Bowens has relaunched an old favourite for UK photographers.

Fans of the world-acclaimed Gemini lighting system can now buy a brand new Bowens Classic 500C monolight from just £355 (incl VAT).

Explained Robert Cook, marketing director: “We completely redesigned the Gemini range eighteen months ago with a mission to simplify photographers’ workflow both in studio and on location.

We added new features like remote control, built-in radio triggering, digital display and precise ‘tenth of a stop’ accuracy on new twin-dial controls. And sales rocketed. But our recent recession surveys revealed that customers wanted an additional ‘back to basics’ option that would still offer renowned Bowens reliability and accuracy but without the full complement of extras found on the Professional Gemini ‘R’ units.

He added: “The result is our new Bowens Gemini Classic. This revamped monolight boasts a new black-painted, sturdy metal case, the Bowens ‘S’-type reflector mount, user replaceable flash tube, 250W modelling bulb, switchable slave cell and complete compatibility with our award-winning Travelpak battery system.

User-variable modelling controls are retained and we’ve added the unique-to-Bowens radio trigger module, allowing the new Gemini Classic to easily integrate with photographers’ choice of either Bowens Pulsar or PocketWizard radio trigger systems.”

“This new tier in the Gemini monolight family means that from beginner to professional, we’ve got all our customers’ needs covered. The 500C is available now and will sell at £355 – but a follow-up Gemini Classic 250C model will be our most cost-efficient option. The price point of this unit has yet to be released.”

The Gemini Classic, available in 250Ws or 500Ws models, is positioned between entry-level Gemini 200 and 400 units and the feature-rich Gemini ‘R’ and Pro models.

The new range is available as individual units or as part of Bowens’ ‘super value’ two and three head kits, including umbrellas, softbox, stands, reflectors and case.

The Gemini Classic 500C will sell at £355; the Gemini Classic 500C 2-Head kit at £780 and the Gemini Classic 500C 2-Head Travelpak kit at £1090. (All prices include VAT)

Bowens online at www.bowens.co.uk

Two new plain colours have been added to the Ezycare crease resistant range of background curtains.

The black or white curtains are available in two sizes 3m x 3.5m (10’ x 12’) and 3m x 7m (10’ x 24’) featuring a looped hem on the 3m edge to insert a pole for support.

Come visit us at Focus On Imaging on Stand B1 to see the new Lastolite range.

For more information please contact JP Distribution:
Tel: 01782 753300
Email: info@johnsons-photopia.co.uk

I’m pleased to report that all three studios I contacted replied promptly and with positive attitude. Unfortunately, one of them (Dave Kennedy Photography) is not currently hiring out his facilities to other photographers. However, I will be meeting with him soon to discuss and compare projects and opportunities (I realize that’s pretty vague!).

The other two, Pauls Studio and Fleetwood Film Studios have both invited me to visit and view the studios and to discuss the calendar project. Paul at Paul’s Studio has recently completed a calendar project for a client and has some feedback to offer, which could prove quite handy.

Keith Hicks at Fleetwood was surprisingly cooperative (why “surprised” – does that say something about me?), considering I told him up-front I thought the studio was a bit beyond my budget!

Three new contacts, three positive responses. Result.

I’m really looking forward to visiting and reporting back.

A little time on Google has turned up several local photographic studios which I think would be worth taking a look at. From what I can tell from their websites, they vary significantly in respect of size, equipment available and (perhaps most important of all!) the hourly rate.

Although I already have all the lighting, background and so on that I need, I can’t help feeling that I should take these pictures in a proper commercial setting. After all, I’m going to be booking one or more models to pose for me wearing little or no clothes and requesting they do this in my living room while my wife is out with the kids; it seems a bit unprofessional. Well, downright dodgy, to be honest!

The contenders so far:

• Fleetwood Film Studios
  
• Pauls Studio
• Dave Kennedy Photography (may not be hiring the studio out any more – will have to investigate and report)

Next step is to contact the studios and see if I can pay them a quick visit. In the meantime, if anyone has any working knowledge of any of the studios, or any suggestions or advice, I’d love to hear it.