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Flash Photography: Stroboframes


I am in the market for a new Stroboframe but there are too many to choose from. I shoot mostly weddings with the occasional family or senior picture sessions on location. What are your suggestions? I need to be able to switch from horizontal to vertical and back quickly, and I would like it to fit on my tripod with ease. Thanks.


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May 14, 2008

 

W.
  Hi Randi,
I don't use a flash bracket. Too cumbersome for fast event work (like weddings). For vertical image orientation, I use my flash gun wirelessly (IR trigger) in my left hand off-camera and simply keep it over my head (and over the camera) and pointed at the subject. It's a tried-and-tested method of operation that was already used by photo journalists in the twenties of the last century, and it works well for me.
Have fun!


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May 15, 2008

 

BetterPhoto Member
  I prefer the Seigelite frame with a Lumiquest Promax system for my flash, but that's just my preference. You may want to go to a camera shop and try as many as you can and see which one feels best if you are serious about getting one. My shoulders aren't what they used to be or I'd probably go with W's suggestion.
Have fun and keep shooting.


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May 15, 2008

 

Oliver Anderson
  I have both Stroboframe and CB Junior (BH Photo), the CB is better in every way and I use it both vertical/horizontal with no problem ... plus, it's priced fair.


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May 15, 2008

 

Nina Shields
  Randi Sue, I'd suggest that you investigate the "lightsphere" by Gary Fong; it is a wonderful source of soft lighting with the ability to go from horizontal to vertical shots with ease. It's much less cumbersome than a "stroboframe" type device and provides wonderful lighting results.


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May 20, 2008

 

Bruce A. Dart
  Randi Sue,
You said you were looking for a new stroboframe, seeming to indicate that you had something before. It depends on what flash you use and largely, what you are used to and comfortable with. I have seen many other pros work at weddings with equipment that would drive me crazy! LOL. Even a little "quick flip" type of bracket would work fine. I've used them for a couple of decades doing lots of "fast event work." Some are easier to use than others. With a "quick release" bracket on the bottom it can also go on and off a tripod head easily.Working rapidly at an event you have to be careful not to pinch the cords as you flip. A trip to a camera store to actually have one in your hand before you buy is very helpful. Good luck.
Bruce


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May 20, 2008

 

Oliver Anderson
  That pinching of the cords is what bummed me about my Stroboframe, got my fingers a couple times and the cord once...$60 and I didn't have the backup so I had to connect direct to the hot shoe...

Nina the stroboframe is a camera/flash bracket thats aids in preventing redeye by elevating the flash away from the lens. The lightspere is a flash diffuser...professionals use both the bracket and diffuser together.


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May 20, 2008

 

Nina Shields
  Oliver, I've used both, just proferred the lightsphere, finding the bracket to be awkward. I'm sure it's just a matter of personal preference. I've never had any incident of red eye with the lightsphere so it has worked well for me. I guess any photographer needs to experiment and develop their own system.


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May 20, 2008

 

Sarah Weiland Hestres
  I use the stroboframe pro T and have not been happy with it. The pinching of the cord is a bummer, but also the screws seem to loosen quickly and so do the screws that are supposed to keep the whole thing together. Not great quality for the $100 it cost me.
Just my $.02 worth. I don't have a better option, but at least an advice to stay away from this one.


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May 22, 2008

 

Oliver Anderson
  The CB Junior is less than $100 shipped and it is the best one I've seen for under $160...there are way better ones in the $175+ range but for you a little overkill. BHphoto.com


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May 22, 2008

 
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