Mounting Systems

In this segment, photographer Martin Krolop covers the topic of mounting system for portable flash. Most photographers have at one point or another run into problems as soon as they remove the flash from their cameras. The most common dilemma being that the flash will not stand up on its own and is otherwise not very manageable with the factory foot-stand it comes delivered with, making a flat and level surface almost always necessary.

Krolop covers an assortment of possible solutions to remedy the many different application needs of today’s photographer. Two essential mounting systems, the foot-stand, which is ideal for flashing from under beds, in shelving units, or any other place with a flat and level surface, or places with little space to mount or place a flash, and the second system, the tripod and umbrella method, which is more appropriate to be used in average day-to-day flash situations.

An unconventional mounting system can be constructed by using gaffer’s tape and as Krolop points out, gaffer’s tape is an absolutely indispensable component when it comes to photography applications and he himself has often used this practical solution to mount flash heads. Another special mounting system Krolop discusses is a super clamp from Manfrotto, in actuality a mounting system for backgrounds. It relatively simple to use and is very good when setting up a tripod would not be possible, for instance, on the rim of a basketball net, or on ledges of structural framework.

By far the most talented mounting system that offers the most creativity has to be the gorilla pod. The magic arms can be wrapped around all sorts of objects, such as a tree branches. This allows photographers to create unique lighting situations in places that would generally not be accessible with a super clamp or tripod flash mounting system.

In conclusion, Krolop shares several brilliant photo examples depicting the different mounting systems he discussed in the segment, giving photographers innovative ideas on how to create mounting systems for portable studio-light effect flash best suited for their needs.

Based out of Bonn, Krolop comprises half of the creative team at Krolop & Gerst photography. Combining traditional photography techniques with the latest technology and software, Krolop and Gerst specialize in editorial, fashion, location and wedding photography, providing excellent visual solution services to many satisfied clients.