100 ws vs. 400ws

I recently had the oppourtunity to work with a 800 ws ringflash. And the difference between the look of the images with that, and the two 100ws lights i normally use is SICK!

http://www.blee-ree-eyed.com/photo/portrai​ts.html

anything called "el proximo" is with the 800ws ring

the rest are outdoors or with a 100ws kit.

Is that REALLY the difference in light levels? Or does my 100ws kit suck? or have i sucked up until this one shoot?

Cause if it is the lights i am upgrading NOW!

You're comparing a ringlight vs. the more traditional off-axis key light. They will produce different results because of the size and location of the light, regardless of power.

Aside from that, the difference between 100ws and 800ws is three stops (assuming the ringlight is 800 true watt-seconds and not some pretend specification ala Alienbees). Of course, the modifiers used, distance and other factors will all influence the required aperture for correct exposure.

Curtis N wrote in post #2859225
You're comparing a ringlight vs. the more traditional off-axis key light. They will produce different results because of the size and location of the light, regardless of power.

Aside from that, the difference between 100ws and 800ws is three stops (assuming the ringlight is 800 true watt-seconds and not some pretend specification ala Alienbees). Of course, the modifiers used, distance and other factors will all influence the required aperture for correct exposure.

With 800 W-s hanging out there, my guess is that it was the Alien Bee ABR800. The ABR800 has a "true" Watt-second rating of 320 Watt-seconds, not 800. So, if it is the Alien Bee ringlflash it is only about 1.6 (or so) stops more powerful than a 100 W-s flash. See the link below for the power citation.

But, like Curtis, I suspect the differences you are seeing in these two different setups has more top do with the geometry and light modifier of the flash unit, that the intrinsic power of the individual units.

http://www.alienbees.c​om/abr800.html

Enjoy! Lon

yes it was the ABR800.

I am to understand that the POWER of the light will not actually affect the depth and quality of the skins appearance?

Hmm... then i may need to find some better lighting accesories then, cause i am not thrilled with the umbrellas i am using. Nor the soft-box. Suggestions?