Choosing Your First Studio Strobe

Subject and style may vary, but consistency is a quality shared by all successful photo studios. When working indoors, that begins with lighting. Strobes remain the bread and butter of many still photography studios. Unlike natural light, which can be finicky and unpredictable; on-camera flashes, which are not typically designed for studio use; or continuous lights, which can become costly as output increases, strobes are built to withstand the rigors of studio life while providing flexible and powerful light. But with so many options on the market, how do you decide which is right for you? The following guide covers which features and specifications to consider when choosing your first light.
A word of advice before getting started: there is a temptation to prioritize quantity over quality when it comes to lighting—don’t succumb to this urge. Get the best light that your budget will permit and allow your kit to grow organically. It is much better to have one ride-or-die light than three bargain lights that cannot be counted on. Read reviews, go to the SuperStore and try different units, or rent before buying. Lighting is as important as your camera and lenses; treat it that way.

Elinchrom D-Lite RX One Flash Head

Power

The first thing to consider is how much power you need from your light. Options range from modest 100Ws fill lights to monstrous 6000Ws heads that require separate power packs. For most purposes, a unit in the 500-1000Ws range will serve as a solid starting point. It is better to err on the side of more than less. You can always find ways to further diffuse a light source, but generating additional light may require divine intervention—or another trip to the store. Note how much control the model you are considering offers. Most new lights can be adjusted by fractions of stops so you can precisely refine output for a given exposure.