PRESS RELEASE: Creative Light Debuts Line Of Light Shaping Accessories
Elmsford, NY – July 7, 2009 – A new brand has arrived on the photographic scene, and it seems its designers have hit a home run for today’s pros looking for outstanding light shaping tools at a reasonable price. The brand is Creative Light, easily recognized by a smart-looking bright green “CL” logo. Designed by a Swedish team of photographers, the expanding line includes softboxes, softgrids, reflectors, umbrellas, light stands and accessories. The equipment is for use in studios and on location and will be distributed in the U.S. by Elmsford, NY-based MAC Group.
“Creative Light accessories are produced with an exceptionally high standard of quality, yet offered for sale at very reasonable prices,” says Mark Rezzonico, Product Group VP for MAC Group. “All gear is proven ergonomically, enabling photographers to execute their lighting designs quickly and easily. From large and small soft boxes to reflectors of all shapes, sizes and materials to the tiniest support brackets, Creative Light equipment is designed to provide simple hardware solutions to creative lighting ideas.”
The company is also providing knowledge by posting how-to videos on all of their light-shaping tools. Real-life photographers will share proven and easy-to-implement styles and techniques, helping understand how each accessory works and how to put it to use most efficiently.
“We firmly believe that sharing information and technique leads to more successful application of Creative Light’s broad line of light shaping tools,” continued Rezzonico. “These videos are dramatic proof that education is as important as products.”
Equipment currently being shipped to dealers include: recessed and flat-front soft boxes, softgrids, speedrings, umbrellas in white, silver, translucent and “softbox” styles, reflectors, both deluxe and regular in a variety of gold and silver surfaces, reflector holders, light stands, light sheds and light stands.
For more information please visit:
http://www.CreativeLight.com/
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Creative Light Softboxes
With two families of Creative Light Softboxes, the only limitation is your imagination. Both the Flat Front (FF) Softboxes and the Recessed Front (RF) Softboxes have a unique high-efficiency silver lining that ensures more light reaches the subject. It also reflects the light back and forth within the box itself, making it homogenized. This ensures that when the light reaches the front of the softbox, it’s completely even from edge to edge, regardless of what size box is used.
Both softbox designs also feature a removable interior diffuser, as well as an external diffuser. When used with both diffusers, edge-to-edge evenness is guaranteed. With the inner diffuser removed, the light is brighter in the center, graduating outward to the edges. This allows the simple positioning of an accent light to draw attention to an important part of the subject. When using only the internal diffuser, the softbox simulates a large diffused reflector, offering higher contrast and more directionality. You can also strip the softbox down completely, and remove both diffusers to light with large reflectors.
All Creative Light Softboxes are constructed with reinforced stitching, ensuring no light is lost through the seams. This increases efficiency and control, since stray light can affect the final image. Also unique to Creative Light Softboxes is the use of flexible steel rods rather than aluminum or fiberglass ones. The rigidity of steel maintains the shape of the softbox regardless of working conditions. Finally, rods are color coded to make assembly simple. Just match the color with the appropriate color-coded hole on the Creative Light Speedring. Whether you are using a square, octagonal or rectangular softbox, set up is quick and easy.
The heat-resistant fabric is perfect with flash units of any power, or continuous lighting up to 500 watts.
All Creative Light Softboxes come with a high-quality, soft-sided storage case.
Creative Light Flat Front (FF) Softboxes
Creative Light Flat Front (FF) Softboxes are silver-lined and have an exterior diffuser that stretches over the outer edge of the softbox. This allows for 100% coverage of the front surface. The even illumination permits multiple boxes to be stacked together to create larger, near-seamless light sources for bigger subjects. Available in seven sizes, the Creative Light FF Softboxes are true to the Creative Light pledge of quality and performance at an affordable price.
Square: | 40x40 cm / 1.3x1.3 ft |
Rectangle: | 40x60 cm / 1.3x2 ft 30x90 cm / 1x3 ft 60x90 cm / 2x3 ft 90x120 cm / 3x4 ft 20x30 cm / .8x1 ft |
Octagonal: | 150 cm/5 ft |
Creative Light Recessed Front (RF) Softboxes
Creative Light Recessed Front (RF) Softboxes are state-of-the-art in lighting control. While the advantage of any softbox is to spread light as evenly as possible, there is a disadvantage. Light exits the front of softboxes and travels in many directions, effectively “spilling” onto surrounding surfaces. While this is usually not a problem, in critical lighting, where extreme control is required, it may cause challenges.
Creative Light RF Softboxes offer a design that is perfectly even from edge to edge. However, the front diffuser is recessed from the edge of the softbox. This slight deviation from the FF profile permits the 2 inches at the end of the softbox to act as its own set of barndoors, effectively reducing the amount of spill. Of course, if the image requires even more control a complete set of Softgrids are available for the most popular sizes, providing even further lighting control.
Available in nine sizes, the Creative Light RF Softboxes are designed to meet the strict requirements of today’s top pros.
Square: | 60x60 cm / 2x2 ft |
Rectangle: | 30x90 cm / 1x3 ft 40x60 cm / 1.3x2 ft 60x90 cm / 2x3 ft 90x120 cm / 3x4 ft |
Strip: | 30x90 cm / 1x3 ft 30x120 cm / 1x4 ft
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Octagonal: | 90 cm / 3 ft 150 cm / 5 ft |
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Creative Light's Recessed Front Softboxes. Photo provided by Creative Light. |
Creative Light Softgrids
Creative Light Softgrids are designed for use with the RF series of Creative Light Softboxes. Attached to the Velcro at the leading edge of the softbox, they can be attached and removed very quickly. Reducing the angle of light to 50 degrees, they add additional control when you need to ensure light is only striking the subject or background where you want it.
Their soft-sided, foldable design makes them very portable. So they can be with you wherever your shooting schedule takes you.
All Creative Light Softgrids come with a protective carrying case.
The model numbers reflect the Creative Light RF Softbox they were designed for. Creative Light Softgrids are available in the following models: RF Softgrid 30x90, RF Softgrid 30x120, RF Softgrid 40x60, RF Softgrid 60x90, and RF Softgrid 60x60.
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Creative Light's Softgrids. Photo provided by Creative Light. |
Creative Light Speedrings
Used to attach the Creative Light Softboxes to the light source, there are CL speedrings currently available for the most popular brands of electronic flash. Each Speedring offers the solid steel softbox collar combined the individual mounting flange for your specific brand of light. When using square or rectangular softboxes, rotating the box offers additional control. However, not all brands of flash allow for this rotation from the head. Luckily, all Creative Light Speedrings offer 360 degrees of rotation so regardless of which softbox you are using, or what brand of flash you are using, full control is still possible.
Mounting rings are available for all major brands of flash including:
Bowens | Broncolor Pulso | Broncolor Visatec |
Calumet | Comet | Dynalight |
Elinchrom | Hasselblad-40 | Hensel Expert |
Lumedyne | Multiblitz Profilux | Multiblitz Varilux |
Norman | Novatron | Photogenic |
Photona | Profoto | Propet A |
Quantum | Shoe Mount Flashes | Speedotron |
Sunpak | Sunstar | |
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Creative Light's Speedring. Photo provided by Creative Light. |
Creative Light Reflectors
Deluxe Reflectors
Creative Light Deluxe Reflectors offer a simple solution instead of adding additional lights. Bouncing available light to open shadows, increase contrast or to change the direction of a light is easy with one of the three reflector designs. In addition, the translucent reflector allows softening harsh light both in the studio and out in the field.
The simple, spring-loaded design pops open and instantly achieves its full size. A step up from the standard reflectors, these triangular shaped versions allow for a significant increase in the ease of handling. One corner of the Deluxe Reflector has a soft padded handle making positioning and use of the reflector even simpler.
Aim the Creative Light Deluxe Reflector at your surface of choice opposite the light and then aim it back at the subject. The simplicity is what-you-see-is-what-you-get. Whether the modeling light of a flash is guiding your positioning, or you are using the continuous light of the sun or hot light, you see the direction and shape of the light and how it affects the subject. You also see how the reflector surface can alter color and contrast.
While the Creative Light Deluxe Translucent Reflector is single-sided to allow light to pass through, the Silver Reflector, Gold Reflector and SunFire Reflectors are all backed in white, giving each reflector 2-in-1 capabilities.
They are the ideal additional to any photographer’s tool kit, since they allow creative control in adding or subtracting light with very little size or weight. The outer rings in the Creative Light Deluxe Reflectors are made from zinc galvanized steel, ensuring that even if they get wet, the metal ring will not rust or discolor the fabric.
All Creative Light Reflectors come with a high quality, soft-sided storage case.
Deluxe Reflector Silver
If you had to choose only one, the standard Creative Light Deluxe Reflector is the one to choose. The exclusive silver fabric reflects light with a higher contrast, increasing the detail and contours of the subject while delivering a neutral color temperature. It’s perfect for adding punch to images on a day with flat natural light or when using large softboxes in the studio. The white backing fabric offers an even, soft alternative to the silver front.
The Creative Light Deluxe Silver Reflector is available in three sizes: 24" (60 cm), 33" (80 cm), 48" (120 cm)
Deluxe Reflector Gold
The extreme warmth of the Creative Light Deluxe Gold Reflector can make any day seem like sunrise or sunset. With overall warming in excess of 500 degrees Kelvin, the gold surface can add character and warmth to any subject. Ideal for flat, cool lighting that needs help bringing out the natural beauty of the subject, the gold surface is especially useful in portraiture and fashion. The white backing fabric offers an even, lower contrast alternative to the highly specular gold surface.
The Creative Light Deluxe Gold Reflector is available in three sizes: 24" (60 cm), 33" (80 cm), 48" (120 cm)
Deluxe Reflector SunFire
The perfect combination of the Silver and Gold Creative Light Deluxe Reflectors, the SunFire offers the same increase in contrast and detail but with a more subtle warming effect, simulating dusk (-300 degrees Kelvin) on a warm summer evening. Like both the Creative Light Deluxe Silver and Gold reflectors, the SunFire Deluxe Reflector is also backed with a soft White fabric.
The Creative Light Deluxe SunFire Reflector is available in three sizes: 24" (60 cm), 33" (80 cm), 48" (120 cm)
Deluxe Reflector Translucent
Sometimes it’s not about adding light, it’s about reducing it. The Creative Light Deluxe Translucent Reflector helps reduce unwanted shadows and harshness by softening the existing light. The neutral semi-shear fabric reduces the light intensity by approximately one f/stop while softening and evening the light. The softest effect is when the reflector is used as close the subject as possible, just outside the view of the lens.
The Creative Light Deluxe Translucent Reflector is available in three sizes: 24" (60 cm), 33" (80 cm), 48" (120 cm)
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Creative Light's Deluxe Reflectors. Photo provided by Creative Light. |
Standard Reflectors
Following the same basic design as the Deluxe Reflectors, the Standard Reflectors use similar fabrics and applications as their Deluxe counterparts, the main difference being shape.
These round reflectors are available in the same fabric combinations as the deluxe versions and the simpler framework provides the same rustproof performance at reduced cost.
All Creative Light Standard Reflectors come with a high quality, soft-sided storage case.
Reflector Silver
The standard of all the Creative Light Reflectors, it is the one to have if you only choose one. The exclusive silver fabric reflects light with a higher contrast, increasing the detail and contours of the subject while maintaining a neutral color temperature. It’s perfect for adding some punch to images on a day with flat natural light or when using large softboxes in the studio. The white backing fabric offers an even soft alternative to the silver front.
The Creative Light Silver Deluxe Reflector is available in three sizes: 20" (50 cm), 38" (95 cm), 48" (120 cm)
Reflector Gold
The extreme warmth of the Creative Light Gold Reflector can make any day seem like sunrise . With overall warmth in excess of -500 degrees Kelvin, the gold surface can add character and feeling to any subject. Ideal when flat cool lighting needs to be helped to bring out the natural beauty of the subject, the Gold Reflector is especially useful in portraiture and fashion. The white backing fabric offers an even, lower contrast alternative to the highly specular gold surface.
The Creative Light Gold Reflector is available in three sizes: 20" (50 cm), 38" (95 cm), 48" (120 cm)
Reflector SunLight
The perfect combination of the Silver and Gold Creative Light Reflectors, the SunLight Reflector offers the same increase in contrast and detail but with a more subtle warming effect, simulating sunset on a warm summer evening. Like both the Creative Light Silver and Gold Reflectors, the SunLight Reflector is also backed with a soft White fabric.
The Creative Light SunFire Reflector is available in three sizes: 20" (50 cm), 38" (95 cm), 48" (120 cm)
Reflector Translucent
Sometimes it is not about adding light, it’s about reducing light. The Creative Light Translucent Reflector helps reduce unwanted shadows and harshness by softening existing light. The neutral semi-shear fabric reduces the light intensity by approximately 1 f/stop while softening and evening the light. The softest effect is when the reflector is used as close to the subject as possible, just outside the view of the lens.
The Creative Light Translucent Reflector is available in three sizes: 20" (50 cm), 38" (95 cm), 48" (120 cm)
Reflector Holder
When you just don’t have enough hands to hold everything, the Creative Light Reflector Holder can help. Attaching directly to any Creative Light Stand (and most other brands), the Reflector Holder holds the reflector in two positions to make sure it stays in place. And the adjustable arm ensures you can position the Reflector where needed, quickly and easily.
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Creative Light's Standard Reflectors. Photo provided by Creative Light. |
Creative Light Stands
Regardless of the type of photography you do, Creative Light Stands will support your efforts.
Computer-aided design allows for the reduced weight of these aluminum alloy light stands without sacrificing durability or structural integrity you expect in a professional duty light stand. By simulating use through software, key stress points are reinforced, while the center of gravity is precisely positioned, allowing these light stands to be lightweight yet offer the stability of much heavier products.
Available in the most popular sizes, the naming of the products explain the number of sections and the height of the light stand. For example, the LS413 stand is a 4 section 13-foot stand and the LS38 is a standard 3 section, 8-foot stand.
LS22 – Background Stand
2 ft height – 22 mm diameter – 2 sections
This specialty stand allows lights to be positioned directly on the base, lifting it mere inches from the ground for lighting a background or any time the light needs to be at ground level. When used with the supplied 2 section riser, an additional 2 ft height can be achieved.
Dimension collapsed: 18.9 in (48 cm)
Can handle up to 6.6 lb (3 kg) at maximum height; 20 lb (9 kg) at minimum height
LS38 – Traditional 8 ft Stand
8 ft height – 25 mm diameter – 3 sections
The standard in the lighting world, this medium duty 8 ft stand is perfect for most flash or continuous light heads equipped with softboxes up to 2x3 feet.
Dimension collapsed: 35.2 in (89.5 cm)
Can handle up to 11 lb (5 kg) at maximum height; 33 lb (15 kg) at minimum height
LS48 – Traditional 8 ft Stand
8 ft height – 25 mm diameter – 4 sections
When portability matters, this 8 ft version of the traditional stand is smaller and lighter than the normal 8 ft version. In addition, the LS48 also utilizes 4 sections to reach its maximum height, allowing it to collapse to a very small size.
Dimension collapsed: 28.5 in (72.5 cm)
Can handle up to 8.8 lb (4 kg) at maximum height; 26 lb (12 kg) at minimum height
LS56 – 6 ft Travel Stand
6 ft height – 25 mm diameter – 5 sections
When it seems like you are always on the road, and you want to minimize the equipment you are carrying, the Creative Light 6’ Travel Stand is the one for you. The same 25mm center column means you have all the support you need, but in a 5 section travel stand for the most portable package.
Dimension collapsed: 20.1 in (51 cm)
Can handle up to 3.3 lb (1.5 kg) at maximum height; 9.9 lb (4.5 kg) at minimum height
LS413 – 13 ft Stand
13 ft height – 35 mm diameter – 4 sections
The Big Boy on the block, the Creative Light LS413 Light Stand is a whopping 13 feet tall when fully extended. The 35mm diameter center column can handle almost any load. When maximum support and/or height are the most important thing, this is the only stand to consider.
Dimension collapsed: 44.9 in (114 cm)
Can handle up to 20 lb (9 kg) at maximum height; 55 lb (22 kg) at minimum height
LS413B – 13 ft Boom
13 ft height – 35 mm diameter – 4 sections
When used as a light stand, it functions the same as the Big Boy. However, the LS 413B has a secret. Hidden in the center of the stand is a self contained boom arm that emerges and converts the stand into a fully functioning light weight boom, perfect for positioning reflectors or other light modifiers weighting less than 18 lb (8 kg).
Dimension collapsed: 44.9 in (114 cm)
Can handle up to 18 lb (8 kg) at maximum height; 48 lb (22 kg) at minimum height
Umbrellas
The starting point of most photographers lighting toolboxes, umbrellas offer versatility and convenience in one easily portable package.
Three surfaces to choose from ensure there is a Creative Light Umbrella for every need. Whether you choose white umbrellas for the smooth soft light, silver for the higher contrast “punch,” translucent for the direct, diffuse light or the Softbox Umbrella for its soft directional lighting effect, all Creative Light umbrellas offer the same high-quality construction putting them light years ahead of the competition.
Special alloy composites mean the frame, locking mechanism and joints are flexible enough to handle the use and abuse of the real world, while being rigid enough to hold its shape when it really counts – on set. The universal 8 mm shaft guarantees compatibility with all brands of flash. Creative Light Umbrellas are also approved for use with continuous hot lights, up to 500 watts.
All four model Creative Light Umbrellas come standard with a heavy duty, soft-sided storage case ensuring long life.
White Umbrella
The cornerstone of many photographer’s lighting kits, Creative Light White Umbrellas offer a soft even light that can be adjusted by changing the distance between the light source and the soft reflective interior surface (light design permitting.) The wide, even spread of light can easily be used for everything from a single main light or fill-in portraiture to multiple white umbrellas illuminating a large wall or background evenly for fashion photography. Larger size Creative Light White umbrellas offer an even more soft omni directional light for broader, lower contrast light.
Creative Light White Umbrellas are available in three sizes: 25" (65 cm), 33" (85 cm), 41" (105 cm)
Silver Umbrella
The higher contrast of the Creative Light Silver Umbrella provides a sharper look and feel while maintaining the convenience and ease of use of the white umbrella. This sharper light shows more detail and subtle nuances in the subject’s surface while still maintaining a soft overall appearance. Since softness is determined by the size of the reflector in relation to the size of the subject, you can maintain the higher contrast of the silver umbrella and make the light softer by moving it in closer to the subject or choosing a larger size umbrella.
Creative Light Silver Umbrellas are available in three sizes: 25" (65 cm), 33" (85 cm), 41" (105 cm)
Translucent Umbrella
The most direct of all the Creative Light umbrella options, the Translucent Umbrella is designed to shoot through. While most umbrellas point the light away from the subject to allow light to reflect back to the subject, the translucent umbrella works the opposite way. By positioning the back of the umbrella directly at the subject, the light source shines in the same direction, offering a layer of translucent material between the light and the subject. This direct approach expands on the directional, higher contrast feel of the Silver Umbrella and is ideal whenever you want to dramatize surface textures, or provide a more directional light. Of course, since the light is diffused, it is still soft and can be made softer by choosing a larger size translucent umbrella and sliding the shaft of the umbrella so the flash is further away from the fabric.
Creative Light Translucent Umbrellas are available in three sizes: 25" (65 cm), 33" (85 cm), 41" (105 cm)
Softbox Umbrella
A truly unique lighting tool. Combining the directional quality of the umbrella, with the softness and evenness of a softbox, the Creative Light Softbox Umbrella was conceived as a one step set-up solution for some of the trickiest lighting situations.
The non-removable translucent fabric covers the front of the umbrella. So as light reflects from the color correct white fabric, it passes through the translucent layer softening the light, hiding imperfections in the subject’s surface, like skin blemishes or wrinkles. The heavy duty construction ensures it will hold up to professional use whether it is in your studio or in the trunk of your car.
Creative Light Softbox Umbrellas are available in three sizes: 25" (65 cm), 33" (85 cm), 41" (105 cm)
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Creative Light's Umbrellas. Photo provided by Creative Light. |
Light Sheds by Creative Light
Light Sheds by Creative Light are collapsible photo studios that are perfectly designed for small product photography. Available in two sizes, Light Sheds have metal frames covered in a translucent fabric to provide perfectly even illumination. The six sided construction means lights can be placed anywhere outside the box.
Perfect for small product photography with flash or hot lights, the Creative Light Light Sheds come standard with 2 removable colored background fabrics that attach with Velcro™ to ensure they stay in place. Changing the look is as simple as changing or removing the fabric. To add additional versatility, use your own backgrounds to create a custom look.
Creative Light Light Sheds are available in both 20" (50 cm) and 32" (80 cm) sizes.
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(First posted on Wednesday, July 8, 2009 at 13:39 EDT)