Glamour photography

[KentDub]

So I made a trip to the photograhy store today and picked myself up a 5 in 1. Works extremely well.... Two main issues though:
1. How the heck do I attach this thing to my lighting tripod? I would have thought it would come with a pole or something sticking out to put in the umbrella stand.
2. How do I fold this thing up again?! I can't get it back in it's case!

[Amberglass]

I've noticed you we live very close. I live in Brookline. Do you know any good place to do that? I have been looking around but most courses (at the New England School of Photography, New England Institute of Art, Boston University, etc are either too basic or too expensive). Any suggestions?

The New England School of Photography is a really great place to take weekend and evening workshops, formal classes are also offered if there is room. You don't have to be a full time student, which is great. Not a huge commitment on your part except a one or two nights a week. They also offer intermediate workshops as well, but if you never took a course before; highly recommend that you do. I tagged along with a friend of mine to a basic photography 101 class as an aide (she had neurological issues), and many of the students (though all newbies) missed a lot of very basic but very necessary fundamentals.

I grew up in Brookline by the way, over by Boston College.

[Amberglass]

So I made a trip to the photograhy store today and picked myself up a 5 in 1. Works extremely well.... Two main issues though:
1. How the heck do I attach this thing to my lighting tripod? I would have thought it would come with a pole or something sticking out to put in the umbrella stand.
2. How do I fold this thing up again?! I can't get it back in it's case!

Ahhh the rites of passage of learning how to collapse a reflector, no matter the shape.

1A. If you bought the circular 5 in 1 reflector, you will need a boom arm to attach it to any light stand. No. Booms are usually not included because a lot of times reflectors are held by assistants. Honestly, I stuck a tall 6 foot pvc pipe in a bucket of concrete and used a utility cramp on top to secure my reflector. Won't blow over in breeze either. May not be the most professional looking set up, but it works.

Here's an example of a boom:
http://www.adorama.com/BZ3275.html?searchinfo=reflector

Most light stand manufacturers will offer reflector boom arms, so check your current light stand brand before you go looking elsewhere. It's usually a wide slip-in clip on the very end, and a adjustable clip on side closer to the stand.

2A. Here you go: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjlsP...eature=related
Consider yourself lucky that I divulge this little secret to you. LOL.

[KentDub]

Thanks Amber!!!

The video is very helpful! I've been fighting with that thing all day (lol!)

How important is it to match the brand of the boom arm to the light stand? Don't they all have "standard" connectors (screw threads)? I have a basic Westcott 7ft light stand (750 photo basics). The reviews for the boom arm for it don't look too promising!

Holder arm: http://www.amazon.com/Westcott-302-B...6437235&sr=1-4

This is the reflector I got (Westcott 40" 5-in-1): https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...ss_T15_product

Thanks for your help!

[KentDub]

The one seems like it'll do the trick - one of the guys in the reviews says he is using the same light stand that I have...

See any problems? https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...ss_T15_product

[Amberglass]

The one seems like it'll do the trick - one of the guys in the reviews says he is using the same light stand that I have...

See any problems? https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...ss_T15_product

As long as it fits the stud that you have on your stand, but if not, you can easily get adaptive screw mounts for the stand. You will need a sandbag for the light stand so it doesn't tip over, especially if used outside. You can easily make your own (Home Depot/Lowes) or used a 10 pound bag of rice or beans (that's what I use placed in small duffle or those camping dry bags). And if you don't need them, you can always cook it.

[KentDub]

Sweet, thanks Amber!

Now to find some models....