Like all things I believe in ‘the right tool for the right job.’ That includes MANY facets like packing ability, weight, ease of set up and most important, light quality. I tend to be brand agnostic on most of my gear except for the strobes I use. I’m not here to impress other photographers, but to impress my client base. I’m not a teaching shooter or gear reviewer by trade.
So for a recent assignment I was asked to photograph a group of symphonic musicians in the lighting style of the Dutch Masters. Their entire 2018-19 marketing campaign is based on that style. Not a big deal BUT in addition to that session I was asked to photograph a live concert, some still life imagery and various other portraits. Which meant my airline luggage limits would be severely tested. And moving around the entire venue to capture all of what the client needed was also a consideration. So instead of packing multiple Parabolix, Elinchrom or Westcott modifiers – I opted to take my Glow Pop modifiers. Why? Well they are light weight, easy to setup/break down, small to pack and using them the right way produce excellent light.
I had manufactured my DIY focusing rod for any Bowens modifier so I took that with me to use with the 38″ Glow Pop. Soft light, no problem, hard light, no problem, controlling spill no problem, controlling feathering no problem. Keep in mind I use most of my modifiers WITHOUT any diffusion panels. My partner does use the Glow Pop with the included diffusion panels for both head shots and film production.
Final shot, Glow Pop camera left using an AD600 with the H600 remote head on my DIY focusing rod mid focused. Camera right is a single AD200 using the Fresnel head and barn doors. Pentax 645Z is the camera.
The client used the image for a billboard off of the Central Expressway in Dallas, TX
Darren and Adam, two of the fellas from Genius House Media happened to be filming there that day. I adore these guys so I asked them to be part of a light test and goof around with still cameras! LOL as you can see we had a great time.Of course all of us decide what tools are best suited for our own needs. I find that the Glow Pop line of modifiers presents a very good value.
