Studio Lighting And Modifiers
Photography isn’t a cheap pursuit and it’s all too easy to spend a huge amount of money on equipment, but a lot of it will end up being unused unless you buy it for a specific purpose. Before getting out your wallet, think about what you want to achieve with the kit, and only buy what you will definitely need to get started with – you can always add to it later. If you’re going to set up a permanent home studio, it makes sense to get proper studio lights, but if you want more flexibility with regards to your location, it’s probably better to get a set of flash guns instead, which you can use in a similar way to studio kit but which are much more portable.
Studio lights
Studio flash kits are available from just a couple hundred pounds right up to the thousands. All feature the same basic ability to produce a burst of flash at a pre-determined power level, but you’ll get more control, better build quality and additional features if you go for higher-end versions. Studio flash usually comes with modelling lights, which are lower intensity bulbs that stay on throughout the shoot. These can help when you’re deciding where to position the flash heads relative to your subject, as you will get an idea of how the light will fall on their face and body.
A cheaper alternative to studio flash is continuous lighting, which uses daylight-balanced fluorescent bulbs which remain on the whole time. These take some of the guesswork out, as you can see how the lighting will look, but lack the power output of flash, restricting you to higher ISOs, wider apertures and slower shutter speeds.
Do you intend to always shoot at the same location or will you need to move your kit around? Some studio lights pack away into carry cases, so also consider portability if you aren’t going to be always working from the same place. If you plan to be working outdoors, you’ll need battery packs to power your kit, while extension cables almost always come in handy for indoor shoots.
Flash bulbs can stop working without warning, so always take spare ones with you. Avoid moving lights when they’re still hot from use, as this is when they are at their most delicate.
Kits typically include stands for the lights and one or more modifier attachments per light, such as umbrellas or softboxes. These light modifiers subtly alter the quality of light, so choose a kit with the right accessory for your purpose, or be prepared to buy extra attachments. Common light modifiers include:
Beauty dish
These are commonly used for close-up portraits as they have a unique combination of soft and hard lighting which can show off makeup really well and make the skin sparkle. However, if your subject has anything less than flawless skin and makeup, then using this accessory will highlight those imperfections.
Honeycomb grid
These ensure that…