How to Use a Stroboscope
Photographers have been fascinated with capturing motion, since the invention of the camera. Many techniques have been developed for the application of capturing motion, but the stroboscope is one of the first. With a little know-how a stroboscope can become a great tool in your efforts to photograph motion. Read on to learn how to use a stroboscope.
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Instructions
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1
Decide upon the motion that you would like the subject to perform, whether it be swinging a golf club, rolling a ball or performing a ballet step. Use your imagination as the sky is the limit.
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Place the subject against a dark background, so that in the final photo the subject does not appear transparent. It is best that the subject wear light colored clothing, or that the subject matter is of a light color.
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3
Measure the light level based on one single flash of the stroboscope, adjusting the aperture of the lens for the film speed. It is best to slightly underexpose the film for each flash to prevent image overlap density on the negative.
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4
Set the flash rate of the stroboscope depending on how many separate images and how close together you want the final images. The faster the rate of flash, the closer together and the more final images will appear.
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Trip the shutter according to a set, estimated exposure time or simply open the shutter at "B" when the action begins, closing it again when the action ends.
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Tips & Warnings
A mechanical stroboscope, which is made from a small motor and a slotted rotating disc, can be more economical and practical for the amateur photographer. A mechanical stroboscope can be made easily at home, and is often more useful, as it does not rely on flashing light, but natural light.
It is also possible to simulate a stroboscope by triggering a flash manually, however measuring the frequency of flashes evenly is not easy, and may be limited if your flash requires recharging time.
