of people in the plane, and some TI's don't care for it.
I use it judiciously.

[bigorangemd 0]

Thanks