
Flash lighting sources fire for a fraction of a second, just enough time to freeze, illuminate, and capture a subject. There are three main types of flash lighting sources: speedlights, monolights, and power pack lights. Which type you choose for your home studio will depend on how portable you need your lights to be, as well as your budget.

Four-monolight setup
Benefits of Flash Photography
Flash photography offers several benefits. Flash can be used creatively to freeze motion because of its fraction-of-a-second duration. Flash lighting can also be more powerful than continuous lighting and can overpower ambient light. With a fast shutter speed, the only light the camera records is from the flash.


Speedlights
A speedlight is a small, portable flash that can be attached to the top of your camera, mounted on a flash bracket, or off-camera on a light stand.

Speedlights are a good flash-lighting choice if you’re on a budget or if you shoot in a home studio and on location because they are more portable and lightweight than monolights or power packs. These generally have a respectable flash duration and are operated by AA batteries instead of a power outlet or battery pack (though you can buy a battery pack for extended use and faster recycle times).
A few speedlights worth looking at are the:
- Canon Speedlite 600EX II-RT This Canon Speedlite has wireless radio transmission; a 20-200mm zoom range; high sync, first and second curtain sync; and a recycle time of 0.1 to 5.5 seconds.
- Nikon SB-5000 AF Speedlight The Nikon SB-5000 offers wireless radio control lighting; a 24-200mm zoom range; and a fast recycle time of 1.8-2.6 seconds.
- Nissin Di700A Flash Kit w/ Air 1 Commander I love this budget flash kit because it’s simple to use; includes the built-in remote flash and trigger; and has a fast recycle time of 0.1-4 seconds. It’s available in different versions for various camera brands.
Metz also makes a great line of speedlights compatible with numerous camera brands. The Metz mecablitz speedlights are a superb third-party option.
Strobe-Lighting Options
Monolights
A monolight is a self-contained flash source in which the flash head contains the lamp and power supply. Monolights are generally less expensive than power packs. Many require an AC outlet, but there are some monolights, such as the Profoto B1X 500 AirTTL Flash, that work with rechargeable batteries.
The slight downside to monolights is that they are not as portable as speedlights and, without a dedicated remote control, you need to dial-in light settings manually on the back of each light. Certain brands offer transmitters that allow you to control the power output of one or more lights remotely.

Four-monolight setup
Other great monolight options to consider are the:
- Interfit S1 500Ws HSS TTL Battery-Powered Monolight
- Elinchrom ELC Pro HD 500 Flash Head
- Broncolor Siros 800 S WiFi/RFS 2.1 Monolight
- Elinchrom D-Lite RX 4/4 Softbox To Go Kit
- Hensel Integra 500 Plus Freemask 3 Light Kit
Power Packs
Power packs are the most powerful and fastest option, and they plug into a power outlet or, in some cases, can run on a battery pack. They function as a control point and power source for connected flash heads.
One big benefit is that if a bulb or head goes down, you only need to replace that flash head instead of replacing the whole unit. These types of lights are very powerful and offer fast recycling times.
Some other excellent power pack kits include:
- Profoto B2 250 Air TTL Location Kit
- Broncolor Move Outdoor 2-Head Kit 2
- Dynalite MK4-1222V RoadMax 400W/s 2 Head Kit (120V)
- Dynalite RK8-2302 Road 800W/s 2 Pack 3 Head Kit
- Broncolor Senso Kit 22 (2 Head Kit)
- Norman D12R Pack, 2- IL2500 Head/Reflector, Stands, Umbrellas, Case Kit
How Many Lights Do You Need?
Key
This is your main light. You will always need one key light.
Fill
This fills in the shadows created by the key light for crafting more even lighting. You need one light for this. A reflector can substitute for fill; however, it is not as bright or easily controlled.
Rim
Positioned behind your subject, a rim light creates a glow around your subject, which helps separate them from the background. One light will do the trick.
Hair
A light on a boom arm placed over your subject is good for lighting hair, especially when your subject has darker-colored hair against dark background. This light will help create separation.
Background
Depending on size and evenness required, you may want one or two lights to separate your subject from the background.
Floor
These lights are useful for lighting legs and shoes when shooting full-body shots. One light is generally sufficient.
Modifiers
Light modifiers are necessary for diffusing and shaping harsh light from a light source. Various modifiers are available, such as metal reflectors, umbrellas, softboxes, beauty dishes, grids, barn doors, snoots and gels; in many different brands and configurations.

You can sometimes use universal modifiers as long as you purchase the speedring or adapter that is compatible with your light. To learn more about strobe modifier choices, check out this article on Explora: Which Modifier Should I Choose?

Use of red and blue gels over monolights
Model: Mao Hanada
Tying It All Together
Flash lighting comes in many shapes and sizes. Speedlights are more compact and portable, and you can rest assured your options for modifiers are not limited. Monolights are generally easy to use—they offer more power and are self-contained in the head, making them an all-in-one design. Power packs can give you the greatest recycling times and power. Which flash lighting source you choose will be based on your preference and budget.
To read more in this series, click here for Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 5, and Part 6.
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