LightSource Photography Podcast E003 - Beginner Lighting Options

LightSource is our lighting and photography podcast that introduces photographers to studio lighting and digital photography techniques and equipment.

Hosts:
Bill Crawford, publisher of StudioLighting.net
Ed Hidden, exclusive IStockPhoto.com photographer and inspector

LightSource Episode 3 (Audio Article Series) [20:47 minutes]
Download the show: LightSource003.mp3 [19.7 Mb]

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October Audio Article: Beginner Lighting Options
Bill and Ed discuss entry level lighting options and the advantages and disadvantages of each setup.

Strobe Flash Products
PROS: Often a low cost solution. Flashes are highly portable and versatile accessories.
CONS: Generally longer recycle times. Require batteries. Lower power often limits types of modifiers.
Example Strobe Flash Units (note: some cameras require dedicated flash units):

Vivitar DF-200 Digital Flash
Metz 36 M-1 Manual Zoom Flash
Metz 44 MZ-2 Flash With Standard Shoe

Packs and Heads
PROS: Heads are lightweight and less expensive to replace than monolights. Short recycle times. Controls of lights is centralized on the pack.
CONS: Generally more expensive than other options. Require that each light has a cord going to the pack. Not highly portable.
Example pack and head products:

Novatron 240 Fun Kit
Speedotron DM 202 2-Light System

Monolights
PROS: All-in-one units with very high levels of light output. Short recycle times. Consistent color temperature and power.
CONS: Require that all units be plugged in to an A/C outlet. Lights must be controlled independently. Not highly portable.
Example Monolight products:

Alien Bee Beginner Bee Kit
Smith Victor FL150 Lighting Kit
JTL SL-160 Light Plus Kit
Flashpoint DigiPopper 300 Kit

Hot Lights
PROS: Inexpensive solution. Lights are continuous allowing photographer to see the final lighting effect. Inexpensive bulb replacement.
CONS: Generate high heat limiting subject range and modifier types. Low output often requires slow shutter speeds and large apertures.
Example hot light products:

Lowel Tota-Pak, Light Kit with Tota-light, 750 watt 120 volt EMD Lamp, Stand & Tota-brella.
Norman Allure C1000-1 Kit, 1-C1000 Quartz Light Kit with umbrella
Photoflex Basic Digital Starlite Kit

"Home Depot" Work Lamps:
PROS: Inexpensive, readily available, high output lamps.
CONS: Intense heat, low color temperature, require home made light modifiers or panels for diffusion.

Email your lighting and photography questions to: studiolighting@ gmail.com or leave a voicemail with your SIP phone at (747) 600-3900 and we'll try to answer your question on the show.

Thanks for listening to LightSource!