I currently am replacing an aging studio light set and would like suggestions on a possible successor. I don't make any money at this game, so low cost with acceptable dependability and accuracy is also key, though I don't want something so cheap as to cause me frustration and anger. Most of my "work" is of neighbors and friends (and their dogs), or product shots for ebay and such.
Though my current set is a pretty basic 2 light portable flash (500ws, I believe), I also shoot video and am considering a constant light source this time around - kill two birds with one stone sort of thing. Does anyone have experience with the flourescent models (or others)? Back in the '70s I used incandescent and I remember them getting too hot quite often, so wondered if any of the newer technology put out acceptable amounts of light without the high temperatures.
Also, what have you experienced photographers found to be the minimum acceptable watt second (or watts, for non-flash) output for general portraiture and product work?
jbirdfl wrote:
Also, what have you experienced photographers found to be the minimum acceptable watt second (or watts, for non-flash) output for general portraiture and product work?
My first pro gig involved a 4-light traditional portrait setup. Each light was 100ws. We shot at f/8 with ISO 100 color neg film. While not ideal, it was adequate, but the lights were being used more-or-less direct (Photogenic AA11 11” Pan Heads for main & fill). A softbox or umbrella changes the equation.
jbirdfl wrote:
...I also shoot video and am considering a constant light source this time around... Does anyone have experience with the flourescent models (or others)? ...wondered if any of the newer technology put out acceptable amounts of light without the high temperatures.
The multi-bulb fluorescent units can put out enough light, but they aren't inexpensive. I've used the Westcott Spiderlites (high end) and looked at less expensive units by Impact and Interfit. If I decide to add constant light to my equipment, I'll probably go with the Impact Octacool-9.
I use some low cost CF units made by Britek which I think is on Ebay. The unit itself is Ok quality, the SB box is not really a box but more a cheaply made cover but the fluorescent light is soft and perfect for video. PM if you want a link to a few I made using them.
Strobes for still photos, continous fluorescent for video. Bright and cool except for at the base of the socket.
jbirdfl wrote:
Also, what have you experienced photographers found to be the minimum acceptable watt second (or watts, for non-flash) output for general portraiture and product work?
Please note, I am an amature as well:
I can only speak from the experience of using CFLs (that I borrowed from a friend) for two sessions. Both sessions were for Christmas pictures. For the first session I used two stands, each set up with one 35w bulb and a white shoot through umbrella. Both lights were positioned within one and a half feet from the subject (baby). If memory serves me correctly, I only was able to squeeze out 1/20 of a second at f1.8 at ISO 800. The result was not good so I went my favorite camera shop and picked up two 70w CFLs and repeated. This time, I was able to get better results around 1/30, f4 at ISO 400.
I was not happy using the one CFL bulb lights. They were great because there was little to no heat from them, but if I were to spend money on continuous lighting, I would look at some of the multi-lamp bases.
runamuck wrote:
Daylight balanced compact fluorescent. These babies cycle about 10,000 times per second, so flicker is unheard of.
Can you please point me to a reference to substantiate that "10,000 times per second"
I believe CFLs, like all other consumer line-operated fluorescent lamps operate at 60Hz (in the US),
You may be confusing high-end pro fluorescent lamps which use special lamps and ballast to operate at much higher frequencies and can be dimmable. These, such as Kino-Flo lights are beastly expensive.
jbirdfl wrote:
Most of my "work" is of neighbors and friends (and their dogs), or product shots for ebay and such.
My clients are similar but I don't do much video, though I have in the past. I use both a set of four Alien Bee AB800 (320 WS) studio lights [ http://photo.nova.org/MyStudio/ ] and a pair of Canon 580ex speedlights used with a bracket and single rolling stand [ http://photo.nova.org/CanonPracticalUsage/ ].
I use the speedlights 90% of the time because they are more convenient. For example I took this shot this morning for another thread and it took all of about a minute to set-up and shoot with Canon ETTL ratios. Flash on the bracket bounced straight up off the ceiling for fill, the off camera flash behind and to the right.
I break out the studio gear for more formal portraits of still life subjects if I want to use more than two lights. For the odd occasion I do video nowadays with the iPhone I just use the modeling lamps in the studio lights.
