One of the key elements to taking an exceptional photograph is using proper lighting and lighting techniques. I’d like to discuss the different types of lighting we offer and how they can benefit you next time you’re out shooting.
External Flash – External flash units attach to your camera using the hot shoe mount at the top of your camera. While each flash has something different to offer and their specifications vary greatly from flash-to-flash, they all carry the same general concept. An external flash offers an immediate burst of light that can be directed at your subject and/or ‘bounced’ to create the effect you’re looking for.
Internal Flash – Much like external flash units, internal flashes offer an immediate burst of light. However, they are much more simple in that the camera traditionally chooses all of the settings automatically. Internal flashes are generally integrated within your camera.
Flash Diffuser – Flash diffusers are a simple yet effective way to to modify your lighting. These help to soften and diffuse the light to help create an even light distribution, perfect for portraits.
LED Lighting – LED lights are traditionally used with camcorders to provide a bright continuous light. However, many LED lights include a shoe mount to make them compatible with DSLR cameras. In addition to mounting on your camera, LED lights are also made to work with studio lighting stands for use in studios.
Strobe Lighting – A strobe is defined as a “device that throws a large spark through a tube filled with gas in order to produce light”. Much like internal and external flash unites; strobes produce a sudden burst of light. One great advantage to strobe lighting is its ability to provide bursts of light as quickly as 1/50,000th of a second, which means you wouldn’t need to worry about your camera, or the subject, moving. Strobe lighting traditionally produces the same color as daylight, making it great for fill lighting outdoors.
Reflectors – When you’re shooting outside and don’t have an independent light source, using reflectors can be a great alternatives. Reflectors can be used by ‘bouncing’ light from the sun towards your subject.
