Sun Diffusion

egproductions

egproductions

Veteran
Filming camp videos again this summer. My favorite way to light interviews is to diffuse the sun and use it as a key light. Only issue is that the only diffusion I have large enough is a 86" shoot through umbrella. On a mildly windy day it's impossible to use.

My question: Is there any diffusion options that won't be blown away with the wind? preferably something that can easily be setup and attached to one light stand. Both DIY or off the shelf solutions welcomed.
 
One stand outside, you're sacrificing safety. Outside I never fly a frame and silk without two stands(preferably wide base) and at least one to two 25lb sand/shot bag per stand. If you have an assistant, you could try something along the lines of the Sun Swatters* that they could just hold while you shoot the interviews, presuming they are fairly short. There have been plenty of times we've even just hand-held a 4x4 for quick stand-ups.

* https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/756295-REG/California_Sunbounce_C_250_255STK2_SunSwatter_Pro_2_3_Translucent.html
 
A 4x4 frame should provide plenty of coverage for a single person interview. If it's not too windy it can go on a combi stand, but once it gets gusty out you really have to double grab anything you put up. I'm not sure how much control you have over these jobs but you might not want to be shooting interviews when it's that windy out for other reasons anyway.
 
Simple physics means that there will be no small light easy solution.

Many people use the sun as a backlight and fill the subject with a lastolight or a 3.3 size bit of "king-span" which can be painted white on one side
 
Are you using a Photek, or Uncle Sam, diffusion umbrella? I only have experience with the Uncle Sam as I found the Photek's density too thick.

It's pretty common in the photography world to fly a 7' diff umbrella from a single combo stand, usually with three 35lbs sand bags, & sometimes a couple of tie-offs. Another option is to equip an assistant with a Flag Bearer's Belt/Harness, & have them just hold it.

The typical method for connecting the Uncle Sam's shaft to a 4.5" Grip head is to use a Matthews' "Hollywood Hangar", or similar, but I prefer to use Manfrotto's "Pivoting Boom Clamp" dropped into the stand's Junior Receiver as it's less likely to crush the shaft, & there's no need to equip the Combo with a 4.5" Grip Head "lollipop".

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/33471-REG/Matthews_B429616_Ear_for_1_Round.html

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/256009-REG/Manfrotto_123_123_Pivoting_Boom_Clamp.html
 
Last edited:
egproductions said:
Is there any diffusion options that won't be blown away with the wind?
Click to expand...
In short: No.
I use a heavy Avenger tripod with integrated boom and the Sunswatter Big attached to. Three 15Kg sandbags (or more) on the base.
I consider this a DIY solution, cause this isn´t a very flexible setup.
So if possible, I shoot in the shade, like under a tree and get the sunlight reflected back in the interviewees face or use an LED light on a boom to get it close to the face.
 
Ha

Thing is I just caved and bought my first cart today. I make two very separate business offers (or am heading that way) either solo shooting with a my FS7 and maybe sticks and a single light if you are lucky. Or pay a different price, get me and cart and van and crew member.

S
 
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