Hard light (Tungsten) to compliment Fluorescents?

G

Gene Sung

Veteran
I'm about to get a set of Fluorescent light (probably from imagewest). I've read that I should get a Hard Light (Tungsten) to compliment the Fluorescents in-order to define a hard shadow.

I'm not sure exactly what kind of Tungsten Light I should get. Could someone pass me a link to the correct light? Also, should I get 650w or 1000w Tungsten? Is it a Fresnal that I am looking for?

I just wanted a basic kit for portraits and to practice with. If I got TWO 900 watt Fluorescent lights complimented by ONE Tungsten, would that be adequate? Or what configuration would you guys recommend? More than Two fluorescents? More than One Tungsten??

Thanks
 
One thing you'll need to decide on is what color temerature to go with on your fluorescents. 5500K will allow you to use as-is with natural sunlight. 2800K will allow you to use with halogen without gelling.
 
gene_can_sing said:
I'm about to get a set of Fluorescent light (probably from imagewest). I've read that I should get a Hard Light (Tungsten) to compliment the Fluorescents in-order to define a hard shadow.

I'm not sure exactly what kind of Tungsten Light I should get. Could someone pass me a link to the correct light? Also, should I get 650w or 1000w Tungsten? Is it a Fresnal that I am looking for?

I just wanted a basic kit for portraits and to practice with. If I got TWO 900 watt Fluorescent lights complimented by ONE Tungsten, would that be adequate? Or what configuration would you guys recommend? More than Two fluorescents? More than One Tungsten??

Thanks
Click to expand...

Color temperature is the key. When shooting in the real world the end of the day at sunset brings beautiful warm light to subjects. Sometimes we wait all day for the light to look that good.
Using warm tungsten light can create the same effect. Adding 1/2 or 1/4 blue filters to the lights can make the effect more subtle.
Warm light against cool light is the formula to make your subject more 3d and stand out.
One 650 Arri Fresnel with doors is all you need to get started for soft natural controllable light to complement your florescent fill light.
Experiment with it yourself.
 
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Thanks for the Advice Rockmore. Sounds like a great suggestion. Do you think if I have 1 Arri Fresnel and 2 (900 watt x 2 = 1800 watt total) Fluorescent softboxes that will be enough for a basic kit? I'm kind of broke. Should I also get an extension boom for one of the lights to be a rim light?
 
Why go with arri? Mole Richardson makes a sweet 650 fresnel. Or check out cool lights if you wanna save some money.
 
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