A guide to purchasing your first strobe for studio photograph. To make the purchase a little easier, we've put together a few points to consider before you invest. You are also very welcome to contact us if you have any questions. You can always reach us at info@aifo.se.
A good way to learn something new is to look at how others do it and then pick out what you think is good. We have produced several videos where we present products and show how they can be used.
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Check out this webinar where we talk about how a studio flash works and give tips on some lighting for portrait photography.
Often the price difference can be relatively small between flashes with different maximum output power in a model series, but remember that stronger is not always better. Choose a flash that has an effect range that is adapted to the type of subject that you mainly photograph.
Face portraits need little output due to the size of the subject, a relatively large lens aperture (short depth of field is often desired for portrait photos) and that one likes to place the light source close to the subject. Power set to 20-50Ws per lamp head is usually sufficient for this.
Product photography generally requires more light because you usually want a large depth of field = small aperture on the lens. This requires more light from the flash. Should you e.g. photographing a sofa may require approx. 400-500Ws from each flash.
For portrait photography and groups of up to 4-6 people, flashes with a maximum power of 200-250W work best. Should you photograph e.g. a football team, you choose a flash with a strength of 500Ws or stronger.
Most Elinchrom flash sets contain two flashes, which goes a long way. One light source is used as main light and the other as fill light or similar.
It is more important to choose a good quality flash model than to choose a set that contains many flashes of inferior quality. Elinchrom flashes maintain the highest quality in terms of safety, construction and light stability (even exposure and color temperature over long image series).
Our advice is to start with one to two flashes and then gradually add more light sources
To be able to develop your photography, you must choose a flash system that has a large selection of flash models, light shapers and other accessories.
Elinchrom has flash models adapted to different levels and types of photography as well as one of the market's absolute largest accessory programs of light shapers.
In addition to the strength of the flash, it is important to choose a flash model adapted to how much you photograph. There is a big difference between a studio flash for hobby use and one to be used professionally. The difference is that a flash for professional use is designed to handle high, intensive loads during long working days. All components such as flash tubes, capacitors, cooling system, mechanical construction are dimensioned for this, which of course is not required by a studio flash for hobby use.
Starter Flashes designed for those who want to start photography with studio flash. Also excellent flashes for the small company that periodically needs to create its own image material. Low price combined with high quality.
Pro TTL Very versatile flashes intended for professional use, while the ease of use makes them suitable for all levels of photographers. TTL automatically provides the correct exposure from the first image and HSS the freedom to freely choose the camera's shutter speed down to 1/8000 second.
Pro Exclusive flashes with performance and function adapted to the highest requirements. Suitable for high production tempo over long periods of time and photography that requires super-fast upload times, short burning times, special functions, etc.
Do you have your own studio? Do you primarily want to shoot outdoors? Should the equipment be picked up and taken down at each shoot?
Think about how and where you are going to photograph and choose the flash that is best suited for this. If you do not have a surface where the flashes can be set up between shots, it is important to choose equipment with a compact size and that is easy to pick up and take down. Umbrellas and Rotalux softboxes are light shapers that are very easy to handle.
Will you often take the equipment to another location? Low weight and robust construction that can withstand transport are then important.
Do you shoot mostly outdoors? Choose a battery-powered studio flash that is built for the demands of outdoor environments.
There are a number of flash brands on the market with varied range, quality and price level.
Elinchrom has been manufacturing flashes since 1963 and today has the market's most complete range of flash models with accessories at a very attractive price level.
Here is a small explanation of words and specifications that are often mentioned in connection with studio flashes.
Elinchrom are a Swiss studio lighting manufacture famed for their consistent innovation and being at the forefront of both portable and studio photographic lighting equipment. Since the start in 1962 Elinchrom have continued to develop and innovate flash lighting, groundbreaking products. Elinchrom studio and portable lighting solutions are available for both professionals and those just getting started with flash photography.
The ultimate studio flash kit for your home or business needs - the Elinchrom D-Lite RX 4/4 To Go Set! This complete set includes all the components you need to achieve professional lighting for your …
Elinchrom Set ELC 125/500. Modern compacts built to handle your next adventure reliably and consistently. The Elinchrom studio lights, ELC 125 and ELC 500 feature TTL with Manual Lock, HSS, Smart Pro- …
Elinchrom ELC 500/500 Set. Elinchrom ELC 500 is the studio flash that unleashes your creative freedom through its easy handling and precise exposure. ELC 500 has TTL automatic with memory when switchi …
Elinchrom ELC PRO HD 500 To Go Set. These units are the highest performing compacts from Elinchrom. Equipped with an OLED display for an easy and precise user expe-rience the ELC Pro HD benefits from …
Elinchrom ELC PRO HD 1000/1000 To Go Set. These units are the highest performing compacts from Elinchrom. Equipped with an OLED display for an easy and precise user expe-rience the ELC Pro HD benefits …
Always be ready when inspiration strikes with the supremely compact and lightweight Elinchrom ONE. With only 1.5 kg, the ONE merges 131Ws of capacity with features including an integrated Li-ion batte …
Elevate Your Adventures with the Elinchrom THREE Off Camera Flash Kit- The Elinchrom THREE is your new portable off-camera flash companion. Experience true performance with its 261 Ws for images with …
Elevate Your Adventures with the Elinchrom THREE Off Camera Dual Flash Kit- The Elinchrom THREE is your new portable off-camera flash companion. Experience true performance with its 261 Ws for images …
Elinchrom FIVE Monolight Flash Kit. The FIVE Battery Monolight unit offers Manual, Action, HSS and TTL modes. The TTL mode allows you to access fully automatic exposure setups according to your digita …
Elinchrom FIVE Dual Monolight Flash Kit. The FIVE Battery Monolight unit offers Manual, Action, HSS and TTL modes. The TTL mode allows you to access fully automatic exposure setups according to your d …
The Elinchrom ELB 500 TTL is a battery-powered studio flash with TTL automation and HSS for shutter speeds as fast as 1/8000 sec. It allows for the connection and individual control of two flash heads …
ELB 500 TTL Dual To Go is the perfect set to be used with total asymmetry. With two independent flash heads, the unit offers a wide variety of lighting possibilities. Combined with the TTL and HSS fea …