Learning to use Studio Strobes

Learn how to select and set up a strobe lighting kit for use in a studio or remote location.

Introduction

• What you'll learn in this course
• Essential skills you should have before watching this course

1. An Introduction to Strobe Photography

• Why shoot with studio strobes?
• Comparing strobes to continuous lights

2. The Benefits of Strobe Photography

• Shooting with increased depth of field
• Shooting more action with faster recharge time than flashes
• Freezing action with strobe lighting

3. Buying a Lighting Setup

• Buying piecemeal vs. buying a kit
• Criteria for selecting lights
• How many lights do you need?
• Essential power decisions
• The challenges of mixing strobe brands

4. The Components of a Studio Strobe Kit

• Monolights, flash heads, and bulbs
• Light stands
• Power pack or power supplies
• Reflectors and diffusers

5. Getting to Know Your Lights

• The role of the modeling light
• Keeping lights cool
• Essential controls

6. Triggering a Light

• Connecting the sync cable
• Optically triggering your strobes
• Using a wireless transmitter to trigger your strobes
• Controlling the brightness of your strobe remotely

7. Setting and Testing Your Strobes

• Setting the shutter, sync speed, and high-speed sync
• Setting an initial aperture and ISO
• Controlling power output and test shooting

8. Modifying Strobe Lights

• Bouncing the light with a reflector or a bounce card
• Shaping the light with a beauty dish
• Diffusing the light with an umbrella or a softbox
• Modeling the light with grids and honeycombs

9. Using Your Studio Strobes Outside

• Advantages of using a strobe for exterior portraits
• What are the best modifiers to use when shooting outside?
• Strobe strategies with sun and shade

10. Putting Everything into Action

• Shooting with a two-light setup
• Mixing strobes and continuous lights
• Three-light dramatic portrait
• Four-light setup

Conclusion

• Next steps