How important are bright modeling lamps?

Sometime in the near future I would like to buy a set of studio strobes. I noticed that the WhiteLightning line touts a 250w modeling lamp versus many others that use 150w lamps. Even the Elinchrom Style RX600's use a 150W lamp I believe. So I'm wondering how important or how helpful it is to have a higher wattage modeling lamp (...also wondering if the Elinchroms are worth the extra $ and if the Syle RX line is decent).

I appreciate all opinions, thanks in advance.

It helps but won't kill you not to have the brightest. Modeling lights help you see your shadows and autofocus before taking the shot. They don't play a role in the actual exposure. A separate flash tube provides the actual pop.

If you will be working in a true studio setting (all or nearly all ambient light turned off and only the modeling lights on), the higher wattage will help you see better what your lighting will look like in the end.

If you are shooting in circumstances where there is ambient light that can't be turned off (a church for a wedding, a reception hall, etc.) the difference in modeling light won't be as noticeable. The ambient light will make it difficult to truly see what your lighting looks like so the higher wattage modeling lights likely won't help enough.)

Michael

Hi David,

Having bright modeling lamps is nice but not necessary. I have 150 Watt modeling lamps and they do a great job. I can always turn down or turn off the ambient room lights to work with the modeling lamps and once I have things set up I turn the ambient room lights back on and I can focus and work.

I wouldn't sweat over the power of the lamps, just as long as you have a balanced set of strobes and modeling lamps.

Hi, sorry for the offtopic, but I have a stupid question. I am debating getting a continuous light setup or strobes. Do I need a flash meter if using strobes?

Thanks!
Randy

Hi Randy,

You should have a light meter for any studio work. Some will tell you that you can get by without one and to just check the histogram, etc. but studio work is best done without the guesswork and trial and error. Using a light meter, for ambient or flash will get you consistent, accurate results and let you control the various exposures that make up one scene and ultimately your taking exposure.

Thanks for the quick reply Robert. Bummer, another item to add to the ever growing list, LOL! My wife just keeps rolling her eyes at me when I tell her I need something else for my hobby.

thanks again,
Randy

Just tell your wife that all those items are necessary for you to take beautiful pictures of her

TMR Design wrote in post #3605810
Just tell your wife that all those items are necessary for you to take beautiful pictures of her

Well considering how women are...she might take that as an insult.

"What?!? I'm so ugly you need to spend thousands of dollars?!?!?!"

Yep, she said she would be happy to pose for me so that I can learn lighting techniques.

There you go !!

If modeling lights have nothing to do with exposure then I have a question..I can only afford 60 watt modeling bulbs (lights take 100 watt) but with the lights on, all my images are way overexposed..turn the lamps off, perfect exposures (with meter of course)

Please give us some more information. Just based on what you are saying that is not possible. 60 Watt modeling lamps will contribute nothing to flash exposure.

I am using Novatrons, they were given to me and kinda old, uses the powerpack..this is my first set so I don't know what all info you need. I have everything set at 125 at f/8 and with the modeling lights shut off, perfect exposures, I switch them on and then it looks like there is a bright spotlight in the image, can hardly see the image for the brightness, everything totally washed out.

Please post an example of both. One with no modeling lights, one with modeling lights. If you can either show an image or draw a diagram of your setup that would also help.

I'm sure you are getting the results you say but something is wrong or we're missing some key info here.

Again I say (and not to sound cocky) 60 Watt modeling lamps CAN'T contribute to the exposure as you're describing. It's just not possible. So we need to look at all the info, variables, setup, etc. to find out what's going on.