PORTRAIT STUDIO PHOTO SHOOT

All of our flash lights include continuous modeling lights that assist in arrangement of the lights. These lights are used to "visualize" the shadow effect of light placement. It is best to use the modeling lights in a dark room (very little ambient light). These lights can be switched off but this is not a requirement while shooting.

When positioning flash lighting, start with the key (primary) light (modeling light on, room and all other lights off). Maneuver the key light with subject in place until you achieve the shadow effect you like best. Now position the fill light with the key light off. Then turn both lights on and off selectively to optimize the effect you are seeking. Repeat this process with all other lights until the you have achieved your objective. Then take several trial flash images at several apertures to test your lighting setup. You may want to make some final adjustments to your setup to perfect your shot.

TRIGGERING CONSIDERATIONS

All of our strobe lights have master/slave triggering and will trigger from a direct cable connection to the camera, or by sensing the flash light from other strobes (slave mode). Typically the "key" light is connected to the camera "PC" connector and the remainder of the lights operate in slave mode. It is recommended to test the slave triggering by manually triggering your key light while observing the other lights to determine that they also trigger.

If one (or more) of the slave lights do not trigger you may have to reposition the light head so that the "sensor" is more "visible" to the trigger source light. If repositioning is not possible you will have to cable trigger this light with our cable connector. 

CAMERA EXPOSURE SETTINGS

The camera is typically used in "manual" mode with the shutter speed set to 1/125 - 1/250 of a second. Observe the recommendations of your camera manual. The most precise aperture setting is best obtained using a flash meter but digital cameras allow for quick review of images, and trial and error exposure settings. Start with an aperture of f 5.6 (ISA 100) and go up or down to compensate based on results. Always review your image on a computer or printer to accurately determine the best setting. Darker images are always better to work with than lighter images.

If any of the lights are moved or rearranged, light meter readings need to be repeated and the camera aperture adjusted to comply. If a flash meter is not being used you will have to re-shoot a series of test shots to adjust the aperture in order to obtain the correct exposure.