Dynaphos Light Class 002: Stands for Studio and Outdoor Lighting

Studio and outdoor lighting stands are the focus of the second installment of our Dynaphos Light Class training video series. Besides being a support for the lighting fixtures in your studio, they themselves have support points – these are their three legs, which provide stability for your setup. How they are positioned determines their ability to withstand wind when your shoots are outdoors. 

“It is recommended to utilize the full spread of the tripods. We will achieve this by resting their arms on the ground and securing them with an object, such as a rock. This makes the chance of the lighting falling almost zero,” explains our manager and host of Dynaphos Light Class, Milen Ivanov.

To avoid getting lost in the “forest” of tripods, he guides you with information on how each one differs from the other.

Floor stand

The floor stand is almost mandatory for every photo studio. It serves to illuminate something from a lower vantage point. It can be upgraded with another stand for any need. It comes with a boom arm for greater functionality. 

Model 181 M

The popular Model 181 M is a loyal companion to your basic kits. It reaches a height of about 1.80 m and is suitable for home photo studios and lighter lighting fixtures. It is affordable but needs to be reinforced if you set it up outdoors. 

Stand 360 M

A sturdy flash can be mounted on this 360 M stand. When using a heavier modifier, one leg of the stand should be shorter than the other two. 

“We also look for the maximum spread of the legs. The center column should never be too close to the three legs,” advises Milen Ivanov.

And another tip: care must be taken when positioning the cable to the lighting in relation to the stand. According to our host, it should be placed under one of the legs. 

“This provides a safeguard. If someone trips over the cable, the stand will drag rather than fall directly.”

Manfrotto 1004 BAC or 3-in-1 stand

This 1004 BAC stand extends high and maintains its stability. It is distinguished by a patented folding system that makes it very compact. Thus, three stands are "folded" into one, and they can be released with the press of a single button. It can be easily stored and transported.

C-Stand

The C-Stand is used for outdoor shoots, often chosen for television and film productions. Its legs will securely hold your lighting even if the stand needs to be positioned on stairs or uneven surfaces. A grip head can be attached to it, allowing a boom arm to be mounted for more specific lighting placement.

Boom stands

Boom stands, or stands with a transverse arm, are good helpers in the studio. They can be smaller or larger. 

“A boom stand is a boom stand when it's more stable. That's why we add a counterweight – it comes as a set,” assures Milen Ivanov. 

So, to visually see what we've described in words so far, and to learn more about how to make your own counterweight, which stand you can even put on the ceiling, if there are stands with air cushions and shock absorbers and what they are for, as well as what stand to put lighting on to write your brand name on a wall – watch our video here.

You can also subscribe to our YouTube channel for more useful and interesting videos from the world of photo and video equipment, as well as to watch the first episode of Dynaphos Light Class on basic light modifiers. Write to us on our Facebook page which products you would like to see in action up close in our next training videos. And look forward to Dynaphos Light Class 003.