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nobody@flickr.com (..DennisR..) — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 09:22:45 -0700

..DennisR.. posted a photo:

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nobody@flickr.com (..DennisR..) — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 09:22:46 -0700

..DennisR.. posted a photo:

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nobody@flickr.com (..DennisR..) — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 09:22:46 -0700

..DennisR.. posted a photo:

Cheap monopod light pole with cheap octabox for speedlights

nobody@flickr.com (..DennisR..) — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 09:17:51 -0700

..DennisR.. posted a photo:

During the Easter weekend I thought about making a lightweight, easy-to-hold monopod light stand for a VAL (voice-activated light assistant) during a photoshoot. First off, I bought this small-to-medium 31" size octabox from ebay that is way cheaper than my dream octabox the Westcott Apollo Orb ($150/kit) that was featured in the last PSW (02/2012). It does not use a ring adapter so it can be used for both speedlights and strobes. It is lightweight and the fabric material is sturdy except for the aluminum ribs that can get easily bend just like a regular rain umbrellas.

Thinking about my assistant's constant complain of abuse, not getting paid, and constantly getting hungry, I told him that his sufferings will end soon. Ok, just a little less. So I got this painter's pole from Home Depot paint section (stripper's pole is different but they do have a stripper). It's the Shur-Line Easy Reach Extension Pole that extends from 4 ft to 9 ft in .60 seconds. Indeed, it extends that fast, lightweight, and it is foam-padded for those delicate well-lotioned VAL hands! This easy to use extension pole has a convenient 1 step lock button and has stopping locks, at 3" increments until fully extended at total length.

To make it work with a flash mounting bracket (with umbrella mount), I have to grind the threaded ends that goes to the paint roller to a smaller circumference to fit the umbrella holder with hot shoe mount (see images). This is the only modification I need to do. The only downside is that it is a pole and acts like a monopod which means it doesn't have feet for it to stand. Using a regular light stand becomes a pain when a VAL is holding it over a model as it becomes cumbersome, heavy, and hard on the hands.

So, couple it with the 31" octabox and you have a lightweight light modifier that your VAL will love you. Your VAL will love you even more with a slice of pizza and a couple of beers ;)

If you ever use it by yourself, make sure you don't use lens greater than 85mm ;)

Shur-Line 06572L Easy Reach Extension Pole, 4-Feet to 9-Feet ($20 - $30)
www.amazon.com/Shur-Line-06572L-Extension-4-Feet-9-Feet/d...

Umbrella Octagon Softbox Brolly Reflector Speedlite 80 ($33)
www.ebay.com/itm/280758949229?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&am...

Strobist Umbrella Holder with Hot Shoe Mount ($14)
www.amazon.com/Strobist-Umbrella-Holder-Shoe-Mount/dp/B00...

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Cheap monopod light pole with cheap octabox for speedlights