Work with small continuous light sources on location and learn to overcome common challenges for the best results
Location lighting always presents certain difficulties due to the uncontrollable nature of ambient light and lack of access to mains power sources. Equipment must also be easy to transport and safe to hold or set up on a tripod or light stand. Off-camera flash is the most common choice, but there are some appealing continuous options now available to photographers.
Accessories such the Rotolight range provide steady, reliable lighting with minimum weight and low heat output. This makes them perfect for dynamic lighting styles out in the field. Advantages of continuous sources are predictable intensity and ease of placement and composition. Since the light is always visible, it is easier to shape than flash.
However, associated challenges are lower light output, battery life and a deficit of diffusion options. Since flash has a short duration, it is possible to freeze movement even in darker environments, while shots lit continuously can suffer from camera shake. If output is set to maximum this can result in light fall-off or blown highlights – adding a diffuser for softer light can reduce the already dimmer light too much. The photographer must thus find the correct balance of exposure and additional artificial light for sharp, flattering shots.