9 Lights, Earplugs, & bird poop

How do you capture the energy of a hot young alternative rock band? Let them play loud music and scream! Ben and I setup this fun shot of Lyible, an up-and-coming band in Bend, OR. We found a loading dock location that was open on 2 sides to the street. I guess birds and geese like to hang out here because the floor was carpeted with very large feathered friend droppings. The guys didn't seem to mind. Our setup required 9 lights - one directed at each band member, a backlight for the singer, and a couple to highlight the gear and instruments.

We used the new Photoflex Triton flash units for the main light and instrument light. These things are amazing! They are super compact, battery powered, well made, and pack a lot of flash output. My power tests showed they have the same output as an AlienBee B800, but are much more compact. This is my favorite portable flash system to date. I especially l like the precise digital control of the power in 1/3 stop increments. The battery is a lithium type, which is very consistent and powerful with good "shelf-life", meaning it doesn't lose charge sitting on the shelf, like other batteries, so it's ready to go at a moments notice. The recycle time is surprisingly fast and the kit even comes with a softbox, wireless trigger system, AND an extra battery! 

I also used the Photoflex Starflash 300 units and my Nikon speedlights. I used Paul Buff portable battery packs for the Starflash units. All of this was triggered via both the Photoflex wireless triggers and my PocketWizards, since I didn't have enough of either system to trigger them all. Normally, I might have used the built-in slaves to trigger the other lights, but we had very focused beams of light on each musician so they didn't have enough spill light to trigger a visual flash slave on the other units. Speaking of beams, we used the Rogue Grid and Flashbenders to create snoots on the speedlights - directing the beams exactly where needed. The Flashbender system is really versatile, mounting to any speedlight and allowing for easy direction of the light exactly as needed.

I processed the final image in Photoshop using our Dashboard Tools and Texture package. The band was super cooperative and fun to work with...not what I expected from a rowdy rock-n-roll group ;-)

The setup with lights circled.

Products used:

• Photoflex Triton Flash system
• Photoflex Starflash
• Pocket Wizard
• Rogue Grids
• Rogue Flashbenders
• Bogen Superclamp
• Nikon SB900
• Nikon SB800
• Nikon D3s
• Nikon 24mm F1.4 lens
• Duck Poop Cleaner

Comments

[Cortney Kelley]

Amazing shot! I love the moody, agro energy. Nailed it.

[Autumn]

Amazing photo, amazing photographer and amazing band! Glad to see Kevin is still at it since he did our wedding shoot many moons ago.