MPEX Training Session

Yesterday I had the pleasure of attending the first training session at Midwest Photo Exchange’s new training facility. It is conveniently located across the street from the store so frequent MPEX shoppers will have no trouble finding it. The topic of the course was off camera flash basics with a focus on leveraging LumoPro’s newest flash, the LumoPro LP180. LumoPro Product Manager Kevin Deskins facilitated the training with members of the MPEX staff on hand to field Q&A as well. Deskins and crew did a great job creating a friendly environment where no question was taboo which led to great engagement with those in attendance. The session served as a great introduction to off-camera flash for those who are just starting to get their feet wet. Seeing as the LP180 is a full-manual  flash, the entire session was unsurprisingly focused on shooting without the use of TTL. While I appreciate the consistency of output that you get with shooting in manual, I’ve found that there’s a time and a place for both manual speedlights as well as leveraging TTL technology. I’d highly recommend anyone who is starting to dabble in off-camera flash investigate both of them.

For me, the highlight of the session was the 3-way shootout where Deskins, Steve Hurley and Garett Martin were each given 20 minutes each to leverage any of the LP180s, stands, clamps, modifiers to submit their favorite shot for judging by the attendees. Not only did attendees get to watch their workflow but it was narrated as they were setting up their lights and modifiers so attendees could understand the why behind each configuration/setup.

MPEX has long been one of my go-to stores for any photography or lighting gear requirements. Seeing them expand their offerings to training is exciting and I’ll certainly be keeping an eye out for future sessions. I recommend you do the same.

LP180 Quick Review:

I’ve had previous LumoPro speedlights and was always pleased with their consistency of output and ease of use but the LP180 is simply a step above. One of the first things you’ll notice when you hold it is it’s built like an absolute tank. These things are seriously designed to take a beating. I typically trigger my flashes via radio triggers but if you don’t have those on hand you’ve still got plenty of options when it comes to triggering your LP180:

• 3.5mm (1/8″) Miniphone port
• PC port
• standard ISO hot shoe
• built-in optical slave

I think where the LP180 really shines is in it’s feature set of really small things that make shooting with it easier. My personal favorites are these three things:

• A 1/4 20 mounting thread built into the flash. That’s right, just screw the sucker in and go.
• Built in gel slots and included fitted gel pack with every LP180. I LOVE this. No more messing around with 3rd party velcro gel slots or gaffer’s tape. Just slide the sucker in and it fits like a glove. The gel also bows outward from the flash head so you don’t run the risk of melting your gel onto you flash head.
• The back-lit LCD with a battery meter. Replacing your batteries before they’re dead is key to not missing your next great shot.

While LumoPro rates the LP180 as having a 4 second cycle time when firing at full power, I’ve found it to be closer to 2-2.5 seconds when loaded up with Sanyo Eneloops. The short of it is if you’re looking to get into off camera flash with manual flashes, the LP180 is an absolute no brainer. For $200 you get a flash that’s as powerful as a Canon 600EX-RT or Nikon SB-910 at a fraction the cost. If you’re looking to leverage TTL this isn’t the flash for you. More on that in a future post.