Studio Lighting Equipment – The Most Common Types of Lights
With so many types of lights and the infinite number of setup combinations, studio lighting could be the subject of a book. In fact, there are several books dedicated to just that. However, if youre interested in investing in some studio lighting equipment, there are a few basic things that every photographer should know. With a good set of basic lighting tools, you should be able to shoot in most types of situations and subjects. Here is a run down on the most common types of studio lighting.
Continuous Lighting
These are the sorts of lights you may associate with movie production. Continuous light simply refers to light that is always present in the studio (as opposed to a flash which is there and gone). Though this method can generate quite a bit of heat and definitely uses more power, it is a great way to work subtle lighting situations. Since you can see the way your lights interact before you shoot, you will have a good idea of what the photograph will look like beforehand.
You can pick up a simple kit for continuous lighting online for a pretty reasonable price. Most photo stores on the web have a section dedicated to studio lighting equipment, so from there its mostly an issue of what youre willing to spend. Look for a flash kit that has light stands, light fixtures, bulbs and a reflective umbrella. Continuous light can be provided by fluorescent, halogen, and tungsten light bulbs which you use is going to be a matter of taste and tone.
Studio Flash
As you may have guessed, this type of studio lighting equipment is dedicated to setups that utilize a flash like those used in fashion shoots. With flash setups requiring low amounts of power and generating even less heat, they are usually the best option when shooting human subjects for extended periods of time. You can get flashes in either moonlights or flash systems. Moonlights require only syncing to the camera while power-pack flash systems will have a central power point to which the flash heads connect.
Similar to continuous lighting, there are plenty of ready-made flash kits available for the choosing. Be sure they have lighting stands, umbrellas, modeling lamps (these allow you to preview your lighting) and the sync cords required to ensure your flashes fire at the right time. Flashes with sensors that will fire with your camera flash are the easiest to use, but may run a little deeper into your pocket.
Its worth noting that combining these two studio lighting methods is one of your strongest options. This will help you have lots of flexibility in your shooting so you will be up to the task no matter what comes your way. With basic kits starting as low as $50, you should be able to get some pretty decent studio lighting equipment setup with a low initial investment. However, if you’re on a super small budget, you can always look for used kits and get creative with lights you have around your house.
Now that you have a good understanding of the most common types, have fun shooting and getting great portraits.
About the Author
Autumn Lockwood is a writer for Your Picture Frames. Shop online and see our selection of unique round picture frames and beautiful decorative oval picture frames. To see our selection of round and oval frames, visit our website or call 1-800-780-0699.
$35 Studio Lighting (3-Point Setup)
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Full Spectrum Light Bulb – ALZO 27W Compact Fluorescent – Case of 4 – Daylight Balanced 5500K – Pure White Light $25.06 Case of 4 full spectrum light bulbs that imitate daylight, are energy star compliant, and have a long life at circa 10,000 hours with 1300 Lumens output; low energy consumption, good for treating Seasonal Affective Disorder S.A.D., for photo studio lights, or for starting plant growth. These are Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL) bulbs. Fits all medium-base E27/E26 sockets, but this is a large bulb t… |
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ALZO Digital Full Spectrum Light Bulb – ALZO 45W Photo CFL 5500K 91 CRI, Daylight balanced, pure white light, 2800 Lumens, Case of 4 $35.10 Case of 4 full spectrum light bulbs for daylight balanced lighting, energy star compliant, long-lasting at cir. 10,000 hours with 2800 Lumens output; low energy consumption, good for treating S.A.D. (Seasonal Affective Disorder), photo studio lights, or starting plant growth. These are Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL) bulbs. Fits all medium-base E27/E26 sockets, but this is a large bulb that might … |
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ALZO 45-Watt Photo CFL Full Spectrum Light Bulb $9.75 45W Full spectrum light bulb for daylight balanced lighting, energy star compliant, long-lasting at cir. 10,000 hours with 2800 Lumens output; low energy consumption, good for treating S.A.D. (Seasonal Affective Disorder), photo studio lights, or starting plant growth. This is a Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL) bulb. Fits all medium-base E27/E26 sockets, but this is a large bulb that might create a… |
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Eiko 02450 – ELH Projector Light Bulb $5.79 300 watt 120 volt MR16 Bi-Pin (GY5.3) Base 3,350K ELH Projector / Stage / Studio Incandescent Eiko Light Bulb… |
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Ziotek ZT2150423 Ziotek Rubber Tipped Stylus Pen for Touch Screen Devices $10.71 Operate the touchscreen of your iPhone , iPod touch or iPad without getting fingerprints all over it. The rubber-tipped stylus precisely triggers the touch display so you can use it to type, navigate, sketch and play. It’s an excellent tool for wintertime iPhone users who don’t want to take off their gloves! It’s compatible with most touchscreen devices and many touchpad devices like BlackBerry St… |
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WIKO ECT Photoflood Lamp 500W 120V (3200K) 6 Bulb Kit $24.95 ECT photoflood lamp is one used used in many types of studio lighting or photography lighting. They have a high light output and are designated by a three letter code ECT which you should see on the top of the lamp itself. Sometimes people are confused by code numbers from manufacturers but the only thing you really need to identify any studio lamp is the three letter code which in this case is th… |
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Neewer 110CM 43 5-in-1 Collapsible Multi-Disc Light Reflector $9.46 This 5 in 1 collapsible reflector disc Comes with translucent, silver, gold, white, and black five most popular surfaces. Packs into a zip packet. Folds into 12″ carry pouch for easy to carry, durable and flexible steel spring frame insures easy spreading and closing. This reflector fits any standard reflector holders…. |
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Behringer C-1 Studio Condenser Microphone $40.00 The C-1 is a cardioid condenser microphone designed to capture your sounds with incredible realism, sensitivity and accuracy. This condenser mic is an excellent choice for live and studio applications, and it’s available at a price that will leave you with enough cash left over to secure other recording essentials. Designed to capture your sounds with incredible realism, sensitiv… |
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PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIO CONTINUOUS LIGHTING UMBRELLA KIT + Free 27 Watts 5500K Fluorescent Photo Lamp Bulb $23.98 XPro Studio Light Kit is ideal for film, digital photography, and even video productions. Professional Studio umbrella Kit is easy to use and setup is effortless. These lights work great with digital cameras with manual white balance. An entry level light kit for photographers of all level. … |
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Fancierstudio 160 Dimmable LED Camera Light Led Camcorder Light Led Light Panel By Fancier FN160 $54.99 This super lightweight 160 LED video light panel great for video and photography. Item can be used in video taking, either for lights setup or supplement. Fully dimmable light panel able to go from 0-max. One of the best value on the market. Comes with 3 filter to soften light and change color temperature. Also this led panel able to take up to 5 different kind of batteries. -Compatible with five … |
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