by Paul | Jul 27, 2012 | Blog Post, FourSquare, Photo Shoot, Studio Shoot, Tips and Tricks, Unintended Uses
We were working on a new project, “Sitting on a Rainbow with the World by a String” and during the filming we used some LEDs that worked out wonderfully bundled in a FourSquare® softbox. That got me to thinking how many small lighting “fixtures” would work in and or on the FourSquare® system. I did a little research on the big ol’ web and found numerous “fixtures” that would work as long as it has a 1/4″ x 2o thread mount and is not to large to fit between the poles. You can use a Four, Three, Two or One. Take a look at this quick pic. Our thanks goes out to Ken Seagren at LSI (Denver, Colorado) for letting us go through his inventory to find these great little LED’s. Necessity is some times the mother of invention. My thanks goes out to who ever coined that phrase.
by Paul | May 16, 2012 | Photo Shoot, Studio Shoot, Tips and Tricks, Unintended Uses
So while wandering the isle of the Home Depot by the studio I came across a large glass block 12″ x 12″. I wanted to see what a background would look like with a speed light pumping through it. I believe it was set at 1/8th power. We tried color gels and you can see the results below. I would like to see if I could find a large plastic “glass” block. Does any one know?

by Paul | May 9, 2012 | Lightware, Location Kits, Location Shoot, Photo Shoot, Studio Shoot, Tips and Tricks, Unintended Uses
I recently found this handy little light while at my local improvement store. It runs on three AAA batteries and by adding a couple of hook and loop tabs the the back, it attaches perfectly to the inside of my Lightware camera case. So you are working in a dark set this can be a saver. I found this beauty at Home Depot. It was in the fluorescent bulb isle.


by Paul | Apr 25, 2012 | Lightware, Location Kits, Location Shoot, Tips and Tricks, Unintended Uses
On a earlier post I was talking about the Micro cases to hold my H4N, well now I have turned one into a basic cleaning kit and battery holder. Let your imagination run wild.
While working in LA, I found “Panchro” to be the lens fluid cleaner of choice in the “film” world. This came as a tip from a lens technician in LosAngeles while I was waiting on some rental equipment. Plus, the micro case keeps things “dry” when you pack them with other things. What is not shown, are a few sheets of KimWipes that I keep beneath the lens brush and Pancro.
See another post for my “Bad Day on Location” kit.

by Paul | Jan 25, 2012 | Tips and Tricks, Unintended Uses
This image was done with a “White Plastic Tablecloth” I snarfed from a awards banquet at my daughters high school. They were putting them in the trash. I figured that I could use it for a diffuser, and I was right. The package price was $1.99. I shot my assistant with it using some foam core and two SB-900 Nikon Flashes. Pretty simple and could easily be used on location with another table cloth as a fill (replacing the foam core) and as a background. I did not spend much time with this, but it shows how simple things can be when you need them to work.


by Paul | Jan 15, 2011 | Location Kits, Location Shoot, Tips and Tricks, Unintended Uses
I have found the Micro case a perfect fit for my PhaseOne backs. I have added some closed cell foam on both sides (parts from a sleeping pad) to center the back in the case. I have also added a piece on top for a little extra cushion. This little package fits perfectly in my Lightware MF2012 in the vertical position. Adds that little extra protection. With the different colors available, I can easily tell which back I have in my case.

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