Continuous lighting can be a huge convenience for studio work. It offers a different experience and challenges, especially if you are used to natural light or flash. This helpful video tutorial will walk you through a simple one-light setup.
Coming to you from Mitch Lally, this informative video showcases his first experience with continuous lighting. Lally keeps the setup simple with just one light, making it accessible for anyone looking to experiment with studio lighting.
The continuous light allows for real-time adjustments, letting you see changes in shadows and highlights immediately. This immediacy can be incredibly beneficial, providing a hands-on learning experience that helps you understand how light shapes your subject.
Throughout the shoot, Lally discovers the practicalities and limitations of continuous lighting. The Aputure Amaran 300C, even at full power, sometimes struggles to compete with ambient light. This experience underlines a key point: while continuous lighting offers great control and flexibility, it might not always be as powerful as flash in certain conditions. Understanding this helps set realistic expectations and prepares you for various shooting environments.
Lally finds that continuous lighting fosters a more fluid and dynamic shooting environment. Unlike flash, which can be startling, continuous light is consistent and less intrusive, making it easier to maintain a relaxed atmosphere. This consistency also helps with achieving a specific mood or look, as the light remains steady throughout the session.
Another advantage Lally highlights is the ability to collaborate more effectively with your team. Since everyone can see the lighting setup and its effects in real-time, it’s easier to make adjustments on the fly. This collaborative aspect enhances the creative process, allowing for more spontaneous and organic results.
Lally also touches on the practical aspects of using continuous light. He appreciates the straightforward setup and the ability to adjust the light without the need for complex configurations. This simplicity makes continuous lighting an excellent choice for those new to studio photography or for quick, efficient shoots. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Lally.
If you would like to continue learning about how to light a portrait, be sure to check out "Illuminating The Face: Lighting for Headshots and Portraits With Peter Hurley!"
