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1. Generally, flash (aka strobe) or continuous lights (aka hotlights but that's now a misnomer)
2. Studio flash does not need to be particularly powerful.... whatever you get you need to make sure you can control the output. Continuous lights use Daylight bulbs (older ones had Tungsten).... you only need 100w.
3. Umbrellas - usually you fire the light 'backward' into the umbrella and it reflects and spreads a much softer light around. Softbox gives a pleasant soft light - more powerful than the umbrella - it can simulate a window (you can even get simulated window frames to fit them, so the light seen in reflected catchlights really resembles a window). Snoots (and 'barn-doors') make your light more directional and hence more powerful. You can also get 'honeycomb' accessories - this directs the light even better and makes sure there's no excess light getting back to your camera.
4. Flash, being much brighter than continuous lighting, allows for a faster shutter speed so your shots should be sharper. On the other hand, flash can make a model quite twitchy, expecting that bright light and tensing up. With continuous lights, unless you're using a very fast lens you might be limited to a tripod and hope the model doesn't move. Even then, if you want greater depth of field you want a smaller aperture, which equals longer shutter speed. Swings and roundabouts.
5. Can't help with brands, sorry.
6. Flash gives 'daylight' and continuous lighting normally uses daylight bulbs. It doesn't really matter if shooting Raw - you can adjust colour temperature later, so you could even use a normal household spotlight or table lamp.
7. Yes, you can certainly save by getting a kit rather than individual items. There again, you might be able to negotiate a similar price with the dealer if your order has your individual choices.
8. Generally, you'll need two lights, one strong and one weaker (though a reflector can act as the weaker) but a third is useful (backlighting etc).
9. Second hand shouldn't be a problem, if bought from an experienced amateur or upgrading pro. I'd try to avoid shopping online... quality packaging and posting could work out expensive.
10. Just as useful as lights themselves would be a couple of quality reflectors and some kind of support for a background. You can get supports quite cheaply - a bit like goalposts. Also, you might consider a selection of different back-cloths and also some black velvet, some large black cards and white cards - for control of 'light spill' and reflection of light respectively.
11. Check out Amazon and search for 'photographic studio lighting'.
Good Luck!
Last edited by GeoffWessex; 30-12-10 at 03:30 PM.
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29-12-10, 08:11 PM
