Created these images during spring training 2021 with the New York Mets using the Westcott FJ Wireless Flash System. 

Gear Used:

Westcott X-Drop Background

Westcott FJ400

Westcott FJ200

Rapid Box Switch Octa L

Rapid Box Switch 1x3 Strip with Grid

Sony A7rIV

Sigma 105 2.8 Dg Dn

When i was setting this up the main shoot was a solid gray background as requested by the Mets - off to the right in the BTS at the end of this post you can see where these images were created. The set up was super basic and purposefully built in such a way that i would get a decent result with players that were 5'8 like Marcus Stroman and people that were 6'8 like Dellin Betances. Due to covid protocols i was not allowed closer than 10 feet from the players which informed a lot of decisions for the day. 

I stared with the X drop. I knew I had limited space and I knew i wanted something totally opposite from my main image set. The high contrast black background was the opposite in every way. Instead of even light i went with a very directional moody lighting direction. The black fabric of the X-Drop ate up the light with no reflection and was perfect in this use. 

I went with the Rapid Box Octa L due to how much i love the quality of light that comes from it as well as the fact that it is my largest octa meaning it would give me coverage for all size players. When shooting baseball players i have to take into account the hat so my light is set on more of a parallel line to them than i would do on a traditional portrait. The Octa was being filled with light from a Westcott FJ400. 

My rim light set to camera left and 180 degrees opposite of the octa was in a Rapid Box Switch 1x3 with the grid. I wanted to keep the light tight and focused to help accentuate the drama. 

All images are f/4 at 1/200th of a second...

Lets Go Mets!