NAB 2012 was busting at the seams with new cameras, gear and software- to name a few. In this first installment of an OliviaTech NAB 2012 series of show coverage, we take a look at a few familiar (and some perhaps not so familiar) companies as they show us what they’re showing off for 2012. [...]

Recently a quick music video was shot in our studio and I wanted to give you guys some ideas for creating your own inexpensive sets. Here I show you how a simple and cheap DJ Pinspot LED Light and some cheap outdoor flood lights to add interest to the scene. The flood lights are using [...]

Air Box Lights aims to improve your favorite on-camera LED light with their blow up softbox. The Air Box Light is a lightweight Litepanel LED light diffuser that inflates in one breath. This LED softbox is dramatically softer than a raw Litepanel with 300% more surface area. On-camera lighting can be soft and flattering with [...]

Mark from Flolight shows me the Microbeam Series LED Lights at NAB 2012. Mark runs over the temperature options, intensity, power and availability. These LED lights can be run on either AC or DC power (which means these can be run on a portable battery pack) and come in a variety of sizes. You can [...]

Softboxes that use compact florescent light (CFL) bulb fixtures are popular video lighting kits for studio setups. A problem however, that some experience when shooting video with CFL bulbs is a flicker detected in their video. This is sometimes seen when the ballast is producing enough electricity to energize the gas inside the bulb. While [...]

OTech reader, Willie, recently had some questions in regards to a basic lighting kit to build up on. Willie is shooting mainly music videos right now. I’m sure he will expand the usage of the kit for other types of video as well, so what are his best options? Of course, requirements for a basic [...]

Sean from Photoflex shows us the Constellation3 fixture at CES PMA 2012. The Constellation3 fixture holds 3 150 Watt CFL bulbs rated at 5500K, each switches on independently. These bulbs are perfect for DSLR shooting, as they’re flicker free- regardless of your shutter speed. The fixture can take Tungsten bulbs which are 500 Watts and [...]

OTech reader, Jose, tipped me off to this StudioFX softbox set of 2 lights for just over $100. These are the exact same type of lights that we use in the studio to light the OliviaTech set and to create our infinite white backdrop. These softboxes will give you a softened, diffused light source. If [...]

If you’re looking for a cheap avenue for lighting, these CFL octo softboxes are sure to fit within any shoestring budget. The octo lights come with a travel case that stows all of the gear needed to set up your softbox light. Included is the umbrella housing (w/ a silver reflective lining and a basic [...]

The Rosco LitePad HO+ (high output) is an LED light panel that projects light inward to give a soft and more evenly filled light source rather than projecting light directly out for the more common directional throw that LEDs typically give. The lights are a thin acrylic panel, which makes them extremely light weight, super [...]

I get a ton of questions in regards to LEDs vs. softboxes as light sources. Which are better, can I use LED panels to light a green screen or infinite white, what is the major difference between these two, etc. I love this question because once explained, the difference between the two is very clear. [...]

I was watching some trashy reality TV the other day and I could not stop analyzing the catch lights in the eyes of Tia & Tamera! I don’t know what’s worse, the fact that I was watching that show or that I have no clue what it was about because I was so engaged with [...]

In a controlled setting lighting your backdrop and subject are all a matter of how you apply the tools you have. In a noncontrolled setting outdoors, unfortunately, you cannot dial down the sun or add more in areas of shade. What is a shooter to do in these cases? Whip out the reflector, baby! We [...]

I’m not nuts about food. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy a good meal (prefer good coffee) but some of my friends go bananas over their meals. Instagraming it, spamming Facebook and Twitter with their 2 o’clock burrito. All I can think is, “That photo looks terrible!” So, to those of you who are truly [...]

The use of catch lights can completely transform your video or photos by showcasing the stylized look that this type of lighting can create. We’re using the Diva Ring Light to demonstrate how a simple lighting solution like a beauty light can give you professional results. While LED lights tend to be very directional and [...]