I've never loved a SOFT LIGHT more...

A Large and Soft Light Source that is also mobile and travel-friendly. That sentence has always seemed to be a contradiction of terms in my experience, which gave me an idea... A double diffused light source that could work on a single stand. Let's check it out!
the "Mairs" light - Recommended Gear
Savage Double Riser C-Stand - bhpho.to/3LiDP4P
Aputure 600D Pro (or equivalent) - bhpho.to/40PEsbQ
Westcott Scrim Jim Cine System - bhpho.to/3VkJpIt
Westcott 4x4 Silver/White Bounce - bhpho.to/3ngfHYB
Westcott 4x6 Half Grid - bhpho.to/40RcWKQ
Westcott Grip Head Adapter - bhpho.to/3ADjq5F
Matthews 3 C Stand Rolling Case - bhpho.to/3LG2wcH
Sandbag - bhpho.to/3oYYtzh
Audio Licensing (Music Bed)
MB01QSG2G8QVGNT
MB01W66K8R75FRI
‪@WestcottLighting‬ ‪@aputurelighting‬
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
00:46 Guiding Principles
03:06 Building the Single Stand Softlight
06:39 Characteristics/Quality of Light
07:58 Side x Side Comparisons
09:24 Complications
11:45 Outro

[@danieldorward]

Another great video, Troy! Smashing it, mate. The "Mairs" light was definitely more pleasing to me than the Light Dome; much softer, nicer shadows and not as pink-ish. Some thoughts that might help address your complications with the set-up: 1. Perhaps purchase some thick black felt fabric from a fabric store? You could get it in rolls of maybe 1.5m by 3m or something and just Velcro them to the sides of the frame to try and cut out spill. This extra fabric should fold up nicely into your case for easy transportation. 2. Perhaps a Matthews combo stand would be a potential alternative to a C-stand? They're obviously much bigger, so may not fit in your case, but naturally they hold more weight and distribute it more evenly. Again, another great video. Book lighting wasn't something I was doing much of, but I will have to consider it now after seeing the quality of light it provides, especially for interviews.

[@mitchmedmedia5386]

I've been trying to make an "all in one" book light for a while. This is perfect! Thanks for sharing!!!

[@TroyMairs]

YES! I was hoping at least one other person would think it was cool and that I haven't gone off the deep end! (Thanks for being that person!)

[@godwin_njoroge]

I’m just 38 seconds into the video and I had to press pause and just give you props on the amazing typography you always have in your videos. Simple yet beautiful man! Amazing job, okay okay, back to the video now

[@TroyMairs]

Thanks Godwin! I really appreciate that. I'm far from a motion designer, so I have to give credit where credit is due! MotionVFX is the only way I'm able to pull it off! So they get my full recommendation! mvfx.co/TroyMairs.

[@sonpois]

This is really cool man! Cove/book lighting is so hot right now ;) I would suggest a few things: WHEELS for easy moving MAGIC ARM attached to the main stand to attach 600d (if it can hold) or a small c-stand. Buy blackout fabric and drape the sides to avoid spill.

[@TroyMairs]

Yes! WHEELS on everything! :) if I make a dedicated studio version of this it’ll have wheels for sure! Thanks for checking out the vid!

[@IntoTheLightCreative]

Another solution that I have been using for a similar type setup / idea but with a CRLS reflector up top and P300c down low is to use a 2” End Clamp Cardellini clamp just above the high leg. That way I can get the light over the high leg as well as everything else in the setup. I haven’t worked with the 600d yet, and if it has a junior pin mount, then obviously this wouldn’t work… Love this setup- creative idea that I’m going to have to explore more. Thanks for sharing- and keep up the great work!

[@TroyMairs]

Hey cool idea! :) I've always been quite interested in those CRLS reflectors but have yet to have the opportunity to use them! I'd love to get some in the studio to really experiment with the light that comes off them. :) It sounds like you've got a really cool set up there!

[@bernzmedia]

5:48 so satisfying watching someone tighten the grip head in a safe direction 😂 great video Troy

[@TroyMairs]

Lol! Thanks my guy! I appreciate you checking out the video!

[@weezypeasy]

Great video, Troy. All killer, no filler. You have yourself another subscriber!

[@TroyMairs]

"All killer, no filler." That's quite the compliment! Thank you Chris, pumped to have you here!

[@billystuckman4089]

Love this. Thank you for the video!

[@TroyMairs]

Glad you enjoyed it! I appreciate the comment!

[@scotey]

This is quite an innovative approach. Well done, Troy.

[@TroyMairs]

Thank you Scott! If nothing else, it at least a little different :) I appreciate the comment!

[@YuvalAloni]

Sweet build! Thanks for sharing🔥 That looks so much better than the LightDome

[@TroyMairs]

Thanks Yuval!! I think I agree (I was running this side-by-side test for myself as much as I was for you guys!) Lol It seemed to open up the shadows on the dark side in a really nice way. Thanks for commenting!

[@JoshReuck]

Killer! I love the experimentation here! It's nice to see others trying new things and not relying on "out of the box" gear! "oh you broke it, broke it" 🤣

[@TroyMairs]

Ayy Thanks Josh💯 You know I love a good “plug n play” solution so this is new territory for me!

[@swissives]

This light rig is great. I think I’m going to do this as well. Very convincing. And ones again a great video. It’s great to see all the helpful content you created so far. Keep it up. Your subscriber from the start 😉

[@TroyMairs]

Thank you! :) I'm glad you enjoyed the vid and can maybe pull some ideas from it for yourself! Thanks for being with me from the beginning! :)

[@chandlerryd6750]

I find that this concept works best when you're going for a high-key daylight interview look. When you want a brighter look, the extra spill can lift the ambient light and create more wrap and fill. I'm in the middle of shooting sports mini-docs, and for those I prefer a more dramatic rembrandt, so something with a grid tends to work better for those to control the spill.

[@TroyMairs]

Thank for the insight! I couldn't agree more! I've always shot more on the "dramatic" side of things when it comes to lighting as well, so my "high-key" skillset has been lacking! This type of experimentation and build has been great practice with a new lighting style! Thanks again!

[@AyeYoMonsta]

Amazing video: I was just watching one explaining why filmmakers don't use soft boxes on set and then you drop this which is basically a doorway to step away from the soft box. Looking forward to trying this setup.

[@TroyMairs]

You must be talking about Damien's video! It's on my "watch later" list when I get a free moment. He posted his about 30min before I did and I couldn't believe the coincidence! Thanks for checking out my vid too! :)

[@AnthonyRodriguezz]

So freaking good bro!

[@TroyMairs]

Thank you my guy! :)

[@BillStreeter]

Good idea! I have been thiniking of doing something similar. Have you thought about clamping some duvatine to the side to control the spill? Also using something smaller than the 600d so you can use lighter light stands would make it more mobile.

[@TroyMairs]

I think the duvetyne is a great idea! There might be a better solution out there for the light source! With the double diffusion you’ll want to make sure to have plenty power though!

[@doylelacrua]

This is quite a cool setup. Supercool. I imagine a sandbag would stabilize the setup enough. And 4x4 floppy flags on the sides would take care of the light spill. But that's more gear and I'm 99% sure you've already thought about that.

[@TroyMairs]

Glad you liked it! I have been enjoying it as well!👍 It does seem that the duvetyne is going to be the best solution in a future iteration, thank for sharing your thoughts!

[@atriux7]

Thanks for sharing. For compact setups I use something similar, the Goyette book light floppy from Modern Studio on the same Savage c-stand. Then I just flag the sides for spill. Works great in tight spaces. I do want larger frames so this may be the next step up!

[@TroyMairs]

Thank YOU for sharing! I had never heard of the Goyette book light floppy but its the exact concept! Had I known I probably would have started there instead of this contraption LOL! The fun is in the experimenting I suppose! Thanks again for commenting

[@atriux7]

@@TroyMairs You got it chief, hope it helps. What you built is really the same contraption, nothing anybody else can't built within their grip kit. The Goyette guy is a photographer/filmmaker that had Modern manufacture his design, that's all. Subscribed.

[@thepropolys]

The Goyette floppy is interesting. I think if it were a full floppy ultra bounce with a 4x6 diffusion that would be ideal.

[@mcardphoto1057]

Came from the AOD group, this is amazing - definately looking into this kind of setup once I start getting more paying clients ahaha

[@TroyMairs]

Hey thanks for coming over and checking out the vid! Glad you enjoyed it:)

[@davidp158]

I like this variation on the book light. You could flag off the side spill by hanging 4x6' pieces of black Duvetyne, attached via clamps (no frame needed). Q: How durable has the Savage stand been for you. A couple reviews on B&H point out the build quality isn't great. I'm a bit phobic about the risk of a stand falling and damaging people, gear or property on set.

[@TroyMairs]

Thanks Dave! I appreciate the thought on the Duvetyne, it does seem to be a pretty elegant solution! As far as the Savage stand goes, I'll be honest in that I'm not thrilled with it. It's a really clever idea with the second riser, there is just a bit more "play" in it than I would like for a future version of this light. It's a good phobia to have! In this particular set-up, I'm not too worried about the stand because we're not putting an incredible amount of stress on it, but it wouldn't be my first choice for a stand that needed to serve other roles. (Booming lights/camera, heavier loads, etc) Hope that helps and thanks for checking out the vid!

[@vertigo710]

Great video, thanks for your work. I do use something similar that might help in some situation with mobility: impact metal stand in wheels, light attached to the same stand with a grip, also light controller, and impact umbrella 1,8 meter with a grip. It is not square as you wish, and spill is still a issue, but it it very fast to set up and it is easy to move around and reposition. 😊

[@TroyMairs]

Thanks for checking it out Alejandro! I appreciate your insight as well! It does sound like your version would set up and move around a bit faster, so that's a huge plus! :) Thanks for sharing! :)

[@vertigo710]

@@TroyMairs yes, it might be a little faster and easier to move around, but your version has a softer nicer light… so… I guess the situation and what is needed will decide . Congrats on your video 👋🏿👍🏿

[@robcompton6099]

Rigging the light from a Cardellini clamp on the stand would give you better options for "aiming" the light. Adding barn doors would solve your spill problem. I use a similar set-up sometimes, and it works really well. Great video, subbed!

[@TroyMairs]

Thanks for the ideas! The cardellini would likely allow for more versatility amongst stands too! Pumped to have you along for the ride :)

[@smallbrownfox594]

Good stuff. I’d cut some duvetyne up to the right shape to flag the sides if you use that shape often, and then just grip it to the sides with light weight clamps.

[@TroyMairs]

That sounds like a great solution! Often times the simplest solution is the best solution, and this just might be it!

[@mark.tipple]

Photek Softlighter Umbrella system is worth a look, controls spill and easily portable.

[@mribi]

Aputure lights don’t have an umbrella mount

[@TroyMairs]

Thanks for the recommendation Mark! Umbrella do earn points for their portability and ease of set up that's for sure! The quality of light will be a bit different, but that really comes down to personal taste and what the story call for.

[@daleelliott7390]

Definitely prefer a book light to a soft box. At the end of the day, soft boxes have only been a recent phenomenon with the rise in LED lighting because they don't emit as much heat as tungsten, hmi etc that would burn through a soft box. Also those double riser c-stands look super helpful although I'm able to achieve a similar set-up with a super clamp/pin receiver combo.

[@TroyMairs]

I hadn't considered how recent the softbox phenomenon truly is. It is a super easy/concenient method of getting a soft light, but I don't find it to scatter in an organic way quite the way I'd like it too. Thanks for the comment!

[@dnycewitchrist]

DOPE!!!!!

[@TroyMairs]

Thank you my guy! Glad you liked it :)

[@kwa42]

definitely creates different light quality than the softbox more than i would have thought. There's also more common/ industry standard equipment parts u can get or rent for those interested in replicating: cardellini + gobo arm instead of riser leg and then a ultrabounce floppy or 1x1 poly board would be similar to the wescott frame. You could control the spill by clipping duvetine to the side openings and it would be perfect. cool video!

[@TroyMairs]

Thanks for checking it out, I'm glad you liked it! I appreciate all the alternative options you provided for everyone as well! That's the beauty of this kind of stuff, there are SOO many way to pull something off!

[@Luke_Likes_Lakes]

I wonder if a rolling base like the kupo mighty runway base would be a good alternative to the Mathews base you're using here. It's got mounting holes on each leg that you could put a spicket in and mount the light even lower if you wanted to. Mainly, I'm thinking it could be nice to have wheels on this bad boy. Killer build, man!

[@TroyMairs]

Thanks Luke! :) I appreciate you checking out the build! I'll have to take a look at that kupo stand, because that sounds like an awesome solution! Pumped to have you here, man!

[@davidschwan]

Amazing Bro

[@TroyMairs]

Yo THANK YOU! I'm glad you like it!

[@benergizer6368]

Fantastic video, and great idea. For the spill, wouldn't you be able to hang some black material (like duvetyne, but that might be a light too heavy,) on the sides, almost creating a custom soft box? You might have to cut and sew some velcro to your own material, but I'm sure you could find some relatively light but opaque material. As for the leg, maybe a Cardellini clamp, or a mafer clamp on the high leg? Peg up to put the light on? I think that might be worth testing. Then the light kind of works as a sandbag for the stand. (Should still bag it though.)

[@TroyMairs]

Really awesome ideas here! Thanks for putting some thought into it! The custom fit black material is a great solution (essentially making a giant softbox like you said). There is still some exposed velcro on one side of the frame so that could be pretty slick. As for the leg situation, I've tested something similar to that and ended up with too much light spill on either side of the bounce because of the added distance. That said, I was using a standard reflector, so maybe the answer is to mount to the tall leg and then use a fresnel or spotlight mount to better focus the light! Then this could work with any C-stand! One other issue I ran in to when mounting the light to the tall leg via a mafer clamp was that it wanted to rotate and fall off the side of the leg. With a bit more thought and the right clamp I'm sure a workaround could be devised though! We might be on to something, thanks again!

[@larsvanthoog]

Pretty sure there is a booklight floppy out there. Gaffersband has one I believe, and perhabs a few others!

[@TroyMairs]

Thanks Lars! I just learned about that via the comment section of this vid :) (wish I would have no a few months ago lol!) Those seem to pretty pretty elegant solution as well! I suppose the trade off is slightly smaller size and less versatility when choosing fabrics, BUT the size/speed may make up for that! Thanks again!

[@flaviopresutti]

With time and room for that it's great! Im always working with no time and room for anything and my primary choice it's an umbrela haha

[@TroyMairs]

I never give umbrellas enough credit! You're absolutely right, the speed/size of those things are second to none! I usually budget an hour and a half to get basic lighting rigged and two camera framed up for an interview. This rig does take just a bit more of that time but it hasn't been too bad!

[@thepropolys]

I allot an hour and a half and I’m usually running around like a madman. I like this book light idea though, I have some floppies that I can use to try it out this weekend.

[@martinekwall4671]

I appreciate this idea. Thinking outside the box. Another way to achieve similar light; Having the light bounce into a pointed umbrella like a more parabolic shaped and hit that light through a fabric. It will be less light spill. Two light stands will be necessary though but easier to move around. How do you deal with the green yellow pesky light tint in office areas?

[@TroyMairs]

That's an interesting approach! I have (wrongly) consider umbrellas a photographer's tool and as such don't own any or have much experience with them. They get some real point for their size to portability ratio! This sounds like a great way to get a double diffused light source, thanks for sharing Martin! As far as the office lighting, it all comes down to what you can control. If you can turn off the overhead lights that will be hitting your subject's skin and supplement with your own lighting that would be ideal! If you still need overhead lights to light the room then maybe consider just turning off the ones directly above/in front of your subject. Finally, if no lights can be turned off, you could build a flag above your talent (takes a lot of set up but might be worth it) or you could utilize a grey card to help you find a neutral skin tone rendition in post. Hope that helps! This might become its own video in the future! :)

[@martinekwall4671]

@@TroyMairs I'm foremost a photographer but light is light. If using an umbrella for consistent lighting, it needs to be heat resistant. An umbrella with white inside gives similar to book lighting and silver umbrella gives a crispier "maybe more lively light". If one has a softbox one could use that one without the diffusion to handle the spill if that is important. Thanks for your tips on handling the color cast!

[@matthewlundstrom5792]

Thanks for the video. On the side by side Light Dome II do you have the interior diffuser or grid installed?

[@TroyMairs]

Great question! I should have specified, the interior diffusion was installed, the honeycomb grid was not.

[@davidmorefield]

Nice setup. Wheels might be the best option even though it’s one more thing. Also I’m wondering how you like the 600d when trying to match exposure with a window. Would you ever put it on an aluminum stand?

[@TroyMairs]

Hey thanks for checking out the vid David! I do love putting things on wheels... :) I love having the 600d. Prior to it, my strongest light was a 300x and I was constantly maxing that thing out. I thought I would regret not having something bicolor but for the work I do it has been a non-issue. I've rocked it on aluminum C-stands without much concern. I might have some reservations about going full stick or booming it out with a C-stand, but for everyday kind of stuff it seems to hold up really well! (properly sandbagged of course!)

[@simonparmley5605]

Please someone correct me if I'm wrong, but the height of the leg should have no impact on the lever, it's all about where the weight is located. We point the tall C-stand leg towards the load because that gives us the height to hang a sandbag without it just resting on the ground. Even though junior pin leg is short, as long as you position the 600Ds ballast directly above it, you are getting many of the benefits of a sandbag. Between the ballast and the light itself, I bet you could get away with a smaller counterweight (that doesn't rest on the ground) and have very similar stability characteristics as a traditional sandbag on the tall leg. I'd love to see a follow-up video that shows if I'm out of my mind or not.

[@TroyMairs]

I don’t think you’re out of your mind! I was thinking the same thing from a physics perspective, with all of the weight being so low and positioned directly over the legs the need for a large counterweight might not be necessary. I figured I’d get some flak for the “improper” orientation so I thought I’d try and get ahead of it😂 in my experience with it, it seems quite stable!

[@davidcohendelara]

I do a similar thing with a regular C-stand by just putting the head on a Cardellini halfway up the shaft. This only works well with lighter heads though, I wouldn’t recommend it with the 600D.

[@TroyMairs]

Ahh cool idea! :) Like you said, it might not support a similar load, but it doesn't allow for the use of more "common" C-stands which is a real win.

[@KETANORANA]

Great video, have you tried the Lightbridge CRLS system or Dedolight Lightstream System? Are they practical ? Need to know as i am intrigued by the quality of light that comes through reflecting the pointlight source . Also it clears the set from unnecessary number of flags, scrims and c stands etcs, from.whatever i have seen online till now.

[@TroyMairs]

I’ve been quite interested in the CRLS system as well! It seems like a great way to clear out some stands like you said, but I’ve been a bit put off by the price. So I haven’t been able to try them out myself yet, but I’d love to!

[@KETANORANA]

@@TroyMairs same story . Too pricey

[@artobzor]

Thanks All general pluses are understsndible . This c-stand is interesting . Is there such a stand with all legs with this option ? Also it is possible to attach some clamps and doublers to hold flags to decrease light spill a bit higher .or not ? It would be nice to point more on that exact scenarios where your Light is a kind of only way to get this soft light for a wide shot You mentioned that it is not possible to light it with softboxes in a tight space, cause there is no space to move the light source back from the subject . This example Probably as you mentioned it is not quite well for a "black cabinet" setup... Because of the spill anyway

[@TroyMairs]

It is an interesting C-stand for sure! I'm not aware of any stands that have all of the legs with receiver options, but with some creative (safe) rigging I'm sure anything is possible! Thanks for commenting and checking out the vid, Art!

[@the180degreerule3]

I use neg fabric on the sides of the bounce and it prevents the spill by hanging from the sides just like the diffusion from the front but I don't hang the diffusion I made two bases to place a frame in the centrer of them and place it in front of the reflected light and I don't have to use 2 c stands and at the same time im not obliged to carry one big setup and the frame can also take a grid to control the light some more if needed

[@TroyMairs]

Great solution! Thanks for sharing your experience with it!

[@the180degreerule3]

next one is a top light version using the spot mount haha@@TroyMairs

[@TroyMairs]

@@the180degreerule3 lol definitely 😂

[@GaryBaker-zy4nv]

Hey great light idea Troy....how about barn doors on the reflector to prevent spill 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@TroyMairs]

This. This is why I pulled on this community for help! :) What a simple solution (I can't believe i hadn't thought of that! lol) Thank you Gary, that's a great idea!

[@azscott]

So, the Kupo Runway Stand Base is a wheeled base with locking wheels, a junior receiver in the center, one long leg, and threaded screw holes that could take a baby pin see the Gaffer & Gear #193 review here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gXKto62Ch7OXaZo

[@TroyMairs]

Ahh man that's cool! Now I have to get one and start experimenting with it otherwise I'll never get it out of my head! Lol

[@joenicklo]

excellent!!! all its missing is wheels

[@wiezyckifamily]

Yep we have one of these stands already and have thought about adding wheels!

[@TroyMairs]

I know it! Just about everything in my studio is on wheels :) Desks, workbenches, storage shelves, lights, you name it! Lol I haven't tried outfitting wheels on this base though, I'd be curious if that junior pin reciever leg would cause any hiccups in doing so. Either way, thanks for checking out the vid! :) Pumped to have you here!

[@erikpreston2393]

Modern Studio makes a booklight floppy that is a bit swifter to set up, IMHO

[@erikpreston2393]

modernstudio.com/products/40-x-40

[@TroyMairs]

I just learned that via the comment section! I'd have to agree with you on the swiftness lol I'll hav to check that out!

[@erikpreston2393]

@@TroyMairs what is great about yours is that it does tear down. I had to get a 40x40 because the 48x48 is a challenge to drive around with, let alone travel by air. It is a one piece unit with the fabric sewn on the frame.

[@J_HNP]

Interesting that you never refer to this as a book light… yet, it’s a book light. I love the ingenuity of linking all the components together, but at that point just get a large rectangular softbox, right? I much prefer the light dome look in your comparison. Much more contrasty, with a nice falloff on the face. The book light might make you look “well lit,” but the light dome makes your shot look more interesting.

[@TroyMairs]

Hey thanks for checking out the video! It’s for sure a book light, no questions asked! I refer to it as a “vertical book light” a few times in the vid/graphics, someone else here referred to it as a “book light flop” which I kinda liked! That’s the beauty of the side-by-side comparisons! I mentioned it all comes down to creative preference, so you’re welcome to choose whichever one you like and use that in your work! Happy shooting Jon :)

[@TreyDaze]

The book light looks 110% more flattering.

[@TroyMairs]

Awesome! That's what we're going for! :) It's nice to get that kind of feedback because I'm obviously biased toward my own light. I might be too "close" to it to truly be able to see if it is any good. So it is great to hear some objective feedback, thanks again!

[@TreyDaze]

@@TroyMairs I love your content brother! Subbed!

[@TroyMairs]

Thank you! Pumped to have you along for the ride!💪

[@JoshBirman]

Okay fine, I’ll buy more gear 😂

[@TroyMairs]

Lol sorry Josh 😂