I just purchased a new lighting kit to replace my older lights, which have been beaten and bruised over the years.
A lot of video projects that I work on don't actually require video lights. Often, I can just rely on available or natural light, which makes set up quick and video subjects more comfortable. After all, people are nervous enough with a camera in front of them; surround them with lights, filters and umbrellas, and they'll freeze up, despite the heat radiating from the lights.
But there are some clients who require the full studio set-up, and I need to be able to accommodate them. So for the past few weeks I've been researching my options and I finally pressed the "Buy" button today.
My older lighting kit was bought on the cheap, and it's been adequate. But as anyone trying to get great looking video knows, you can't have too much light. One of the most important things I was looking for, though, wasn't the lights themselves, it was the carrying case.
My last kit had a soft case, which is not an effective way to protect lights, especially when you take them on the road. So a hard case was essential and, given the fact that I'm a little lady lugging her own video equipment around, I especially wanted a case with wheels.
I eventually found a nice Lowell three light kit at B & H, my go-to store for video supplies. The lights should arrive Friday, and I'm hoping they'll make my video life a whole lot easier!
Gretchen, you mentioned where you bought your new 3 light kit, but it would be great to know what you bought, and why you made this particular decision. Thanks.