|
Choosing a light bulb
for your continuous lighting set-up
The light holder/adapters sold
in the CloverCity Sells Store will accept a medium (or standard)
base. The socket will accept up to a 150 Watt bulb.
Using a
continuous light set-up has many advantages. One of its main
features is the ability to 'Model' or watch as the light
falls on a subject while you position the lights. Another benefit of a
continuous light set-up is that it allows you a professional
set-up on a budget. The continuous set-ups offered today are
normally a fraction of the price of strobe set-ups. And finally
they are simple to set-up and take down, offering the photographer
mobility to go on location easily.
Once you decide on a
continuous light set-up the next consideration is what type of
bulb does the set need? Of course, there is no simple answer to
what will work best for your needs. I've put together this guide
to help you understand your choices and help you make a more
informed decision.
So, let's get started!
Choosing The Right Light
For Your Set
Digital Camera or Film Camera?
The range of choices available to you
is wide
if you are using a digital camera. Most digital cameras
come with a 'white balance' feature. The white balance allows you
to adjust (or toggle) a setting that will compensate for different
light types. Or, if your digital camera doesn't have the feature,
you will be able to adjust most color changes with your photo
editing software.
On the digital camera look for the symbol that looks like a little bulb. When you find it, and turn
your camera setting to it, you will be able to shoot using any
tungsten (or standard everyday) light bulb.
Your digital camera will also have a setting that
allows you to shoot using overhead florescent tubes as well, it
normally looks like a little cigar. However, don't confuse overhead
fluorescents with the new compact fluorescent bulbs purchased for
tungsten bulb replacements, they emit a slightly different color
(temperature).
If you are shooting with a film camera your
choices are more limited. There are films that compensate for
minor color differences but film can not compensate for all the
different color temperatures that different light types emit.
When you shoot with a film camera it's time to
learn about color temperature and how it affects the finial image.
Every light source has a different hue or color, depending on it's
'temperature'. This temperature is measured in (or referred to as)
Kelvin.
Here are some examples:
- Daylight - 5000 K to 7,000
- Home light bulbs (tungsten) 2700
K
- Fluorescent tubes 3500 K
|
|
|
|
As you can see the lower the
number on the Kelvin scale the warmer - or more yellow/red the
color light will be. In the middle range it tends to be greenish until
you get to about 5,000K. At 5,000 K it becomes white and
moves from white to blue as it moves up the scale. (The actual
color temperature during the day depends on time of day, overcast,
time of year etc. But that's a different topic.)
Most studio photographers want
their product and portrait shots to look natural, as if taken on a
normal sunny day so a Kelvin Temperature of around 5000 to 6400 is
desired.
When you see bulbs with a
Kelvin number of 5000 to 6400 they are often referred to as
"Daylight Balanced." These daylight balanced bulbs are
the perfect solution for a film photograph. As you may understand
film doesn't change what it sees, our eyes may - but film does not. If
the light temperature is 2700, then film will render it as such. Our
eyes, on the other hand, will send the message to our brains which
automatically adjusts it during processing the message. We see
that warm light as natural.
You will see bulbs sold in the
hardware store referred to as 'daylight.' Check the Kelvin rating
on them before purchase. If they are lower than 5000 K chances are
you will get a yellowish or greenish cast to your photo.
Many professional
photographers choose the higher quality and slightly whiter "Super
Daylight Balanced" bulbs. They render a nice clean white
color. These are especially desirable with product photographers
who are creating that all white "high key" look.
So, the first decision as to
which bulb you need must be made on which type of camera you are
using: film or digital. If it's a film camera look for a daylight
balanced bulb around 5000 to 6400K.
If it's digital you may use
any light available. Of course, you can always use a daylight
balanced bulbs so you don't need to worry about the
white balance setting or correcting the image in photo editing
software.
The next decision is what actual
style of bulb to use. There are several considerations when
choosing the style/type of bulb used. Essentially for the sets sold in
the CloverCity Sells Store there are two choices: Standard Photo
Flood Bulbs and Compact Fluorescent Bulbs (or CFL).
The Photo Flood bulbs look similar
to regular light bulbs. These bulbs are generally cheaper
than CFL's. Their drawback is that they only maintain color
balance for a few hours. They may still light up, but they start
to darken and move toward the yellow end of the Kelvin scale.
Another drawback is that they are very hot to work under. This is
not very good for small objects that may melt or for clients who
are sitting for a portrait.
As a result photographers are quickly embracing
CFL's. They are physically cooler to work with and they last
for thousands of hours, all the while holding their color
temperature.
CFL's are great for close-up
or product photography as well. They stay cool so you have
fewer chances of burning or melting the items.
The CFL's are rated at lower
Watts than the Photo Flood Bulbs because they are much more energy
efficient. The lower watt still emits the equivalent amount of
brightness. The benefits of this are many. First your electric bill
will be lower. Another problem many photographers face when using
continuous lights is the electric capacity of their space. This
shouldn't be taken lightly, I recommend checking with an
electrician before burning your house down! However, because the
CFL's are drawing fewer watts you are decreasing the risk of
electrical fire.
-
Daylight balanced or house hold bulb?
Depends on Film or Digital
-
Photo Flood Bulbs or Compact Fluorescent?
Depends on your current budget
To keep the price down on the light kits sold
through CloverCity they are sold without bulbs. This will give
you to option of using which-ever light works best for your
camera. There are many benefits to using the new CFL's on the
market today, whether you are a digital or a film photographer.
Should you decide you want to use them you can buy Daylight
Balanced Compact Fluorescent Bulbs from the store. If you
purchase them at the same time as you purchase your light kit or
set we will combine shipping.
To email me for more information contact
Cindy Shebley
|
) 
