Gary Fong Lightsphere

[Jason Dunn]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://store.garyfonginc.com/licl.html' target='_blank'>http://store.garyfonginc.com/licl.html</a><br /><br /></div><i>"Use the new cloud colored photojournalist to create the warmest softest light possible from your on-camera flash. Studio quality light, that you can carry in your gear bag, makes the Cloud Lightsphere the perfect diffuser for portrait photographers and wedding photojournalists.This soft flattering light is the same light you are accustomed to finding in your studio when using a softbox, Calumet panel or large umbrella. If you shoot outside of your studio - you will love the Cloud Lightsphere."</i><br /><br /><img src="http://www.digitalmediathoughts.com/images/gary-fong-lightsphere.jpg" /><br /><br />I picked one of these up a couple of weeks ago, and while I haven't had an opportunity to really put it through the paces, the couple of test shots I did turned out quite well. When I purchased the Lightsphere it came with a DVD that contains a series of videos that, collectively, act as a "how to" for using the Lightsphere. The screen capture above is from the DVD - the difference in lighting is quite dramatic, especially in the eyes (and portrait photography is all about the eyes if they're in the frame!). I had a small, square diffuser, but it didn't do much compared to the Lightsphere. <br /><br />Since buying my gear last year, I have to admit that I've hardly used my SB600 flash with my Nikon D200 because I felt like the flash was an unstable element in my photography - it was too easy to overpower the photo, and I didn't have any good technique for using the flash. The Lightsphere simplifies things quite a bit, so I'm looking forward to adding it into the mix. If you're interested in learning more there are some videos on the product page that will show you what kind of a difference the Lightsphere makes. Any Lightsphere owners out there?

[Lee Yuan Sheng]

1. Always engage in slow-sync.

2. Always use flash compensation if you're using the flash as fill. Try these guidelines:

In bright sunglight: -0.3 to -0.7
Cloudy: -0.7 to -1.0
Brightly lit Indoor: -1.0 to -1.7

3. Always make sure your subject is not under the flash's MINIMUM range! This is important, because then no amount of flash compensation will save your subject from being overly-fried with photons from your flash. This is also why I tend to buy the top-of-the-line flash: They come with the indicators to show your max and minimum range.

4. Flash bracket. If you're serious, this will drastically improve the quality of your flash output.

5. A proper diffuser if needed; note this will kill the flash's range a lot (which goes together with recharge times and battery life).

6. If you can, do blot away excess oil or ask your subject to reapply any make up.

7. Finally, understand how Guide Numbers work: http://www.vividlight.com/Articles/1214.htm

[Lee Yuan Sheng]

Ok, reading through that, I realise I'm taking the wrong approach. :P Here's a quick guide to explaining the above guidelines.

Basics! A fundemental rule in flash photography is:

"To present adequete illumination of the subject without it looking overly artificial or overbearing."

Therefore, guidelines 1 and 2 above are to make sure the light provided by the flash doesn't look overwhelming or overpowering. #3 is to ensure you don't end up in a situation where it *will* happen.

Rules #4 and #5 (and in a sense, #6) are about dealing with specular highlights - Those ugly blobs of reflected light that occur when shooting glass or someone's oily forehead and nose. :P Larger sources of light, as well as directional light on semi-circular surfaces (eg, a face) positioned further away from the central lens axis, helps reduce the specular highlights, or the harsh appearnce of it.

[aroma]

Interesting product. I'm anxious to hear your thoughts on it once you've had a little more time with it, and maybe some test shots. Did you get the clear or cloud version?

[Jason Dunn]

Did you get the clear or cloud version?

The cloud...I prefer soft lighting...

[Jeremy Charette]

I'd love to see some test shots from you Jason. A real user.

[Jason Dunn]

I'd love to see some test shots from you Jason. A real user.

Well, I wasn't planning on reviewing it because I bought it (that tends to get me "off the hook" ;-)), but sure, I'll post some test shots at the very least...

[Jonathon Watkins]

I just ordered the cloudy lightphere as well. :) I've read a lot of good things about it. I'll see how well it does well it turn up.

[Jason Dunn]

I loaned my D200 to my brother this weekend, and I've asked him to take some photos showing how the LightSphere works...I'll post them here when he's done.