Studio Lighting – Accessories I

Studio flash units consist of a delicate, gas-filled glass tube with wire wrapped round it. When electricity is discharged into the wire, the gas in the tube is excited and emits a burst of intense light. A power unit is used to build up the necessary charge, and dials or slider controls are used to vary the output of the flash.

Two different types of flash unit are available. One - the monobloc - combines the lamp, controls, and the power supply in a single unit. This is the less-expensive option, but when mounted on stands these units are ungainly. However, if more power is needed, you simply add another mono-bloc. The alternative option is a separate power pack connected to the lamp by a cable. The advantage of this design is that lamps are compact and lightweight compared with the monoblocs; in addition, all lamps can be controlled from the camera position. However, power output is limited by the capacity of the power pack.

A suitable starting outfit for portraiture and still-life comprises two units of at least 500Ws (Watt/ sec power) offering variable power over at least a 2-f/stop range. You will also need lighting stands, a synchronization lead, and a range of light-shapers appropriate for the type of work you do.

Light-shapers
The light from a flash unit can be shaped to give many styles of illumination. A spotlight creates a concentrated, intense beam; honeycombs give directional light favoured in portraiture; small reflector bowls create keylights; while very large, matte-surfaced bowls give a soft, fill-in light.

Probably the most useful light-shaper is the soft-box - a large reflector with a diffusing screen made of soft materials hung on a frame. With the diffuser attached, a soft-box provides soft, low-contrast light; with the diffuser removed, the unit produces a directional, though not harsh, light.

Esprit 250
A monobloc of modest power and relatively low cost, suitable for portraiture and small-scale still-life work. It accepts a wide range of light-shapers and is also easy to use. Its light weight makes it a candidate for location work.

Universal spot
The light-shaper attached to the monobloc delivers a controllable and intense beam of light that is suitable for projecting images. Precision control of light power is especially important with spotlights.


Steve J. Wilson is living in the United States and is a freelance writer since 2006, in digital photography related topics. If you are interested in some useful Digital Photography Classes, than you are in the right place.

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