PhotoFlex LiteDome XS, Reflectors and other suggestions?!

[KBroyles]

Hello all.

I have been a 'natural light' photographer since I started taking photos for others less than a year ago. I finally broke down and bought a nice TTL and a Lightsphere, which I used very successfully at a winter event I photographed. Now I am looking into getting some more portable gear for my on-location shoots -- typically seniors or engagements, sometimes a baby/family but I tend to prefer working with adults.

Anyhow, after reading the latest light book put out on DPS it suggested a LiteDome XS + reflector. I know a reflector is a must have. But... what are your thoughts on the litedome XS? While I believe the writer of the book that it's a great addition, I've also read a lot of feedback on them online stating they aren't very helpful outdoors and I'd be better off sticking with my Lightsphere.

Thoughts? Opinions? Other products suggestions?

[zona5101]

that is a good product...but like anything it needs to be used in the right situations. You're going to have trouble pulling off full length group shots with a battery strobe going through a small soft box. It needs to be relatively close and it will do perfectly fine.
Photoflex has some videos but these lastolite videos are specific to a small battery strobe - same concept applies which ever brand you choose.

Softboxes for Battery Operated Flash Guns Lastolite School of Photography

[KBroyles]

Thanks for the input. I love my lightsphere, but I want something with more flexibility with catch lights in the eyes. 99% of my sessions are either seniors or engagements. And 99.9% are outdoors on location so I need something with some serious flexibility and easy to move. I almost always shoot early morning or late evening but there's always those moments when some extra lighting is nice to have.

[zona5101]

you are going to go off camera flash? or the XS on your shoe mounted flash atop the camera? (probably need it on a bracket)...only reason I bring it up is getting it off camera will be the way to go...

[KBroyles]

Definiely off camera. Unless I'm in a situation where that's just impossible - i.e. I did a winter formal for a local Pharmacy school last month and it would have been impossible to take off camera. So I pulled out my handy dandy lightsphere. The room had like 100 ft. ceilings so the lightsphere was WONDERFUL.

I try toshoot 99.9% of the time with natural lighting, but that's just not always possible. One of my favorite photographers only does natural lighting -- doesn't even use a reflector -- and I gotta be honest, don't know how she always pulls it off. Sometimes a little extra light is a life saver.