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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> How many watt seconds??
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 12/12/2006 08:15:51 AM · #1
I'm sure this has been covered before, but I can't seem to find anything in a search...

I'm setting up a really (really!) small studio in my house, about 8'x11', if that. It has some natural light, but not a whole lot. I might block out that window anyways so I can control the studio lights better. I'll also be shooting some still shots (products, etc.) and some people shots.

So how many watt seconds of power do I need? I'm trying to do this a cheaply as possible, so I'm looking for the absolute minimum I can get away with.
 12/12/2006 08:23:17 AM · #2
I assume you are referring to the flash capacity in watt-seconds (joules) of energy per flash. The requirement depends on the studio characteristics in terms of its reflectivity, ambient light, distance to subject and background(s). No easy answer, but slave strobes are cheap, so buy several and experiment! For fixed lighting, same drill, but use a variety of flood and spot lights to achieve more dramatic lighting. Lamp dimmers and softening covers are a big help here for effects. Soft covers are also a necessity for the strobes.
 12/12/2006 08:35:17 AM · #3
It seems I read somewhere that you wanted about 650 watt seconds for portrait work, in order to prevent any motion blur which tends to occur more naturally with people. Sorry I can't point you to any reference on that :-( But it's what I'm gonna base my lighting plans off of. If you search the forums for strobe lights, there are some links to several articles....and I think that's where I found that info.
 12/12/2006 08:40:06 AM · #4
I just picked up a kit that has two 150w/s monolights with umbrellas. From what I have learned that should be enough for home portraits and such. I havn't had time to play with them to know if they are strong enough, time will tell.

When I was looking at the various options the factors that came up were:
1) How large of a space subject you plan to shoot (head shot vs a truck) (truck needs more light)
2) The distance from light to subject as you move the light source away from the subject the ilumination drops inversely.
3) The type and size of light modifiers being used has an effect (a large softbox can drop 2-3 stops of light)

That all being said, sounds like a relativly small space, with limited competing light and only planning on doing product and people, sounds like you don't need a lot.

Also if you can always add another monolight with more power as you progress.
 12/12/2006 12:46:21 PM · #5
The kit I'm looking at also has two 150w/s lights, plus a small background light. p3wiz, if you get yours up and running anytime soon, I'd like to hear what you think of them.

I'm debating between getting a cheap set like THIS that has everything, and just replacing things piece by piece with better quality stuff, or buying ONE Alien Bees B800 with hardly any accessories and waiting 6 months to add to that collection...

Decisions, decisions.

Edit: Oh, I should mention this is purely a hobby and amateur stock for me, so that's why I'm looking at the ultra-cheap stuff. I won't have any clients to annoy with my shoddy equipment, only family and friends, LOL.

Message edited by author 2006-12-12 17:48:00.
 12/12/2006 01:59:01 PM · #6
From my limited experience with studio lighting, what has been most important to me is the quality of the lighting effect you are trying to create. To that end, I have used the full range of my AlienBees 800w strobes, from 1/32nd power to full power. In a recent series, I used one strobe at full power about 1.5 metres from the subject. In a recent self-portrait, the light was about a metre away from me at full power. Both times, the light was modified with grids/gels, with a fairly small aperture (f/11 or f/16).

Therefore, for me anyway, the resultant effect on the light has been most important, when taking aperture and light modification into consideration, not necessarily the studio size. This might not matter at all to you if you intend to only shoot family-type portraits for example.
 12/12/2006 03:43:21 PM · #7
Originally posted by DianeS:
The kit I'm looking at also has two 150w/s lights, plus a small background light. p3wiz, if you get yours up and running anytime soon, I'd like to hear what you think of them.

I'm debating between getting a cheap set like THIS that has everything, and just replacing things piece by piece with better quality stuff, or buying ONE Alien Bees B800 with hardly any accessories and waiting 6 months to add to that collection...

Decisions, decisions.

Edit: Oh, I should mention this is purely a hobby and amateur stock for me, so that's why I'm looking at the ultra-cheap stuff. I won't have any clients to annoy with my shoddy equipment, only family and friends, LOL.


I had a few minutes to set-up my lights and take a few test shots and from what I can tell the two 150w/s with umbrellas will have enough power for my needs. I don't think there will be a lot of extra power, but I can work with that.

Your link seems to be for a deal that is too good to be true.

My kit OPUS OPL-L15022 from www.henrys.com (in Canada)for $650 cdn (down from $800) and included Two Monolights (150 w/s), Two 7' Light Stands, Two 46" Umbrellas, One Barndoor and Honeycomb and 4 Colour filter kit, One Snoot and Honeycomb and 4 Colour filter kit, One Studio Carrying Case.

12/26/2006 03:03:23 PM · #8
Alien Bees

I reccomend checking those out, order the free catalogue. (Or I can bring you mine when school starts in January)

Also, I highly highly reccomend building your own ring light. I'll even build one for your (with your materials, of course) if you're not so handy. I just built one for myself and it's fannnntastic.

If you ARE handy, I also have some plans for an excellant backdrop stand/light stand that's made entirely out of pvp pipe and is pretty cheap to make.

12/26/2006 03:05:05 PM · #9
Originally posted by redsunphotography:
entirely out of pvp


Haha, freudian slip of the player killer.
 12/26/2006 03:12:54 PM · #10
Originally posted by redsunphotography:
Alien Bees

I reccomend checking those out, order the free catalogue. (Or I can bring you mine when school starts in January)

Also, I highly highly reccomend building your own ring light. I'll even build one for your (with your materials, of course) if you're not so handy. I just built one for myself and it's fannnntastic.

If you ARE handy, I also have some plans for an excellant backdrop stand/light stand that's made entirely out of pvp pipe and is pretty cheap to make.


Lol, thanks Luc. I actually ended up ordering 1 alien bees b800, and a couple of cheaper ones (the latter just for my wallet's sake). And I am quite the opposite of handy, but I will glady take some rough directions for the ring light and hand them over to my boyfriend so he can make it! :)
 12/27/2006 09:47:34 AM · #11
He should be able to do it pretty easy, and it's super cheap to do.
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