Continuous Lighting vs. Strobes
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 3 ต.ค. 2018
- Learn when to best use continuous lighting and strobes for your indoor and outdoor photo shoots!
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Jay P. Morgan has been working as a Commercial Photographer and Film Director in the Los Angeles area for more than 20 years developing an impressive list of clients from Paramount to McDonald's. Jay P.'s experience with elaborate set design and extensive lighting are key to the success of his illustrative work.
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Despite the continuous light lacking enough take-over power, it produces a more natural result. I find the images where the strobe is noticeably effective in defeating ambient light have a more artificial look. Either is fine depending on what you're going for, but for me, I preferred the continuous.
Agree. But I personally just love that artificial feel lol
I concur. I find the strobe images have a harsher light while the continuous source has a warmer, more natural light. The strobe probably works well for fashion photography, but I prefer the continuous.
Yes the color temperature adds a huge effect to the image. Thanks for sharing with us!
Much of that continuous light "natural look" has to do with the amount of fill in the shadows. The examples shown above were all using the exact same setup, which will automatically make the strobes look more contrasty because of a lack or reduced amount of ambient light, especially outdoors. If JP had used a reflector for the shadows with the strobe, the results would have looked closer. But I agree, I preferred the continuous light shots too.
You are right. The power of the strobes is higher and the ambient gets crushed and so it needs a fill card. Good Catch.
Your such a Humble Guy...Giving out so freely your expertise !!!
Thanks James! Appreciate your comment!
I love how you made this filming different parts of yourself with differing opinions and had them reacting to what the other said, well done and helpful information. I appreciate your efforts. It's educational and entertaining too ;)
Thanks for your nice feedback!
I loved it too, I think after a minute or two listening guy ran out of live video so you froze him haha.
Super helpful video. Ive been into photography a while now, but mostly focusing on video. Never really bothered with strobes, only now starting to use lights underwater. This was a very concise explanation of the pros and cons of cont vs strobe lights. Thank you :)
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!
Immensely helpful! Prior to this vid, my brain was overheating cuz i had no clue where to start buying studio lights. Appreciate your different personalities reacting to one another! Thank you
Glad it helped! Good luck with your shoots!
Great video! Exactly what I was looking for!!
Your videos are extremely informative, entertaining and you have great taste in shirts. Thanks for the excellent tutorials.
Thanks Laurie! Interested in joining us for our free business call next week?
Very good comparison. I use both continuous and strobes. I can always put a filter on the strobe to warm it up. Or change the color temp on my light panel to make it harsher. Great time to have so many tools available.
Very true! We have so many tools at our disposal!
Give a thumbs up and subscribe if you like this video! Also stay tuned for our LIVE 2PM Q&A Session! I will be there to answer all your questions or comments on this topic!
The Slanted Lens with the T6i I use I tend to use constant light for all my photos, I mainly use battery powered ryobi work lights and use tissue paper to diffuse it or change colors.
@@Mozingotube Nice, that's a great budget option. Have you tried using strobes before for your still photography?
Another fantastic overview, Jay P.! Thank you so much!
Thanks Sean! You're welcome :)
Great video kind sir. Really appreciate all the knowledge . Thanks!
You're very welcome. Check out our new video basics download for more information: theslantedlens.com/video-basics-for-photographers-workshop/
I love this channel! Appreciate all of the wonderful tutorials... You're going to make an honest photographer out of me yet :-) Be well and stay encouraged!
Thanks so much Jacob! It's supporters like you that make it easy to do my job. Got any questions for us?
That's exactly what I was thinking.
Please keep them coming. You've got a sub, TSL. < 3
The first time when I saw those pictures 9:11 I liked the continuous light better, the second time I looked I felt in love with the punch of strobes :D
It is nice to be able to have both options.
Great video! Clear and easy to understand. Thank you
You are welcome! Glad you found it helpful!
I like the more natural look of continuous light. The backlit shot had a nice broadcast cam like image. Plus since I have a tripod and never photograph people I can still keep my ISO low and also improvise any kind of normal light from regular stores into my use. Most of my lighting equipment was cheap or free.
Sounds like a good approach. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for this!!!! Great content!
My pleasure! Wish you much success with your photography!
Great stuff as always JP
Thanks Paul!
Very good advice as per.
Beautiful model too ... That helps greatly 👍
Thanks Chris!
A great budget Continuous LED for studio is the Godox SL60. It takes bowen mount softboxes and pretty powerful. There is also a battery pack version but I don't think it will have enough power at last for my needs it does not.
But for studio work, is not only cheap but really good.
Awesome. Thanks for sharing that with us, we know the Aputure is a bit pricier for people!
You are very welcome. Indeed its good we have so many options these days. Of course there is also Rotolight which I use as well but I like being able to use any of my bowen mount softboxes so that is where a SL60 or Aputure fits nicely.
I use the Baja B6 ... so you know where I stand hahaha. I used continuous when I first started shooting... those huge hot lights (Light bulbs) ... oh the memories.
Awesome! Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us, it's always great to know what kind of equipment our subscribers are using as well
I'm only a few seconds in, but this is such a funny and cool video! Love the "duality of man" thing going on
Really helps drive points home
Totally sold on this channel
Thanks and welcome.
Super presentation !
Thank you very much. Glad you enjoyed it!
Great ,fun with very valuable information video
Thanks! What videos would you be interested in seeing next?
Super helpful! Thank you!
Glad it was helpful! It is such a great topic. I use both and love them both in different ways.
Love your videos
Thanks! Got any questions for us?
This was incredibly helpful.
Brilliant!
Thanks for watching!
One thing to note, as my experience tells me is that continuous light lacks the contrast but the strobe lights give excellent contrast to the portrait. Yes, a good 600W strobe can beat the sun you can shoot wide open, and blur the background. My choice is the strobe vs the continuous light for still photography. For Video continuous light is a good solution.
Thanks for sharing with us!
I think it's easier to feel the light with continuous to create an atmosphere. But your video make me think, I will try again the strobes !
You can do it! Good luck with your strobe shoots!
Great information thank you
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for your comment!
thank you i learned a lot! :)
Glad to hear that! Hope you can apply some of those good tips.
Thanks for your great video! I have been using my studio strobes for many years as well as shooting video with a small Aputure continuous kit. Given how LEDs get more powerful every month and camera dynamic range at higher ISO is improving, in 2021 do you think shutter speeds in the 1/200th - 1/400th range are possible with equal quality? I am researching continuous options as I ponder upgrading to a Godox strobe kit. I would love your input. Thanks!
I still feel like strobes give you way more options and they are still a better bet. But the Aputure 300 D2 is a very powerful light and depending on the situation may give you what you want.
@@TheSlantedLens Thanks. I actually light more for video these days than photo, so it makes financial sense to go the continuous route. But I totally agree, strobes are better in some situations. Outdoor is tough with continuous.
Thank you for sharing.
My pleasure! Appreciate your support!
Great comparison between the two. Stunning model too.
Thanks John! Join us for our LIVE show on Tuesday at 3PM for more great info :)
Yes.
For still strobe!
for video Continous light!
Does your work focus more on stills or video?
I dunno, strobes for video gives a nice 70s nostalgia vibe. 😏😁😇
Great video nice
Even though I’m a strobe shooter I preferred all your continuous light photos
That is interesting. Thanks for watching!
NICE vid, just what I needed.
Glad we could help! Are you shooting with constant light or strobes right now?
Both, some times each alone and some times both together.
My thinking is in which one to invest more now.
Hmm, what do you shoot more, stills or video?
Stills, but I realize video is getting more importance by the day.
Yes, the video industry is definitely on the rise, but stills are also very much in demand! What kind of photography do you specialize in?
Great info/video. What was it like for her? Does a strobe make it harder on the subject to smile/relax?
No, we photograph talent with strobes all of the time.
@@TheSlantedLens She didnt have a natural smile beauty. She looked bored.
Thanks a lot ! 😃
You are welcome! Thanks for watching!
You can overpower ambient light using continuous light. However, not with a softbox. You need to use Aputure Fresnel 2x modifier. You can achieve f/16 light power for headshots by focusing light at 12 degrees from a distance of 4 feet. Camera setting f/5.6, ISO 100, at 1/50 shutter speed, and 3-stop ND filter on the camera lens. I achieved this light power on Aperture 100d which is Aputure’s least expensive light.
Your comparison leaves out the major factor of how powerful is the ambient light. In any kind of well lit situation it becomes very hard to get beautiful, soft light and overpower ambient light. If I move a small hard light and focus it and move it 6 inches away from the person I will probably overpower the ambient. But it will be harsh light. I respect your perspective. Share some images with us using what you are talking about.
She's really pretty!
Hope you learned something as well!
I agree! (but I'm not a "professional" photographer)
Yes she is but has no personality. I dont think she's cut out to be model.
New to photography and i have a birthday party in a ranch and its super dark. Is it possible to use a flash and a light at the same time. Will it mKe a difference
Yes you can use an LED light and a flash at the same time but generally the LED will be under powered and won't give you much light.
You own my Bank Chase lol
I wish I did haha
I believe a while ago they had someone with the (last) name Chase on the channel lol
We did. Jay P. Morgan and Chase. It was the Laws of light 3 light set up.
Jay P Jay P -- While doing research on continuous light vs. strobes I landed here -- I plan to transition to boudoir photography .... Anyways I use dynalites for my strobes ... I see you use them also in this vid - Well I left my trigger at a shoot and didn't realize it till later. Later after I attempted to buy another one ....... it's early Feb 2021 and I found out they filed chapter 7 in early Jan 2021. Not a trigger to be found - Oh well, the one I have I'll have to be a tad bit more responsible. I'm also looking at the Godox lights.
Yeah, that was sad news. We are loving the Westcott lights!
I suppose like most things it amounts to horses for courses. Continuous is nice in that as you say it is more WYSIWYG but also shutter speed is somewhat more free even with focal plane shutters. However for any reasonable film speed they have to be so bright (i.e. nuclear fission bright) that they become very annoying and intrusive to any sentient life forms involved and will lead to constricted pupils which may produce an unnatural look in closeups. For still life work in studio I think continuous is a clear winner.
For portable/location work or candids flash has logistical advantages and is less disruptive due to the short duration.
Great perspective. The reason I use strobes is because they can compete with the sun outside or indoor ambient light.
Can I check the values of a constant Light with the same.lightmeter that I use for my strobes?
You have to have a light meter that will do strobes and ambient. Most meters that do strobes can do ambient. But not all meters that do ambient can do strobes.
Wow, what a beautiful model..phew..
❤️
Glad you liked it. Thanks for watching!
Is there a physical limitation preventing one light from doing both strobe and continuous lighting?
To my knowledge Rotolight does both.
Strobes can be much more powerful, as it's easy to create bulb that survive 500watt and heat is easy to transfer as under 5% duty and power source can use caps to store up power before firing, kind of hard to create a jack of all trade but you end up getting a master of none.
Am I seeing something not right? At 7:40 you show settings that could be set at the same - the strobe is at ISO 500 yet for the LED it's set at ISO 100 (exposure triangle) - the LED could have been used at ISO 500..increasing the shutter speed accordingly.. Even at 9:20 the settings in ISO is 1 stop apart (like for like would be a better comparison). Although in general...valid points. My preference is continuous but I have to use flash, when I need to, as my gear (Canon 600d/tri and a Samsung NX11) with Canon speedlights is the gear I have and know how to use them well.
Yes you are seeing it right. In the case of 7:40 that was a mistake. The strobe settings were not matched correctly to the constant. My mistake. As for 9:20 I did not want to move the strobe farther away from the subject, and change the quality of light, and I had to much power so I cut the ISO one stop.
Thanks. I much prefer continuous because switching from photo to video is something I do a lot and WYSIWYG is the future, although as you know, for certain types of photo capture - flash will, probably, always be needed for those types of photography :)
Awesome. Thanks for watching our video and giving us feedback!
I like using both types of lighting and mixing them at times too. Strobes are great all-around choices for stills, but continuous lighting is the only way to go if you're into motion work.
Yeah we agree! We mix lights all the time to get the effect that we want.
For video use continuous light for stills strobes are better as they are more versatile and the subjects don't get hot. Most of it depends on what you are trying to achieve in the end. There are other forms of continuous light that provide more power than LED's.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
@@TheSlantedLens HMI lighting provides a lot more light than most LED lights, for example.
Somewhat off topic... I always found that flashbulbs (yes I am that old) gave more natural results than electronic flash. Yet I always wondered why. Was it the difference in amplitude curve, the spectrum, the shape of the source and reflector, some combination, or something else. Use of clear bulbs on color film gave some interesting results.
I know the curve definitely made a difference in night scenes with falling snow.
Flashbulbs definitely packed a lot of punch in a small package. IIRC P5B and P25B gave GN of about 250 at ASA 100 and the clears even more.
With the passing of Kodachrome and flashbulbs I really think as still photographers we are poorer in significant ways. Cue OK Boomer. 😁
I feel like any strobe can be modified to give you a beautiful look and match most things out there once you figure it out.
Well... to compare the two examples at Minute 09:15 i realize a couple of disadvantages by the strobes: 1st There are harsh shadows on the model´s face, wich are not at the conitnous light-version. 2nd i realize a mixture of coldwhite and warmwhite colors in the same picture, while the continous light-version are actually balanced with warmwhite-Colors. To rebalance the light on the continous light-version, there were actually the simple solution to use a reflector who brings more light on the dark side of her face. At the end i think, it´s just a matter of taste.
Yes, I do think it is a matter of personal taste.
i really couldn't be able to buy a 6 piece taco from you!
darn. i wish i sold tacos!
What is the use case for Fresnel or softbox when usign constant lights?
You use a softbox when you want a larger softer light source. You use the fresnel when you want a harder more focused light source.
@@TheSlantedLens Thank you! I need to buy a spotlight, nothing too pro, was thinking about the Godox SL100D for indoor filming. Would tha be OK with 120cm octabox?
Strobes :D
They are so great for giving you control of the lighting.
What if now using apurture 300d or 600d
Those two lights have significant power but they still aren't as much power as a strobe by about 3 stops.
So she goes from smiling to bored? Good to know. I'll only use lightning now 😊
Thanks for watching. Keep on clickin!
If I could find a continuous light as bright as a strobe.. hmm.. I could blind people and get THE BEST PHOTOS!
Is jay p Morgan your real name or a play on the legendary investment banker ?
Maybe wishful thinking. You have to thank my parents for the crazy name.
you missied the # benefit of led: adjustable colour temp to match the other light. Yes, you can use gels on a strobe, but what a pita.
That outdoor shot, the strobe looks cool and stark compared to the ambient light. This maodel should look warm and inviting, ie a warm colour temp, and you led light does that, but you strobe looks cool and univiting. ie, match your light with the surrounds, and many leds have adjustable colour.
We definitely did miss that! Thanks for mentioning it.
Please make more videos on constant LED light photography with camera settings... Thank you 👍🤝
Will do! Thanks for the suggestion.
Introducing Elena would have been nice (Elena vs. Chopped Liver)
She was great! Thanks for watching!
This is a bit of a misunderstanding. both constant and strobe can "freeze" photos for sharpness. Sharpness is normally controlled by shutter speed. Strobes can allow you to increase shutter speed, however, constant lights can also allow you to shoot at 250 or 500. Then the question becomes what f stop you need to shoot at, and adjust accordingly. Strobes do offer more power, but it may not be needed. fwiw...
I have shot hundreds of things with motion and it takes too much light or too high of an ISO to give you clean frozen images. Strobes have a t-mode that cuts the flash duration and it is much more effective in freezing action than the shutter speed.
@@TheSlantedLens t mode stands for time mode. Shutter speed, even if the strobe fires at 1/10000 of a second your shutter speed is around 1/250 or so. Which brings it around to again... How much light does the strobe or continuous light produce... Imho
@@TheSlantedLens that might be true in some circumstances... And I'm definitely not bashing strobes. But if you're shooting a headshot or other photos that don't have a lot of motion, continuous lights are fine
For people who want to bash his points, consider the fact that the entire video is shot with continuous light.
Yup, it was haha.
Next time try Aputure LS C300d instead of 120
We have the Aputure 300d as well!
USA and Russia... working together....
We like to work with a diverse group of models! Can't say much beyond that though haha
Hi JP
Hey Dave, how's it going?
SPORTS: Continuous
Portraits: Strobes
Good point. Thanks for watching!
Sports? How would u light a soccer match hehe ?
You can't "overpower the sun" with a strobe. I know what you are trying to say, but it isn't overpowering the sun. I do love all your videos, very informative. I have learned a lot.
Haha yeah, we may have exaggerated a little bit, but thanks for watching!
i will over power the moon for sure!
Haha true
Spy VS Spy. 🤣
no spies here! we are sharing with you all our secrets
Fabulous acting skills by Mr. Morgan. In case this photography thing doesn't work out, I think we found his calling.
I thought strobes had modeling lights?
Strobes do have modeling lights but that is just for set up. Not for getting your exposure.
Yes he shoot that video with continuous light!!!! Is another way out there that i am missing? People use to shoot videos with strobe right? With what light? With the model lamp on????? wtf learn the basics people before you comment!!!
For still photography there are definitely more options, but this is more of a comparison for those who go back and forth between stills and videos!
Wait a second at 7:41 you are comparing 500 iso for the strobe to 100 iso on the continuous. NOT A COMPARISON.
We are comparing work flow not ISO. But strobes will always have more power than continuous light.
I believe the images were labeled incorrectly and the continuous ISO should be the higher number.
Continuous lights=vastly cheaper for new photographers to purchase, especially if you're trying to get clients and don't have an established business already to justify spending 200+ on a SINGLE strobe.
Hell, you can get a cheap set off amazon and slap some silly powerful LED bulbs on there and get EXTREMELY bright lighting. 4 lights for $70, maybe 100 bucks if you add some insane LED bulbs on there, vs...one strobe for....200+.
Continuous FTW.
Good points. Thanks for watching!
@@TheSlantedLens NP! Love your videos. Watched your lighting tutorial on my first ever headshot/portrait session and the images came out amazing!
Contious looks better to me.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
I like strobes because they have the power to blind your model, and she won't see how bad your photos turned out because your auto focusing on your cheap 50mm sucks.
Wow, what a coincidence, that is the same reason I use it.
WRONG: you wrote "Strobes also can’t sync at any faster than 1/200"............... NOPE! You need to learn what HYPERSYNC is and how its far superior to HSS and totally diff. in nature. .....Also youre confusing SYNC with COVER (the shutter exposure duration)
The fact is that you can not sync your Camera at faster than 1/200 at most. The only way you can use Hypersync is to use a pocket wizard or other after market product that supports Hypersync. Your strobe cannot have a fast flash duration. It works best with a strobe that has a slow flash duration. Not good for freezing action. You are technically right that a camera can sync at faster speeds with additional equipment. Its not what they are designed to do is my point.
@@TheSlantedLens Hey look, it's Ken Wheeler. The man that sits in front of a camera all day long talking about gear without ever actually leaving his cave and taking pictures worth showing. So he has to boost his small ego by crapping on videos of other content creators and act as if he knows what's necessary to take good pictures.
0:13 - she looks like "i could have done my homework meanwhile ... too bad i'm stupid and stuck in my little job to buy these shoes to finally show Rachel i'm more wealthy and she's just a poor little gurl."
Thanks for watching and keep on clickin!
get a strobe
We have plenty. Thanks for watching!
Why is she making that face?
Got me. She was a great model.
th-cam.com/video/3v98CPXNiSk/w-d-xo.html
Wish the model talked instead of seeming like a prop.
Yeah! We usually do engage more with our models, but she wasn't really comfortable with her english, so we decided not to put it in.
That lady looks like she hates being there.
She was great to work with.