By Lenie Brooks - Studio photography utilises all forms of artificial light. In fact, studio photographers totally depend on different types of artificial light to achieve different photography styles. The four most commonly used artificial lighting tools for studio photography are the following:
Flash - It is the term used for artificial light sources that are of high intensity and short duration. Flash is not a continuous light since the light it makes could reach only short distances. It is balanced to daylight to achieve correct colour tone.
AC Discharge Lamp - This type of lighting tool produces less heat compared to tungsten. But like tungsten, it has very high output. The light it produces is not continuous and it will guarantees correct colour when balanced to daylight. AC discharge lamps are mostly used in the TV and movie industry.
Tungsten-halogen - Tungsten light sources are next to flash when it comes to the most commonly used artificial light. It makes light when the element inside the glass envelope is heated. Thus, tungsten-halogen heats up easily compared to other types of artificial light. It renders correct colour when balanced to tungsten. It will also not discolour after several years and will maintain correct colour balance. Tungsten light sources are commonly used as spotlights.
Photoflood -It is similar to typical domestic lamps. This type of artificial light renders correct colour when balanced to tungsten. The downside of this lighting equipment is that it could develop discolouration after several years of usage. When that happens, an orange colour cast will be evident especially when it is balanced to daylight. It could be rectified by using a blue filter or through post processing of pictures.
Having the right lighting tools however isn't enough to achieve correct exposure. Photographers also need light meter, an essential tool in photographers' studio kit, to help them determine the right amount of light to use, allow, and obstruct. Only light meter can tell exactly the relationship between lighting ratios and exposure.
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