Studio beginner questions:

[Sandra_]

Hi :-)

I have very very very basic question:

I just got a Canon Rebel Digital and I want to know something about lighting in studio.

Here is my dumb question lol:

In a studio, can anyone explain me how modeling light work, ?? the main light?

[Peter_AUS]

Modeling lights show you the positioning of your stobe lights (flash) and allows you to get your lighting positioned how you want it to be and then when you take the picture the modeling light goes off as the flash fires. This way you can get your shadows working correctly and also the sculpturing of the persons correct hopefully. Also with the modelling light on, you can use a reflector of some sort that will bounce available light into the subject as well.

Well that is my understanding as well, but I am new to studio work as well.

[Sandra_]

Tank you for the explanation.

Another question: Do you think I better use Soft box instead of ambrella for studio portrait? I know it's a personal choice and depending of what you want to do but I want your personal preference... what is best to work with?

Thank you

[Peter_AUS]

I think if you are doing head shots, head and shoulder shots, you get a softer nice light with soft boxes over umbrellas. I only have umbrellas at this time, but want to move to softboxes and I am at present checking out my options as I am thinking of getting a couple of studio stobes. Just remember that softboxes are exactly what they are, soft. Umbrellas give a wider spread of light and usually a lot of it too depending on the flash output.

Just my limited information.