strobe lighting kits vs continuous lighting kits

[eternabella]

which is preferred? what are the pros/cons of both!?

thanks in advance,
rebecca

[LR Max]

Continuous lighting is cheap. Main problem is that apparently they get VERY hot and also can pose a possible fire hazard. I was heavily looking into this, but then decided against it. You can get some basic flouresent lights at home depot/lowes and use them. Very, very cheap but non-adjustable and probably difficult to work with.

Strobes are more expensive, but can throw out more and better light. It was suggested that a hotshoe flash mounted on a tripod would be good as well. After research, this method, while re-using previous equipment and is portable, doesn't put out anywhere near the same amount of light as real strobes.

On this deal, you get what you pay for.

[swgod98]

You can also get continuous "cool" lights. These do not produce the heat the "hot" continuous lights do, and give you the benefits of continuous lighting...namely WYSIWYG.

Everyone seems to recommend strobes. It does seem like strobes are better overall, because they can put out more light and don't tax the wall output the way continuous lighting can. You also have easier control over light output.

Continuous cool lighting is much cheaper. Plus, some people don't like "flashing" newborns (if they are of interest).

Hotshoe flashes can do a fine job, depending on your needs. Strobes can definitely put out more light (if you buy them powerful enough), but for basic portraiture, continuous lighting and hotshoe flashes can work well.

[eternabella]

anyone have any suggestions for where i might find a good "starter kit" ?

[jjlaughner]

Take it for what is worth, but I started with two hotlights. I got tons of harsh background shadows and it was impossible (for me) to get decent shadows on portaits. I ended up spending a few hundred, bought a strobe and radio sync kit and a flash sync adapter for my hot shoe flash.

With a little work, either will do the job, but its is a lot easier (for me) with the strobe.

http://home.att.net/~dmk2/RadioSlave.jpg
Radio Slave -ebay $30

http://home.att.net/~dreammaker2/FlashSlave.jpg
Flash Slave (I use this to light the backgrounds with a speedlite) -ebay $10

http://www.alienbees.com/images/packages/beginnerbee.jpg
AlienBee 800 watt strobe kit; The Beginner Bee. I upgraded to the heavy stand so I can buy a softbox later on. I'll probley end up adding another 800 watt Beginner Bee kit when I buy the softbox, so I will have two strobes.

http://www.jjlaughner.com/photography/port1.jpg http://www.jjlaughner.com/photography/port2.jpg