Strobes, Speedlights, or Continuous - what are you using?

[Kustomkarma]

Howdy All,

I haven't posted in awhile due to being super busy with photography, life, my day job, etc. I'm still shooting as much as possible and have been trying to refine my indoor lighting techniques. I have been using old school Norman strobes, but find that I don't always want the yellowish tint that they give photos. More recently, I have been using just the modeling lamps on my strobes and using my little Lumopro flash for fill and to pop the model off of the background. Shooting this way got me thinking about trying out some continuous fluorescent lighting - either with just a reflector or possibly coupled with a soft box. I have been looking at the Linco Flora setups - and like what I see so far ...but before I plop down $300.00 or so I'd like to hear from anyone that's using them. This all brings me to my question: What do you guys and gals prefer for indoor lighting - Strobes, Speedlights, or Continuous? 

[Bodacious Betty {★}]

I used to use continuous lighting, but I have since moved to off camera speedlights/strobes.   It's much more portable and the lighting looks less flat.  I just recently acquired a 28" Westcott sofbox and love it;  I'll eventually get a larger one. 

[Kustomkarma]

Thanks for the info! I too dislike flat lighting, which is why I use the speedlight to pop the model off the back ground. I don't hate the Normans I have, I just don't always want a yellow cast to my pictures. I have an enormous softbox that fits my Normans that I like. I may have to look into getting one that I can mount a speedlight to. 

[Bodacious Betty {★}]

What about using a gel to color correct your Normans?

[Kustomkarma]

That's a good point. I don't have any experience with them. Do you have any suggestions in regard to colors?

[Bodacious Betty {★}]

I have gels for my speedlights; I'm not sure which model Normans you have, but ebay or Amazon usually carry some.  Here's a set I found on ebay for $13:  http://www.amazon.com/NEEWER%C2%AE-Photographic-Honeycomb-Norman-Sm...

[Bodacious Betty {★}]

I also found a nice article on how to use gel to balance color cast:  http://www.digital-photography-school.com/how-to-color-balance-your...

And another one here: 

http://strobist.blogspot.com/2006/03/lighting-101-using-gels-to-cor...

[RyanBoothPhotography]

I come from a cinematic background, and I use continuos lighting.  I'm just more familiar with them which is why I prefer that kind of lighting.  

[Edson Carlos]

Good to see another Kustomkarma post! I hate when real world gets in the way ;)

I use a single speedlight. I love hot lights as well. I like flat lighting and love shadows ;P

[Edson Carlos]

Thats awesome! Perhaps thats where my interest comes from also. I used to do studio lighting and club lighting.

RyanBoothPhotography said:

I come from a cinematic background, and I use continuos lighting.  I'm just more familiar with them which is why I prefer that kind of lighting.  

[Kustomkarma]

Hi kids! I too dig oversaturated lighting - either while I'm shooting or afterwards when I'm editing. I like high contrast colors and abstract shapes (I'm slowly working towards this in my photos.) I'm actually in the process of selling off my Norman stuff as I think it's time to rock some Bees.

[SuzieQPinups]

Hi guys, I'm new to pinup lifestyle as of yesterday.  What is your basic setup for a pinup portrait on seamless?  I usually shoot natural light but I feel I want to kick it to the next level.  Any recommendations? I should note that I have a set of Radio Poppers but one speedlight and softbox.  

[Cliff]

Vintage lighting ...vintage photos...i use continuous...