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Studio Photography
When using studio flash don't forget about THE HOME DEPOT school of lighting. Hardware stores
have lights, clamps, black plastic, to cover windows,etc. Corragated dryer vents cut into 10 inch lengths
makes great snots for lights, its even adjustable. To tighten the pattern pull on the vent and it lengthens
and makes the light pattern smaller. Also if you mix tungsten light with flash the tungsten is yellow and
can be described as warm. It looks good on the background. Go to your nearest hardware store and
think. Thom Wolf, TWFV@netscape.net
-- Thom Wolf, September 28, 2000
So nice to see somebody finally admitted tripods are not needed at all times and to admit that hot lights
have some advantages. I have been a "serious amateur" for years and am finally in the process of setting
up my studio. I intend to specialize in infants and children but it has been an uphill battle convincing my
husband that I don't have to use a tripod to run a studio.
With kids, they do not hold still for more than a fraction of a second at a time. If I use a tripod, or
anything else that keeps me from moving the camera, then I WILL miss the best shots.
Also, with hot lights (provided you have enough room to bounce them) you don't miss shots due to the
flash cycle time. Some of the best faces happen just after you take the first shot. You need to be able to
snap again immediately.
Thanks for the info.
LizM
-- Liz Masoner, March 11, 2001
A few notes:
-Colored acetate/polyester/mylar/whatever in front of lights are not filters. They're gels. Filters go in
front of the lens and are optical grade, while gels are made only for lights. Don't mix them up.
-A softbox with a grid does not change the quality of the light. It only restricts the light from spreading.
-Low end strobes have a wide variance in color temperature. If you plan on shooting chrome in the
studio with a cheap system, and want predictable results, you had better get a color meter and know how
to use it properly. It would save much trouble to just purchase the high quality strobe system. If you're a
professional, you can't afford not to.
-- Ad T, June 21, 2001
this issue of what lights or any other equipment to buy is kind of silly. What you use is linked to how
http://www.photo.net/studio/primer (14 of 17)7/3/2005 2:18:01 AM