Paul C. Buff, Inc. Technical Forum

I was trying to set up my two 64" umbrellas in a clam shell configuration for some portraits, but could not get the lower umbrella in the right position. It is stopped, roughly perpendicular to the floor, by the stand. Is there a boom available for these stands and umbrellas? Also I find that these large umbrellas illuminate more around my subject than I would want. Are there any grids that are available for these (sorry if this question is too basic)? I purchased the kit with the two 64" silver umbrellas and two einstein units + stands + diffusers.
Should I be looking for something else for portraiture?

Thanks,

Fred

We do sell a mini boom arm, but it is probably not going to do what you need in this application. However, there are several booms on the market which should work fine.

There are no grids for PLM's, but you may try removing the diffusors if you have a silver PLM. This will limit the beam spread somewhat. If you can, bring the lights closer to your subject (i.e. just out of frame) and pull your subject away from areas you do not want lit. The difference in distance should allow the surroundings to go darker.

Thank you for your response. Are there any companies that you could point me to for the boom? I am very new to this and do not know any of the suppliers for these things. Also, will the einstein lights fit on other booms? Are the attachments universal?

Thanks,

Fred

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/4 ... m_Arm.html

This is virtually identical to the boom we used to have, only ours had a heavier counter weight. Most booms (and stands) have a 5/8" stud onto which the Einstein will mount. While not absolutely universal, it is quite common.

Also, if you use one of our stands, do not use a boom that mounts to the top stud, as they are not designed for such use. Instead, use a boom that has a bracket that mounts to the column, like the one linked to above.