Tip #57: Light Bender

In the Catch Lights tip, I discussed using a 3x5 card on your flash to bounce light and create nice eye reflections. There is also a commercial solution that I use, the Rogue Light Bender. I use the 10"x7" model.



The product attaches to my flash unit with a stretchy, Velcro strap. It folds flat and easily fits in my bag, and it can be shaped as a reflecting card or rolled into a snoot. It is a versatile accessory that provides nice, soft reflected light.


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Tip #46: Catch Lights

Catch lights, those nice reflections in the eyes of our subjects, make our images come alive. Catch lights and other lighting effects can be enhanced with the addition of a small reflector on the flash. Some flash units come with a built-in catch light reflector. If yours does not have one, then you can simply add a white 3x5 card to your flash unit, held in place with a rubber band.

To use this arrrangement, point your flash head straight up or tilted away from the subject a bit, add the white card at the back of the unit. The reflected light will softly illuminate your subject and will add sparkle to their eyes.


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Tip #44: Battery Grip

I recently added a battery grip to my Nikon D7000. The MD-11 grip adds the capability to have more than one battery instantly available. It adds a vertical grip to the camera body for shooting portraits, and the extra weight helps balance long lenses. The MD-11 supports both the EN-EL15 camera battery and standard AA batteries.


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Tip #43: Reflectors

Reflectors are great tools to add a little fill light, using the existing lighting. They work great in natural ambient light, strobe, and continuous lighting situations. Reflectors come in a variety of colors -- the most popular being white, silver, and gold. White reflects existing light; silver cools the existing light; and gold warms the existing light. Like light sources, the larger the source, the softer the reflected light will be.

My favorite is a 42-inch silver and gold mix, because it adds a nice touch to skin tones. I bought mine at Drop It Modern.





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Tip #32: Straps

Have you considered the strap that supports your camera? If you have not attached the strap, you will eventually need to do so. Be sure you follow the mounting directions. Having the strap securely attached will save you some worry and will come in handy to support your camera.

The strap that came with your camera will probably work just fine. There are alternatives that may suit you better. The strap that came with your camera may also advertise to criminals a lot about your expensive camera, especially with the name of the camera sewn in and advertising what you are carrying.The alternatives may serve you, well, without advertising your pride and joy. The Upstrap is a popular model that provides support and is designed to not slip off your shoulder during use.

I use products from Black Rapid. I like the diagonal carry strap with attachment systems that makes use of the tripod mount on the bottom of the camera body.



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