Lighting on Location

When you arrive at a location, after you determine whether the location will fit your concept and determine a likely composition, examine the lighting conditions. Can you illuminate your client using natural light like window light and reflectors? Do you have to bring in artificial lighting like strobes or speedlights?

Although it may seem obvious, you need to make sure there are outlets if you require artificial lighting and determine if you’d need extension cords. If no outlets are available, you may have to utilize speedlights or portable power packs. Nearly all strobe companies have some form of portable power packs that can allow you to use studio lighting on location. The “vagabond” power pack is produced by the Paul C. Buff company. This pack powers a variety of lights that are usually operated without a pack (those that plug into wall sockets). The number of flashes per battery depends on the output of the lights, but you can purchase additional batteries to change in and out.