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Watch: Three top tips for using C-Stands during a shoot in less than a minute

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C-Stands are a staple in many photography studios and on film sets. They’re just a lot more practical, versatile and useful, not to mention sturdy, than your traditional tripod-style light stands. One of the biggest manufacturers of C-Stands is Matthews, and in this video, we learn three great tips for working with them on set to make our lives easier – and a little safer.

You might think that C-Stands are big and bulky and a bit unwieldy, but as this video demonstrates, this couldn’t be further from the truth when used effectively. Their very design lends itself to an efficient workflow on set while taking up relatively little space and being extremely convenient.

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Baby plate bounce card gear hack

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Foamcore are an incredible asset for work inside and outside the studio, but there is always the question of mounting them. One way is using a reflector arm and another is holding them with pony clamps, there is even a DIY holding solution.

Photographer Tony Roslund shares another low-budget option which I really like: Using a baby plate and some gaff tape.

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Finally, a bag for C-stands

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Ever had to carry a C-Stand from one place to another? If you do you know how cumbersome it is. It’s big. It’s heavy and those legs just seem to get stuck everywhere. If only there was a bag for them…

Enter Matthews. (they say they invented C-stand, but I am really not that old to know this…). Matthews came up with two bags to transport C-Stands; one to put on your shoulder, and one with wheels.

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Quick tip for maximizing the usable distance of your C-Stand

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The standard setup of a C-stand is to put the longest, largest leg under the arm so the whole thing doesn’t tip over. This is a correct way, but Jay P. Morgan suggests you another one, which will help you maximize the usable length of the arm, and still keep the C-stand stable.

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Sandbags 101 – types of sandbags and how to use them properly

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Whenever you are using heavy gear on your set, you risk the stands tipping over and causing damage. This is certainly something you want to avoid, and this is why you should use sandbags. Some photographers and videographers don’t use it, and some do – but in a wrong way. In this video, Jay P. Morgan tells you all you should know about sandbags – different types you can get, what they are for and how to use them properly.

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Everything you ever needed to know about C-Stands

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C-Stands have been a staple support system in the photography and film industries for longer than many of us can remember, but there’s more to this seemingly simple tool than one might assume at first glance.

This video from Jay P. Morgan of The Slanted Lens shows us everything there is to know about these humble yet very versatile light stands.

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3 Critical Tips For Setting C-Stands Up

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C-stands are undoubtedly one of the most important tools for a setting up (big) lights and other heavy equipment. But while using a C-stand may seem trivial, if not done in the right way it’s just begging for a broken rib/light/head or possibly all three.

The combination of “heavy” with “high” does require some know-how to avoid an accident. And the team at RocketJump Film School share the three critical tips to avoid a stand falling on your head.

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Starting With C-Stands? You Should Watch This C-Stands 101

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There comes a point at any photographer or videographer’s life where they start using big lights or other big gear and migrate to C-stands. Ok, not every photographer. But if you have never used a C-stand you are definitely in for a treat. The only thing is that C-stands take a little more know-how to use safety than light stands. This is where Eric Jang and his C-Stands 101 comes in.

The movie is only about 10 minutes long, but is highly recommended if you are handling C-stands and even more so if you are doing it near people or in small production spaces. And is a must if you ever consider working as Grip.

Here are just a few tips that I picked up. Some, I already did out of habit or intuition, but hearing them said like rules just helps sort them out in my head.

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Getting Creative With A Master Clamp — Are They The Ultimate Multipurpose Photographers Tool?

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For about $35, you can purchase a Tether Tools Master Clamp (or a Manfrotto Super Clamp) a multi-purpose gear holder that can be attached to just about anything thanks to it’s incredibly versatile design. The aptly named Master Clamp is the perfect tool to call on when you’re in a bind (or not) and need to figure out a way to rig a difficult or complex  setup, as most photographers and videographers inevitably will. This Clamp, under different brands, has already made a name for itself as a must have item in a lot of professionals gear bags and with good reason–you can use them for a lot of different things.
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PSA: Always Remeber To Sandbag Your C Stand

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Earlier this year, southern California was hit with several big storms. Home owners used sand bags to protect their houses from the 14-16 feet high waves. In a wonderful gesture, community volunteers at Seal Beach helped residents fill up sand bags which are used to block the wave’s impact.

CBS local reporter Michele Gile was covering this event on site. Ironically it looks like Gile may have been caught up in a sand bag situation of her own. Youtuber GasperEdits shares an out-take showing why it is so critical to always, always sandbag your C-stands.

[Always remeber to sandbag your C Stand]

P.S. We are giving away karma points if you spot the irony

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