Ab, I really appreciate how you explain things with out dumbing it down. As a person that has been shooting for a long time but didnt have as much access to grip I find it refreshing and informational
Thanks Mr. Sesay for another to the point and useful video. Technology in modern cameras and lights seem to change daily but Grip is Forever! Buy it right once and it will outlive you.
I watched your entire video and it was extremely helpful for me as I don’t know much about light stands and need one now. After watching this I feel I have a better understanding of the fundamentals, so I can at least recognize that which I do not need. Than you so very much for doing this sir!
What an excellent video! The rundown is awesome. There is too much here in this seventeen minutes to take in, in just one pass. I will watch this one again for sure. Thank you Mr. Sesay, and Adroama.
There is so much useful information in here. It is well worth the second viewing. A lot of this information would not be available unless they are working on an actual set.
Wow! What a comprehensive summary. A lot of this stuff is far beyond what I will ever use, but really helpful to know what's out there. Thanks for sharing your expertise, Ab!
Being from California, have to use Matthews LOL! Although I will admit Kupo threaded baby nail pin is the bomb. Just ordered my 5th C+stand, I prefer the Turtle Base stands, There more versatile being able to pack them down on the road and change risers to match your needs.
Agreed! I do love C-Stands. I probably have 20. But when my back tells me I'm only taking one heavier-duty stand on location if I find the Steel Baby Kit stands more trustworthy in the wind. But I agree I couldn't live without the C-Stands. Also, check our Kupo Grip arms, I think they make the best grip arms in the business. they have texture to grip better and the stud at the end is hex so things won't spin. Thank you for leaving a comment.
Great coverage of the main style stands. You left out my favorite in-studio (only) stand for lights and lightweight cameras: column stands like Manfrotto's 231 or Studio Titan's Sidekick. They're not very portable (6-8 feet for the column), but they make it very easy to move the light from floor to ceiling just by squeezing a trigger-no separate risers. They're not as popular as the others, but they're a huge convenience.
That would have definitely been a good addition and they are great for cameras as well. Also thanks for leaving the model number so people can go check it out.
Fabulous presentation as always. Did you forget about the mighty Junior Boom Stands ? (Kupo 546M or Avenger A4050CS).... They are great options too; and can be fitted with casters - (minor issue is that, unlike a regular boom, you can't pivot the all the way vertical because of the design). I have an other good idea for a video on lighting...
Great feedback. I was thinking about including an integrated boom stand, but I would include them in a video about booms. My goal was to keep this around the 15-minute mark and base it around the stands I feel people need to learn when becoming an assistant and that you will generally see the most on a grip truck or rental studio while still giving an overview of what to look for and the intentions behind the design of stands in general. Maybe I'll do a video just on boom options.
Ab... here's an idea for a tutorial if you want one.... a monitor and monitor table. Gavin Hoey touched on it but said Manfrotto stopped making the one he uses. Also what tablets can talk to our cameras so the model and photographer can see a larger image. I screwed up last week when one of my pics wasn't focused... groom and grooms father, it looked fine on the little display on the back of the camera but when I got home I realised it was blurred. A monitor would have stopped that problem, and groups doing fun shots enjoy the instant feedback and want more pics. So my next purchase is stand, monitor, tablet and tether... but hopefully the experts can guide me!
Auto stands (ex. CheetahStand, Flashpoint, etc.) are a bit niche, so I'm not surprised that they aren't covered in this video. For my particular use case though (cosplay conventions), they're amazingly convenient for indoor shooting. The legs automatically fold up as soon as the stand is lifted, so it's easier to reposition the lights or move to other locations without tripping up people in crowded spaces.
I was thinking about expanding the kit stand section, but wanted to base the overall categories about what is most commonly used on larger production and in rental houses. There are definitely many specialty stands that I left out.
I would like to know how to goal post an Elinchrom 75 Octa or 57 Square for overhead or beauty lighting. I have tried the Manfrotto super boom and a couple of others but all of them bow down badly at full extension.
You can use a Megaboom on a heavily sand-bagged roller stand. I have a video called 10 simple lighting setups in my playlist and I goalpost an elenchrom Octa.
question. how are you rigging up your seamless paper? i know you are using some kind of pipe, but how are you tend attaching that to your stands? we are contemplating getting the 12ft seamless paper and want to know best ways to mount it since, as you mentioned, the roll weighs 50lbs
In this video Im using galvanized pipe, but I have moved to using electrical conduit one size slightly smaller than the other and I slide them into each other. and taple them in the middle so they don't slide. Using 10ft sections. I rig them to the stands with supper clamps.
I personally use a C-Stand Base with a drop pin (junior to baby) pin in it, but usually, with the height, you get from the head and the stand you want something that is no more than a foot off the floor if your subject is sitting.
From a neophyte newbie. I wish there was a formula for the angles and positioning of the lights in a 3 light setup. What is the best height relative to the subject? What is the proper angle for each light? Do you keep the key light above or below the height of the fill light? I understand you could say it depends, but what is the starting point for what I'll call the triangle of light? Thanks.
This is best done based on capturing a certain image. My recommendation for a headshot would be to have your main and fill light above the model's eye line, and your rim light off access and high enough not to flare out your lens. But this is definitely not a one size fits all answer.
@@AbSesayPhoto I think that is a great answer. The electrician is coming tomorrow, and I needed guidance on mounting the lighting. What I want is an all-in-one where one switch turns everything on. That is three lights, a key, a fill, and rim, a backlight for the backdrop, a microphone, and camera power. (I like dreamin') I should be able to throw the switch off my computer. You have helped me a lot. If you do virtual consulting for a fee, please let me know. It would be worth it to me to have you review my configuration and just react with what will do the best for my purposes.
Where do you speak about the pluses and minuses of mounting one or more of a three-light setup to the wall or ceiling rather than using floor stands? That seems like the best option in a narrow alley-type green screen setup.
I think an overhead rig is great for fixed sets, and when you need more floor space. Using a floor stand gives you more flexibility, and reinforced floors are pretty standard, Light in the ceiling man time can involve construction and re-routing power to your ceiling.
@@AbSesayPhoto I will mount a Hercules mic stand into the ceiling joist. I'll put the mic cable up into the ceiling across the open attic floor and down to my mixer and control area. My question is about the cable to use. If I get a 25-foot microphone cable, is that the best option for a long audio cable run. I ask because it is quite rigid, relatively speaking, and it will be cumbersome to snake the end with a mic connector on it through the wall. What is the best way to run a long audio cable? Thanks.
@@RobertJohnson-dp3ey I Robert. Sorry, I missed this. Its hard to answer without seeing the setup. I can say using a cable is better in audio quality than most wireless options, and you don't need batteries. But It hard to give you an good answer without seeing the setup.
Kupo S101112 High Baby Stand, 55.12lbs Maximum Load Capacity Its #6 on the list, I tried posting a link before, but that function is turned off I think. Sorry for the delay.
Great video. ...not a job goes by that I didn't hate the stupid, non-intuitive, names our EQ has. Roller (l/m/h) and light stand ( _light duty_ ) naming is the only stand nomenclature that makes any sense.
Too bad you don't say anything about sprung stands. After all, springs mean that your expensive equipment cannot fall down hard on the stand. Just add!
You're correct. But I intentionally left out many stands. But I think this gives a good range to solve many problems when it comes to rigging and light placement. I think its one of the most extensive single videos on TH-cam about light stands. Spring-loaded or air-cushioned are two things I didn't discuss.
Dude, I must admit most Adorama videos didn't teach me much, but your content is on another level! You run this shit.
Very Flattered Doctor Neg. Really appreciate the feedback being amongst such great creators on the Adorama channel.
Can't get more comprehensive than that! Thanks, Ab!
Thank you Nina.
Ab, I really appreciate how you explain things with out dumbing it down. As a person that has been shooting for a long time but didnt have as much access to grip I find it refreshing and informational
Thank you Core Elements. I truly appreciate the feedback.
Thanks Mr. Sesay for another to the point and useful video. Technology in modern cameras and lights seem to change daily but Grip is Forever! Buy it right once and it will outlive you.
I totally agree Jim, and you are very welcome.
I watched your entire video and it was extremely helpful for me as I don’t know much about light stands and need one now. After watching this I feel I have a better understanding of the fundamentals, so I can at least recognize that which I do not need. Than you so very much for doing this sir!
Than you so much. Glad you found this video helpful.
Excellent video describing and clarifying the broad field of light stands. Well done!
Thank you Nelson.
What an excellent video! The rundown is awesome. There is too much here in this seventeen minutes to take in, in just one pass. I will watch this one again for sure. Thank you Mr. Sesay, and Adroama.
If you have any questions Alias please feel free to reach out. I check the comments often.
Ab, you are the GOLD standard!
Appreciate you.
I have been loving all the videos being put out by this channel. So much good information and well edited!
Thank you Michael. There are definitely some great creators on this channel. I'm grateful to be one of them.
Another home run by Ab. This would still be the best photography channel even if Gavin and Ab were the only two people making content for it.
I'm flattered Stewart and honored to make content with all the great creators on Adorama.
There is so much useful information in here. It is well worth the second viewing. A lot of this information would not be available unless they are working on an actual set.
Thank you Fung Hoi Fung Jason. I'm really glad you found it useful.
Here it is...thank you for doing all this work! Good overview. Helps a lot!
You very welcome Lumos
Great video! I've been shooting photography for 13 years and definitely learned a few things!
Glad to hear it was Helpful DioBurto. Appreciate the feedback.
Thanks for the tip about the mini max stand at the end.
You're welcome. I learned a few things by creating this video. Glad there was a take away for you.
Wow! What a comprehensive summary. A lot of this stuff is far beyond what I will ever use, but really helpful to know what's out there. Thanks for sharing your expertise, Ab!
Your welcome Alun B
我也在通过他的视频在学习 我在中国 哈哈 很给力 就是看字幕有点慢不懂外国语言
Really comprehensive guide, thank you!
Thak you Andrew.
This was terrific, thank you, Ab.
You are very welcome Cheryl, thank you for the great feedback.
Being from California, have to use Matthews LOL! Although I will admit Kupo threaded baby nail pin is the bomb. Just ordered my 5th C+stand, I prefer the Turtle Base stands, There more versatile being able to pack them down on the road and change risers to match your needs.
Agreed! I do love C-Stands. I probably have 20. But when my back tells me I'm only taking one heavier-duty stand on location if I find the Steel Baby Kit stands more trustworthy in the wind. But I agree I couldn't live without the C-Stands. Also, check our Kupo Grip arms, I think they make the best grip arms in the business. they have texture to grip better and the stud at the end is hex so things won't spin. Thank you for leaving a comment.
Great coverage of the main style stands.
You left out my favorite in-studio (only) stand for lights and lightweight cameras: column stands like Manfrotto's 231 or Studio Titan's Sidekick. They're not very portable (6-8 feet for the column), but they make it very easy to move the light from floor to ceiling just by squeezing a trigger-no separate risers.
They're not as popular as the others, but they're a huge convenience.
That would have definitely been a good addition and they are great for cameras as well. Also thanks for leaving the model number so people can go check it out.
this was very helpful .. wonderful to learn this
Thank you.
Great Video Ab.
Thank you J Beitz.
Amazing video and info!
Thank you Fernando
Fabulous presentation as always. Did you forget about the mighty Junior Boom Stands ? (Kupo 546M or Avenger A4050CS).... They are great options too; and can be fitted with casters - (minor issue is that, unlike a regular boom, you can't pivot the all the way vertical because of the design). I have an other good idea for a video on lighting...
Great feedback. I was thinking about including an integrated boom stand, but I would include them in a video about booms. My goal was to keep this around the 15-minute mark and base it around the stands I feel people need to learn when becoming an assistant and that you will generally see the most on a grip truck or rental studio while still giving an overview of what to look for and the intentions behind the design of stands in general. Maybe I'll do a video just on boom options.
Would love to see a video going over options for overhead rigging such as Menace arms and such
I think this could be a great video. Ill put it on my list of videos to propose. Thank you for the input.
Always amazing!
Thank you Atogwe.
Ab... here's an idea for a tutorial if you want one.... a monitor and monitor table. Gavin Hoey touched on it but said Manfrotto stopped making the one he uses. Also what tablets can talk to our cameras so the model and photographer can see a larger image. I screwed up last week when one of my pics wasn't focused... groom and grooms father, it looked fine on the little display on the back of the camera but when I got home I realised it was blurred. A monitor would have stopped that problem, and groups doing fun shots enjoy the instant feedback and want more pics. So my next purchase is stand, monitor, tablet and tether... but hopefully the experts can guide me!
Hi Martin, I use a Kupo rolling stand with a tether tools tether table with a laptop on it.
Auto stands (ex. CheetahStand, Flashpoint, etc.) are a bit niche, so I'm not surprised that they aren't covered in this video.
For my particular use case though (cosplay conventions), they're amazingly convenient for indoor shooting. The legs automatically fold up as soon as the stand is lifted, so it's easier to reposition the lights or move to other locations without tripping up people in crowded spaces.
I was thinking about expanding the kit stand section, but wanted to base the overall categories about what is most commonly used on larger production and in rental houses. There are definitely many specialty stands that I left out.
Great video I learned a lot.
Thank you Kareem.
I would like to know how to goal post an Elinchrom 75 Octa or 57 Square for overhead or beauty lighting. I have tried the Manfrotto super boom and a couple of others but all of them bow down badly at full extension.
You can use a Megaboom on a heavily sand-bagged roller stand. I have a video called 10 simple lighting setups in my playlist and I goalpost an elenchrom Octa.
Thank You for doing this video !
You are very welcome Joelh. Thank you for the feedback.
You are the man
Appreciate it Charles.
Amazing!!! Thank you.
Your welcome Huie. Thank you for the feedback.
question. how are you rigging up your seamless paper? i know you are using some kind of pipe, but how are you tend attaching that to your stands? we are contemplating getting the 12ft seamless paper and want to know best ways to mount it since, as you mentioned, the roll weighs 50lbs
In this video Im using galvanized pipe, but I have moved to using electrical conduit one size slightly smaller than the other and I slide them into each other. and taple them in the middle so they don't slide. Using 10ft sections. I rig them to the stands with supper clamps.
is there a reason you went with the conduit and not the galvanized pipe anymore?
@@AbSesayPhoto
Great and informative video 😊📷👍🏽
Thank you Lloyd.
thank you for this video!
Your welcome Johnny
What stand would you suggest for a 400w strobe with a 1x4’ softbox to be used as a fill light for the underside clamshell light set up?
I personally use a C-Stand Base with a drop pin (junior to baby) pin in it, but usually, with the height, you get from the head and the stand you want something that is no more than a foot off the floor if your subject is sitting.
Thank you! I learn a lot.
You are very welcome, I'm glad this was helpful.
Incredible useful. Thanks a lot.
Thank you Nils
From a neophyte newbie. I wish there was a formula for the angles and positioning of the lights in a 3 light setup. What is the best height relative to the subject? What is the proper angle for each light? Do you keep the key light above or below the height of the fill light? I understand you could say it depends, but what is the starting point for what I'll call the triangle of light? Thanks.
This is best done based on capturing a certain image. My recommendation for a headshot would be to have your main and fill light above the model's eye line, and your rim light off access and high enough not to flare out your lens. But this is definitely not a one size fits all answer.
@@AbSesayPhoto I think that is a great answer. The electrician is coming tomorrow, and I needed guidance on mounting the lighting. What I want is an all-in-one where one switch turns everything on. That is three lights, a key, a fill, and rim, a backlight for the backdrop, a microphone, and camera power. (I like dreamin') I should be able to throw the switch off my computer. You have helped me a lot. If you do virtual consulting for a fee, please let me know. It would be worth it to me to have you review my configuration and just react with what will do the best for my purposes.
thank you for this video!!!
Your very welcome Reece. Appreciate the feedback.
Awesome info
I appreciate you Pan Choi
Where do you speak about the pluses and minuses of mounting one or more of a three-light setup to the wall or ceiling rather than using floor stands? That seems like the best option in a narrow alley-type green screen setup.
I think an overhead rig is great for fixed sets, and when you need more floor space. Using a floor stand gives you more flexibility, and reinforced floors are pretty standard, Light in the ceiling man time can involve construction and re-routing power to your ceiling.
@@AbSesayPhoto I will mount a Hercules mic stand into the ceiling joist. I'll put the mic cable up into the ceiling across the open attic floor and down to my mixer and control area. My question is about the cable to use. If I get a 25-foot microphone cable, is that the best option for a long audio cable run. I ask because it is quite rigid, relatively speaking, and it will be cumbersome to snake the end with a mic connector on it through the wall. What is the best way to run a long audio cable? Thanks.
@@RobertJohnson-dp3ey I Robert. Sorry, I missed this. Its hard to answer without seeing the setup. I can say using a cable is better in audio quality than most wireless options, and you don't need batteries. But It hard to give you an good answer without seeing the setup.
I would like to provide you a photo but need help to be able to do so in this forum. The biggest challenge is even lighting on the chroma screen.
Who knew? Thanks so much.
Thank you Steven.
What is the one at 8:50 ?
Kupo S101112 High Baby Stand, 55.12lbs Maximum Load Capacity Its #6 on the list, I tried posting a link before, but that function is turned off I think. Sorry for the delay.
@@AbSesayPhoto You're the man! Thank you. I do a lot of outdoor stuff in oddball places and the leveling leg alone will make this a great purchase.
ABsolutely amazing - love the content you make 🫶🏻
Thank you much.
love this
Thank you Chris.
Great video.
...not a job goes by that I didn't hate the stupid, non-intuitive, names our EQ has.
Roller (l/m/h) and light stand ( _light duty_ ) naming is the only stand nomenclature that makes any sense.
Thank you Kurt. Yeah, I think some people have had way to much fun with naming stands. LOL
Too bad you don't say anything about sprung stands. After all, springs mean that your expensive equipment cannot fall down hard on the stand. Just add!
You're correct. But I intentionally left out many stands. But I think this gives a good range to solve many problems when it comes to rigging and light placement. I think its one of the most extensive single videos on TH-cam about light stands. Spring-loaded or air-cushioned are two things I didn't discuss.