As a professional photographer, understanding lighting is essential. It's a skill I've worked hard to develop myself and I'm glad I've mastered and can use it in both studio and on location shooting. I work primarily with studio lighting but have been an equally enthusiastic user of external flash units (speedlights) for decades. Since the Rogue products were launched in the UK around ten years ago, I've used them in most of my shoots.
While a perfectly equipped studio with a softbox, umbrella, beauty dish and the like looks extremely impressive, unfortunately you don't always have the time or space for it. It's not just the equipment in your studio that matters, but the results you achieve with the equipment you have.
Outdoor portrait of a woman.
When working with this beautiful ambient light, a FlashBender Large helped to brighten the otherwise very shadowy face.
Thanks to the Rogue products, I have found a flexible and portable way to light my speedlights. While I use some of the same techniques I would with my studio lights, I think clients are surprised at how capable these little products are in a variety of situations. They are also compact and lightweight, so you can easily take them anywhere as they take up very little space. When quick set-up and tear-down is required, these are more than ideal, and have proven to be pretty indestructible over the years!
I recommend anyone who takes portraits, close-ups, macro shots, product photography and the like to get the Rogue FlashBender . Not only does it make your work easier, but I have also found that the extreme malleability also offers an innovative solution depending on the situation.
My absolute favorite of the range is the FlashBender XL . This solution is primarily intended for use off-camera and is amazingly versatile and, above all, inexpensive. I photograph a lot of people, mainly head portraits, through to three-quarter fashion photos and other images. I use the XL both as a reflector to throw the light from a speedlight against a softbox and with the included softgrid, which is assembled as a small "strip" light softbox. Absolutely versatile.
An off-camera FlashBender Large made it possible to place light exactly where it was needed and to reduce light where there was too much or it was not wanted.
I also found that the FlashBender, both in the Small and Large versions, works well as a base reflector for both flash and outdoor shots with ambient light. For example, you can shade light in close-ups and product shoots by positioning the reflector so that the black side faces the light. This reduces fill effects; a subtlety that can sometimes be quite useful. Likewise, I can easily use the FlashBender for on-location shoots to reduce strong sunlight and to shade the subject.
When the Large Reflector is placed directly on the camera, it can be used as a reflective surface to change the angle at which the light hits the subject. This is particularly useful when shooting in a location that doesn't have a ceiling to bounce off of. I like to use it in a snoot shape, either directly on the camera or off to the side. The FlashBender also makes a really good shape as a hair or background light.
Other ExpoImaging products that I like to use often are the Grids . Both the black honeycomb grids and the unusual white version. The former is my preferred option, but the sophistication of the latter is certainly welcome once you understand the potential it really has!
Flashbenders, whether as a supplement or as the main part of my lighting, are like a Swiss Army knife for me - portable and versatile.
With multiple speedlights and the ExpoImaging products, I always have a portable mini studio kit on hand. They take up extremely little space and weight, so I always have them with me just in case. You'd be surprised at the ways I've used them in my work!
When version 3 came out earlier this year I immediately invested in the FlashBender Large and XL. I have seen improvements with each new upgrade and with V3 I think the FlashBenders have really hit the spot. They are quick and easy to use and even more robust than ever. They feel very well constructed and durable which gives me confidence that I can use them long term and for a wider range of portable flashes.
A text by ©John Clements with subsequent translation
About John
John Clements is an experienced professional photographer and well-known workshop leader. He mainly photographs people and products. During his career he has worked with numerous camera and lighting equipment manufacturers and used his technical skills and great presentation skills to inspire other photographers. John has published numerous articles in magazines and has also published numerous books throughout his writing career.
www.gophototraining.com
