Torch instead of a flash

[dizzydog]

Hi does anybody use a torch instead of a flash? if you do what do you use and how do you get on? thanks

[Jules]

I use a Kowalski 1250 with the flood reflector insted of the normal one. It works really well , if you look at any of the pics i have posted none of them use flash and they are all either available light or the kowalski.

The flood reflector makes a huge difference as it gives you a nice even pool of light, with most torches they're designed to give a hot spot in the middle so that bit will over expose your subject.

I do intend to get a strobe at some stage but the dive torch works pretty well

Jules

[DevonDiver]

I used a JMD umbilical to light some shots and got fantastic results...two pictures were published in Sport Diver magazine. Chatted to a member of staff at 'Cameras Underwater' and he couldn't believe the results I'd gotten.

[Cussy]

There was a post on YD within the last month from some German outfit with umbilical torches for sale. I had a quick look and they do a torch for an underwater camera with tray and flexi arm. Didn't pay any more attention than that, other than thinking you could get a good strobe for the same cost.
Rob

[witchieblackcat]

I took this dogfish lit by my buddy's torch.



As you can see a good torch is white light and a manual white balance adds red (giving the soft pink affect).

[pauldiving]

think you should be able to get different results if you can alter your cameras white balance, most lamps are a yellow colour,
my salvo hid lamp is white light,

have a play with it if you have that setting...

[Jules]

Yes I white balance for the colour of the light from the torch

[Jules]

These are all taken using a torch









on this one you can see the pool of light i get with the diffuser reflector as I am wide angle

[John63]

exceelent photos

Somewhere warm and pleaseant?

[Mike Ward]

It's entirely possible, as the pics here show - but IMO a flashgun will give you better results.

Why do want to use a torch?