Hot lights or strobes?

Michele Rushworth · 11-10-2006, 11:18 AM

I've been using almost exclusively natural light for my portraits but I want more flexibility in posing and positioning models. How many of you use hot lights (a constant source of light) or strobes (an off-camera flash setup)?

Also, what experience have you had with the "White Lightning" brand or the "Alien Bees" brand of strobe setups?

Steve Craighead · 11-10-2006, 12:10 PM

Michele,
Years ago I used White Lighting strobes, but got tried of the lack of color nuance. Since then I've always preferred using natural lighting, even to the point of dragging around a host of reflectors and light stands.
Recently, I've been pushing a head and shoulder pastel (I've really missed the immediacy of completing a portrait on location) and I've gotten more adults to sit for me for oils. I needed a constant light source. I just didn't like my Smith & Victor hot light. The problem being the heat and the 3200 K. I jury-rigged a fixture to hold 3 compact fluorescent bulbs in my Photogenic softbox. The compacts have a CRI of 93+ and are 5000 K. They're cool temperature wise and bright. I like the effect. I can work from life and take photos digitally without a problem. I have had a problem traveling with the bulbs though. I've lossed 3 so far to breakage. (TSA insists on taking a part my luggage and not putting everything back carefully!) I've been looking at the fluorescent units on the bhphoto site, (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...rch&Q=&ci=2249) but I'm waiting to see the units in person before I make the plunge. Hope this helps.

Tom Edgerton · 11-10-2006, 12:49 PM

Stephen

Saw the Lowel lights that gang the compact flourescents to a bright, useful wattage level recently, and they do look promising. If you get them, would love a followup describing your experience with them.

Thanks--TE

(Congrats to Susan also for her First Place award in the PSOA-sponsored SC-NC-VA Tri-State competition this month!)

Michele Rushworth · 11-10-2006, 01:45 PM

Quote:

a fixture to hold 3 compact fluorescent bulbs

What a brilliant suggestion (no pun intended)!

I've been using wonderful color balanced fluorescent bulbs that fit in my ordinary light stands for the studio, recommended to me a few years ago by Chris Saper. They're very, very bright and 6500 degrees K. Maybe I'll order a few more bulbs and use them for shoots when the available light isn't great.

They're somewhat larger than an ordinary lightbulb and have an odd corkscrew shape but they would be easy to transport. I understand what you mean, Steve, by not wanting to risk them in checked baggage. I might bubble wrap them and ship them on ahead, or bring them in my carry on, again, well bubble wrapped.

Thanks for the tip!

Michele Rushworth · 11-10-2006, 02:01 PM

For anyone who'd like to consider the bulbs I've been using, they are made by TCP (www.tcpi.com) and are called "compact fluorescent spring lamps". The product code is TCP 2894265K and I understand they can be special ordered from Home Depot, and various online sources.

Chris Saper · 11-10-2006, 07:36 PM

I recently bought the Lowel Caselite 2-bulb set, based on suggestions from Mary Lane Reed and Steve Moppert. I love it. The case is somewhat heavy and awkward but it does fit in the overhead luggage carrier. It sets up easily and has the option of one or two- bulb lighting. I have been getting gorgeous photos.

The daylight bulbs are 5300K, so not as cool as those 6500K bulbs, but very nice.

The light comes with a sturdy compact tripod (I dont' recall whether I ordered that separately) so that it can be elevated for a 45 degree angle - many tripods simply will not go up that high.

http://www.lowel.com/caselite/

Sharon Knettell · 11-11-2006, 11:09 PM

I have been managing to get clients to sit. When I show them the color and proportions from life as oppose to the photographic reference, they seem to be more than willing to show up in my studio.

However as we all know, all days are not created equal. Would these lights ganged up be sufficient to add brightness to a lackluster day?

Steve Craighead · 11-11-2006, 12:10 AM

(Congrats to Susan also for her First Place award in the PSOA-sponsored SC-NC-VA Tri-State competition this month!)

Thanks Tom. I'll let her know. She said you were very nice and did a lot hard work for the show. Sorry I missed it.
When and if I get the lights I'll post a review.

Steve