Tips / A Cheap, Bright Light

Do you want to do some still life or portrait photography?

But, don't want to invest a lot of money in lighting equipment that you may rarely use?

Get a cheap, bright, light.

I like the Smith-Victor light fixture:

Use it with an EBW photo light bulb:

The cost for the above fixture and bulb is about $38 plus tax and shipping.

Similar fixtures are available from other camera stores and from some hardware stores.

However, if you purchase a light other than the Smith-Victor above, make sure that the light socket is made of porcelain, not plastic.

Film Photographers

Use daylight films.

They're the most common films.

There's no need to use tungsten films.

The blue color of the EBW bulb filters out the excess orange of other light bulbs.

If you want to use tungsten films, purchase an ECT bulb, a 500-watt lamp.

Digital Photographers

Use the automatic or daylight white balance setting.

Or, you can set a custom white balance setting.

Lowel Tota-Light & Other Lights

If you'll be using a light more than occasionally, you may want to purchase a more sophisticated light.

Here are two examples.

The Lowel Tota-Light is compact and portable.

Be sure to get a stand for the light that's sturdy and easy to setup.

Lights are often sold in kits with stands and umbrellas. If you buy a kit, make sure the stands are not flimsy and hard to set up.

Also, consider getting a clamp that you can use to attach the light to a shelf or to the top of a door.

Don't need a compact and portable light?

Have a look at the Lowel Omni-Light or similar lights.

Lighting Safety Tips

• Because the photography bulb is hot, you may want to use oven mitts.

• Never leave the light on when you're not present.

• Children and pets should not be present or nearby.

• Make sure the light is not placed near anything that may catch fire.

• Do not place anything on the light, such as a filter, unless the attachment is made specifically for that usage.

• Do not use the photography bulbs in a non-photographic fixture.

• Do not leave the bulb with conventional light bulbs.

• Tape the cords to the floor to prevent knocking the light fixture down Use gaffer tape—not duct tape.

• Use a heavy-duty extension cord.