Hi Ralph,
For really soft light and full-body shots, continuous light lamps aren’t ideal per se.
In this case, a flash setup with a large softbox and at least 2x500, or better still 2x1000WS, is recommended (especially if your camera operates at f/10).
Lamps are generally used to achieve a genuine ‘lamp light’ effect. This creates the look of portrait photography from the 1920s to the 1940s (think of an old film poster).
The light is relatively brilliant but still doesn’t cast any harsh shadows, as the 3x softbox is very large at 40 cm and can illuminate a portrait perfectly.
This approach deliberately sets you apart from the ultra-soft, shadow-free flashes that became fashionable in the 1980s.
At first glance, it seems easier to work with lamps because you can see what you’re doing, but they are also more difficult to master than two large softboxes.
Where it really is easier is with still life photography (reflections, etc.). Objects look even more boring without shadows than high-key portraits (because they lose all their three-dimensionality). So, it’s a case of skilful trial and error and moving the lamps around until the object is shown in the right light.
To come back to your questions:
Any lamp with an E27 socket will fit
When it comes to light direction, the shape of the lamp is important. That’s why we had the 4500L hand-bent to resemble a light bulb rather than buying those cheap stick lights.
The joints create square edges in the light, resulting in patches in the illumination.
NEWS +++
The 4500L will also be available in 5000 Kelvin in a few days. +++ NEWS
You could therefore use the 1600L and the 4500L in combination.
Lamps with colour temperatures other than 5000–6400K can be used (provided that all lamps subsequently have the same colour temperature), but they result in light loss because counter-filtering is required again. In theory, this should also apply to chips, but I believe the effect is highly dependent on the software. Significantly cheaper lamps should also deliver significantly less output. Our 1600L and 4500L actually offer very good value for money in terms of lumens per price.
For the application you mentioned, I would suggest the following combination:
A kit plus a softbox. Install the 4500L (the new version with 5000K) in the softbox as shown here (though with the Hercules tripod):
In the other lamp, a 1600L as a small accent light.
Add to this an ADOLIGHT 30 plus another 4500L as a second main light.
Combine this, if necessary, with a silver reflector umbrella. Don’t necessarily use our 12-euro umbrellas – they’re actually too small for this combination. Buy a larger one elsewhere. At least 120 cm.
We’re still looking for a reflector like that at a good price, but haven’t found one yet, so in the meantime you’ll have to ask your colleagues.
Best regards,
Mirko
