Go-anywhere lighting. On assignment without electric cords, heavy equipment or big teams. Quick, effective, self-contained, low cost. No high maintenance studio set-up here; Hobby even says when he goes into the studio, he ignores the big lights and sets up his small ones in a matter of moments.
Go-anywhere lighting. On assignment without electric cords, heavy equipment or big teams. Quick, effective, self-contained, low cost. No high maintenance studio set-up here; Hobby even says when he goes into the studio, he ignores the big lights and sets up his small ones in a matter of moments.
A photojournalists by trade, Hobby’s philosophy of light and method of operation was born of needing to get his shots quickly with what equipment he could carry on his person. His approach developed, as did my own, from working in locations where ambient illumination was OK, but unsatisfying. A little extra light would bring home better quality and more meaningful imagery. Editors love it when the story sings.
Hobby likes his small flashes off camera. To him that was the second, and perhaps greater epiphany, right after deciding to use flash for reportage at all. Then there has to be a plan to develop the lighting to create mood, emotion and meaning. The theory of adding light in layers to augment, not overpower the existing is right up my alley.
Eric Jones (ericjones.zenfolio.com) says, “As a travel photographer I constantly combat airline regs, equipment weight and need for speed. I often find myself in out of the way villages where supplemental lighting is necessary, but good manners dictate simplicity. Hobby’s minimalist approach has much to be appreciated. It was great to see the quantity of examples with his debriefing commentary. I enjoyed hearing about his dynamic with subjects, the psychological aspects of working in the random environment with people you’ve just met.”
Hobby’s platform presentation makes a highly entertaining and style provoking seminar combined with the talents of Joe McNally. Two superstars – two master classes in one.
http://www.theflashbus.com/register
More great lighting tutorials: check out my amazing results with just one speed light on camera: 3-part series.
http://prophotocoalition.com/index.php/sfrances/story/ultimate_just_one_flash_on_camera_how-to/
