An unspoken advantage of the bracket @7:49 is that it and the flash unit are attached to a strong point of the camera, the tripod screw, like the hammerheads units that were once used. The bigger modern hotshoe flashes (plus their attachments like diffusers) are heavier than the standard hotshoe was ever meant for - hence the frequent horror stories of broken camera pentaprism housings.
That's a good point. I'm always worried about breaking my camera's hot shoe. Hasn't happened yet, and they're surprisingly strong. But definitely a possibility.
I just wanted to come back and say that my red carpet event was yesterday and I couldn't be happier with my results because of the guidance & tips from this video. My clients are all over the moon with their photos and I got a lot of inquiries about my work afterwards. I had to hunt down that rotating flash bracket and the pb960, but it was well worth the time & money. Thanks again!
This was a fantastic video that I randomly clicked on and ended up learning so much more than I expected. I feel like I could go look for a job as a red carpet event photographer now, that's how good this was haha. Thanks so much for this. Please show us more tips. I am so curious to know how everything works!
Love the small flash bracket. I've, for many years, have used the flip style bracket but as you said, it takes up a lot of space. Seems like it's worth the money.
Thank you for posting this video! I have an opportunity to shoot red carpet event for a local movie premiere. Looks like I’ll be buying a battery pack!
I would love to have seen this video before my first red carpet photography event but sadly I did not and many photos weren't good enough and others were half decent. Also, I would like to expand on the first experience topic. If you have never done red carpet photography, please read on. Red carpet photography is EXTREMELY COMPETITIVE and that's an understatement. Some photographers will go as far as block your view to get a better photo, while being aware you are there. Many times, is not accident, they will stand in your away and block you to get that better shot. If you are a shy person, it is possible you could have trouble in this type of events, just as I did (some red carpet events have more control than others, so your first event might be different and better than mine, and I really hope you do). I did lose some great shots to other more aggressive photographers, so don't be afraid to be defensive about your position and be vocal about it. But above all else learn from your mistakes.
This is a good point, but it's also important to remember that there are all kinds of red carpets -- some are small and laid back, and others are packed and competitive (particularly those with lots of A-list talent). The best advice is to be prepared for both scenarios, and as you said, don't be afraid to mark your spot and do what you need to do (within reason) to make sure you get your shots.
Thanks for putting this video together. I am gearing up to do my first red carpet shoot next weekend and have never done it before. I will work with the info you shared here to do my homework now. Not a pro (yet). But thinking about it. I work with a Canon T5 EOS only have the 18mm-55mm lens. Not a big event so may be the only photographer there, which is good for a firs time red carpet event-I believe.
Been covering red carpets for 4 years here in NYC. I’ve been using a different kind of bracket to my camera. In some of my red carpet coverages, I’ve managed to get some decent shots without using the bowl bulb and other times not so lucky. I agree we can’t control the set up. Good job on the tutorial 👍🏻 I suggest you make your videos a little bit brighter to see you more. Keep up the good work!! 🙂
Awesome, thanks for sharing Lisa! I made the mistake of relying on natural light while shooting this video, so the sun kept fading in and out. Will change the setup next time!
Thanks for the info. If you need rechargeable AA battery get the ikea ladda 2450 they are the same as enlope panasonic and they cost 6.99 for 4 aa i do weddings and they are the best.
Thank you for the lesson! Ive always been curious. by having that external battery pack attached to a speed light, does that create the rapid fire burst or does it depend on what kind of speed light you purchase?
Thank you so much for the video and the super useful information. I do have a question. At the end of your video you talk about the Godox PB-960 then you show the rechargeable batteries you use. My question is do you need to use batteries on your speed light evenhouh you are using a battery pack?
You taught me two new pieces of equipment. I normally alternate between vertical and horizontal without any issue using my current setup (Canon speedlite EL-1 with a soft box). However one of my first pics from a premier shoot had that ugly shadow effect you mentioned. it happened on one photo, but I want to prepare for any future possibilities of it happening again.
Hi, i need your help to understand, why all photographers set the external flash in-front of the subject ?? And when can i use my external flash at 90% with diffuser at red carpet??
I don't currently use that lens, but I also don't shoot many red carpets anymore. If I still did, the 24-70mm would be my main choice as the primary lens.
Very informative video. Perhaps a stupid question but what do you do with your bag and rest of your gear when shooting ? I've had this problem before finding somewhere to stash it.
That's a great question. On a red carpet, you usually have a dedicated spot to stand in, so my bag just stays by my feet. Or if it's a smaller event and you're one of the only photographers, check with the red carpet coordinator and they might have a dedicated spot or let you stick your bag behind the backdrop. Either way, I almost always have a camera bag that can be locked if I need to leave it unattended.
Instead of needing a battery pack for the flash use a Zoom flash it has a rechargeable lithium battery it will last more than one night for sure. Cost around $200
Hey There, really liked the video.... just wondering, if you think this setup would actually work for certain wedding photography also... where you cannot control the lighting etc.. ? Thanks
This setup could work for weddings, yes. For most events that are non-red carpet I prefer aiming my flash up and using something like the MagMod + MagBounce or the DEMB Flip-It to push the light forward so I'm not aiming the flash directly in someone's face. It depends on your photography style and also what the venue is like.
Could you let me know your setup for the flash in most situation in red carpet (daylight, night event), ttl mode or manual mode, flash power etc please :) Thank your video, I'm now understand for the battery pack, i'll buy soon for my next event.
Shooting in Manual mode on both your camera and flash is best, since lighting conditions vary. Usually I start with my camera set to 1/125 sec, f/4, ISO 640 and the Flash at 1/8 power; then I take test shots and adjust my settings accordingly.
I was using the MagMod and the Magsphere before switching to the Demb Flip It. The Magsphere can work alright, but I've always had an issue with its size. It's bulky and heavy, and its weight has broken the top part of my flash previously. In comparison, the Demb is so much lighter, easier to pack, cheaper, and just as effective.
This video was great! I do a lot of concert photography but I'll actually be doing my very first red carpet tonight (Heavy metal Hall of Fame Ceremony in Anaheim). I know my concert settings but this is very different. Anyone got any tips on the settings I should have for red carpet? I'm shooting with a 24-70 2.8 and an external flash. I assume I probably DON'T want to be at 2.8 just so that way whatever sign is behind the artists on the red carpet for the event is readable as opposed to blurred due to DOF? Flash (Nikon SB700) should be at TTL? Yeah. Sorry about all the questions. And hell, if I get an answer its probably going to be AFTER the event has taken place. Lol
That's a subject for a whole different video, my friend. But in short, both camera and flash are on manual settings and they are tweaked according to the ambient light conditions. Planning a follow-up video on flash photography.
I have two questions whats the diffference between the custom brackets rf-pro M and the rf-pro AS and does it work with canon r6? also what is that silver little coldshoe mount under your speedlite ontop of the custom bracket, whats the name of it or where do you get it from? amazing video thumb up and subbed!
The difference between the two brackets is the included tripod plates -- RF Pro M has the Manfrotto mount (customized for Manfrotto-only tripod plates) and the RF-Pro AS is for Arca-Swiss plates (a more universal mount for non-Manfrotto tripods). The silver adapter is a cold shoe mount adapter, like this - www.amazon.com/dp/B074V9MNBK?tag=geminiconne0c-20
Depends on the lighting scenario and amount of other photographers. If lots of other photographers and no ceiling to bounce off of, then yes, just the bracket and bare flash. But my preference is to use the Demb only if the conditions allow for it.
If you are using rechargeable batteries (which I really recommend that you do; non-rechargeables tend to die after 1 or 2 uses with these flashes), it depends on the energy capacity of the battery, expressed in mAh. My current flash batteries are 2800 mAh, and they work fine, so I would suggest a similar energy capacity.
How do you get set up to shoot Red Carpet Events? Do you have to pay to be there or do a company send you because I would love to do that kind of work.
Usually you need an assignment on behalf of a media publication, or permission from the event coordinator. Some events (ie. film festivals) also hire and pay photographers to be there.
Great information...I find the lighting very flat and ugly, it really is no different from keeping it on the camera..That is why people use the larger brackets to get the flash away from the lens. This is definitely not for me.
Dug this a lot! I moved to LA fairly recently so I definitely might end up needing some of this stuff in the near future; there's a lot of red carpet work to be done out here. More than anything though, I'd actually love to know - how did you get started doing red carpet events and start getting your credentials? Was it through your previous work, an agency or company or someone reaching out, a chance thing, or something else? I'm used to photographing music so I'm fairly used to requesting passes for shows from publicists and such, but I'm not sure if carpets work the same way. I feel like they might but also might not and some ideas on how to get your first few gigs would definitely be helpful. Anyway, nicely done! I like your style of explanation and appreciate the content. I'll keep an eye out for more videos!
Great question! I started out as a music photographer as well. I met a lot of photographers, writers, editors, media folks while shooting concerts and freelancing for various blogs and newspapers (many are no longer around anymore). It was through networking that I eventually landed assignments to shoot local film festivals and got my first taste of the red carpet. By networking some more, those opportunities kept growing and growing. So...it came down to just being ultra prolific and networking with EVERYONE you meet at events (including other photographers). I'll probably do a more in-depth video on this in the future!
You don't need a spouse or family member in the film industry, but having a connection of some kind is for sure helpful. I have had zero family or romantic connections to anyone in the film industry; I got my start by befriending and establishing professional relationships with other red carpet photographers.
I would like to subscribe, but my hearing is unable to separate your great voice and presentation from the music you are talking over. I am not alone in having this difficulty. Why the music anyway? I opened your video to hear you and your knowledge.
My present self is cringing at my past self -- I didn't know anything about video editing when this was made, but quickly stopped with the music when others told me it was distracting. If you watch any of our recent videos, there's been a BIG improvement in sound.
Thank you so much for this tutorial. I've always been curious about what they're using.
You're welcome! There may be other camera variations out there, but this is the one that seems to be the most prominent.
Can someone plz tell me what camera she's using
An unspoken advantage of the bracket @7:49 is that it and the flash unit are attached to a strong point of the camera, the tripod screw, like the hammerheads units that were once used. The bigger modern hotshoe flashes (plus their attachments like diffusers) are heavier than the standard hotshoe was ever meant for - hence the frequent horror stories of broken camera pentaprism housings.
That's a good point. I'm always worried about breaking my camera's hot shoe. Hasn't happened yet, and they're surprisingly strong. But definitely a possibility.
This is so so helpful. I appreciate all the details and referrals. Doing my first red carpet in LA in 2 weeks. Thanks for the tips!
I just wanted to come back and say that my red carpet event was yesterday and I couldn't be happier with my results because of the guidance & tips from this video. My clients are all over the moon with their photos and I got a lot of inquiries about my work afterwards. I had to hunt down that rotating flash bracket and the pb960, but it was well worth the time & money. Thanks again!
This was a fantastic video that I randomly clicked on and ended up learning so much more than I expected. I feel like I could go look for a job as a red carpet event photographer now, that's how good this was haha. Thanks so much for this. Please show us more tips. I am so curious to know how everything works!
Thank you so much-m for watching. Glad to hear you enjoyed the video 😊
Can someone plz tell me what camera she's using
Love the small flash bracket. I've, for many years, have used the flip style bracket but as you said, it takes up a lot of space. Seems like it's worth the money.
I like this bracket a lot, for when I need to shoot with a bracket. Still definitely prefer to be without it whenever possible 😀
Thank you for posting this video! I have an opportunity to shoot red carpet event for a local movie premiere. Looks like I’ll be buying a battery pack!
Congrats! Yes, I highly recommend the battery pack. Also useful for other photography situations.
No need these days! Just get a lithium powered speedlight like godox v1, or v860,
,
Listen to the advise of this young woman! Her advise of a simple set-up is very valuable.
Thank you for your tutorial! I'm looking this specific tips too as I'll use it a lot. 👍
Awesome, thank you for watching!
Thank you so much for not giving an elementary presentation! I LOVED this video!
This is great info. I was looking up vertical portraits and how to best position the flash. Unexpected but much appreciated. Thank you.
You're welcome! Thanks for watching 🙂
I would love to have seen this video before my first red carpet photography event but sadly I did not and many photos weren't good enough and others were half decent. Also, I would like to expand on the first experience topic. If you have never done red carpet photography, please read on. Red carpet photography is EXTREMELY COMPETITIVE and that's an understatement. Some photographers will go as far as block your view to get a better photo, while being aware you are there. Many times, is not accident, they will stand in your away and block you to get that better shot. If you are a shy person, it is possible you could have trouble in this type of events, just as I did (some red carpet events have more control than others, so your first event might be different and better than mine, and I really hope you do). I did lose some great shots to other more aggressive photographers, so don't be afraid to be defensive about your position and be vocal about it. But above all else learn from your mistakes.
This is a good point, but it's also important to remember that there are all kinds of red carpets -- some are small and laid back, and others are packed and competitive (particularly those with lots of A-list talent). The best advice is to be prepared for both scenarios, and as you said, don't be afraid to mark your spot and do what you need to do (within reason) to make sure you get your shots.
Thanks for putting this video together. I am gearing up to do my first red carpet shoot next weekend and have never done it before. I will work with the info you shared here to do my homework now. Not a pro (yet). But thinking about it. I work with a Canon T5 EOS only have the 18mm-55mm lens. Not a big event so may be the only photographer there, which is good for a firs time red carpet event-I believe.
Interesting information
Thanks
Been covering red carpets for 4 years here in NYC. I’ve been using a different kind of bracket to my camera. In some of my red carpet coverages, I’ve managed to get some decent shots without using the bowl bulb and other times not so lucky. I agree we can’t control the set up. Good job on the tutorial 👍🏻 I suggest you make your videos a little bit brighter to see you more. Keep up the good work!! 🙂
Awesome, thanks for sharing Lisa! I made the mistake of relying on natural light while shooting this video, so the sun kept fading in and out. Will change the setup next time!
I came to this video just to learn about flash brackets but I learned quite a bit more. Definitely getting the rf pro lol
Thanks for the info. If you need rechargeable AA battery get the ikea ladda 2450 they are the same as enlope panasonic and they cost 6.99 for 4 aa i do weddings and they are the best.
I've heard those Ikea batteries are really great -- thanks for the tip William!
I've been looking for a video like this. Thank you so much for being so straight forward and informative.
Awesome, glad to hear you enjoyed it 😊
I like how you are keeping it real. Thanks for the tip!
Thanks Don! A lot of equipment, but totally worth it for the photo quality.
Tried and true wisdom. Great video!
Thank you for the lesson! Ive always been curious. by having that external battery pack attached to a speed light, does that create the rapid fire burst or does it depend on what kind of speed light you purchase?
Could you make a video about the ways to gain clients for red carpet gigs?
Really informative. Thank you!
Thank you so much for the video and the super useful information. I do have a question. At the end of your video you talk about the Godox PB-960 then you show the rechargeable batteries you use. My question is do you need to use batteries on your speed light evenhouh you are using a battery pack?
Yeah, the original flash unit still needs batteries (at least for the flashes that I’ve used).
You taught me two new pieces of equipment. I normally alternate between vertical and horizontal without any issue using my current setup (Canon speedlite EL-1 with a soft box). However one of my first pics from a premier shoot had that ugly shadow effect you mentioned. it happened on one photo, but I want to prepare for any future possibilities of it happening again.
Holy heavy setup!!
Yeaaaahhhh it's super heavy! Thus, it's a setup I really only use for red carpets, nothing else.
is canon recommended or do you think a beefy Sony can match up pretty well.
Thanks for all the info! Great video
Thanks Elizabeth! I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Thanks ! Very useful video. I like because shows the effects and the general setup, regardless of camera brand. Have a good light !
Glad you found it helpful! Thanks for watching Daniele.
You are a godsend. Thank you for the info!
You're welcome! Thank you for watching.
Very useful and detailed, thank you!!
My pleasure! Thank you for watching 🙏
Hi, i need your help to understand, why all photographers set the external flash in-front of the subject ??
And when can i use my external flash at 90% with diffuser at red carpet??
Any updates
I learned way more than i deserved
Interesting subject 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
It is indeed! Hope it was helpful.
Hi, thanks for posting this. I can't seem to find the Demb saucer flip anywhere. Any idea where I can purchase one?
I noticed that they're out of stock everywhere, which is a bummer. Not sure where and when they'll have more.
@@Gemini_Connect Thanks for the reply, that does suck. It looks like the perfect size and tool hen paired with a speedlight.
Can you connect a quick release to the flash bracket?
Yup..Eneloop batteries. Been using them for years.
Thanks for the very helpful video. Are you still using the 24-70mm/2.8 in your setup?
I don't currently use that lens, but I also don't shoot many red carpets anymore. If I still did, the 24-70mm would be my main choice as the primary lens.
I have a grip on the bottom of my camera so it makes it a little bigger. Will this still work or is there another bracket that’s bigger I can use?
Those batteries are you using the battery pack or do they last long without it.
Very informative video. Perhaps a stupid question but what do you do with your bag and rest of your gear when shooting ? I've had this problem before finding somewhere to stash it.
That's a great question. On a red carpet, you usually have a dedicated spot to stand in, so my bag just stays by my feet. Or if it's a smaller event and you're one of the only photographers, check with the red carpet coordinator and they might have a dedicated spot or let you stick your bag behind the backdrop. Either way, I almost always have a camera bag that can be locked if I need to leave it unattended.
Instead of needing a battery pack for the flash use a Zoom flash it has a rechargeable lithium battery it will last more than one night for sure. Cost around $200
Hey There, really liked the video.... just wondering, if you think this setup would actually work for certain wedding photography also... where you cannot control the lighting etc.. ? Thanks
This setup could work for weddings, yes. For most events that are non-red carpet I prefer aiming my flash up and using something like the MagMod + MagBounce or the DEMB Flip-It to push the light forward so I'm not aiming the flash directly in someone's face. It depends on your photography style and also what the venue is like.
Could you let me know your setup for the flash in most situation in red carpet (daylight, night event), ttl mode or manual mode, flash power etc please :) Thank your video, I'm now understand for the battery pack, i'll buy soon for my next event.
Shooting in Manual mode on both your camera and flash is best, since lighting conditions vary. Usually I start with my camera set to 1/125 sec, f/4, ISO 640 and the Flash at 1/8 power; then I take test shots and adjust my settings accordingly.
What about using the magmod magsphere? And pointing it direct at subject? Isn't it like s little softbox?
I was using the MagMod and the Magsphere before switching to the Demb Flip It. The Magsphere can work alright, but I've always had an issue with its size. It's bulky and heavy, and its weight has broken the top part of my flash previously. In comparison, the Demb is so much lighter, easier to pack, cheaper, and just as effective.
@@Gemini_Connect thanks for your input on that!
This video was great! I do a lot of concert photography but I'll actually be doing my very first red carpet tonight (Heavy metal Hall of Fame Ceremony in Anaheim). I know my concert settings but this is very different.
Anyone got any tips on the settings I should have for red carpet? I'm shooting with a 24-70 2.8 and an external flash.
I assume I probably DON'T want to be at 2.8 just so that way whatever sign is behind the artists on the red carpet for the event is readable as opposed to blurred due to DOF? Flash (Nikon SB700) should be at TTL?
Yeah. Sorry about all the questions. And hell, if I get an answer its probably going to be AFTER the event has taken place. Lol
I could die yesterday not knowing that there is a sort of photography known as "Red carpet". Cool video anyways.
Lol! Yes, it's an interesting topic. Not much is said about it, which is why I made this video. Hope it was helpful!
@@Gemini_Connect Ofcourse it was /is! I have been looking for info about event photography when your video poped. Very helpful insights there!
Can someone plz tell me what camera she's using
How do you get invited to shoot red carpet?
You should have mentioned. camera settings,flash settings as well ..
That's a subject for a whole different video, my friend. But in short, both camera and flash are on manual settings and they are tweaked according to the ambient light conditions. Planning a follow-up video on flash photography.
I use a quantum battery pack
I have two questions
whats the diffference between the custom brackets rf-pro M and the rf-pro AS and does it work with canon r6?
also what is that silver little coldshoe mount under your speedlite ontop of the custom bracket, whats the name of it or where do you get it from?
amazing video thumb up and subbed!
The difference between the two brackets is the included tripod plates -- RF Pro M has the Manfrotto mount (customized for Manfrotto-only tripod plates) and the RF-Pro AS is for Arca-Swiss plates (a more universal mount for non-Manfrotto tripods).
The silver adapter is a cold shoe mount adapter, like this - www.amazon.com/dp/B074V9MNBK?tag=geminiconne0c-20
@@Gemini_Connect also what’s the white reflector thing called ?
@@SwiftLikesGames It's in this link: kit.co/GeminiConnect/red-carpet-photography-gear-for-step-and-repeat-event-photos
hi, so in 2019 are you using the naked flash along with the bracket and the godox battery? Any of the modifiers mentioned?
Depends on the lighting scenario and amount of other photographers. If lots of other photographers and no ceiling to bounce off of, then yes, just the bracket and bare flash. But my preference is to use the Demb only if the conditions allow for it.
I use Duracell batteries for my speed lite should that work?
If you are using rechargeable batteries (which I really recommend that you do; non-rechargeables tend to die after 1 or 2 uses with these flashes), it depends on the energy capacity of the battery, expressed in mAh. My current flash batteries are 2800 mAh, and they work fine, so I would suggest a similar energy capacity.
Thanks
How do you get set up to shoot Red Carpet Events? Do you have to pay to be there or do a company send you because I would love to do that kind of work.
Usually you need an assignment on behalf of a media publication, or permission from the event coordinator. Some events (ie. film festivals) also hire and pay photographers to be there.
Can you point me in the right direction on who I need to talk or a list of contacts? If not thanks for the help!!!@@Gemini_Connect
Thank you for the explanation your camera bag must be very heavy
Good Video ,😃,Hello, I am interested in contacting you to talk about my flashbracket for red carpet photography, how can we talk? 😃
Great information...I find the lighting very flat and ugly, it really is no different from keeping it on the camera..That is why people use the larger brackets to get the flash away from the lens. This is definitely not for me.
Your products link is not working either..
Just updated -- sorry about that. The service we use (Kit) changed its URL recently from .com to .co and it's led to broken links everywhere.
Dug this a lot! I moved to LA fairly recently so I definitely might end up needing some of this stuff in the near future; there's a lot of red carpet work to be done out here. More than anything though, I'd actually love to know - how did you get started doing red carpet events and start getting your credentials? Was it through your previous work, an agency or company or someone reaching out, a chance thing, or something else?
I'm used to photographing music so I'm fairly used to requesting passes for shows from publicists and such, but I'm not sure if carpets work the same way. I feel like they might but also might not and some ideas on how to get your first few gigs would definitely be helpful.
Anyway, nicely done! I like your style of explanation and appreciate the content. I'll keep an eye out for more videos!
Great question! I started out as a music photographer as well. I met a lot of photographers, writers, editors, media folks while shooting concerts and freelancing for various blogs and newspapers (many are no longer around anymore). It was through networking that I eventually landed assignments to shoot local film festivals and got my first taste of the red carpet. By networking some more, those opportunities kept growing and growing.
So...it came down to just being ultra prolific and networking with EVERYONE you meet at events (including other photographers). I'll probably do a more in-depth video on this in the future!
So...how does one get on the red carpet?
Usually, you have to apply for a press or media pass on behalf of a media publication.
Do you shoot TTL or manual?
Manual. Adjust for the lighting conditions on-site
TTL shots will be crazy inconsistent due to clothing and background!
You just don't get a "red carpet" photo gig without having your husband, boyfriend or family member who's connected to the film industry.
You don't need a spouse or family member in the film industry, but having a connection of some kind is for sure helpful. I have had zero family or romantic connections to anyone in the film industry; I got my start by befriending and establishing professional relationships with other red carpet photographers.
@@Gemini_Connect
Okay 😇
I would like to subscribe, but my hearing is unable to separate your great voice and presentation from the music you are talking over. I am not alone in having this difficulty. Why the music anyway? I opened your video to hear you and your knowledge.
My present self is cringing at my past self -- I didn't know anything about video editing when this was made, but quickly stopped with the music when others told me it was distracting. If you watch any of our recent videos, there's been a BIG improvement in sound.
Step one. DO NOT TALK OVER MUSIC in your videos.
100% agree - newbie mistake. If I could redo this video today, there are a lot of things I would change 🤪