Alternatives to buying a taller light stand for full-length lighting
Asked 8/29/2011
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I’m looking at light stands for full-length standing portraits and group shots. Affordable stands around 200cm are easy to find, but 240–260cm stands are much more expensive and less convenient to carry. Are there practical alternatives to a taller stand, such as extenders or other support options, for placing a light high enough for Rembrandt-style lighting?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
15y ago
2 Answers
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One option used by many photographers is a second person (assistant) holding an extension pole or monopod that has the light on the end. With an average-height person holding a six foot pole, you can easily get up to the height you need.
Originally by user89. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user89
15y ago
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Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Yes—there are a few workable alternatives, depending on the shoot.
A common option is to use an assistant holding a monopod or extension pole with the light mounted on it. With a normal-height person and a long pole, you can often reach the height needed for full-length portraits.
Another approach is to bounce flash off a nearby ceiling or wall to create a larger, softer source instead of physically raising a softbox or light. This can work very well if the surface is close and neutral in color; colored walls or ceilings can reduce power and cause color casts.
Some photographers also improvise support using a sturdy decorating/painter’s pole, sometimes braced floor-to-ceiling and fitted with clamps for small lights. That can be effective, but only if the pole and clamps are strong and stable enough for the load.
In short: if you only occasionally need the extra height, an assistant-held pole, bounce lighting, or a sturdy extension pole can be practical. Just be careful about stability and weight capacity.
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