Franklin Dean
Wedding photographers have long struggled with the challenge of achieving flattering light quickly. The Gary Fong Lightsphere is a simple, versatile tool that solves this problem by turning ugly light into pretty light. The Lightsphere is compatible with most lenses and can be used in different modes for varying levels of diffusion. It can be used with domes that provide general diffusion, a warming effect, or colour correction. The Lightsphere is especially useful for wide-angle shots in close proximity to the subject.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To get flattering light quickly at weddings |
| Diffuser | Included white dome diffuser |
| Use | Hold it over the lens like a lens cap to get proper WB |
| Compatibility | Large diameter makes it compatible with most lenses |
| Installation | Follow the instructions on the included "cheat sheet" |
| Modes | Compact, normal, convertible-style |
| Kit | Lightsphere Collapsible, Speed Mount, domes, instructional DVD, gear bag |
| Domes | WhiteDome, AmberDome, GrayDome |
| Use cases | Portraits, groups, low ceilings, higher ceilings |
| Pros | Easy to use, lightweight, versatile, turns "ugly" light into "pretty" light |
| Cons | Expensive, produces a different look when shooting at 24mm or more |
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What You'll Learn
- The Gary Fong Lightsphere solves the problem of harsh, unflattering light from on-camera flashes
- The Lightsphere is easy to install and comes with a cheat sheet
- It can be used for Custom WB profiles
- The Lightsphere can be used in convertible-style or with the included domes for different levels of diffusion
- The kit includes an instructional DVD with advanced techniques for photo shoots
The Gary Fong Lightsphere solves the problem of harsh, unflattering light from on-camera flashes
The Gary Fong Lightsphere is a useful tool for wedding and event photographers. It solves the problem of harsh, unflattering light from on-camera flashes, which can be a huge challenge for photographers in the fast-paced wedding world. The Lightsphere is a simple accessory that turns "ugly" light into "pretty" light within seconds.
The Lightsphere is unique in that it combines bouncing, diffusion, and directionality into one package. It can be used to bounce light off a wall or ceiling, but it also diffuses the light to create a softer, more flattering look. This is especially useful when walls or ceilings are too far away or coloured, as the Lightsphere provides a more consistent and controlled light source.
The Lightsphere comes with a white dome diffuser that can be used to attain proper white balance when there isn't something neutral-coloured in the scene. This is particularly useful in wedding and event photography, where lighting conditions can vary significantly. The large diameter of the Lightsphere also makes it compatible with most lenses a wedding or event photographer would use.
The Lightsphere is easy to install and use. It comes with a “cheat sheet" that provides instructions on how to install it onto a flash unit. It can be used convertible-style or with the included white dome, which offers two levels of diffusion: compact and normal. The compact mode is ideal for low ceilings or when more light is needed at the camera level, while the normal mode provides more diffusion for group shots and portraits.
Overall, the Gary Fong Lightsphere is a valuable tool for wedding photographers, providing quick and flattering lighting solutions that can elevate the quality of photos in challenging environments.
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The Lightsphere is easy to install and comes with a cheat sheet
The Gary Fong Lightsphere is a useful tool for wedding photographers, as it helps modify lighting conditions to create flattering, on-camera flash. It is particularly handy in the fast-paced world of wedding photography, where traditional methods of bouncing light off a wall or ceiling, or using an umbrella or bounce card, may not always be feasible or quick enough.
The Lightsphere can be used in different modes by attaching or removing the included domes. The white dome diffuser can be used to attain proper white balance when there isn't a neutral-colored object in the scene. It can also be used with the included AmberDome and GrayDome to create different lighting effects and color corrections. These domes can be attached in two ways: compact and normal. The compact mode decreases the apparent size of the Lightsphere, keeping the light spread more horizontal, which is useful for low ceilings or when you want more focus on the camera level. The normal mode increases the size of the Lightsphere, providing more diffusion, making it ideal for group photos and portraits.
The Lightsphere also comes with an instructional DVD that provides step-by-step guidance on getting started and advanced techniques for creative photo shoots. Additionally, it includes a gear bag for easy transportation and storage. Overall, the Lightsphere is a versatile and user-friendly tool that can help wedding photographers quickly achieve flattering lighting conditions.
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It can be used for Custom WB profiles
The Gary Fong Lightsphere is a tool that can help you get perfect custom white balance (WB) profiles for your wedding photography. Using the Lightsphere, you can create custom WB profiles that will ensure accurate and consistent colours in your photos, which is especially important for capturing the intricate details and diverse skin tones of a wedding party.
The Lightsphere is designed to diffuse and soften light, reducing harsh shadows and creating a more flattering and even lighting environment. By using it to light your grey or white card, or colour checker, you can create a custom white balance that will ensure true-to-life colours in your images. This is particularly useful in wedding photography, where the white balance can be easily thrown off by a variety of lighting conditions, from outdoor sunlight to indoor incandescent or fluorescent lighting.
To create a custom WB profile, you can use the Lightsphere to illuminate your reference card or colour checker. Place the Lightsphere on your flash, ensuring it is securely attached and positioned to direct light towards your reference card. Take a photo of the card lit by the Lightsphere, fill the frame with the card, and ensure there are no shadows or reflections falling on it.
Using the custom WB feature in your camera's menu, you can then select this image to set a custom white balance. Your camera will adjust its settings based on the light reflected from the reference card, providing a neutral starting point for accurate colour representation in your subsequent images. This process is especially beneficial when shooting RAW, as it embeds the WB information in the metadata without affecting the original image data.
By utilising the Gary Fong Lightsphere in this manner, you can efficiently create custom WB profiles tailored to the specific lighting conditions of each wedding venue, ensuring that the colours in your photographs are consistent, accurate, and true to the atmosphere of the event. This tool empowers you to deliver professional and stunning wedding photography with impeccable white balance and colour accuracy.
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The Lightsphere can be used in convertible-style or with the included domes for different levels of diffusion
The Gary Fong Lightsphere is a useful tool for wedding photographers to quickly achieve flattering light. It is a simple accessory that turns "ugly" light into "pretty" light. The Lightsphere can be used in convertible style or with the included domes for different levels of diffusion.
The domes can be installed in two ways: compact and normal. In compact mode, the light is "compacted" by decreasing its apparent size, keeping the spread more horizontal. This is useful in areas with low ceilings or when you want more light at camera level. Normal mode increases the apparent size of the Lightsphere, providing more diffusion. This mode is excellent for group shots and portraits.
Removing the dome entirely (convertible style) allows light to be sent upward, which is beneficial when trying to reach higher ceilings. The included domes serve different purposes. The WhiteDome, for example, provides general diffusion, while the AmberDome offers a warming effect in addition to softening the light.
The Lightsphere is easy to install. For first-time users, it is recommended to affix the Lightsphere onto the flash before mounting it onto the camera. Push it on at a 45-degree angle, wiggle it into place, and then pull up on the larger outer portion.
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The kit includes an instructional DVD with advanced techniques for photo shoots
The Gary Fong Lightsphere Collapsible Wedding & Event Lighting Kit is a great tool for wedding photographers. It is a simple accessory that turns "ugly" light into "pretty" light. The kit includes an instructional DVD with advanced techniques for photo shoots, as well as a gear bag and a cheat sheet with installation instructions.
The instructional DVD is a comprehensive tutorial that provides step-by-step guidance on using the Lightsphere. It offers advanced techniques to enhance creativity in various photo shoots, helping photographers adapt to the dynamic environments of weddings and other events. The DVD covers topics such as modifying light from an on-camera, shoe-mounted flash unit, and the use of different domes for various effects.
The kit's Lightsphere Collapsible with Speed Mount is a versatile tool that diffuses light, softening its effect and making it more flattering for wedding photography. The Speed Mount feature allows for quick attachment and removal of the Lightsphere, making it convenient for fast-paced wedding shoots.
Additionally, the kit includes three domes: the WhiteDome, AmberDome, and GrayDome. Each dome serves a specific purpose. The WhiteDome provides general diffusion, softening the light, while the AmberDome adds a warming effect for a cozier ambiance. The GrayDome is used for colour correction, helping to balance colours in photo-editing applications.
With the instructional DVD and the included gear, photographers can master the use of the Lightsphere and its accessories, creating beautiful, well-lit photographs at weddings and other events.
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Frequently asked questions
The Gary Fong Lightsphere is used to modify the light from an on-camera, shoe-mounted flash unit. It diffuses light, softening shadows and making the light more flattering for wedding photography.
The Lightsphere comes with an instructional DVD and a simple cheat sheet with instructions on how to install it onto your flash unit. The plastic will be stiff at first, but after a few uses, it will go on and stay on easily. Push it on at a 45° angle, wiggle it into place, then pull up on the larger outer portion.
The Gary Fong Lightsphere has two modes: compact and normal. Compact mode decreases the apparent size of the light, keeping the spread horizontal and is useful for low ceilings. Normal mode increases the apparent size of the Lightsphere, giving more diffusion and is great for group shots and portraits.
