an actually simple way to booklight

[@cameralance]

Here's a tip for putting on the white fabric on to the umbrella: you poke the umbrella through the fabric first, then open the umbrella. The fabric opens together with the umbrella at the same time. I saved you half a minute there.

[@edwardcrockett]

Ayyyyy good looking out!!

[@theosophicalwanderings7696]

This is great. I think most set work is incredibly inefficient and needlessly time consuming. I love hacks like this.

[@edwardcrockett]

ayy thank you so much! I seriously love hacks like this so much especially in one-man-band scenarios

[@rickymcc9072]

Fair point. A booklight is, at most basic, just a bounced light pushed through a diffused screen (eg the metaphorical shower curtain) for a large soft light. Soft 'cus double diffused and pretty large area relative to subject. Yet lacking much control. It works well on a big set 'cus of a large working space, lack of near walls typically (which degrades contrast by unwanted reflection) and plenty of lights, crew (grips etc) to facilitate construction. Your quick 'brolly box' is a good quick substitute. Putting on a wheeled stand adds ease of movement, but still not much control, albeit easily modified (ie adding control with flags, reflectors or smaller fill lights). Changing a brolly for a soft box with 'egg-crate' grid can add a little more control again by limiting any unwanted light spill, so less need to flag or add 'negative fill to lessen impact of unwanted spill. So something like a biggish brolly box eg an Apurture Light Dome iii can add softness, control and speed of set-up. If paired with an appropriately counterweighted heavy wheeled stand (eg C or combo rather than lightweight ally) it also gives flexibility on repositioning too, which is pretty good for a 1-3 person team.

[@rickymcc9072]

Addendum - nothing to stop one from using several smaller lights with softboxes, grouped closely together, for one even bigger key light. Easier to control if all 'ganged' together, operated by one control app. Several lights are only potentially problematic if using relatively 'hard' light where risk of multiple discernable shadows can 'kill' any intended interpretation of a 'natural' look. Most artificial lighting set-ups don't typically look like natural unlit lighting set-ups and that isn't necessarily a problem. Perhaps big productions (more resource - space, budget, time, lights, crew etc) can take time to make lit scenes look 'natural' ie unlit, but probably that's a luxury most small, budget shoots don't need to obsess about.

[@jeorgepaolo]

I saw this technique from you on Instagram which actually made me add this modifier in my cart! Been using a lantern for quite some time now but I think it's time to try this one out! Thanks man! 🙌🏻

[@linda_lawson]

This was super useful. Not only does it save time, it also makes sense in the spaces where most of us work. Thank you!

[@edwardcrockett]

ayyy heck yeah! I love hearing that! Thanks so much for watching!

[@NasserTone]

WOW! Man!!! This is the best video about lighting I have seen in a long time! I mean, I already know the booklight setup, but the way you did it in a very simple way using only: one light + one stand + the umbrella (No matter what it is called :D) & the result is super cool. Plus, I'm in love with the whole video Editing! The Film Emulation is beyond wow! May I ask what you used to achieve this look (The Vintage film colors + Fine HQ Grain + Old Film Frames making the video mostly in a square format). I hope you can tell me which plugin you used to get this film emulation. It would mean a lot to me! Thanks in advance! & Keep it up. You deserve waaay more recognition and followers, and I hope to see your channel grow to reach a million very soon & in no time!

[@Latino_Studio]

Thank you so much ❤❤

[@MA-ij3sp]

Okay this is great value! My light already had the umbrella hole, and I had an old umbrella laying around that I thought was useless and had put away. It looks great!! Thanks

[@edwardcrockett]

heck yeah! I'm so hyped to hear that this was helpful to you! lemme know if there is anything you are looking to learn and if I can make a video about it, I will!

[@danielpathcreator]

this diffusion is amazing!

[@edwardcrockett]

thanks a ton bro!

[@monztermovies]

I am gonna give this a try with my 7 foot umbrella! Great vid!

[@weirdbug]

Can you put a grid to the umbrella/difusion???🤔

[@mcgreevs24]

loved this video, Edward. You're crushing it. keep up the great work.

[@edwardcrockett]

Yooo thank you! Really appreciate that!

[@eltzerbridge9037]

Cant find anywhere to buy this in the EU :(

[@edwardcrockett]

Ohhh dang! So sorry about that!

[@johnbivins]

Yep love doing this; great video!

[@vanzetti7]

That’s what I thought - when a videographer showed me book lighting I asked why I couldn’t just use an umbrella. We use it in photography all the time!

[@edwardcrockett]

Yeah I mean at the end of the day I think you’re going to be hard pressed to actually tell the difference between the 2 in a blind test!

[@GlobalShutterNY]

Umbrellas are THE most under appreciated lighting instruments- cheap, lightweight, portable, quick - I think manufacturers don't make any $$ off of umbrellas so they are not 'pushed' to reviewers! Compare a 7 foot umbrella to the size/weight/cost/time of an octa/softbox! The only advantage of the bigger instruments is a better control of spill and grids IMHO.

[@edwardcrockett]

you're exactly right! and I will say, that spill control can be super helpful as you can see in some of my examples but honestly, I think when it comes down to it, the quality of light is so much softer that I'm fine with having to throw up some negative if needed

[@leondebla1985]

How exactely would you use the griphead? Griphead on the stand, umbrella in the griphead. What would you do with your light? On another stand?

[@edwardcrockett]

yeah or you could use a super clamp attached to the yoke of the light, then a baby pin to the grip head and then the grip head to the umbrella

[@ChrisFlores22]

Dude i tried this setup and absolutely love the look! Even my client looking at camera monitor told me I nailed lighting! Have you ever used the light reflector inside the umbrella to maybe get more power out of the light? I use a 200x from amaran and tried to expose for the window and then pump light onto my subject but the amaran didnt come through lol wondering if maybe the reflector could help in the future or if i should get a bigger brighter light. I have been eyeing the 300c or maybe the smallrig 450b. Thanks man!

[@edwardcrockett]

Yo Chris! I’m hyped that you tried the lighting and got great results! That’s so sick!! When it comes to getting more output, I think they make umbrellas with silver inside which could help, you could also take off the second layer of diffusion but with both of those options your lighting won’t be as soft and honestly, there’s just no replacement for a powerful light so a more powerful light is probably your best bet!

[@eduarrais]

I wish I had seen this before. You're amazing, and I loved this format of content. I'm in a challenge to make films every day for KZbin. It will be difficult because of the time it takes to set up, but when I can, I will definitely apply what you taught.

[@edwardcrockett]

you're so kind! and that is seriously wild challenge but you got this!

[@VideographyAtLC]

where did you find the diffusion with the cinched cut out in the middle?

[@edwardcrockett]

in most cases it comes with the umbrella!

[@VideographyAtLC]

@@edwardcrockett oh nice, thanks!

[@ChrisFlores22]

looks awesome man! quick question, on most of my softboxes I just leave the grid on there. How would I work with this setup to avoid spillage in smaller spaces? Thanks!

[@edwardcrockett]

Yeah sooo this set up is very spillage prone! You’ll have to cut it with flags or furniture blankets to minimize the spill🥵

[@ChrisFlores22]

@@edwardcrockett yeah I figured. So probably safe to not sell off my soft boxes yet huh? lol I did buy 2 umbrellas using your links though. I’ve been after the soft light look and I’ve been using a light with a soft box & grid and then a 5 in 1diffuser in front of that but it requires more stands and isn’t the most elegant setup lol I’m excited to try this out

yep i think about that when i see the first big booklight... is not like a big umbrella - difuser effect???

[@edwardcrockett]

yeah i mean there are tons of opinions on what a true book light it but I feel this method is close enough for me to use it!

[@jon112media]

I’m def saving this for later Also extra props to your thumbnail and intro bit 💯 love the goin-all-in feel

[@edwardcrockett]

Yooo I appreciate that! And haha I just thought, how ridiculous can I made this?😂

[@djrt8179]

The main reason a booklight is called a booklight is the angle of the bounce is different from the direction the 2nd diffusion is pointed towards. That's the book. You just diffused an umbrella. Which is a good, quick, diffused light source, which should open a discussion about photo techniques vs film techniques especially as COB Monolight-style LEDs become an indie film standard. But that's not what you did here.

[@edwardcrockett]

fair point and I appreciate the feedback for sure. I think that this technique get's you 80% there as what a book like will get you without some of the specific characteristics that come with the angle of diffusion which is why I use it so heavily! thanks a ton for watching and commenting! I always appreciate the feedback!

[@ImperiousImages]

Well said @djrt8179. This is essentially photography portrait techniques applied to cinema. Great video nonetheless

[@edwardcrockett]

@@ImperiousImages preciate that!

[@andrewstonephotography]

Still trying to figure out how I'd set this up well on my GVM 500B Pro (built just like Aputure). How'd you go about this?

[@edwardcrockett]

I'd use a super clamp on the yoke of the light, into a baby pin and grip head on that. Then you could run the umbrella into the smallest hole on the grip head. I think that should work! sorry I didn't include that in the video!

[@andrewstonephotography]

@@edwardcrockett I appreciate it man! I'll have to try it out :)

[@nordfilmcompany]

Nice video! Book light is basically diffused bounced light which umbrellas also are. Main difference would be that the hot spot in the umbrellas might be smaller and then the booklight as its mostly bounced from a greater distance at a flat surface. Outcome would be very similar and your solution is a lot more practical. Especially if you are a full time working professional one man band👏👍

[@edwardcrockett]

Preciate that! Yeah there’s def some differences but I love a good budget solution

[@LibertyWarrior1776]

How many actual stops of light did you lose with the double diffusion?

[@edwardcrockett]

Honestly I have not measured that 🤔

[@lukascepanovic3609]

Love the greens, love the color tones, and you got an awesome voice and presentation. So get to the next video :D

[@edwardcrockett]

Wowwww thank you so much!🙏🏼

[@waynosfotoscameras]

I am so surprised very few people talk about closed umbrellas. They are so cheap and easy to do. It's much softer than a softbox. Only downside is that it does suck a fair bit of light and is not very directional. Thanks for sharing.....

[@edwardcrockett]

Very very true! But if you can figure out how to remedy those issues, it’s an amazing tool!

[@MekSMG]

love this

[@rafaeljimenez197]

Ahhhh I also love using my big impact umbrella for shoots! But what I was told by a gaffer, which makes sense, is that an umbrella has so much spill it's much harder to control, which would require flagging, and to a point, more power due to waste, I don't know wether you loose more power doing a proper book light, or this. I also feel that even using a reflector 5-1 to diffuse the umbrella, it still feels more sourcy

[@rogerioafonsooli]

im a big fan of your work ed

[@edwardcrockett]

Wow thank you so much! 🥹

[@ChrisBurk]

dude! this is sick!! I'm going to have to pick one of these up!

[@edwardcrockett]

Heck yeah! do it! Thanks a ton for watching Chris!

[@JesusMartinezCreates]

Bro! How was I not subscribed!?!?! Love book lights, I always feel the need for a 1200 with unbleached though.

[@edwardcrockett]

Ayyyy my guy! What’s good! Unbleached muslin is the way unless you have no time and no people😂

[@aaronteh6491]

out of topic but what watch is that? Looks great on you

[@edwardcrockett]

Thanks so much! 🙏🏼 it’s a Casio! I don’t know the exact model name!

[@keeganbenn]

Love your stuff, bro!

[@edwardcrockett]

Ayyy thanks a ton! Any kind of video you wanna see me make??

[@keeganbenn]

@@edwardcrockett Aha, I'm always a sucker for lighting videos which you're killing. Job BTS are fun too!

[@DanielEarl]

Had thought of something like this a while ago, but never tried it. Very nice 🤙 I'm sure you'll get corrected for calling it a "booklight", but all that's happening is diffusing bounced light. Same thing.

[@edwardcrockett]

Haha yeah some people mentioned that but 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@carlclippedit]

Can I get this overlay it’s so clean lol

[@EddieWoodsRemnantOutreach]

The 3 minute mark just made me a sub... I'm going to have to use that line for my next video lol

[@edwardcrockett]

Wait what did I say?! Don’t even remember😂😂

[@edwardcrockett]

But also thank you for subbing!🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@EddieWoodsRemnantOutreach]

@@edwardcrockett that fake out about the sponsor. Gonna have to … umm borrow that for my next video lol 😂

[@the-creative-block]

very clever hack, mate. I dig the "corner shot" (sounds like im playing pool lol) I don't mind these sorts of "half hacks" because any savings we can find in our schedule is worth going for.

[@edwardcrockett]

ayy i appreciate that Nick! I love them too! Just little tricks that make things easier or more efficient are so worth it!

[@lifeafterwork_62]

love this episode

[@edwardcrockett]

yoooo thanks so much!

[@griffin.fulton]

360 for pov filming?

[@griffin.fulton]

nvm mouth cam mode

[@darrencoates]

What’s an nvm?

[@edwardcrockett]

@@griffin.fulton haha yeah mouth cam was wild

[@edwardcrockett]

@@griffin.fulton might have to do 360 next time

[@ekphotography]

@@edwardcrockett what camera was tat? never seen one

[@Vibrance_Visuals]

link to umbrella?

[@edwardcrockett]

Just linked it in the description! Sorry about that

[@Tiggy137]

Only a few seconds in and had to hit the like. Love this video

[@MrMarclauren]

Awesome

[@Juventinos]

you can't defuse parabolic light, so no, it's not a parabolic umbrella :) since that light is defused clearly

[@scottrgarland]

THIS is sexy. Big light sources for the win.

[@edwardcrockett]

ayyyy you bet! gotta love big lighting sources!

[@alongeblessing2448]

Dope❤t❤ha❤nks

[@leenhouse217]

Nice technique - is the quality of light from this any different from a softbox of the same size?

[@edwardcrockett]

It’s definitely a softer quality of light!

[@mtscott44]

2:54 thank you haha

[@SlantedT.]

Somebody should be sponsoring you! Good stuff 👌

[@edwardcrockett]

lol you’re too kind! 🙏🏼 thanks for watching though for real!

[@matthhieu]

👌👌👌

[@mrwayne8018]

I'm gonna get you a steamer for Christmas!! Nice video buddy!!

[@edwardcrockett]

Haha shirt a little wrinkly?

[@wxjunkie]

Links broken

[@edwardcrockett]

Dang sorry about that! I’ll fix them rn

[@Spideryder]

Edward when's the Beginner's guide to Divinci Editing tutorial is coming??????You said you will make the video in the future. It's been 8 months.

[@edwardcrockett]

Yo so sorry! Time got away from me! Buttt I’m filming it this week!

[@Spideryder]

@@edwardcrockett can't wait.

[@CreatingMoreno]

thank you for the video!

[@edwardcrockett]

ayyy you bet! thank you a ton for watching!!

[@jackbarron8880]

Yeah book lighting is too time consuming for what's only an appreciable amount of softness.

[@edwardcrockett]

I totally agree! got a shoot next week where I'm going to use this technique!

[@birthright94]

What rolling light stand are you using? model name?

[@edwardcrockett]

just linked it in the description! sorry I forgot to do that!

[@kipling1957]

Great, but no links to these actual items. Frustrating!

[@edwardcrockett]

Wild! I guess the links aren’t working🤔

[@edwardcrockett]

Fixed!

[@goose_esooge]

but... the griphead...

[@kendrasananikone]

awesome tip! thanks for sharing :))

[@edwardcrockett]

Ayyy you bet! Thank you so much for watching!!

[@andrewcapon4235]

Sick vid, and great idea, a very well earned a sub from me

[@edwardcrockett]

wowwww thank you so much!!