Lighting Techniques Question

[rickp1]

I'm trying to educate myself with different lighting techniques and I noticed something that I would like more info on.

I've seen some photographers use 2 or 3 flashes with no diffuser on a stand and placed in different locations/distances from the subject while being controlled by a pocketwizard, so my question is why use a flash only setup as opposed to a regular light system (with diffusers) on the subject? Is it mobility?

I know this might be a loaded question and using a particular lighting system is dependent on what one is trying to accomplish.

Thanks
R.

[zona5101]

portability...and lower cost.
The trade off is lower power.

[rickp1]

I had an idea that mobility might be a reason.

As far as results go, what does using a flash only give you?

R.

[jml79]

Originally Posted by rickp1

I had an idea that mobility might be a reason.

As far as results go, what does using a flash only give you?

R.

It can give you great results but it takes practice, thought and experience (still getting there). I have both a small pair of studio lights and 2 speedlights. I can take both speedlights in my camera bag with triggers and bungees and hobble together a lighting solution that may or may not work in a few minutes anywhere. But with a lot less power and more compromise and thought.

My studio lights have big umbrellas and a home made softbox, modeling lamps, have a ton of power and recycle much faster but I need AC, room to setup all the stuff and time. My kit fits in a lighting bag I have but it is a large duffel that I have to carry with me.

Both are tools for a slightly different purpose. I can do stuff with my speedlights that is impossible or difficult with my studio lights and vice versa. If I had to have one and only one system it would be the speedlights. I can always use them with umbrellas on a stand (with less power) but I can't shrink my strobes or shorten the flash duration and adding battery power is expensive.

[sk66]

Generally multiple bare strobes is for "hard lighting".
What you do is run the light across the surface to highlight the high points and leave low points in shadow...multiple lights are usually needed for people/portraits to get the overall image "even".

Hard light is great for emphasising countours, muscles, curves, wrinkles, texture and detail.

[rickp1]

thanks jml79, I appreciate the breakdown. It clarifies things for me.

Currently i don't have much for light stuff other than 2 speedlites, an EX580II and an EX270 that I use for very simple shoots like family trips where I don't want to carry a big system like the 580. I'm contemplating on getting a 430 and a pocketwizar to add to the 580. This will give me a little flexibility should I need it. Like you said it give me a few more options.

Again thanks

R.