Curtis Judd 5/28/24 Curtis Judd 5/28/24

No Free Gear for 10 Weeks: What Happened?!

In this week's episode, we reflect on the past 10 weeks in which we've accepted no free gear for review. Let's talk about what we learned and what we'll in the future.

Check out my voiceover job here, recorded with the JZ Microphones V11.

See our V11 review here.

If you’d like to learn how to make great dialogue audio for your film and video projects, please have a look at my courses including processing dialogue audio in Adobe Audition and DaVinci Resolve/Fairlight, recording sound, how to use the Zoom F4, F6, F8, and F8n, and how to get the most from the Sound Devices MixPre series of recorders. Our latest courses cover Sound for Live Streaming with the ATEM Mini and an Intro to Izotope RX.

Support my work creating videos by donating at Ko-Fi.com.

Gear used or mentioned in this episode. The links below are Amazon.com, B&H Photo, Sweetwater, or other affiliate links. As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases:

Some of my other studio gear:

- Earthworks ETHOS microphone — B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon

- Sound Devices MixPre audio recorder — B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon

- Sennheiser MKH50 microphone — B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon

- Impact Turtle-Base C-Stands — B&H, Amazon

- Aputure LS 600x Pro Bicolor LED Light — Aputure, B&H, Amazon

- Aputure Light Dome III Softbox — Aputure, B&H

- Amaran 300c RGBWW Single-Point LED Light — Aputure, B&H, Amazon

- Amaran Spotlight SE — Aputure, B&H, Amazon

- Rosco Prismatic Glass Gobo in Cool Lavender — B&H

- Canon C70 Cinema Camera — B&H

- Canon RF 24-70 f/2.8 lens — B&H, Amazon

- Panasonic GH5 camera — B&H, Amazon

- Panasonic 12-35mm f/2.8 II lens — B&H, Amazon

The intro and outro music for this episode is from Musicbed - “Dynamo” by Virgil Arles. Take your films to the next level with music from Musicbed. Sign up for a free account to listen for yourself.

Curtis Judd 4/8/24 Curtis Judd 4/8/24

Easy Video Lighting Fix: Unbleached Muslin Bounce | Curtis Judd

Here’s a quick demo showing you the difference between lighting with unbleached muslin versus bleached white bounce materials. Using muslin is an easy way to warm up and revitalize a lighting design that’s yielding asty skin tones or generally muted results– and it’s easy to DIY! Let’s see how it’s done.

Support my work creating videos by donating at Ko-Fi.com.

Gear used or mentioned in this episode. The links below are Amazon.com, B&H Photo, Sweetwater, or other affiliate links. As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases:

- Unbleached Muslin Seamless Diffusion Fabric in various sizes — B&H

- Aputure 600D Pro Daylight LED Light — Aputure, B&H, Amazon

- Aputure Spotlight Max 36º Lens Kit — Aputure, B&H

Some of my other studio gear:

- Sennheiser MKH50 microphone — B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon

- Sound Devices MixPre audio recorder — B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon

- Impact Turtle-Base C-Stands — B&H, Amazon

- Aputure LS 600x Pro Bicolor LED Light — Aputure, B&H, Amazon

- Aputure Light Dome III Softbox — Aputure, B&H

- Amaran 300c RGBWW Single-Point LED Light — Aputure, B&H, Amazon

- Amaran Spotlight SE — Aputure, B&H, Amazon

- Rosco Prismatic Glass Gobo in Cool Lavender — B&H

- Canon C70 Cinema Camera — B&H

- Canon RF 24-70 f/2.8 lens — B&H, Amazon

- Panasonic GH5 camera — B&H, Amazon

- Panasonic 12-35mm f/2.8 II lens — B&H, Amazon

Curtis Judd 12/11/23 Curtis Judd 12/11/23

Aputure's New Light Dome III versus Light Dome Mini: Which Softbox Is Right For You?

In this episode we take a look at Aputure’s new and improved Light Dome soft box: the Light Dome III! This iteration of the Light Dome is now easier than ever to set up and tear down, pack, and transport in addition to still delivering the reliable performance we know and love from Aputure lights and modifiers. In this episode we cover the Light Dome III’s new features, compare it to a few similar soft boxes and diffusion modifiers, and discuss whether or not this might be the right soft box for you and your lighting kit. Let’s take a closer look!

Support my work creating videos by donating at Ko-Fi.com.

Gear used or mentioned in this episode. The links below are Amazon.com, B&H Photo, Sweetwater, DVEStore, Perfect Circuit, Trew Audio or other affiliate links. As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases:

- Aputure Light Dome III Softbox — Aputure, B&H

- Aputure Light Dome II Softbox — B&H, Amazon

- Aputure Light Dome Mini II Softbox — Aputure, B&H, Amazon

- Aputure LS 600x Pro Bicolor LED Light — Aputure, B&H, Amazon

- Amaran 200x S Bicolor LED Light — Aputure, B&H, Amazon

- Amaran 60d S 60-Watt LED Light — B&H, Amazon

- 48x48” Chimera Frame and Fabric — B&H: Frame & Fabric

- Sennheiser MKH 8050 Supercardioid Condenser Mic — B&H, Amazon

- Sound Devices MixPre Series II Recoders — B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon

- Sound Devices 888 Field Recorder/Mixer — B&H, Sweetwater

- Impact Turtle-Base C-Stands — B&H, Amazon

- Amaran Spotlight SE — Aputure, B&H, Amazon

- Rosco Prismatic Glass Gobo in Cool Lavender — B&H

- Canon C70 Cinema Camera — B&H

- Canon RF 24-70 f/2.8 lens — B&H, Amazon

- Panasonic GH5 camera — B&H, Amazon

- Panasonic 12-35mm f/2.8 II lens — B&H, Amazon

Curtis Judd 11/27/23 Curtis Judd 11/27/23

New from Aputure: Amaran Spotlight SE!

In this episode we take a look at Amaran’s new Spotlight SE! This smaller version of the original Spotlight mount works with a variety of Aputure and Amaran lights up to 300 watts, is available with two different lens options, and comes with almost every gobo you could possibly need. In this episode we cover the Spotlight SE’s key features and demonstrate several ways in which you might use it most effectively. Let’s take a closer look!

Support my work creating videos by donating at Ko-Fi.com.

- Amaran Spotlight SE — Aputure, Amazon, B&H

- Aputure Spotlight Mount (original, larger, heavier, more expensive) — Aputure, B&H, Amazon

- Amaran 150c RGBWW Bowens mount light — Aputure, B&H, Amazon

- Amaran 300c RGBWW Bowens mount light — Aputure, B&H, Amazon

- Amaran 100d/S daylight Bowens mount light (daylight only lights put out more light, but cannot change color temperature) — Aputure, B&H, Amazon

- Amaran 100x/S bi-color Bowens mount light — Aputure, B&H, Amazon

- Amaran 200d/S daylight Bowens mount light — Aputure, B&H, Amazon

- Amaran 200x/S bi-color Bowens mount light (This is the light I use as my key light for talking head video 90% of the time. Incredible color quality and I only have to set the dimmer between 10 and 20% for most talking head shots) — Aputure, B&H, Amazon

- Sennheiser MKH 8050 Supercardioid Condenser Microphone — B&H, Amazon

- Sound Devices 888 Field Recorder/Mixer — B&H, Sweetwater

- Impact Turtle-Base C-Stands — B&H, Amazon

- Amaran 200x S LED light — B&H, Amazon, Aputure

- Aputure Light Dome II soft box — Aputure, B&H, Amazon

- Aputure Spotlight Mount — Aputure, B&H, DVE Store, Amazon

- Rosco Prismatic Glass Gobo in Cool Lavender — B&H

- Canon C70 Cinema Camera — B&H

- Canon RF 24-70 f/2.8 lens — B&H, Amazon

- Panasonic GH5 camera — B&H, Amazon

- Panasonic 12-35mm f/2.8 II lens — B&H, Amazon

Curtis Judd 8/28/23 Curtis Judd 8/28/23

Trouble with Fan Noise? Dracast DRX2000RGB LED Light

In this episode we try out the new X-Series LED2000 light panel from Dracast. This full RGB and bi-color LED panel is great for use as a key light, background light, effects light, and more. With high color quality and no cooling fans, this panel is also a great option for lighting your livestreams! In this video we walk through the LED2000’s well-rounded feature set, have a look at the remote control app, and examine the results of our color quality tests. Then we demonstrate all the great things this light is capable of! Let’s take a closer look!

Support my work creating videos by donating at Ko-Fi.com.

- Dracast X-Series LED2000 RGB/Bi-Color Light Panel — B&H, Amazon

- Aputure Nova P300C RGB LED Light Panel — Aputure, B&H

- Sennheiser MKH 8050 Low-Profile Supercardioid Condenser Microphone — Trew Audio, B&H, Amazon

- SoundDevices MixPre II Series Audio Recorders — B&H, Sweetwater, Trew Audio, Amazon

- Impact Turtle-Base C-Stands — B&H, Amazon

- Amaran 200x S LED light — B&H, Amazon, Aputure

- Aputure Light Dome II soft box — Aputure, B&H, Amazon

- Aputure Spotlight Mount — Aputure, B&H, DVE Store, Amazon

- Rosco Prismatic Glass Gobo in Cool Lavender — B&H

- Canon C70 Cinema Camera — B&H

- Canon RF 24-70 f/2.8 lens — B&H, Amazon

- Panasonic GH5 camera — B&H, Amazon

- Panasonic 12-35mm f/2.8 II lens — B&H, Amazon

Curtis Judd 6/19/23 Curtis Judd 6/19/23

New Course: Fundamentals of Lighting for Single-Person Interview & Talking Head Video

We've just released a new course! This course covers the fundamentals of lighting for single-person interviews and talking-head videos. We cover the basic concepts of lighting, walk through the materials you'll need, and– finally– lead you through three different hands-on lighting design demonstrations. At the end of the course you'll be equipped with all the conceptual tools and experience you need to beautifully light your talking-head interviews with ease!

Curtis Judd 6/12/23 Curtis Judd 6/12/23

Aputure Delta Pro Powered by EcoFlow — Big generator for LED lights on location

In this week’s episode we try out the Aputure DELTA Pro, a high-wattage power station for powering your lighting kit in the field and on location. With a 3600 watt-hour capacity, 15 different types of power outlets, and luggage-style wheels and handle, this battery is well-equipped to accompany you on your next on-location shoot. In this video we walk through the DELTA Pro’s features and demonstrate how we use it to get the most out of our lighting designs outside the studio. Let’s take a closer look!

Support my work creating videos by donating at Ko-Fi.com.

- Aputure DELTA Pro electric generator — Aputure, B&H

- Aputure 600d Pro LED light — Aputure, B&H, Amazon

- Aputure 600x Pro LED Light — Aputure, B&H, Amazon

- Aputure 600c Pro LED Light — Aputure, B&H, Amazon

- Amaran 200x S LED light — B&H, Amazon, Aputure

- Aputure Light Dome II soft box — Aputure, B&H, Amazon

- Aputure Spotlight Mount — Aputure, B&H, DVE Store. Amazon

- Rosco Prismatic Glass Gobo in Cool Lavender — B&H

- Canon C70 Cinema Camera — B&H

- Panasonic GH5 camera — B&H, Amazon

- Panasonic 12-35mm f/2.8 II lens — B&H, Amazon

Curtis Judd 5/15/23 Curtis Judd 5/15/23

LED versus Tungsten Lighting in 2023

In this week’s episode, we dive into the nuances of LED lighting in 2023, particularly in terms of how modern LED lights compare to traditional tungsten fixtures. We discuss how color plays into lighting design, color quality and how it’s measured, and why color accuracy might matter in your video workflow. We also show you several sample shots and discuss the various LED lights with which they were lit. Let’s take a closer look!

Support my work creating videos by donating at Ko-Fi.com.

- Amaran 200x S LED light — B&H, Amazon, Aputure

- Lowel Tota-Light Tungsten Flood Lamp — B&H

- Lupo Superpanel LED Panel Lights — B&H

- Nanlite Forza 60C Full Color LED Light — B&H, Amazon

- Sekonic C-800 Photo Spectrometer — B&H, Amazon

- Aputure Light Dome II soft box — Aputure, B&H, Amazon

- Aputure Spotlight Mount — Aputure, B&H, DVE Store, Amazon

- Rosco Prismatic Glass Gobo in Cool Lavender — B&H

- Canon C70 Cinema Camera — B&H

- Panasonic GH5 camera — B&H, Amazon

- Panasonic 12-35mm f/2.8 II lens — B&H, Amazon

Curtis Judd 4/17/23 Curtis Judd 4/17/23

Amaran 150c & 300c | RGB Bowens Mount Lights for Video

In this week’s episode we try out the new Amaran 150 and 300c fixtures. These single-point RGBWW lights from Aputure’s budget line feature full color plus warm and cool white capabilities. They can be adjusted from tungsten to daylight color temperatures and beyond for great versatility as key lights, and also make great effects fixtures with their preloaded effect library. Let’s take a closer look!

Support my work creating videos by donating at Ko-Fi.com.

- Amaran 150c single-point RGBWW LED light - B&H, Amazon

- Amaran 300c single-point RGBWW LED light — B&H, Amazon

- Amaran Pixel Tube Lights — Aputure, B&H, Amazon

- Aputure Spotlight Mount — Aputure, B&H, DVE Store, Amazon

- Aputure light dome II soft box — Aputure, B&H, Amazon

- Rosco Prismatic Glass Gobo in Cool Lavender — B&H

- Aputure power station — B&H, Amazon

- Westcott umbrella — Amazon

- Sennheiser MKH 8050 — B&H, Trew, Amazon

- Sound Devices MixPre audio recorder — B&H, Trew Audio, Sweetwater, DVE Store, Amazon

- Rycote PCS Microphone Quick-Release System — B&H

- Canon C70 cinema camera — B&H

- Canon RF 24-70 f/2.8L lens — B&H, Amazon

- Schneider Radiant Soft 1 diffusion filter — B&H

- Panasonic GH5 camera — B&H, Amazon

- Panasonic 12-35mm f/2.8 II lens — B&H, Amazon

Curtis Judd 3/20/23 Curtis Judd 3/20/23

Colorful Pixel Tube Lights | Aputure Amaran PT1c, 2c, and 4c

In this week’s episode, we have fun experimenting with the new Amaran PT1c, 2c, and 4c pixel tube lights from Aputure Lighting ! These cool lights can play a role in any lighting design with their RGBWW color spectrum, pre-programmed system and pixel FX, and long-lasting inbuilt batteries. In this video we overview the PT series’ feature set and demonstrate how you might creatively incorporate them into your lighting kit. Let’s take a closer look!

Support my work creating videos by donating at Ko-Fi.com.

- Aputure amaran Pixel Tube Lights — Aputure, B&H, Amazon

- Sound Devices MixPre audio recorder — B&H, Trew Audio, Sweetwater, DVE Store, Amazon

- Rycote PCS Microphone Quick-Release System — B&H

- Aputure LS 300X used for background light — Aputure, B&H, Amazon

- Aputure Spotlight Mount — Aputure, B&H, DVE Store, Amazon

- Rosco Prismatic Glass Gobo in Cool Lavender — B&H

- Canon C70 cinema camera — B&H

- Canon RF 24-70 f/2.8L lens — B&H, Amazon

- Schneider Radiant Soft 1 diffusion filter — B&H

- Panasonic GH5 camera — B&H, Amazon

- Panasonic 12-35mm f/2.8 II lens — B&H, Amazon