{"id":72975,"date":"2016-04-04T09:30:00","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T14:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/?p=72975"},"modified":"2022-04-07T09:16:53","modified_gmt":"2022-04-07T14:16:53","slug":"get-grip-lighting-c-stand","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/get-grip-lighting-c-stand\/","title":{"rendered":"Get a Grip on Lighting With a C-Stand"},"content":{"rendered":"

Learn the basics of a C-stand to make sure you know how to properly light up the set. It’s so much more than righty tighty, lefty loosey.\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n

A C-stand<\/strong> is one of the most versatile tools you can have a a filmmaker. You can direct light in any way with ease, making you an true director of photography.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The term C-stand<\/strong> comes from the early days of filmmaking, when a 100 inches \u00a0\u2014 a century \u2014<\/em>\u00a0was the normal size of reflectors. The joke on set is that you can use a C-stand<\/strong> for over 100 things. Here’s how to get started.<\/p>\n

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The C-Stand Complete<\/h3>\n

\"Impact_C_Stand\"<\/a>
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The term C-stand complete <\/strong>refers to a C-stand with an extension arm<\/strong>. In the image above, you’ll see a C-stand<\/strong> complete.\u00a0<\/strong>Let’s break down the C-stand,<\/strong> top to bottom.<\/p>\n

Grip Head and Extension Arm<\/strong><\/p>\n

At the top of a C-stand<\/strong> complete<\/strong> is a grip head<\/strong> that holds the extension arm<\/strong>. At one end of the extension arm, you’ll typically find another grip head. That second grip head will typically hold a flag \u2014 a tool used to block, diffuse, or direct light.<\/p>\n

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\n<\/a>Image: Grip Head Parts via Matthews Studio Equipment<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

In the breakdown image above, you’ll see that the two outermost parts are knobs. These T-handles<\/strong> will allow you to tighten and loosen the grip head. Always remember \u2014 righty tighty \/ lefty loosey.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Risers<\/strong><\/p>\n

The extension arm attaches to the risers<\/strong>\u00a0\u2014 a series of columns used to extend the height of the C-stand<\/strong>. The risers also use T-handles to extend.\u00a0Think of risers the way you think of extendable tripod legs.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Base<\/strong><\/p>\n

The base of the C-stand<\/strong> is made up of three legs of varying heights \u2014\u00a0high leg, medium leg, and low leg<\/strong>. The legs collapse flat for easy transportation. They are designed to hold an incredible amount of weight. The high leg is the primary leg that will face in the direction of the flag or light. For added balance, add a sandbag to the high leg.<\/p>\n

C-Stand<\/strong><\/p>\n

A regular C-stand<\/strong> is made up of the base legs and risers. It does not include the extension arm. This standard setup is almost always used for holding light fixtures.<\/p>\n

Here is a quick look at the parts with Joe McNally for\u00a0Adorama TV<\/a>.<\/p>\n