A photographer adjusts a flash light with umbrella attachment
The type of lighting a photographer chooses to use in a studio is an important decision. There are many different factors that can influence that choice, including style, space, budget, subject and others.
Pros of Flash Lighting
Also known as strobe lighting, this is the preferred choice of many photographers. They emit a relatively low amount of heat because they are only on for a brief time. They also provide more light output with the use of less energy.
Cons of Flash Lighting
The drawback of flash or strobe lighting is that since you can't always see how they are lighting the subject, it can be difficult to know what it will look like when shot. However, experience and familiarity with the lights can overcome this.
Pros and Cons of Hot Lights
Also known as continuous lights, they are made with either tungsten, fluorescent or hydrargyrum medium-arc iodide (HMI) bulbs. Tungsten lights are the cheapest, and thus popular with beginners or those on a low-budget. However, they also produce the most heat and use the most energy. Fluorescent bulbs generate less heat, but are the least powerful light source and thus not an ideal choice in a studio setting. HMI lights are common in the motion-picture industry but are usually large and expensive, making them less suitable for a photography studio.
Tags: Also known, Flash Lighting, strobe lighting