brandon_scott1

<p>Sorry I could have given a better description of my situation. Using a backdrop stand to hold the light, I would actually be using 2 backdrop stands. <br>

This is tabletop photography on a medium-large scale (4' x 10' is the size of the table). 1 stand holding backdrop at the back of the table and then the second stand would be placed across the front of the table to mount softbox directly above the objects being photographed. I need the light mounted about 8' high.<br>

Must be a mobile solution so fixed lights from the ceiling or wall would not work unfortunately. I'm not concerned if the backdrop bar sags a little, I just want to make sure I make the best decision on how to mount it securely.<br>

I have no experience with a cardellini clamp, so i'm taking opinions. Still considering the super clamp because it can be more versatile in other situations when I am not using the big 40x60 softbox. But I definitely need to use the most secure solution that is not going to drop onto expensive products.<br>

Thanks again for your input,<br>

Brandon</p>

<p>Has anyone mounted a large softbox (i'm using 40"x60") on the crossbar of a backdrop stand?<br>

Sometimes i'm setting up in close quarters and don't have room to maneuver a boom. More importantly, I need something more solid than a boom that will not easily fall over if bumped or tripped on.<br>

If I use a <strong>backdrop stand</strong>, <strong>super clamp</strong> and <strong>baby drop down pin</strong> will that do the trick? I can't find anyone talking about or posting examples of having done this but i'm sure somebody has tried! </p>

<p>As always, solutions with photos are supremely helpful if possible.<br>

Thanks for your advice!</p>

<p>Brandon</p>

<p>Here is the handbag image</p>

<p>https://www.dropbox.com/s/0if72rg7wdmoibc/IMG_9775.jpg</p>

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<p>My biggest issue when creating this is actually having the gradient fall off too fast or too slow (one of each in the images provided). I have never tried grids, but I imagine that would only make it fall off even faster. I don't have a behind the scenes shot of my first example image where I used 3 soft boxes and flags on left/right sides as well as a scrim to shade the backdrop. I was able to do that one with a shallow space between object & backdrop (2-3 ft).</p>

<p><br /> Because of the light bouncing off the walls and ceiling I hung the cardboard over the backdrop to block some of that. The cardboard & kraft paper left a horrible color cast but I was limited on resources so I made it work and fixed the rest in post. The light on the right is pointed through corrugated plastic (not opaque foam core like on the left side for reflector).<br /> <img src="https://www.dropbox.com/s/rxzjrsat3bifef6/IMG_4478%20-%20Version%202.jpg" alt="" /><br /> With the handbag, I tried to keep it as simple as possible with just light placement and object position. This was not successful at all because I couldn't light the object without sending too much light to the back.</p><div></div>

<p>I am trying to refine my lighting technique for creating a gradient on solid colored backdrops. White or Gray backdrops using strobes preferred.<br>

Can you guys share lighting setups that you would use to create this effect? Diagram or snapshot of the actual setup please.<br>

Here is an example of what i'm talking about. <br>

https://www.dropbox.com/s/q7ruwdimcdehlsv/gradient-example.jpg<br>

<img src="https://www.dropbox.com/s/q7ruwdimcdehlsv/gradient-example.jpg" alt="" /><br>

Thanks for the help guys, i'll post my setup after a few people respond. I hope some people experiment and come up with something completely different from my method.</p>

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