Outdoor Portrait Equipment (Tripod/Stand) Recommendations?

aserota

aserota

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Adam
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Hi all,

I'm looking to soon make the step from 'hobby photographer' to 'occasionally paid photographer'

I am feeling more and more comfortable with the consistency and quality of my work and think that my work is good enough to earn me a little money on the side. I have been offered little jobs such as photographing small events and some product photography, but I wish to practice what it's like working under pressure in a varied environment. I've decided to put up my services for free and go out with friends (and randomers) and take outdoor portrait shots; which will get me very familiar with all my equipment and also push me to do a little more PP. I currently own most of the desired kit, but I want to get myself a reflector and more importantly a stand and clamp for it that will hold up to real outdoor conditions.

I'm not going to have an assistant with me and therefore need a tripod/stand to mount a Canon Speedlite which is strong and very adjustable and a second one to securely hold a reflector (pop out) tightly in moderate breezy conditions. I don't mind investing a little in these stands and wondered if anyone had any outstanding recommendations? I know it may seem like a little thing (having decent stands) but without an assistant they are absolutely vital in my mind.


Ta
 
As for stands and clamps, I use an assistant :) Seriously... a large reflector on a windy day is just a sail :)

Just browse WEX (Warehouse Express) as they sell all manner of stands, clamps etc. You'll need something very sturdy and heavy though for a reflector.. I'm not joking. a 1.5m reflector on even a moderately windy day will just pull a light stand over. It would be more useful to look at the clamp on weights that attach to the legs of the stand.. any stand... as this is the only way I've found to stop a large reflector blowing over. Same with brollies... once the wind gets inside that, it's over unless you've got a decent weight(s) on the legs.
 
I sometimes use a tripod as a light stand, it has a larger footprint and a hook to hang my bag off that makes it really stable. But I only really use it with a soft box as a brolly or reflector is just a sail (as David said).

If I was really stuck without help and wanted to use a reflector I'd be looking to use guy lines to tie it down.

That said, at an event you're looking to move fast and shoot on the run, reflectors are generally a luxury you can't afford. Learn to find the right light to shoot in, or in iffy conditions, use fill flash.
 
You can also use tarpaulin bungies to attach your flash to trees and things. That's generally what I do.
 
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