Simple Hotshoe Headshot Setup Using MagMod

Nikon D5, Nikon 85mm ƒ/1.8G, ISO 50, ƒ/1.8, 1/200–Neewer TT850, Neewer Wireless 16 Channel Remote, MagMod Magsphere, MagMod Magbounce, 

While I have shown you this type of photo many times this time I shot it with the cheapest system I could configure.

This is the setup. Now here is the list of items for you other than camera:

• 2 - Neewer TT850 Flash $114.70 ea
• 2 - Neewer 433MHz Wireless 16 Channel Flash Remote Trigger with Receiver $29.99 ea
• 5 - Manfrotto 5001B Nano Black Light Stand - 6.2' (1.9m) $57.88
• 2 - Interfit Metal Umbrella Bracket with Adjustable Flash Shoe $19.99
• 2 - MagMod flash modifier system $89.95 ea
• 1 - Magmod Magsphere [main light] $49.95
• 1 - Magmod Magbounce [background] $49.95
• 1 - Westcott Collapsible Reversible 5' x 6' Black/White Backdrop $175
• 1 - Lastolite Triflector MKII Frame + Silver/Gold Panels $180

Since the flashes can be powered way down I was able to shoot at ƒ/1.8. 

The Magsphere spreads the light around the sides which then catches on the Lasolite Triflector silver panels and lights under the chin and on both cheeks. The flash is the main light above the subject creating that wonderful butterfly light. The main light was powered at 1/64th power and the background was at 1/4 power.

MagSphere

The Magbounce is on the background light spreading the light evenly across the Westcott White Collapsible background.

MagBounce

The cool thing is the Neewer TT850 is rated to fire 600 times on full power with a full charge. I am no where near this power consumption, so I could do a lot of headshots before changing the battery.

Thanks for stopping by!

Shooting Nikon D5 at an event with ISOs of 66535, 51200, 28800 etc

Nikon D5, Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM Art Lens, Neewer TT850, Neewer Wireless 16 Channel Remote, ISO 51200, ƒ/5.6, 1/100

This week I was shooting for the first time at high ISO numbers that I would have never used before for an event.

The event was in a restaurant/bar where the lighting was quite dark. The lights were spot lights from above which meant many times the subjects faces were inadequately lighted. Once I used a flash to correct the background went extremely dark.

Nikon D5, Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM Art Lens, Neewer TT850, Neewer Wireless 16 Channel Remote, ISO 66535, ƒ/5.6, 1/100

There were windows but that meant an even greater problem that only a flash could solve. So my assistant is holding a flash off to the side and I am triggering it wirelessly.

Nikon D5, Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM Art Lens, Neewer TT850, Neewer Wireless 16 Channel Remote, ISO 28800, ƒ/5.6, 1/100

Here are the camera settings for the Nikon D5

• Aperture priority [ƒ/4 or ƒ/5.6]
• Auto ISO
• 100 – 102400
• 1/100

Now when I was using the Neewer TT850 flash it was too bright even at 1/128th power. To fix this I was using the MagMod light modifier system. I put two Neutral Density Gels over the flash to just wink a light in when I was shooting at those extreme high ISOs.

While it took me a couple minutes to figure out this system having done something similar in the past with lower ISO settings was helpful.

As you turn the ISO up your flash needs very little power to do the job. Just remember this if you try something similar.

Nikon D5, Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM Art Lens, Neewer TT850, Neewer Wireless 16 Channel Remote, ISO 66535, ƒ/5.6, 1/100

The Nikon D5 is more than just a sports camera. It is a camera for every situation. 

Nikon D5, Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM Art Lens, Neewer TT850, Neewer Wireless 16 Channel Remote, ISO 66535, ƒ/5.6, 1/100

I am thrilled with the quality of the high ISO of the Nikon D5. I now can do things not possible before with my Nikon D4.