Electronic Flash for studio still photography (Strobes)

Sandbox Lighting Gear for Studio Still Photography

In addition to a variety of continuous lighting equipment that can be used for video or still photography, Sandbox also is equipped with a basic set of studio monolight strobes which are useful for still photography

UNDER CONSTRUCTION:

Comprehensive Guide to Studio Strobe Lighting: Einstein E640

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. How Strobes Work
3. Einstein Overview
4. Operating Modes
   1. Manual Mode
   2. Action Mode
   3. Constant Color Mode
   4. TTL Mode
5. Lighting Ratios
6. Lighting Modifiers
   1. Softboxes
   2. Umbrellas
   3. Grids
   4. Reflectors
   5. Snoots
   6. Beauty Dishes
7. Setting Up Multiple Lights
8. Troubleshooting
9. Exercises
10. Maintenance

Introduction to Studio Strobe Lighting

Studio strobe lighting is the cornerstone of professional photography across numerous genres including portrait, product, fashion, and commercial photography. Unlike continuous lighting, strobes emit powerful bursts of light synchronized with the camera's shutter, allowing photographers to freeze motion, control depth of field independently of ambient light, and shape light with precision.

The Paul C. Buff Einstein E640 represents a significant advancement in studio strobe technology, offering unprecedented versatility, consistency, and power in a compact form factor. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of strobe lighting principles with specific focus on maximizing the capabilities of the Einstein E640 system.

How Strobes Work

Studio strobes operate on a fundamentally different principle than continuous lighting sources. Understanding these differences is crucial for effective use:

Basic Mechanics

1. Capacitor Charging: When powered on, electrical energy is stored in capacitors within the strobe unit.
2. Flash Tube: The heart of any strobe is the xenon flash tube, a glass tube filled with xenon gas.
3. Triggering: When triggered (via sync cable, optical sensor, or radio signal), the stored energy discharges through the flash tube.
4. Light Production: The electrical discharge ionizes the xenon gas, creating an intense burst of light for a very brief duration (typically 1/1000 to 1/50,000 of a second).
5. Recycle: After firing, the capacitors begin recharging for the next flash.

Key Characteristics

• Flash Duration: The time the flash tube remains illuminated, which can be critical for freezing motion.
• Power Output: Measured in watt-seconds (Ws) or joules, representing the energy capacity.
• Color Temperature: The "color" of the light, measured in Kelvin (K).
• Recycle Time: How quickly the unit can fire again after a full-power flash.

The Einstein E640: An Overview

The Einstein E640 by Paul C. Buff represents the company's flagship strobe offering with several distinguishing features:

Technical Specifications

• Power Range: 2.5 to 640 watt-seconds (Ws)
• Power Variability: 9 f-stop range in 1/10-stop increments (from full power to 1/256 power)
• Flash Duration: As short as 1/13,500s at full power (Action Mode)
• Recycle Time: 1.7 seconds at full power, near-instant at lower power settings
• Color Temperature: 5600K ±50K in Color Mode
• Display: Digital interface showing precise settings
• Voltage: Universal, operates on 95-265 VAC
• Weight: 4.3 lbs (1.95 kg)

Key Advantages

• Dual Operating Modes: Action mode (prioritizing short flash duration) and Color mode (prioritizing consistent color temperature)
• Consistent Color: Exceptional color consistency across power levels in Color mode
• Precise Control: 1/10-stop increments for exact power adjustments
• Wireless Integration: Compatible with CyberSync™ triggering system
• Microprocessor Control: Digital precision in all aspects of operation
• IGBT Technology: Allowing for extremely short flash durations

Operating Modes

The Einstein E640 offers multiple operating modes to address different photographic requirements:

Manual Mode

Manual mode provides complete control over the strobe's output power.

How to Use Manual Mode:

1. Press the MODE button until the display shows "MANUAL"
2. Use the up/down buttons to adjust power in 1/10-stop increments
3. Power settings range from 2.5 Ws (minimum) to 640 Ws (maximum)
4. The display shows power both as a decimal (6.0 = full power) and as a percentage (100%)

Best Practices:

• Start at lower power settings and adjust upward as needed
• Note that higher power settings require longer recycle times
• For consistent exposures, maintain the same power settings between shots
• Use a light meter for precise exposure calculations

Action Mode

Action mode optimizes the strobe for the shortest possible flash duration, ideal for freezing motion.

Key Characteristics:

• Prioritizes flash duration over color consistency
• Flash durations as short as 1/13,500s at full power
• Able to freeze extremely fast motion (water splashes, dancers, athletes)
• Color temperature may shift slightly as power is adjusted

When to Use:

• Sports photography
• Dance photography
• Product photography involving liquid or motion
• Any situation where freezing motion is the priority

Constant Color Mode

Constant Color mode maintains consistent color temperature across all power levels.

Key Characteristics:

• Maintains 5600K (±50K) across the entire power range
• Slightly longer flash durations than Action mode
• Ideal for color-critical applications
• Ensures consistent color from shot to shot even with power adjustments

When to Use:

• Fashion photography
• Product photography requiring accurate color reproduction
• Portrait sessions with multiple lighting setups
• Commercial work where color consistency is crucial

TTL Mode with CyberSync

When paired with the CyberSync TTL system, Einstein units can operate in Through-The-Lens metering mode.

Requirements:

• CyberSync Transmitter with TTL capability
• Compatible camera system

How TTL Works:

1. The camera sends a pre-flash before the exposure
2. The transmitter measures the light reflected back through the lens
3. The system automatically adjusts strobe power for proper exposure
4. Flash compensation can be adjusted for creative control

Advantages and Limitations:

• Provides quick setup for dynamic shooting environments
• Useful for event photography with changing distances
• Less precise than metered manual settings
• May not handle complex lighting scenarios optimally

Lighting Control and Ratios

Mastering lighting ratios is essential for creating depth, dimension, and mood in photographs.

Understanding Lighting Ratios

A lighting ratio expresses the relationship between main (key) light and fill light:

• 1:1 ratio: Equal intensity between key and fill (flat lighting)
• 2:1 ratio: Key light is one stop brighter than fill (subtle modeling)
• 3:1 ratio: Key light is 1.5 stops brighter than fill (standard portrait lighting)
• 4:1 ratio: Key light is two stops brighter than fill (dramatic lighting)
• 8:1 ratio: Key light is three stops brighter than fill (very dramatic)

Calculating Ratios with Einstein E640

The Einstein's precise 1/10-stop increments make setting ratios straightforward:

1. Determine your desired ratio
2. Set your key light power
3. Adjust fill light power based on the ratio
   • For 2:1 ratio: Fill is 1 stop lower than key
   • For 3:1 ratio: Fill is 1.5 stops lower than key
   • For 4:1 ratio: Fill is 2 stops lower than key

Practical Example

For a 3:1 ratio with key light at full power (6.0):

• Key light: 6.0 (640 Ws)
• Fill light: 4.5 (160 Ws) - 1.5 stops lower

Using a Light Meter:

1. Measure key light alone
2. Measure fill light alone
3. Adjust until the difference matches your desired ratio
4. Take a test shot and evaluate

Lighting Modifiers

The Einstein E640 accepts a wide variety of lighting modifiers that dramatically alter the quality and characteristics of the light.

Softboxes

Softboxes produce soft, directional light with minimal spill.

Types:

• Square/Rectangular: Standard softboxes producing even illumination
• Strip Boxes: Narrow softboxes for rim lighting or controlled highlights
• Octaboxes: Eight-sided softboxes for rounder catchlights and wrap-around lighting
• Deep Softboxes: For more focused light with greater control

Best Uses:

• Portrait photography
• Fashion photography
• Product photography requiring soft, controlled lighting
• Main light source for most studio applications

Mounting on Einstein:

• Most softboxes require a speed ring adapter specific to Paul C. Buff mount
• Some newer softboxes use the Balcar-style mount compatible with Einstein units
• The Einstein E640 has a built-in umbrella mount for umbrella-style softboxes

Umbrellas

Umbrellas are among the most portable and versatile modifiers.

Types:

• Shoot-through: Light passes through white translucent material
• Reflective: Light bounces off the interior surface
• Parabolic: Deeper umbrellas with more focused light
• Convertible: Can be used in either shoot-through or reflective configuration

Characteristics:

• Shoot-through provides softer light with more spill
• Reflective provides more contrast and directionality
• Generally produce wider light spread than softboxes
• Quick setup and breakdown

Einstein Integration:

• The Einstein E640 features an integrated umbrella mount
• Compatible with standard 7-8mm umbrella shafts
• Secures with a thumb screw for quick adjustments

Grids

Grids control light spread by restricting beam angle.

Common Grid Sizes:

• 10° grid: Very narrow beam for spotlight effects
• 20° grid: Controlled beam for accent lighting
• 30° grid: Standard grid for directed illumination
• 40° grid: Wider coverage while maintaining control

Benefits:

• Prevents light spill onto backgrounds or other subjects
• Creates more dramatic, focused lighting
• Enhances separation between subject and background
• Useful for creating patterns or shapes with light

With Einstein Units:

• Grids attach to the standard 7" reflector
• Multiple grids can be stacked for even tighter control
• Grid sets are available specifically for Paul C. Buff equipment

Reflectors

Reflectors shape the light beam from the strobe.

Standard Reflectors:

• 7" Standard: The default reflector included with Einstein units
• High Output: Narrower beam angle for more intensity
• Wide Angle: Broader coverage for group shots

Characteristics:

• Affect beam angle, spread, and intensity
• Metal construction with varying interior finishes
• Serve as the mounting base for grids and other accessories

Applications:

• Background lighting
• Hair/rim lighting
• Adding specular highlights
• Base for additional modifiers

Snoots

Snoots create a focused circle of light with minimal spill.

Design Features:

• Tube-like shape restricting light output
• May include honeycomb grids for additional control
• Adjustable length in some models
• Options for round or shaped output patterns

Creative Uses:

• Spotlight effects
• Hair lighting
• Background details/vignettes
• Creating dramatic shadows
• Isolating specific elements in product photography

Mounting:

• Typically attaches to the standard 7" reflector
• Rotating capability for precise positioning

Beauty Dishes

Beauty dishes produce a unique quality of light that combines softness with definition.

Characteristics:

• Crisp yet soft light quality
• Pronounced contrast in facial features
• Silver interior for more contrast, white for softer output
• Central deflector that prevents direct light

Available Accessories:

• Grid attachments for more control
• Diffusion socks to soften output
• Deflector options (silver/white)

Ideal Applications:

• Beauty and fashion photography
• Male portraiture
• Character portraits requiring definition
• Product photography

Setting Up Multiple Lights

Creating effective multi-light setups with Einstein units requires understanding both technical connections and aesthetic arrangements.

CyberSync Integration

The Einstein E640 integrates seamlessly with Paul C. Buff's CyberSync system:

• CyberSync Transmitter: Mounts on camera hot shoe
• Built-in Receiver: Each Einstein has an integrated CyberSync receiver
• Channel Selection: 16 available channels to prevent interference
• Groups: Four groups (A, B, C, D) for selective control

Common Lighting Arrangements

Three-Point Lighting:

• Key Light: Main illumination (typically Einstein at 100%)
• Fill Light: Softer light reducing shadows (Einstein at 25-50%)
• Rim/Hair Light: Separation from background (Einstein at 50-75%)

Clamshell Lighting:

• Upper Light: Typically larger modifier above subject
• Lower Light: Fill light below, often with reflector or lower-powered Einstein
• Power Ratio: Typically 2:1 or 3:1 between upper and lower

Background Lighting:

• Dedicated Einstein units for background illumination
• Grid attachments for controlled patterns
• Gels for color effects

Balancing with Ambient Light

1. Meter ambient exposure
2. Decide on desired ambient contribution
3. Set camera exposure (typically 1-2 stops below ambient for subtle integration)
4. Use Einstein units to illuminate subject
5. Balance ratios between strobes and ambient for natural look

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even the reliable Einstein E640 may occasionally present operational challenges:

Flash Misfire

Potential Causes:

• Insufficient recycle time between shots
• Overheating protection engaged
• Poor electrical connection
• Radio interference with wireless triggering

Solutions:

• Allow full recycle time (check ready light)
• Ensure proper power connection
• Check triggering cable or wireless system
• Try different channels if using CyberSync

Color Inconsistency

Potential Causes:

• Using Action mode instead of Color mode
• Power fluctuations from unstable power source
• Unit requiring calibration
• Flash tube nearing end of life

Solutions:

• Switch to Color mode for critical color work
• Use consistent power source, ideally direct AC
• Perform color calibration through menu system
• Replace flash tube if inconsistency persists

Power Output Variations

Potential Causes:

• Voltage fluctuations
• Overheating
• Inconsistent positioning of modifiers
• Digital control system issues

Solutions:

• Use voltage regulator for consistent power
• Allow proper cooling between intensive use
• Ensure modifiers are fully seated and consistent
• Reset unit to factory defaults if necessary

Practical Exercises

Exercise 1: Power and Distance Relationship

Objective: Understand the inverse square law with Einstein strobes

Setup:

1. Position an Einstein E640 with standard reflector
2. Set up camera on tripod at consistent settings
3. Take photos of a subject at 3ft, 6ft, 9ft, and 12ft without changing strobe power
4. Observe light fall-off and exposure differences

Learning Points:

• Each doubling of distance reduces light by two stops
• Adjusting power to compensate for different distances
• Understanding how distance affects lighting ratios

Exercise 2: Modifier Comparison

Objective: Compare the effect of different modifiers

Setup:

1. Position subject against neutral background
2. Maintain consistent camera settings and strobe power
3. Photograph with: standard reflector, 7" reflector with grid, softbox, beauty dish, and umbrella
4. Compare results for quality of light, contrast, and shadow characteristics

Learning Points:

• Visual understanding of modifier effects
• Appropriate modifier selection for different subjects
• Shadow quality and transition characteristics

Exercise 3: Building a Three-Light Portrait

Objective: Create professional portrait lighting

Setup:

1. Position key light (Einstein with softbox) at 45° to subject
2. Add fill light (Einstein with larger modifier or reflector) at reduced power
3. Add rim light (Einstein with grid) behind subject
4. Adjust ratios between lights for desired effect

Learning Points:

• Balancing multiple light sources
• Creating separation and dimension
• Fine-tuning lighting ratios for mood

Maintenance and Care

The Einstein E640 is a professional investment that requires proper maintenance:

Regular Maintenance

• Dust exterior with soft cloth when unit is cool and unplugged
• Check all cables for wear or damage
• Inspect flash tube for discoloration or deposits
• Test modeling light functionality
• Verify cooling fan operation

Travel and Transport

• Use dedicated case or padded bag
• Remove modifiers before transport
• Secure power cable properly
• Allow unit to cool completely before packing
• Consider moisture-absorbent packets for humid environments

Long-Term Storage

• Store in cool, dry location
• Discharge capacitors before extended storage
• Periodically power up units (every 2-3 months)
• Keep away from extreme temperatures
• Protect from dust with appropriate covers

Flash Tube Replacement

The flash tube may eventually require replacement after extensive use:

1. Ensure unit is unplugged and fully discharged
2. Remove protective cover
3. Carefully remove old tube without touching glass with bare hands
4. Insert new tube using clean gloves
5. Secure tube and replace protective cover
6. Test new tube at low power settings first