06Mar Yongnuo YN-565EX ETTL Speedlite Flash
We tend to have a lot of fun making videos… however, in all seriousness, the YONGNUO Speedlite Flashes, regardless if you get the Nikon or Canon version is 95% comparable to their flagship flashes in terms of features. With prices waaaaaaaay below retail, you are able to afford 3 of these compared to 1 Nikon SB910 or Canon 850EXII. In terms of reliability… this particular model is the UPDATED version where Quality Control is better. =)
I’ve been using this particular flash quite a bit and it’s been pretty reliable so far. I’ll make sure to update this post regarding its reliability. Check out the flash works here : edpingolphotography.com
This is Yongnuo’s current top of the line flash. Has a ton of features with many benefits…. at less than half the cost.
- TTL Flash with very powerful guide number GN58 @ ISO100, 105mm, support TTL, M, Multi mode
- Auto and manual zoom functions 24-105mm focal length
- Full support TTL Functions FEC, FEB, Rear-curtain sync, FE lock, Modeling Light, Menu Access of Canon camera
- Charging Socket for External Flash Pack
Just a fair warning, Yongnuo states VERY plainly in the manual that if you are going to do any rapid fire shooting, it is RECOMMENDED that you use it at ¼ power or below! This is pretty standard with most flashes regardless of brand. The menus aren’t as complicate as some people think… I went through the instruction manual rather quickly and most things were pretty self explanatory.
If you want a cheaper alternative to flashes, definitely check out YONGNUO ETTL Speedlite Flashes
For CANON, CLICK HERE.
For NIKON like me, CLICK HERE.
03Mar Cheapest Lightstand as the Best Light Stick
Don’t use a monopod as a light stick… it’s equivalent to fishing but you’re holding the fishing pole upside down. It’s STUPID. Instead… buy a CowboyStudio Lightstand (Found HERE) and modify them. Simply uncrew the single screw holding the legs in place. Once the screw is off, the legs should easily slide off the main pole. Just wrap the botom with ducktape or gaffer’s tape because it’s sharp. what you have left is one of the lightest LightSticks in the world… and you didn’t even have to break the bank.
Once you have the STICK, you’ll just need a COLD SHOE. Screw it together and you’re GOLDEN.
These inexpensive light stands can be found HERE
Cheap Light Stand for DIY Light Stick
And the cold shoe adapters can be found HERE
Cold Shoe Adapter
03Mar 3 Light Flashlight Technique with Gels
What’s up guys!?!?! The image below was taken with a very simple technique. This is what I call WUSIWUG (what you see, is what you get). When setting up the lights, simply just keep an eye out on what you’re going to shot. If you like what you see, then you’re done. It’s as simple as that. =)
The flashlights that I used can be found here —>(CLICK HERE)
They’re 55% off right now… so I would hop on it. =)
The Gels can be found here —>(CLICK HERE)
Again, I’m using my Nikon 105mm F/2.8. to get these crazy blurry backgrounds.
Below is the FINAL IMAGE that was shot. Not bad for a cheap kit… huh?!?! =)
18Feb String Led-Light
These are colored string lights. These are cheap and super portable… another plus is that they are AA battery powered. I already have tons of AA batteries… so these work with my current equipment. I don’t have to buy new chargers and batteries to make this LED STRING LIGHT work. I’m also using my Nikon 105mm F/2.8. to get these crazy blurry backgrounds. Check out these lights here on Amazon (click here).
18Feb Speedlite YN560 Flash
One of my all time favorite flashes are the YN-560′s. They’re cheap and reliable… I like’em SO much that I own 8 of them. One of the main reason why I love’em so much is because they are considered “stupid” flashes… meaning… you don’t really need to read any intruction manuals to use them. Simply take them out of the box, push some buttons to see what they do and bam!!! You’ll get to know the flash easily… There are a crap load of flashes out there that are simply waaaay too complicated… many of them containing features that most people will never use. However, people still get them and they end up spending money that just goes to waste.
This is where I purchased my Speedlite YN560 Flash
