An Ignorant Lighting Question

[Michael_2010]

I know nothing about the fine art of artificial light, so my question is probably more elementary than I realize. On one of many rainy days last week, I started looking at various YouTube videos about wildlife photography. This one guy had setup his camera about 20-25 feet away from a blue bird nest where he had provided the birds with a perch. He had one heckuva flash on his camera, or some type of device over the flash to better direct the light.

What do you think he was using? I really liked the end result of his captures and I had never really given much thought to using a flash in that way due to the distance.

[corvus2606]

Originally Posted by Michael_2010

I know nothing about the fine art of artificial light, so my question is probably more elementary than I realize. On one of many rainy days last week, I started looking at various YouTube videos about wildlife photography. This one guy had setup his camera about 20-25 feet away from a blue bird nest where he had provided the birds with a perch. He had one heckuva flash on his camera, or some type of device over the flash to better direct the light.

What do you think he was using? I really liked the end result of his captures and I had never really given much thought to using a flash in that way due to the distance.

By your rough description it sounds like he was using what is called a 'snoot', this is used to capture the spilled light from the flash, and allows for a very narrow beam of light. most speed lights also have a zoom function that allows the light to be thrown a good distance.

[sk66]

Originally Posted by corvus2606

By your rough description it sounds like he was using what is called a 'snoot', this is used to capture the spilled light from the flash, and allows for a very narrow beam of light. most speed lights also have a zoom function that allows the light to be thrown a good distance.

Nope, it's called a "Better Beamer" or "Flash Extender"

[corvus2606]

Originally Posted by sk66

Nope, it's called a "Better Beamer" or "Flash Extender"

well there ya go, you learn something new every day

[Michael_2010]

Kewl, and it is not very expensive. Well, that is if you already have a good flash unit, which I don't. lol

What kind of distance do you think would be reasonable with a setup like that?

[sk66]

Originally Posted by Michael_2010

Kewl, and it is not very expensive. Well, that is if you already have a good flash unit, which I don't. lol

What kind of distance do you think would be reasonable with a setup like that?

Supposed to be "2 stops" or double the distance. So 100ft instead of 50.