Grip equipment might not sound exciting, but mastering these essentials can save you headaches and streamline any shoot. Having the right gear is critical—not just to keep your set running, but also to make your work smoother, safer, and more professional.
Coming to you from Lindsay Adler Photography, this helpful video introduces grip tools you'll regularly use on set. Adler kicks things off with practical, inexpensive A clamps. They're suited to securing backgrounds, holding gels, tidying cables, or adjusting clothing to fit models better. Having multiple sizes handy can make a big difference in shoot efficiency. She next covers Cardellini clamps—strong, versatile clamps made specifically for gripping pipes, flat surfaces, or even table edges. These clamps give you more freedom in rig placement, especially for lights or bounce cards.
Another staple Adler covers is the classic apple box. These wooden boxes have seemingly unlimited uses on set, providing solid support, platforms for gear, and adjustable seating or step-ups for photographers or models. Adler walks through the four standard sizes—including the creatively named "New York," "Chicago," and "L.A." orientations—to ensure you're ready for various heights and setups. Familiarity with these terms helps you communicate better on set, enhancing your professionalism and workflow.
The knuckle (also called grip head or gobo head) paired with a grip arm is another important essential Adler demonstrates. This combination mounts flags, scrims, reflectors, or lights, allowing precise adjustments for almost limitless positioning. But Adler emphasizes the serious safety considerations involved: understanding how to properly set and secure knuckles correctly is crucial to prevent accidents and damaged equipment. Adler reminds you to always load the knuckle in a way that tightens it under gravity, for maximum strength and safety.
Finally, Adler describes the super clamp, explaining just how adaptable and crucial this little device can be. Thanks to various attachments like J-hooks or mounting pins, a super clamp quickly becomes fundamental when organizing a professional lighting setup. It efficiently supports gear like hanging sandbags or additional lights, facilitating layered, even lighting setups. Adler gives the example of creating a properly balanced lighting tree on set, which can enhance results when evenly illuminating backgrounds.
Listen for Adler mentioning useful alternate names and practical applications—these little details that she shares are exactly what make your life easier once you're working. Knowing exactly which piece to reach for, and how best to apply it, can drastically speed up workflow on any commercial or fashion assignment you encounter. Adler emphasizes how having a solid grasp on these tools, or being prepared with this basic kit, genuinely boosts your value as an assistant or photographer by letting you work with confidence and ease. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Adler.
I miss Photoshop 3.0