Click to see full size image. Photographer Michael DeYoung's image shows a dramatic use of fill flash.Without subtle strobe, the climber's profile would have been in shadows.
The use of a strobe to supplement ambient light can solve many common problems for photographers afield. While the need for flash may be obvious in closeup and macro applications, the benefits of flash are less apparent when the main exposure is based on existing daylight, as the image below illustrates. In these situations, a strobe can be skillfully applied to…
- provide critical foreground “fill”
- add a “catchlight” in the eye of wildlife
“Fill” lighting is often necessary to reduce excessive contrast, and flash is the only practical solution to this problem. The need for adding fill light is obvious in portrait photography (people and animals). Less obvious is the need for flash fill to better balance a shaded foreground with a brighter background. Judicious use of gentle strobe fill can dramatically improve the image, compensate for narrow contrast ranges and extend the photographic possibilities.
A well-positioned strobe can also add that pleasing catchlight in the subject’s eyes, especially when lighting conditions are overcast, foggy, or backlit. Without an “eye spark”, the subject looks dead. Any strobe can be used to produce this critical catchlight if the strobe is always positioned atop the lens.
Use our flash brackets to deliver all these key benefits. Now the strobe can always remain atop the lens for pleasing shadow lines whether the camera is swiveled to horizontal or vertical.
Photographer Michael DeYoung is shooting product shots using the Really Right Stuff WPF-1 flash bracket for flash fill.
WPF-1
WPF-QR for Event & Location Shooting
This rugged unit is the most portable flash bracket available anywhere. Designed for use with shorter, non-collared lenses, this bracket mounts to the side dovetail of our L-plates (
L-plate required; purchase separately). Bracket snaps into place and stays locked until the spring-loaded release button is pressed. Even with the heaviest flash, this bracket will never twist or come loose. Folds completely flat for compact storage in your camera bag.
Learn more about the WPF-QR Flash Bracket.
B-Series For Telephoto Flash
Designed for use primarily with collared telephoto lenses,
B-Series flash brackets are available in three sizes. Smaller telephotos can use a flash bracket with a smaller arc; larger telephotos need a flash bracket with a larger arc. These flash brackets are compatible with rails and plates from Really Right Stuff, Wimberley, and most Kirk plates. Brackets can also be used with full-size Wimberley head and side-mount action heads such as Wimberley Side-Kick, Kirk King Cobra, and Mongoose heads. Learn more about the
B85-QR (small),
the B87-QR (medium), or the
B91-QR (large).
Our B-Series Flash Brackets are ideal for strobe use with collared telephoto lenses.
Mount Without Tools
All flash brackets feature a built-in quick-release clamp for tool-less mounting. Simply open the clamp and slide onto dovetail (rails for B-Series brackets must have double dovetail). Brackets precisely accept a Nikon or Canon “off-camera” strobe cord (other cords may fit, but may not seat flush). Buy our custom adapters to fit Quantum Qflash, Nikon SB-R200 Speedlight Head, and Nikon SC-29 strobe cord. Our brackets are elegant, “no compromise” designs machined from solid 6061-T6 aluminum for lowest profile and minimum weight. Produced with pride here on the central coast of California.
B-Series Orbiting Tilt Flash Head
Orbiting flash head can be positioned anywhere along the hoop. Silky-smooth operation and positive detents allows flash head to snap into position “on the go.” Head permits forward and backward tilt up to 90° for better beam coverage in closeup work. Lock at any angle. Hoops are also reversible: mount with the hoop on the left, or with the hoop on the right. Depress the stop button, pop off the flash head, turn it around, and re-install.
