How to Know the Type of Light to Use for a Photo Shoot

While available or natural lighting can create beautiful photos, artificial lights are more reliable and a necessity for a photo shoot in the studio. What type of lights you use for a photo shoot depends on your subjects, reflectors and time allotted. Lights fall into two main categories: floods or flash (strobe).

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Experiment with a flash, sometimes called a strobe, when using it in a studio. You don't have as much control with a flash, so you need to decide positioning and intensity before the photo shoot. In addition to built-in flashes, you can also use one that is wired to the camera but handheld, or a slave unit, which is independent of the camera and flashes when it senses another flash, allowing for even lighting.

2. Use a flood for most photo shoots in a studio. Two types of floods are available: a floodlight or a spotlight.

3. Select a floodlight if the reflector is large and round because this type of light covers a larger area.

4. Choose a spotlight if the reflector is narrow because this type of light's beam is more focused.

5. Buy a lighting kit as an alternative. In addition to photoflood bulbs, some kits may have reflectors, extension cords, and light stands.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a light meter if your camera is a 35mm.
• Be certain that your wattage does not exceed what your circuit is equipped to handle.
• Remember that high-wattage bulbs get hot, so do not touch them or leave subjects under them too long.