Custom Catch Lights or Eye Lights

Lighting Exercise: Custom Catchlights

I've always had this thing for unusual catch lights in people eyes, something other than the usual rectangle or dot.  Catchlights, also referred to as eyelights, are generally understood by photographers and videographers to be important; people's eyes seem a little dead when there's no light reflected in them. Not coincidentally, the times there's no light reflected in someone eyes is usually when there isn't any light source in front of them, so they're usually a bit backlit or sidelit anyway, which might lead people to feel that the person looks a little gloomy. 


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A Sneak Peek of Amsterdam's International Broadcast Convention.

IBC Attendees in Action (Image Courtesy of IBC)

This weekend marks the start of the International Broadcast Convention (IBC). The annual meeting serves as the premier world-wide event for professionals directly involved with the creation and distribution of visual entertainment.

So, just how big is this year’s convention? Well, they’re looking to host over 50, 000 attendees from over 170 countries before the conference wraps up on September 16.

The best thing about IBC? It's the place where companies go to roll out innovative new products. And this year's convention doesn't disappoint as Sony used it to debut the new Sony FS7.
Intended to compete with the Canon c300, the FS7 does some nifty stuff the C300 can't do.
For example, the camera has a built-n handgrip on an articulating arm for ENG-style shooting. It also has zoom control for eng style lens with user-definable shortcut buttons. You can read a detailed review by the guys at Newsshooter.com (who love our Airbox Inflatable Softboxes!) at http://www.newsshooter.com/2014/09/12/sony-pxw-fs7-4k-super35-camera-the-best-of-all-worlds/.

Yes, IBC 2014 is definitely going to packed with new lighting equipment and video gear, no doubt. But... we of Airbox Inflatable Softboxes aren't going, sadly. You might be able to see some of our cool inflatable softboxes for LED panels at the Dracast booth or the Litepanels booth, if you ask them!  Both of those companies do have some samples, since we have partnered together on several business projects. But you'll probably have to ask.

Our Model 1x1 fitted over Astra Panel

Speaking of  Litepanels. we’re huge fans of their new Astra 1x1 panel. Which, incidentally, works perfectly with our very own Model 1x1 as you can see here.You'll be able to see these at Booth # 11-E55, in the Vitec group area.

 I like the improved ergonomics of the yoke, that the heavy parts like the battery mount or power supply are mounted on the yoke where it meets the stand, rather than on the back of the panel, which has always been an annoyance since the weight cause s the light to tilt. I liked that the yoke is now angled forward, so the yoke doesn't get in the way of tilting the light down.  This is particularly handy when you've got a softbox on the front of it. It's truly a great product from the people pioneered   LED panel lighting.  Plus, it's reasonably priced,  costing around $1500.

If you’re not able to make it to the festivities, don’t fret as it you’ll be able to view  the 24-hour live stream on their site. You can catch all the excitement of the IBC  at http://www.ibc-tv.org.

Although we're not going to the convention, we're still offering up a pretty big deal for our valued customers. From now until September 18, every purchase of the Model 1x1 earns you 20% off on the Model 126. Just go to our Amazon store and use offer code I2432KA8. It’s a perfect way to really save big on two of our most popular products. 

Until next time!

Tom