How to put together a Sunswatter
Sunswatters are as useful as they are recognisable, creating a large shadow that can move synchronously with your model or subject, reducing contrast outdoors so as to better balance highlights and shadows.
Often handled by an assistant in mobile applications, they are also useful to frame the subject, and are designed to cast no shadow on the top of the ‘U’ for seamless diffusion. They can be supported by a tripod should you be shooting alone.
A must have when photographing in the sunshine, or almost any outdoor conditions, the Sunswatter is a mobile alternative to a Scrim Jim: light weight, and can be packed away to no size, in no time.
Here are some step by step instructions on how to put together the Sunbounce Sunswatter.
1. All individual parts of the SUN-SWATTER are in the carry bag. There are two longitudinal tubes, one crossbar, a silk, and a boom stick.
2. Assembly starts by putting the two sections of frame pole together.
3. Slide the pole into the sleeve along the screen.
4. Now pull the closed corners of the pockets over the pole ends such that the screen is taut. Repeat with the other side of the screen.
5. Next insert the crossbar in the Tconnector. Make sure that at connection point you insert the SELFSECURING-PIN.
6. Insert the crossbar in the Tconnector.
7. Tighten the black strap which pulls the frame tight.
8. The SWATTY GRIP-HEAD is placed on to the crossbar and tightened all the way. Very important, the crossbar should still be able to rotate in the grip head.
9. Now insert the BOOM-STICK into the SWATTY GRIP-HEAD and tighten the screw.
10. Sling the yellow strap around the black strap and wrap it 2 x around the boom stick in a figure 8 formation, just below the first knuckle and between the second.
11. The SUN-SWATTER can be moved into many different positions just by loosening the first knuckle of the boom stick and pushing up using the grip head as a fulcrum point.
12. Happy Swatting!