Page 27 - (DK) Advanced Photography Guide

E Q UIPMEN T 25

Other types of flash
There are two basic types of external flash: manual firing pin, a proprietary flash has communication
and proprietary. A manual flash only has one pin on pins, the positions of which vary between
the foot of the flash, the firing pin, and it can be used manufacturers. The advantages of a proprietary
on nearly every camera with a hot shoe but offers flash are that the exposure can be automated and
little or no exposure automation. In addition to the modes such as High Speed Sync are available.

CONTINUOUS LIGHTING

The one big advantage that continuous lighting has over flash to this kind of lighting is that it is usually far less powerful than
is that the effect of any change you make in the position or flash; it is also less portable. Each type of continuous lighting
intensity of a light will be immediately apparent. The downside has its own unique characteristics.

STUDIO LIGHTS LED LIGHTING
Studio lights use either LED is a type of continuous
incandescent tungsten photographic lighting that is
or fluorescent bulbs. available either as an array
Incandescent lighting has across a rectangular panel or
a color temperature of as a ring light (see below). It is
approximately 2,900 Kelvin (K). very power-efficient and does
Light from fluorescent bulbs not get hot, so it is safe to
is more neutral, typically use for long periods, and can
3,000–4,200K. Incandescent be placed close to a subject
lights generate heat, making without causing damage.
them less easy to handle than LED lighting is available in
fluorescent lighting, which a number of different color
runs at a lower temperature. temperatures (measured
Tungsten bulbs also don’t last in Kelvin) and often can
as long as fluorescent ones. be dimmed to reduce
LED LAMP ▲ the light intensity.

RING LIGHT
Circular in shape, ring lights are available in different
sizes and as both flash and continuous lighting.
Small ones can be attached to the filter thread on the
front of a lens and are most often used for macro
photography. Large ring lights tend to be used in
studios, usually when shooting portraits. Both types
produce a soft, even light and create distinctive
circular highlights on reflective surfaces.

▲ STUDIO LIGHT ▶ MACRO RING LIGHT

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