Nik on the streets of the Bronx, a place he is very comfortable. He is a veteran character actor, and a hoot to be with, decent and affable, and easygoing to a fault. Our whole studio loves this guy. But….ask him to go into tough guy mode, and stare at the camera like he’s going to whack the guy working it, well, the transformation is immediate and complete. That’s what actors do.
We needed a light suited to this face, and our mission, which was run and gun on the streets, no permits–just drive around and see stuff, double park the studio truck, jump out and shoot. The new Lastolite Ezybox Speed-Lite 2 Plus was the perfect light for the task at hand. It puts out, simply, the best quality of light I have seen from a small, collapsible, stuffable, affordable Speedlight shaper. It pops open in sturdy fashion, and has two covers. One is a plain diffuser front, and the other is woven with an egg crate, or grid, to control the flow and spill of light. The key to both is the deep edge baffles for both of the covers. The light is punchy, but just soft enough, and controllable.
Front light, side light.
Really thankful to all the folks at Lastolite and Manfrotto for working on this and making it come about. I’ve always wanted a small light shaper with the controls of its bigger brother softboxes. The edge baffles and egg crate fronts are just the ticket. I can move with this box, use as a main, as a shoulder or hair light, get strong character light, or kind of wild ass low light. Here is Amber Tutton, who I shot at TPS in Birmingham, with a hand held prototype of the Speed-Lite 2. In the below picture, I am holding the camera and the light, positioning the flash gun just below the lens.
Two radically different faces, shot with this little shaper. It’s just coming on the market now, and becoming available in the stores in the US in June. The egg crate cover will follow on, as a separate item, and be ready in early July. Here’s a link straight to the specs. Also, here is the UK link. All the pictures here were shot with prototype units as the softbox was in development.
Two of these are in the camera bag now at all times. Sets up quick and hand holdable. Maybe check it out. Or Nik shows up on your doorstep:-)))
More tk….
June huh? Ok. I’ve been waiting. I hope it works as you say. Something like that has been on the list for a while.
Hmmm… nice little soft box… looks like something mr. bow would like….. thanks Joe
perfect! just let me know which one of nikon lens you used for 1&2 shots
Those are fabulous shots of Nik you created Joe:)
Great choice of faces to start with. I like the white interior version better, as the light looks much more natural. The silver one has some “metal aftertaste” to the light. Thank you Joe for your input in these lightshapers’ design!
All best,
David
Looks like a great little softbox for when you’re working light.
Cool cinematic headshots!
Looks great – time to get one of my own!
great joe, i loved this light shaper! btw, which was the gel used on the first portrait?
Actually no gel…it was bounced off the side of our car! Just liked the look of it….
Thanks for the Exybox link. I am excited to see what it can do for me. 🙂
Hi Joe,
I always love to read your post. I have learned lots of things from you. Keep doing great work.
Thank you Shedi!
I keep learning more each time I read your older posts. Thank you
Amazing strong portraits, love the lighting!!!