The Perfect Curved Reflector for Headshots? - Westcott Eyelighter 3 Unboxing and Review
Рет қаралды 25,020
Күн бұрынWatch me unbox, setup and review the Westcott Eyelighter 3
So many photographers, especially headshot photographers like me, rely on a curved reflector for their headshots. There are now plenty of options out there ranging from $100 to $300, and the Eyelighter has always been at the top of that price range. In this latest update to their popular specialist tool, Westcott seems to have addressed the two biggest problems: the price and the difficulty of setup and breakdown. Westcott sent me one of these to review for the channel, so follow along as I tell you why I like a curved reflector, why I haven't been using the Westcott brand up until now, and why I might switch.
Check out the Eyelighter 3 Here:
www.fjwestcott.com/eyelighter...
Intro - 00:00
The Eyelighter It's Competitors and It's Problems - 01:05
What's New in the Eyelighter 3 - 02:45
Setup and Review - 03:29
Conclusions - 06:07
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@GaryHughesOfficial Жыл бұрын
Let me know if you have any questions about curved reflectors or have an experience you want to share.
@silvermooncustomart Жыл бұрын
Thanks, Gary, for sharing all this great info! I LOVE my Eyelighter and I don’t even care about the set up and break down time because of the amazing results I get with it. But thanks to you, I’ll definitely be upgrading to the newest version! 🤗
@GaryHughesOfficial Жыл бұрын
I might by a second one to stay in the car! :)
@lesliemcdonald7181 Жыл бұрын
Thank you Gary. I was shopping for an eyelighter and I'm glad I ran across this video. Now I am going to purchase the Westcott Eyelighter 3.
@GaryHughesOfficial Жыл бұрын
You will not regret it. Absolutely brilliant.
@Neopulse00 Жыл бұрын
This was a great review. First time viewer, and I love your energy. You earned a sub.
@GaryHughesOfficial Жыл бұрын
well thanks very much, appreciate you!
@jdalbro Жыл бұрын
Thanks for the review, Larry sent out a note that this was done. I have his very 1st model that I use as well as the Glow large curved softbox. Looking forward to getting this one as well 👍
@GaryHughesOfficial Жыл бұрын
So far I like it very much and the changes are definitely welcome
@melissajolivette1205 Жыл бұрын
Thank you for this review! I bought the Westcott Eyeliner 3 at my local camera store!
@GaryHughesOfficial Жыл бұрын
Enjoy it!
@BradHallStudios Жыл бұрын
Very helpful Gary. Your video helped sell me on this!
@GaryHughesOfficial Жыл бұрын
Honestly, it’s a great product :) enjoy!
@heikemartinphotography Жыл бұрын
Great review, Gary. I've been holding off on getting an eyelighter because all of my work is on location. I'll be getting this one and can't wait to finally have a decent reflector.
@GaryHughesOfficial Жыл бұрын
Very cool, enjoy!
@marydavis8012 Жыл бұрын
You and Peter are the man with headshots! Hope you are doing well!
@GaryHughesOfficial Жыл бұрын
Thank you, doing great!
@tofulosophy Жыл бұрын
Awesome to the point video!
@GaryHughesOfficial Жыл бұрын
Thanks!
@chrismcconnell8230 Жыл бұрын
As always, spot on review. I have one of the other ones and the set up is a pain. Thanks
@GaryHughesOfficial Жыл бұрын
Not a problem! It's seriously a huge improvement.
@lumosia8362 Жыл бұрын
Great review Gary. We use the Neewer ones in our studios and I love the light. Only issue is the build time for on site shoots. This may well change that as long as I have space in the boardroom of course!!!
@GaryHughesOfficial Жыл бұрын
Honestly the build time is better, and the parts themselves are much more thoughtful and difficult to lose. Not so many little screws to roll away from you
@mjohn196 8 ай бұрын
I'm late to the party, but great review Gary. This has been on my list of items to get for a while and have been reluctant because of the set up and breakdown aspect of it. Now off to hit buy in my shopping cart. Thanks!
@GaryHughesOfficial 8 ай бұрын
Go for it! It’s really an excellent upgrade
@jm3231 Жыл бұрын
Great review. I have one of the other brands that's similar. Westcott's velcro fabrics and the clip on rod system looks to me to be a game changer. Switching out the fabrics and clipping the poles together are the hardest part of the set up.
@GaryHughesOfficial Жыл бұрын
It’s honestly a huge improvement.
@MarieNuchols Жыл бұрын
Those are some game-changing changes. So happy to see this review. Thanks, Gary!
@GaryHughesOfficial Жыл бұрын
No problem!
@user-rx5cu4kg7o Жыл бұрын
Finally, one I can travel with, been using Larrys original one for many years and trust me you don't want to have to take this one apart & put back together again :-) like you, that one will never leave the studio again :-)
@GaryHughesOfficial Жыл бұрын
Yes absolutely
@mswizard8 Жыл бұрын
I too have the pain in ass to set up Eyelighter 2. I love Westcott and I am looking forward to getting the upgrade.
@GaryHughesOfficial Жыл бұрын
Honestly completely worth it
@reginaldwalton Жыл бұрын
I'm using the version made by Neewer and love it; especially the price and all that you get with it. Also loving the value of the GLOW modifiers compared to what I originally paid for the Westcott version.
@GaryHughesOfficial Жыл бұрын
I have the glow version and it stays set up at the studio. The Eyelighter 3 is in my go bag of location gear.
@keithwhitephotography3495 Жыл бұрын
I have the first version and use that for on location shoots all the time. I love the catch lights and the fill. Maybe its time for an upgrade!
@GaryHughesOfficial Жыл бұрын
Dude, totally worth it
@bobortiz Жыл бұрын
Thanks Gary Yes I have the older version and love the results but hate the setup time 20 mins for me .I will purchase the eyeliner 3 in the near future. Thank you
@GaryHughesOfficial Жыл бұрын
Definitely worth the upgrade
@garyF765 Жыл бұрын
I have the eyelighter II and only use it inside. I used a bounce reflector outside since it is so light and versatile to fill in the shadows.
@GaryHughesOfficial Жыл бұрын
Yeah, not sure about the Eyelighter outside, but I mostly shoot indoors myself.
@gabrielencinas6474 9 күн бұрын
Great video
@GaryHughesOfficial 8 күн бұрын
Thanks for watching!
@waynecrev1779 3 ай бұрын
Good video my friend.
@GaryHughesOfficial 3 ай бұрын
thanks!
@deewonda1952 Жыл бұрын
Thanks, Gary! I do location headshots (I don't have a studio). I've been using a sheet of white, foam core board in a holder on a light stand as my "eye lighter" reflector but I've always wanted to get a "real" one. Wescott's cost is still an issue (considering Neewer or Glow). I like the multiple covers with velcro, and the ease of changing them as well as the carry case. I'll have to save my Starbucks money and just go ahead and get the Wescott.🤣
@GaryHughesOfficial Жыл бұрын
I've honestly tried a few different ones and the version 3 is worth the money, especially if you shoot on location a lot. Thanks for watching!
@ballansmithphoto Жыл бұрын
I have the Neewer version I bought as an open box deal for like $70. As with a lot of the Neewer products, I had to replace a knob due to the build quality however, it’s worked well since. I have to say, I chuckled at the reading glasses comment given Tuesday’s podcast 😂
@GaryHughesOfficial Жыл бұрын
I look younger without them!
@maryflores-camacho48 Жыл бұрын
First timer here. Thank you for a comprehensive review on this product. I specifically asked about this brand in one of my photography groups. Those that own it gave it a glowing review. I'm still stuck on which tripod to get for this eyelighter. The Manfrotto on your website is pricey. Can you recommend another that won't break the bank?
@GaryHughesOfficial Жыл бұрын
Pretty much any short light stand will do. Pro master is a pretty affordable brand or any of the Glow or Flashpoint products from Adorama are affordable
@joseph-the-seventh 4 ай бұрын
Hey Gary, you're my new KZfaq hero! Wondering how feasible it is to get 3/4 length portraits (bottom crop at thighs) with the Eyelighter. Does it still work when lowered that far from the subjects face?
@GaryHughesOfficial 4 ай бұрын
Sure does. It’s all about the placement and distance of the main light. If you need more oomph, switch to silver.
@jimfeldman4035 Жыл бұрын
My concern is that the gold metalic may be tough getting flat, and if you don't, you could get weird highlights. Otherwise looks interesting.
@GaryHughesOfficial Жыл бұрын
Everything fits nicely and lays flat so far :)
@maortizjr80 Жыл бұрын
Thank for the video. I do have a glow brand and have used it for portraits and pet photography. Although I like it, I’ve found it too cumbersome to navigate in my little studio. Is there a smaller alternative? Other than regular reflector.
@GaryHughesOfficial Жыл бұрын
Neewer makes a curved reflector that is smaller, yes.
@CRobbins131 Жыл бұрын
I decided to by a curved reflector and went with the Eyelighter 3 mainly for the speed of set and of course the build quality. I don’t have a studio so all of my equipment has to be portable. Over the years the speed of set up has become more and more important. Also when you move things around a lot it needs to be a high build quality.
@GaryHughesOfficial Жыл бұрын
totally agree. The EYelighter 3 is the first curved reflector I actually take on location. I hope you enjoy it!
@maxhighstein 21 күн бұрын
Thank you. But I must have missed something. You compared it with products at half the price, but what about the end results? Does it giver you better looking photos than the others? Does it provide better, more even fill? Does it give you better catchlights?
@GaryHughesOfficial 21 күн бұрын
No, largely the same results. The difference I think is in the build quality and now the engineering. I feel like the price is finally competitive for what you get :)
@karlweb1 Жыл бұрын
Thanks Gary I have version 2 love it in studio How are you liking those glow soft boxes
@GaryHughesOfficial Жыл бұрын
They mostly stay in the studio, but they are producing some great light at an affordable price. No complaints :)
@MichaelFrederickPhoto Жыл бұрын
I have the GLOW one and works great for my needs, I use it for more beauty style shots, for headshots I have a 48in arched softbox with AD400 below (and key as well). I tend to like the look more as I can control it more so I gravitate there.
@GaryHughesOfficial Жыл бұрын
I have the Glow Arclight as well, it works well, for sure. The Eyelighter 3, though is a massive step forward in convenience. I might include it in more videos to show some details
@ltshinta Жыл бұрын
@@GaryHughesOfficial How does the Glow Arclight vs Westcott V3 compare in size?
@trlogue9709 Жыл бұрын
I just recently bought my first eye lighter. And I broke one of the pieces trying to put it together! 😂😂 I’m too scared to take it apart now that I have the replacement part. This looks amazing!
@GaryHughesOfficial Жыл бұрын
Been using the Eyelighter 3 pretty heavily for a few months. It's holding up really well. THanks for watching!
@trlogue9709 Жыл бұрын
@@GaryHughesOfficial I’m going to put it on my list! Thank you for the review. I’ll see you at imaging for your pre-con class! Looking forward to it!
@GaryHughesOfficial Жыл бұрын
See you there!
@gvasquez330 Жыл бұрын
Thanks for the info! I still have issues with placement for best position of the eyes as the reflection shows up in the middle of the eyes. Suggestion?
@GaryHughesOfficial Жыл бұрын
Honestly it depends on the look you are trying to get. I have a few different videos on the channel where I am using it if you want to get a sense of my personal take. Best bet is play with it a bunch until you get a look you like. It's surprisingly versatile.
@johnrthomson2574 10 ай бұрын
been using the Neewer version. Pain in the butt to be honest. The issue tends to be the connecting rodes at either end of the curve. The screw heads which fit through the poles to ensure fabric is tight and poles are kept in place, are now slightly bent (no doubt due to the pressure). This makes the set up even more tricky and difficult. I cannot count the number of times I have caught my thumb on the rod as it eventually makes it through the second hole of the pole. Love the catchlight it gives, however hate the build.
@GaryHughesOfficial 10 ай бұрын
I can not recommend the Westcott version enough for exactly these reasons. Great build quality, easy setup and breakdown, totally smokes any other version of a curved reflector I've ever used. It's worth the money. I keep my Glow version in the studio and never have to break it down while the Eyelighter 3 stays in my location kit.
@carlcoleman1615 Жыл бұрын
HI, great review! Does it come with the stand?
@GaryHughesOfficial Жыл бұрын
Unfortunately not, no. I use a Paul C. Buff mini light stand. Had it for years and it's perfect for this.
@SamuelPeiffer Жыл бұрын
You once showed an app in one of your videos where you let people choose their favorite pics on your iPad. Whats the name of the app? And can you maybe make a video on your workflow with that from a technical perspective?
@GaryHughesOfficial Жыл бұрын
I use Canon Camera Connect and Capture One Pilot
@SamuelPeiffer Жыл бұрын
@@GaryHughesOfficial thank you for the apps :)
@GaryHughesOfficial Жыл бұрын
No problem
@shadyninja1 Жыл бұрын
I just got the selens version and I'm yet to test it
@GaryHughesOfficial Жыл бұрын
Enjoy!
@shadyninja1 Жыл бұрын
@@GaryHughesOfficial and I will
@AashutoshSahu Жыл бұрын
Hey, Gary! I saw your viral video titled (Photographers Should Not Buy This Phone - iPhone 13 Mini Camera Review) which has 34K views. I liked this video a lot, after that I watched a lot of your videos and I think your video is addictive.
@GaryHughesOfficial Жыл бұрын
Glad to have you on board
@AashutoshSahu Жыл бұрын
@@GaryHughesOfficial You are very talented in your profession, but I'm sad cuz you are not getting the praise you deserve, I can see your talent. But why can't people see🙃
@GaryHughesOfficial Жыл бұрын
Kind of you to say. I’m working on getting more out there, not to worry. Nothing to be sad about!
@AashutoshSahu Жыл бұрын
ohh nice keep it up but Gary, today while I was browsing your KZfaq channel a couple of exciting ideas came to mind which can help you to go viral and that I wanna discuss with you:🤓
@SpotBentley Жыл бұрын
Some people argue that the material should be taut to reflect more light. On the new version, does the velcro hold the material taut enough?
@GaryHughesOfficial Жыл бұрын
Definitely, yes. Seems to reflect just as well as other versions
@grnmtnskier 2 ай бұрын
Hi Gary - I am currently using the Angler Mini CatchLight Reflector V2 (18" by 37") because I have very small studio in my den. I still use a reflector for fill light. I have noticed that in some of your videos that you do not use a reflector for a fill light (like in your Creative Live videos). Is that because the large size of the curved reflectors provides adequate fill on the shadow side of the face? Thanks again for all your educational videos - they are tremendously helpful!
@GaryHughesOfficial 2 ай бұрын
Well that CL was 9 years ago, so I have changed a lot since then. My current gear list is on my education page hughesfioretti.com/education/
@grnmtnskier 2 ай бұрын
Thanks Gary!
@GaryHughesOfficial 2 ай бұрын
No problem!
@jgates Жыл бұрын
Hi Gary, what lightstand do you recommend to hold the eyelighter3?
@GaryHughesOfficial Жыл бұрын
I use a short light stand from Paul C. Buff that works really well
@ltshinta Жыл бұрын
@@GaryHughesOfficial Is that the stand you shot the video with? Don't see it on Paul C. Buff's website
@deirdreryan7402 Жыл бұрын
Great review! Unfortunately I can't use this in my studio at all as it's too big. It's the main reason I've never gotten the other versions. If I can get a larger space, then yeah, but for now I just use the posing table and put a reflector on that. I make it work :)
@GaryHughesOfficial Жыл бұрын
Yes, it's size is one of the best and worst things about it. If you have the space for it, it's really very cool.
@patrickdesrochers1341 Жыл бұрын
A smaller size exist by Neewer on Amazon, I use it for on location shooting
@GaryHughesOfficial Жыл бұрын
How is the set up and breakdown?
@patrickdesrochers1341 Жыл бұрын
Setup and breakdown is very fast, but it is not as big as this one. But for small office and corridor it’s perfect.
@deirdreryan7402 Жыл бұрын
@@patrickdesrochers1341 I just looked that one up, it's still pretty large LOL
@daviday87 Жыл бұрын
Even broken down it looks huge...Does this fit into a suitcase when flying? (I fly a lot for shoots and I am trying to reimagine my travel kit).
@GaryHughesOfficial Жыл бұрын
Great question. I think you could put it in a checkable suitcase if you separated the parts, but I use a long Photogenic bag and it fits nicely there with my gear. This is 100% my new travel reflector.
@daviday87 Жыл бұрын
@@GaryHughesOfficial as someone based in the EU, I'm tempted to ask a US friend to bring it back in his suitcase, but very doubtful it will fit in a generic checkable suitcase. I don't suppose you could do a quick test and get back to me perchance? $200 is honestly already pricey to me but given the excellent improvements of the 3rd model I'm willing to give it a chance. Having said that, the cheapest European option I can find is €240 from a French distributor and honestly at that price I'm highly inclined to simply accept the drawbacks of lesser knockoff models.
@GaryHughesOfficial Жыл бұрын
I am confident that taken into its component parts, it could fit easily into a large checked bag with room to spare. The only bit that doesn’t fold up is the center base. If you can get the width dimensions of that from the Westcott site, you’d know what your biggest piece is :)
@snapsbyreyes Жыл бұрын
Hi, what tripod are you using or do you recommend for it?
@GaryHughesOfficial Жыл бұрын
You can see my gear list including my tripod here hughesfioretti.com/education/
@alvaro9192 Жыл бұрын
I can’t find the frequency separation session. Can you help me?
@GaryHughesOfficial Жыл бұрын
Links in the description of this video :)
@RossHa1e Жыл бұрын
What advantages does this have over using a strip box with a strobe?
@GaryHughesOfficial Жыл бұрын
Interesting question. For one, it’s just a different style, but the real advantage is the catch light mimicked the shape of the iris and can be more subtle than a strobe. Also, one less strobe to plug in, meter, charge, etc. Both are solid techniques, just different.
@ltshinta Жыл бұрын
Strobe will give you more control over changing power but I prefer the catchlight this produces
@donnawetter1513 Жыл бұрын
If I don't have that much space, which is the most compact?
@GaryHughesOfficial Жыл бұрын
I think the Neewer version is pretty small
@donnawetter1513 Жыл бұрын
@@GaryHughesOfficial Too small to work well or just small?
@GaryHughesOfficial Жыл бұрын
No I think it probably works just fine. Not as easy to set up or break down though
@DukeMorse Жыл бұрын
A 42" long version would be much better. Additionally, the base fabric would be best if it was black on one side and white on the other with the extra fabric being zebra striped and silver.
@GaryHughesOfficial Жыл бұрын
Well okay, sounds like those would be cool options.
@rockj8197 5 ай бұрын
I’m looking for a flat version (no curve) of this like the sunbounce but at a reasonable price. Anyone know of one? If westcott makes one I’ll be first in line. This video almost had me sold though.
@GaryHughesOfficial 5 ай бұрын
I don't know if Westcott makes anything flat, but I like these reflector panels from Adorama. They are really portable and versatile adorama.rfvk.net/Qy3Ax9
@steverealtyandfinance8171 Жыл бұрын
the cheetah bowflector is well built as well.
@GaryHughesOfficial Жыл бұрын
Good to know!
@KillingTheMost Жыл бұрын
yeah sure but what does it do doe?
@GaryHughesOfficial Жыл бұрын
It…adds fill light?
@ltshinta Жыл бұрын
If you gotta ask then this product isn't for you.
@pagpapaitim 25 күн бұрын
ooooh is that a blur knife?
@GaryHughesOfficial 25 күн бұрын
If by that you mean that I use it so quickly and skillfully that it becomes a blur…then yes
@pagpapaitim 25 күн бұрын
@@GaryHughesOfficial oh I meant is that knife a Kershaw, model name: blur?
@GaryHughesOfficial 24 күн бұрын
@@pagpapaitim It's a Kershaw, not sure the model though.
@MrMom950 Жыл бұрын
Lol I can’t get past the fact that the catchlights from these things make subjects eyes look like Mike Wazowski…. O)
@MrMom950 Жыл бұрын
once you see it.. you can’t unsee it!
@GaryHughesOfficial Жыл бұрын
lol, they can be intense, that’s for sure. Main reason I prefer the white fabric :)
@GaryHughesOfficial Жыл бұрын
I just had to Google it, lol. To be fair, I think that’s common in loads of animated eyes, he is just 60% eyeball
@MrMom950 Жыл бұрын
@@GaryHughesOfficial lol well I mean it makes the subjects eyeball into his body.. the eye lighter catch light is the mouth, and the key light becomes his one large eye…. So the entire eye with the catch light becomes him..
@GaryHughesOfficial Жыл бұрын
@@MrMom950 well thanks...now I will giggle every time.
@jimb2500 Жыл бұрын
Takes too long to set up for travel work
@GaryHughesOfficial Жыл бұрын
Have you set up the version 3? Because I travel with this everywhere now where I member took the older versions.
@jimb2500 Жыл бұрын
@@GaryHughesOfficial version 3??? It’s not the type of product I wanted to keep buying lol but if you want to trade I can give you my one time used original westcott
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