Modelling light???

[davidh6781]

Im borrowing some flash heads for my saturdays portrait shoots, not sure what they are yet untill I collect them from a fellow photographer.

Daft question no doubt but when should I use a modelling light and how bright should it be?

i have a feeling the hint is in the name but thought I would ask.

 

[HoppyUK]

Modelling light is just a regular bulb (usually) used to simulate the light from the flash so you can see what you're getting. Very useful when setting up, especially when trying something different.

Most people leave them on when shooting, or at least the main key light, so you can see what you're doing, but the light is totally overwhelmed by the power of the flash. On or off makes no difference to the image.

Edit: turn them off if you're using a snoot, or honeycomb, or anything that encloses them too much, preventing cooling. They can get quite hot and in a situation like that the lights can overheat and trip the thermal cut-out.

 

[davidh6781]

thank you, appreciate that help, just wasnt sure as Im only just venturing into this type of lighting. thanks again