AboutJohn and Chris Expertise We are both professional photographers, with over 15 years experience. We can answer questions about photography, as well as questions about cameras from the 60s to 90s. (extensive 35mm, quite a bit of other formats.) Please, no darkroom questions.
Expert: John and Chris Date: 2/1/2008 Subject: Lighting purchace
Question Hello-
I am about to buy my first professional light set and am in need of some advice. I was going to go with a continuous lighting system for a couple of reasons. I don't like to wait for recycle time,my current camera (6mp Sony Cybershot) does not have a hot shoe adaptor or sync port, and I heard that since it provides "what you see is what you get lighting" it is a good choice for beginners and I can shoot in auto mode w/o a light meter, not to mention they are cheaper(1000w variable 2 light system). I would go with a florescent "cool light System" so there would not be any heat issues. Great right---But then I was told that I should go for strobes b/c the continuous would not allow me to "stop the action" like a strobe would and it would have to be too bright to make the subjects comfortable. This would mean buying slave sets(I will only be able to afford 3 185 wt monolight sets, is that enough?) possibly a new camera and a light meter . And I don’t understand how I wouldnot be able to “stop the action” with continuous, b/c if I can change to “sports mode” setting it changes the shutter speed accordingly or I can go into manual mode and choose a faster shutter or different apperature-right? What do you recommend. I will be shooting pets and people in my garage studio.
Any help would be appreciated.
Answer Mally,
There is no easy answer here. Each type of lighting has its benefits. If stopping action is important, then strobes would be better. Continuous lights aren't bright enough to give you a decent shutter speed to stop action. But they are much easier to use because you can see to place your lights much more easily. Strobes are usually smaller and are less intrusive, and more comfortable for your subjects. With a little practice you can make either one work for you. Having said all that, I personally prefer strobes.
