Light Sources for Photography

Light Sources for Photography

In a recent on-line discussion, someone offered a very confused (wrong) explanation of electronic flash options for photographic lighting.   To straighten out the confusion, here’s a very brief overview of light sources for photography.

Light sources that strobe/flash

  1. Studio strobe : Generally requires power from an AC wall-outlet
    More power (more than batteries) enables more light and shorter recycle time.
    Most studio strobes include a modeling light, which is a low-power continuous light that helps a photographer setup the light.
  2. Monolight (a.k.a monoblock) : Self-contained studio strobe (does not have an external power pack).  Some have an option to operate from battery.
  3. Speedlight : a small battery-powered strobe with hot shoe; can be used on or off camera
  4. Small strobe like a Speedlight but without hot shoe … is there a term for that?
  5. Camera built-in flash

Light sources that do Not strobe/flash

  1. Natural light, a.k.a. available light, ambient light … light not supplied by the photographer.
  2. Continuous light (a.k.a. video light) … is a light source that does not strobe/flash.
    Absolutely necessary for video applications, but can also be useful for still photography.
  3. Hot light … a “continuous light” that generates much heat.
    Tungsten and HMI (a.k.a. arc light) are examples of hot light technologies.
    LED is an example of continuous light technology that is Not hot.
  4. Flashlight / Light painting … this is a bit obscure, but some photographers have used a simple hand-held flashlight to “paint” light onto a subject during a very long exposure.

Light modifiers

Umbrella (There are reflective umbrellas and shoot-through umbrellas.)
Soft box
Beauty dish
etc.