Understanding Boom Equipment

Boom equipment is put in place to hold lights, backgrounds, microphones, and cameras, or camcorders for sound and image production. Booms can be set up vertically, horizontally, and at slants with the help of various mounting equipment. Boom lights placed properly can produce spotlight, warming or cooling, ambiance, or dramatic effects in photo and video.

What Are Boom Arms and Boom Stands?

Boom light stands have a scaffold plate base to help hold various types of equipment. Adjust the boom arms at different angles to create side or cross light. Using light stand extension poles is an effective way to increase the height or reach of your existing boom equipment. Boom arms are useful for both boom and truss equipment, to achieve the right lighting effects for video or photography. Set boom lights behind your subject to create a silhouette, or at various angles to produce the right shadow effect.

Choosing a Boom Light Stand

The height of the boom stand you choose will depend upon what you need the stand for. If you use a light stand for photography, adjustable versions are the most versatile. Several adapters, wall mounts, and grip heads are available to increase the usefulness of your boom equipment. Kits are also available that provide various setup options for boom light stands, and may include equipment such as gear controls, shock mounts, mounting plates, and clamps. Standalone mounting and extension equipment and boom lights, arms, and stands are also available in kits to help you build on your existing equipment.

Use boom equipment to create professional-quality lighting for photo and video, and to ensure that lights, microphones, and accessories are secure. B&H Photo and Video stocks a variety of lighting and sound equipment from extendable boom handles to adapters.