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Mr. Stephen Eastwood -- A question
I have read your comments on lighting in great detail over the years and I thank you for all of your input in this forum. Before I get to my question, let me layout a little background. You seem to be the proud owner of TONS of equipment (multiple Hensel Porty packs, multiple Broncolor packs, multiple profoto packs, and likely MULTIPLE more packs and heads). You have previously indicated that you "typically" use only one head per pack on each of your shoots. So, a 6 light setup would have six heads driven by 6 separate packs (i.e. one head per pack). Now, on to my question. It seems that you are using pack systems as, essentially, "monolights." As such, I am curious to know what features you see (and use) in pack systems that make you prefer to "use them as monolights" over simply using actual monolights directly. Thoughts? Jan 11 08 05:06 pm Link I am not him, but he is in the other room answering the question for you, LOL He said he likes 1 smaller heads, and the build and size of pack/head systems, the speed of most and durability and consistency he prefers though I can tell you that here in his place he has sitting around some speedotron force lights, some jtl, some photogenic, some hensel monos, travellights, SP, vivitars, canon ex speedlights, lumedynes, and a bunch of others we are testing, and using for the dvds on lighting. Mainly he is just a fan of speedotron blackline and broncolor which are pack head systems, and the benifits of pack head are the same, he is able to power each selerately so he does but that is not the main reason he bought them, that is a secondary reason because he has enough to do it and be effective and have a bit more individual control. But he said he has nothing against monolights just not for him for everyday use. Hope that helps, and if its still around he said if he has time tonight or this weekend he will likely be on as he usually is. Its fun to be a secondary digital tech, I get paid to sit around and read the internet forums most of the day while burning dvds and copying files back and fourth. Jan 11 08 05:12 pm Link Robert Beynard wrote: Thanks for this. Jan 11 08 05:35 pm Link Robert Beynard wrote: So if you were found in a dumpster, there'd be a job opening? Jan 11 08 05:36 pm Link Also, doesn't he use high end broncolor lights, which are only available with packs? Jan 11 08 05:39 pm Link Christopher Hartman wrote:
Jan 11 08 05:40 pm Link Christopher Hartman wrote: Don't blow my cover! Jan 11 08 05:40 pm Link Star wrote: He does use brons but, they make some VERY expensive monolights too. Jan 11 08 05:41 pm Link Christopher Hartman wrote: Chris, I like you and all, but me first. I at least live on the right coast, and have met Stephen! Jan 11 08 05:42 pm Link Well, I'm not answering for him, but I'll tell you some general reasons. 1) Using multiple heads on (most) packs (I have a balcar concept pack that is one of the exceptions), you are limited to hard ratios (Speedotron black line for instance) - head two is half the power of head one, etc. Because virtually all packs have a finer granularity of the complete pack's output, by putting a single head on each pack you can do very subtle lighting. 2) Using pack/head systems in this arrangement is more convenient. You can place all the packs next to you side by side, rather than having to run around to each monolight to adjust output. John http://www.JohnAllanStudio.com Jan 11 08 05:50 pm Link Keller Photography wrote: yeah, but I'm totally one of those in-the-box kind of guys with limited vision and creativity. I can provide a way for Stephen to take cheap jobs by sending them to me for poor results. This way, he'll increase in clientel. And for those that complain he can say, "Oh, well, then you obviously wanted my higher end work and here are THOSE rates." Jan 11 08 05:51 pm Link Christopher Hartman wrote: You know, that is a fantastic answer. But I can get him discounts at B&H Photo, seeing as I work there! LOL Jan 11 08 05:53 pm Link If Mr.Eastwood is hiring, I will kill you all Jan 11 08 05:58 pm Link Frog516 wrote: Dammit, he's got a tough looking avatar. If it's a self portrait, we are gonna have to organize to take him down. Chris, get his knees and I'll grab him from behind! Jan 11 08 06:00 pm Link Keller Photography wrote: I was told Santa is one of his employees and gets free stuff already. Jan 11 08 06:06 pm Link Frog516 wrote: Even Mr. Eastman? Jan 11 08 06:06 pm Link Christopher Hartman wrote: Canon does not equal Santa... LOL! Jan 11 08 06:19 pm Link Star wrote: Don't know him, but I will kill him too Jan 11 08 06:22 pm Link John Allan wrote: True. But, monolights (high end and even some low-end) can now be radio controlled from a PC or other wired controller too. Jan 11 08 06:23 pm Link Keller Photography wrote: this reminds me of the time I was in prison Jan 11 08 06:24 pm Link Why don't you ask him in a personal message. Every one else is just assuming. He may have advice other than what he uses, like placement, set up etc.... Jan 11 08 06:26 pm Link Philipe wrote: He did answer... just that Robert typed his answer for him Jan 11 08 06:30 pm Link Actually, Robert Beynard seems to work for Stephen and has already responded. Stephen will likely also respond when he has a moment and then EVERYONE will get the benefit of this thoughts and not just me. Jan 11 08 06:32 pm Link MurphyMurphy Studios wrote: I read every post that man makes. Love that he shares his knowledge freely Jan 11 08 06:34 pm Link MurphyMurphy Studios wrote: Frog516 wrote: Me too. ALL of his comments come directly from hand-on knowledge and experience. Never flippant. Only direct, practical commentary. Jan 11 08 06:37 pm Link MurphyMurphy Studios wrote: MurphyMurphy Studios wrote: Me too. ALL of his comments come directly from hand-on knowledge and experience. Never flippant. Only direct, practical commentary. Well, and lots and lots of jokes. Jan 11 08 06:42 pm Link Keller Photography wrote: Are you sure? Every Christmas I ask for Nikon stuff and every year I get nothing. Jan 11 08 06:45 pm Link Keller Photography wrote: Until he take me in Halo 3 or Call of Duty 4...he's just a meat bag. Jan 11 08 06:47 pm Link John Allan wrote: MurphyMurphy Studios wrote: I've used pack & head system (Norman) ever since I started, and once you're used to it, its all second nature. Having all the packs in one or two locations IS very nice, and I think dealing with computers and such to control that stuff is just one more thing that can go wrong. When you're on a shoot, especially on location, you just want it simple and obvious and fast. Using P&H setups can give you more flexibility and more heads (you can afford more because they cost less than monolights). They can also provide more power out of one head than any monolight (I think - I don't know, but I can't see how all those capacitors could be replaced by one little monolite). In fact most systems offer a head that runs off two packs - I can put 4000ws through on head if I want, off of one 4000ws pack, or two 2000ws packs because that head has two cables. I just don't know of a 4000ws monolight. Plus, the weight of the monolights makes them a little less practical for unusual implemenations. Even putting one on the end of a boom, it weighs at least twice what a regular head weighs, requiring more counter balance, and they're more likely to tip over. In addition to my Normans, I have a set of White Lightnings, and a Hensel porty. I use whatever tool is appropriate for the job, but in studio I prefer the head & pack systems. Jan 11 08 06:48 pm Link Christopher Hartman wrote: You know what's funny about that? Jan 11 08 06:48 pm Link Frog516 wrote: lmfao Jan 11 08 07:15 pm Link Frog516 wrote: You just might be the funniest guy on MM-you kill me....oops wrong choice of words. Jan 11 08 07:18 pm Link Robert Beynard wrote: So who has to carry all of this when he goes on location-you, or does he hire a bunch of sherpas? Jan 11 08 07:19 pm Link Christopher Hartman wrote: CoD4 is much better than Halo! LOL Jan 11 08 07:20 pm Link DeVaul Photography wrote: He doesn't need to hire, we all volunteer to work for him! Jan 11 08 07:20 pm Link Hmmmm, everyone has answered except for Stephen. Jan 11 08 07:23 pm Link It seems Stephen has been busy with a job this week. He's been quiet in the forums, and I haven't heard from him since he called me asking about RZ lenses at the beginning of the week. Jan 11 08 07:24 pm Link Alan from Aavian Prod wrote: I hope he's finishing up those DVD's-Stephen, forget those paying jobs, we're all sitting here waiting! Jan 11 08 07:36 pm Link I also use a one pack per head system. One of the problems with mono lights that lets say you put a light 8 feet up a light stand and have it perfectly aimed. Suddenly you decided that you want it a bit more powerful. With a mono light, you have to find a ladder or bring the light down. With a power pack, you just adjust the pack. Having one pack to each head gives you really great control over each light and also reduces recycle time. Sounds minor? Believe me, it is a major reason that years ago I switched to power packs and lights. Also, the are pack and light system are just more refined than mono lights. And yes, I do have a group of sherpas who go with me on most shootings. Hell, my camera bag alone weights over 50lbs lately. Average job, 3 packs, 6 heads, cords, light boxes, etc. More complex jobs, or if we need to light a large space, double that. What you want is the ability to change your mind, to be open and flexible on set. If suddenly you have a idea or your client has an idea, you want to be able to full fill it. Also, you need redundancy in case something stops working. That is why it pays to carry a lot of stuff. That said, some of my best work was done with a crew of just me, a camera and a fill flash on top. Jan 11 08 07:41 pm Link I also use a one pack per head system. One of the problems with mono lights that lets say you put a light 8 feet up a light stand and have it perfectly aimed. Suddenly you decided that you want it a bit more powerful. With a mono light, you have to find a ladder or bring the light down. With a power pack, you just adjust the pack. Having one pack to each head gives you really great control over each light and also reduces recycle time. Sounds minor? Believe me, it is a major reason that years ago I switched to power packs and lights. Also, the are pack and light system are just more refined than mono lights. And yes, I do have a group of sherpas who go with me on most shootings. Hell, my camera bag alone weights over 50lbs lately. Average job, 3 packs, 6 heads, cords, light boxes, etc. More complex jobs, or if we need to light a large space, double that. What you want is the ability to change your mind, to be open and flexible on set. If suddenly you have a idea or your client has an idea, you want to be able to full fill it. Also, you need redundancy in case something stops working. That is why it pays to carry a lot of stuff. That said, some of my best work was done with a crew of just me, a camera and a fill flash on top. Jan 11 08 07:42 pm Link |
