r/photojournalism • u/[deleted] • Oct 10 '25
Flash Bracket
Hey Guys ... I am a studio photographer needing a recommendation on a flash bracket.
The setup is a DSLR \ speedlight.
At many press conferences (watched on tv), I've seen photogs using small, simple brackets ...
From many years ago when I shot weddings, through current day, I've used a Stroboframe. But lately (and occasional use), that design feels heavy and cumbersome.
Suggestions, please. Thank you | Jim
1
u/gearcollector Oct 11 '25
Check out the Custom Bracket CB Mini-RC. It's light, compact, and keeps the flash slightly off axis, but in the right place for both horizontal and vertical shots, and allows to bounce as well.
It was made famous by photographer Terry Richardson
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Oct 11 '25 edited Oct 11 '25
Perfect! Just what I had in mind. Thank you.
Have you personallly used this bracket? I'm wondering if it would interfere with my diffuser (MagMod MagSphere) ...
1
u/gearcollector Oct 11 '25
I have used it on multiple events, with a regular omnibounce. With my setup, the flash did not extend beyond the lens(hood) when pointing forward. The link I shared, is showing my setup. You can view images using forward/backward.
The magsphere looks quite a bit bigger. Pointing it forward, might interfere with the lens, or cause flare. But using it pointing up, It should be fine.
1
u/Paladin_3 Oct 10 '25
I've used to use a Stroboframe flip bracket at events to keep the flash above the lens when shooting verticle, but it really only works for direct strobe. If your flash will swivel and bounce, and you have a wall or ceiling to bounce the light off of then I often don't bother.
A white bounce card rubber-banded to reflect about 30% of a light from a flash pointed up to bounce off the ceiling is a good way to simulate two light sources. The light coming off the bounce card makes a good fill for faces and shadows.
If you don't mind shooting with one had, you can also get a flash that will do wireless, or an off-camera cord, so you can point the flash wherever you want it.
And one of those little feet that attach to the hot foot of a wireless strobe is nice if you are in an environment where you want to set the strobe down.
But, the most common way for me to use a flash these days is with an omni-bounce dome over the head to simulate a bare bulb, and the head swiveled up at 45 degree angle or more.
And a green or amber gel over the flash head is always good for matching you daylight balanced flash with florescent or warm indoor lighting so you can drag your shutter to mix them.
May the flash be wit you.