Using LED Torch as fill light

I've read and seen photographers using video lights as fill lights for a while. I have purchased a Lowel ID light for sometime, I like it because it has adjustable power output and a zoomable head but I had only used it once because I do not normaly have an assistance (to help me to hold the light). I have been searching for a similar/alternative solution. After searching for a while on the net, I believed I've found an acceptable alternative that doesn't cost an arm and a leg. Obviously this is not my original idea; I've seen a Youtube video about someone using the LED torch below in a Studio shoot. So here it is what I've put together:

I found that the liter milk bottle top/cap (Australia) above fits perfectly onto the LED LENSER P7 with no modification required : )

I used different intensity of orange color gel film in this example because I will be mainly using it as fill under tungsten lighting environment. There are many other color from the Resco sample pack.


In the test sample shot below, I was using my right hand on my camera and left hand holding the LED torch. I zoom the torch right out to give a large spread of light because I was standing quite close to the subject.

You can buy the LED LENSER torch or similiar light from camping stores or from ebay.

I hope someone may find this entry useful.

I will try to use this on my future wedding reception shoot or night light shoot and see how I go with this.

Update (17/5/2011):
Lately I've seen LED video lights that use 4x AA batteries or other video type of batteries from Sony or other brands of Video batteries.  These LED lights have an adjustment dial where you can adjust the output power of the light and I believe this may be a good option.  The mount of these lights are not very well made but for the price (about Aus $40 - $50 from ebay), I think it is well worth. 

Below is a shot captured using such light (on the bride).  The light used on the groom was the torch I've mentioned early in my post.

( All images Copyright (C)  Melbourne Photographer - That's The Shot Photography )

Comments

[Anonymous]

I´ve been testing the usability of P7 in video lighting. Adding a mild frost filter (in addition to the conversion filter) makes the P7 beam pretty useful even as a direct front fill (interview situations etc.).

And, worth mentioning; the P7 fits to standard mic holders (rubbery type, the fitting is pretty tight..), so a stock mic stand can serve as a lightweight lamp stand.

[Album fotografico matrimonio]

I love this adjustable tool. This is very helpful for photo-editing.

[Anonymous]

That's great idea, just wondering what kind of lihgt did you use for the indian bride and groom?

is that the same one led lenser p7? or can please tell me which model..

thanks

i look forward to hear your reply

[David Diep]

The one used on the Indian Bride and Groom were:
Video LED light CN-160 from the Bride and a single LED similar to the P7 (cheaper version) on the groom's face.

Regards,