I don't just shoot, I also assist.

This is me last night helping out my bud Ian outside in the freezing wind. Yes, I have a huge light on top of my head. No it wasn't that heavy. It is my Beauty Dish and Ian's Alien Bees B800 balancing on top of my head and it wasn't that heavy -- well not for the first five minutes at least.

Don't get the large Paul C. Buff large light stand

But isn't that a Paul C. Buff 13-ft large light stand off to my right? Yes, but it is a really bad one and I only recommend it if you don't intend to break it down and take it on location. If you just leave it up, then okay. The thing is not air-cushioned -- it will slam down on your fingers if you are not careful when breaking it down -- and it fools even engineers when you try to fold it up. Really. One of the other people on set was an engineer and he couldn't figure it out. They make another version which is air-cushioned but I have never used it.

At one point I just thought it was easier to get it off the light stand and hold it (That and I managed to break the snaps off of Ian's Vagabond battery bag. Sorry Ian.).

5 Ways a Voice Activated Light Stand is better than a real light stand

1. Obeys commands
2. Can adjust tilt, angle, height instantly
3. Can move by itself at walking speeds
4. Will transport itself to location
5. Does not need breaking down and can fit into the trunks of cars if need be

5 Ways a Voice Activated Light Stand is not better than a real light stand

1. This version only extends to 5'10
2. Will complain for food
3. Will complain about the wind, temperature, being yelled at
4. Will sometimes offer opinions when not requested
5. Does not usually like being put into trunks