Sometimes the Simple Things are Best

You’ve probably figured out that you can spend a lot of money on photography.  There is a seemingly endless supply of gadgets, lenses, and improvements…most of which is pretty expensive.  Most photography related gear is pretty inaccessible to “newbies”.  It tends to be complicated.  As a result, I am happy to share a quick review of a product that is both relatively inexpensive ($44.99) and very simple to use.  Even better, the Lite-Scoop II by Lite Genius makes a huge difference in your flash photography and will work with whatever flash unit you happen to own, whether it be Nikon, Canon, Pentax, Metz, Yongnuo, or any other brand.

I use flash units in specific situations, and when I use them I prefer to get them either off the camera (using remote triggers) or at the least bouncing them off a ceiling or wall.  The reason is pretty clear; direct, on-board flash is not particularly flattering.  It tends to create “hot-spots” of blown out areas, casts hard shadows, and generally creates an unnatural look.  Yuck!

The concept is simple:  the flash is fired up into the reflective surface of the Lite-Scoop and its unique curvature helps to shape the light and direct it towards the subject.  In the process the light is softened and diffused to become much, much more flattering.  One advantage over bouncing the light is that far less light is lost in the process of using the Lite-Scoop, meaning that you can keep the power down on the flash unit and get longer battery life than you would through bouncing.

There are also two logistical problems that the Lite-Scoop solves.  Using flash units on stands can be problematic if you are in motion (event or wedding) and don’t have a chance to move your light sources.  Bounce flash is great, but what happens if you are outside or in a building where the ceiling is too high (or too colorful) for effective bounce flashing?  The Lite-Scoop is a solution that moves with you and doesn’t rely on other sources for its bounce effect.

For a closer look at the Lite-Scoop, I encourage you to watch this video to see it in action.  As a bonus, if you watch the video and then share it to social media, you will be entered into a draw where the winner will be given a Lite-Scoop II of their own.  The draw will happen on August 14th, 2015.

Here are a couple of direction comparisons.   There are no other setting changes other than the introduction of the Lite-Scoop (on the left) with direct flash on the right.

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The difference is very, very obvious.

Here are a series of photos that will show how to best use the Lite-Scoop.  You’ll notice that there is a unique position for shooting portrait orientation (with the L-shape in the flash) and for shooting landscape orientation (with the flash unit facing straight up).  One nice bonus of the portrait orientation is that it gets the light source up above the lens.  This helps to minimize the harsh shadows that on board flash frequently produces.

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One significant advantage of the Lite-Scoop is the ability to use it outdoors.  The fact that it is attached to the flash/camera (you can use it on an off camera flash, too, obviously) means that is highly portable, allowing you to quickly move and have your light source with you.  This was really handy in a recent wedding where I did some shots in a public area where setting up traditional lighting (stands and modifiers) wouldn’t have worked.  I didn’t have to worry about my light stands and umbrellas blowing over, either!

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My one concern about the Lite-Scoop (or is this two in one?) is that it isn’t collapsible and it really shouldn’t be deformed as it relies on a specific shape to work its magic.  It means that it needs a little room for storage, and while it is foam on the outside, it is steel underneath.  If you bend it you are going to have to do your best to restore it to its original shape.  I plan to be very careful with mine to prevent it being damaged, and I recommend you do the same if you purchase one.

All in all, however, the Lite-Scoop is simple to use and very effective.  It isn’t incredibly cheap, but the $45 you spend on it may be some of the best money you’ve spent on photography in a while.  I’ve gotten a lot of use out of mine already, and here a few samples to show off the nice results I’m getting from it.

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You can buy the Lite-Scoop II directly from the manufacturer, and they have kindly offered free worldwide shipping to any of my readers if you visit this page here.